Family Days Out Around Lake Ohrid

Ohrid is a nature-based family destination rather than a theme-park one. The best days for children combine water, an animal or two and something to walk through. Amounts below are in Macedonian denars (MKD), at about 61.5 MKD to the euro.

Best bets

  • Gradiste beach. A pebble beach with loungers and cafes, about 14 to 16 km south of town.
  • St Naum peacocks. The birds wander the grounds of the monastery, and the beach beside it has changing shacks.
  • Rowboat at the springs. About 30 minutes on the Black Drim for about 600 MKD per boat.
  • Bay of Bones. Children can walk the platform and the huts of the reconstructed pile dwelling. Entry is about 100 to 150 MKD.

Water safety

The swimming season runs from about late June to mid-September, with surface water of about 22 to 24 C in July and August. The lake floor drops away steeply and the shore is stony. Most free beaches, including the usual spots at Gradiste, Labino and St Naum, have no reliable lifeguard. Stay within arm’s reach of young children, bring water shoes and swim only where you can stand.

Travel time with small children

The lake boat to St Naum takes about 90 minutes each way and costs about EUR 10 for the round trip on the large boats. That is long for toddlers, who may do better on the public bus, which takes about an hour but has few departures. Boat details are on Sailing Stone Travel .

Etiquette at the monastery

St Naum is a working monastery. Ask children to use quiet voices inside and near the church, and keep the visit short. The peacocks and the springs are outdoors, so most of the visit needs no time inside.

Planning a day

A simple plan is the Bay of Bones in the morning, lunch by the water and an hour on the beach at St Naum in the afternoon. Bring snacks, sun hats and cash in denars. Hours are shorter from October to March, and some sites close on Mondays, so check Tourism Attractions first.

What to expect

Ohrid has a small family menu: beaches, huts, peacocks and a boat. Treat it as a relaxed trip, and do not expect a long list of children’s attractions.

Read more: Day trips from Ohrid has road outings that suit a family.

Booking help

Family-friendly boat tours can be browsed on Viator .