Thammy Evans: North Macedonia, Kartoniert / Broschiert

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The updated Bradt North Macedonia guidebook, now in its seventh edition, remains the only standalone English-language guidebook from a mainstream publisher to this compact, intriguing and inexpensive destination. This European country offers huge variety to travellers, brimming with historical interest, outdoor activities and authentic regional cuisine -- and providing opportunities for discovery while getting away from the crowds. The updated Bradt North Macedonia guidebook provides wide-ranging advice on what to see and do, and where to stay and eat: •the country's urban centrepiece is Skopje, with its wealth of Ottoman buildings, old bazaar, lively culinary scene, world-class museums (including one dedicated to Mother Theresa of Calcutta, who was born here) and contemporary art, while the Mount Vodno cable car provides grand aerial views of the capital; •the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ohrid offers mediaeval churches beside Europe's oldest major lake (formed four million years ago); and •the ruined Roman city of Heraclea delights with its well-preserved mosaics and old buildings. North Macedonia is a great outdoors destination, with fertile valleys harbouring some of the world's oldest vineyards contrasting with soaring forest-swathed mountain ranges offering fine trekking in summer and skiing in winter. Below the impressive Matka Gorge, Lake Matka excels for kayaking. Mavrovo national park is one of the Balkans' largest, offering scenic drives, hikes and visits to Mijak hill villages like Galičnik. Discovered only in 2001, Kokino is the world's fourth-oldest megalithic observatory, established 4, 000 years ago. And if you need some downtime after all this exploration, why not relax in one of North Macedonia's excellent thermal spa centres? Above all, the updated Bradt North Macedonia guidebook celebrates the sense of connection and gentle pace of life that reward visitors. Tractors may outnumber cars on country roads; drive-throughs are non-existent, chain restaurants very nearly so. You won't miss them, however, as you tear off a piece of börek (warm cheese), or sip thick coffee unchanged from Ottoman times. Throughout the country, welcoming family-run tavernas and lively pavement cafes serve authentic traditional cooking and locally produced vranac wine and rakija (smooth fruit brandy). Explore, relax -- and enjoy.