Struga Holidays

Where ancient cultures meet new traditions

Described as vivid and vibrant by merchants and travellers throughout the centuries, Struga hasn’t lost any of its charm today. The town’s cut in half by the Black Drim River that flows right through the middle, and it’s lined on both sides by bars and restaurants. Don’t be surprised if you see people of all ages jumping in – it’s a local tradition here, so grab a seat outside a riverside café and watch as people cool off in the water.

The city of poetry

It’s got heaps of history around every corner, with churches, monasteries and mosques giving a nod to the country’s time under the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Wander through the Old Bazaar, which was once filled with the hustle and bustle of trade, and then head just across the road to the Church of St George, one of Europe’s oldest spiritual shrines. Or for something more recent, follow the river to the Poetry Bridge, where writers and artists have been coming to share their work since the sixties in the world’s largest poetry festival, held here every August.

Take to the lake

If you don’t fancy getting in the river like the locals, there’s a handful of stony beaches a short walk from the town where you can go for a dip in Europe’s oldest lake. Or take a 20-minute taxi ride round the lake to Radozhda and hire a stand-up paddleboard, where you can soak up the scenery with a solo session or glide along with a guide to see all the best bits.

Out and about

• Lakeside path
• Lakeside bathing
• Bike hire
• Lakeside cycle paths
• UNESCO sites
• Guided walking tours
• Open-air concerts
• Indoor pool
• Outdoor pool
• Paragliding
• Caves