skimacedonia
An article from Tracey’s blog http://www.traceycroke.com/
Republic of Macedonia is topping the pols as Europe’s rising star in adventure travel. On a mountain biking and foodie trip there, I discovered its special kind of magic. Mountain Biking Macedonia
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Five other top experiences in Macedonia
1) Be a bear ranger
Macedonia is one of the few areas in Europe where brown bears wander free without borders. Spend five days trekking in the forest with park rangers. Learn about bear behavior and how Macedonia is connecting tourism, local people and conservation to protect bears and other wildlife.
2) Go to a traditional wedding that everyone’s invited to
Every year on 12th July, the tiny mountain village of Galichnik attracts people from all over Macedonia for their traditional Wedding Festival. Everyone’s invited -tourists included. For a special experience, stay in the cozy B&B home of Borka and Pavla, a legendary couple who are the only permanent residents of this summer holiday village. During the summer season, their homestay is the perfect base for exploring Mavrovo National Park.
3) Visit a ‘forbidden Island’
Golem Grad is not really forbidden but it is highly protected. This uninhabited island of global scientific interest is known for its endemic flora and fauna, significant birdlife and high concentration of ancient ruins. The island, which can only be reached by boat, is definitely one for the nature-cum-history lovers and the kind of place you imagine a T-Rex could stomp up at any second.
4) Spot a Lynx in one of Europe’s oldest National Parks
With over 500 kilometers of mixed-use trails, Mavrovo National Park is a peaceful wilderness known for its panoramic views, extensive beech forests, alpine meadows and pristine rivers. It’s also home to the critically endangered Balkan Lynx. But with only 45 or so wandering between Macedonia and Albania, you’ll be very lucky to see one.
5) Dive in The Bay of Bones – Ohrid Lake
“The museum on the water” in the bay of Bones is a village reconstructed from the archaeological remains of a stilted bronze age settlement. Uncover ceramics and artifacts, which tell a story of a civilization that exited thousands of years ago. The Bay of Bones is aptly described by a journalist colleague as “the coolest diving spot you’ve never heard of.
More info at: www.macedoniaexperience.com
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