Travel Itinerary

Morning bus to the canyon, then shoulder your pack and follow the marked path that skirts turquoise water and monasteries.

Finish the lakeside hike at the 14th-century monastery; flag down a small boat back to the dam for coffee and a swim.

Return to town and cook ćevapi with fellow backpackers on the hostel roof, swapping trail notes over local Skopsko beer.

Mid-morning shared shuttle to the UNESCO lake town; stash your pack at a lakeside hostel and head straight for the water.

Climb the ancient ramparts for 360-degree views over terracotta roofs and the lake – the best spot to plan tomorrow’s hike.

Drop your towel, jump in, and watch the sun sink behind the cliffs next to the iconic cliff-hanger church.

Pack a light daypack and start the lakeside trail that links stilt-house ruins, coves and shepherd paths above the water.

Finish the hike in this mellow fishing village, swim off the pebble beach and feast on grilled trout before the afternoon bus back to Skopje.