On this digital nomad information to Ohrid, you’ll discover out all it’s essential to learn about distant working and dwelling within the beautiful metropolis of Ohrid in North Macedonia. Being a digital nomad here’s a vastly rewarding expertise due to its location on stunning Lake Ohrid.
There are many cafes and eating places across the previous city and alongside the waterfront which are excellent for working, and taking in some unbelievable views. I spent a few months working and dwelling as a digital nomad in North Macedonia final 12 months and spent most of my time primarily based in Ohrid.
Along with the superb cafes (that fortunately characteristic quick WiFi) there are a few co-working areas within the city should you’re in search of someplace with fewer distractions (it’s notably straightforward to change into distracted by the beautiful mountain and lake views). It’s additionally a really low-cost place to dwell with lodging and meals costing so much lower than elsewhere in Europe.
About Ohrid
Ohrid is a metropolis positioned within the southwest of North Macedonia on the shores of Lake Ohrid. Though a metropolis in title, it feels rather more like a city. It’s very small and has a inhabitants of simply 42,000 individuals (making it one of many smallest cities in Europe).
It has a wealthy historical past together with time as a part of many alternative empires from Hellenic to Ottoman and later Yugoslavia. Proof of that is on show in all places throughout the town from the Hellenic amphitheater to the mosques, monasteries, and church buildings dotted across the previous city and past.
There are many great issues to do in Ohid from strolling alongside the boardwalk to sipping drinks on the lakeshore, swimming at one of many many seashores, or hitting one of many beautiful climbing trails. There are boat journeys that depart from the middle of city to close by locations of curiosity like Sveti Naum and the Bay of Bones.
Dwelling in Ohrid As a Digital Nomad
Dwelling in Ohrid as a digital nomad is straightforward as there’s wonderful infrastructure, quick and dependable WiFi (although 5G is but to be rolled out throughout the area), and loads of wonderful cafes the place you possibly can sit and work with a cup or two of the native Turkish-style espresso (or a Frapamochacino should you want).
Coworking isn’t actually an enormous factor on this a part of the world but, nonetheless, there are two coworking areas in Ohrid so should you want to work in a extra formal setting, that is definitely doable (see under for more information). Personally, I want to work within the citys’ cafes, as outdoors of lunchtime and evenings, it’s straightforward to discover a quiet desk.
After your work day is completed, there’s loads to maintain you occupied as an Ohrid digital nomad. You’ll be able to hit the seashores close by for a swim, hike, or jog alongside the clifftop paths, or sit again and luxuriate in fabulous Macedonian delicacies at one of many many eating places across the city.
The price of dwelling in Ohrid is relatively low in comparison with northern and western Europe, which is one in all my major considerations when selecting someplace to dwell and work remotely. As such it’s a incredible place to dwell as going out to eat or drink is cheap. The identical will be mentioned for transport prices, museum entries, and different incidentals.
Is Ohrid Secure?
Ohrid (and North Macedonia normally) is extremely protected for guests. Crime ranges are low in comparison with cities in Western Europe or the USA. Corruption exists, however this isn’t one thing that impacts vacationers or individuals coming to dwell quick time period. Supplied you could have the related visa (extra on that under) you don’t have purpose to fret.
There aren’t any areas of Ohrid to keep away from typically, however it’s best to apply widespread sense and keep away from venturing off in the dead of night into locations you’re not acquainted with. As soon as the solar has set, keep away from footpaths by means of the forest and as a substitute use the paths alongside the shore and thru the city.
Supplied you employ the identical precautions as with touring anyplace akin to not flashing money and valuables, holding doorways locked and never exploring after darkish, life in Ohrid is a hassle-free affair. Having lived right here for over two months, I by no means skilled any issues with crime or corruption.
Greatest Locations to Reside in Ohrid
Ohrid is a really small metropolis and in all places is reachable on foot (although for those who don’t prefer to stroll too far, nowhere is greater than a ten-minute taxi trip away). The very best space to dwell is within the previous city and across the lakeshore, and lodging right here is surprisingly inexpensive.
I lived within the previous city, a two-minute stroll from the principle procuring road, and had a lakefront property with lake and mountain views from my balcony. I paid simply €300 Euros per 30 days for a big room with a kitchenette and personal rest room. Beneath, you’ll discover among the finest areas to dwell within the metropolis.
1. Varosh/Outdated City
The previous city stretches from the lakeshore up the hill to Samuil’s Fortress. It’s some of the charming previous cities in Europe and is lined with cobbled streets and winding alleyways that lead all the way down to the shore. You’ll discover the streets dotted with church buildings and small monasteries clinging to the hillside and overlooking the azure blue waters of the lake.
This space is full of outlets, bars, cafes, and eating places serving native specialties from sarma (stuffed vine leaves) to stuffed peppers, freshly caught fish, and a few mouthwatering meat dishes. Costs are very cheap and you may get pleasure from a superb meal for below €10 Euros.
That is additionally the place you’ll discover a lot of the finest cafes to arrange and work from. Costs are cheap, the WiFi is free and quick, and you may get pleasure from beautiful views over the previous city, lake, and close by mountains when you beaver away. That is the place I lived and labored from, and the place I’ll return to when I’m subsequent in North Macedonia.
2. Middle
Middle is a neighborhood to the southeast of the previous city and will be reached inside a five-minute stroll. That is an space with a big promenade alongside the lake and many lakefront eating places. There’s additionally a big choice of motels and locations to remain in Middle making it an awesome choice for nomads and vacationers alike.
There are a few supermarkets and cafes right here and different facilities are inside strolling distance. This can be a excellent place for being a digital nomad in Ohrid because it’s central, with all you want on the doorstep; the beautiful views of the previous city, lake, and mountains are bonuses.
The Middle can be the proper place to be for nightlife with among the finest bars within the metropolis right here (such because the Octava Lounge Bar). It’s additionally an awesome spot for swimming. Though there aren’t any seashores on this a part of city, there are steps main into the crystal-clear waters for straightforward entry to the lake.
3. Koshishta
The Koshishta suburb is positioned on the opposite facet of the hill from Samuil’s Fortress and is extra of a residential space. There are many residences right here, in addition to supermarkets, pharmacies, and different facilities. You received’t discover a lot in the best way of cafes and eating places in Koshishta, however the previous city remains to be inside strolling distance.
This space is barely cheaper to remain in than the previous city and Middle however remains to be inside straightforward attain of the lake and all of the points of interest, bars, and eating places on the town; making it a superb choice for digital nomads in Ohrid.
4. Voska
Voska is a small neighborhood adjoining Koshishta, however this space has the added bonus of getting its personal seaside. In the summertime there are seaside events right here which may get fairly wild, so should you’re in search of a quiet suburb, that is presumably a spot to avoid.
There are many lodging choices right here from resort rooms to residences and visitor homes. There are a few small supermarkets, however you’ll must stroll into city which takes round ten minutes if you would like something aside from fundamental provides.
5. seventh November
The neighborhood often called seventh November is positioned within the north of the town near the principle Ohrid bus station (go right here for buses to Bitola, not Skopje). It’s round a thirty-minute stroll from the middle and previous city or 5 minutes in a taxi. This can be a quiet, residential space with numerous Soviet-style house buildings.
You’ll discover Ohrid’s finest co-working area right here at CoWorkOhrid, so should you want to work in a extra formal setting relatively than in cafes or your individual house, it is a good choice. Right here, you’ll discover a big grocery store, a number of comfort shops, a bakery, and different facilities so it’s a handy place to remain, regardless of it not being tremendous central.
Discover Lodging in Ohrid
There’s no secret to discovering good lodging in Ohrid and the variety of locations on provide across the city implies that costs are nonetheless comparatively low. Beneath are 3 ways to discover a good place to remain in Ohrid:
1. Airbnb. I discovered my wonderful room on Airbnb and there are many price range choices for long-term stays of a month or extra.
2. Reserving.com. This in style resort web site is one other nice option to discover lodging in Ohrid.
3. Hostelworld. On my first go to to Ohrid in 2019 I stayed on the Sunny Lake Hostel which I discovered by means of Hostelworld.
Price of Dwelling for a Digital Nomad in Ohrid
Dwelling as a digital nomad in Ohrid will be very low-cost in comparison with dwelling in lots of different nations all over the world. Lodging, meals, and even going out prices are all about as inexpensive because it’s doable to search out in Europe, together with locations like Albania and Bulgaria.
Eating places and Groceries
Ohrid has numerous wonderful eateries starting from cheapish quick meals and pizza locations to extra upmarket eating places alongside the waterfront and across the previous city. My favourite place for an inexpensive meal is Leonardo Pizzaria. They make a superb rooster cutlet in cream and mushroom sauce for 350 MKD (€5.70 Euros). Pizzas value between 350 and 700 (€5.70-€11.40 Euros).
Instantly reverse Leonardo is Restaurant Antico, a standard Macedonian restaurant that serves up rustic dishes of sarma, stuffed peppers, grilled fish, and extra. I paid below €10 Euros for a major and glass of the selfmade home wine (which was scrumptious).
Increased-end eating places down on the lakeshore are predictably dearer however the high quality doesn’t at all times match the value. Resatuarnat Cun is a well-liked spot on the water’s edge. The meals is sweet, however the portion sizes are slightly stingy and the wine is overpriced. Anticipate to pay €20-€30 Euros for a meal and wine.
There are many supermarkets within the city middle (I used High and Ramstore) the place on a regular basis cooking objects are low-cost compared to again house (and to Armenia the place I’ve been dwelling for the final 4 months).
Lodging Prices
Being a digital nomad in Ohrid is nice as a result of lodging prices are nonetheless low. I paid simply €300 Euros per 30 days for my giant, self-contained room overlooking the lake (you’d pay virtually double for one thing comparable in close by Croatia or Greece).
Should you’re in search of a fundamental room in shared lodging you possibly can count on to pay below €200 Euros per 30 days. Should you’d relatively have a whole house to your self then count on to pay between €400 and €600 Euros a month for a one or two-bedroom place with a central or lakeside location.
Transportation Prices in Ohrid
Every thing there may be to see in Ohrid is definitely reachable on foot. Close by points of interest and locations of curiosity akin to Sveti Naum and the Bay of Bones will be reached by boat, bus, and taxi, with buses (or relatively marshrutkas – minibusses with fastened routes), and also you received’t pay greater than a few Euros per journey.
There are every day buses to different cities and cities round North Macedonia like Bitola and Skopje, and these additionally provide a really low-cost manner of getting across the nation. Anticipate to pay round €12 to €15 Euros for the bus to Skopje (you possibly can e book on-line with Get by Bus), and should buy tickets on the bus station for Bitola.
Taxis are cheap however at all times be sure that to agree on the fare first to keep away from any disagreeable surprises. I paid 300 MKD (€4.90 Euros) for a taxi for the 9.5 miles (15 km) from Struga to Ohrid. Sadly, there aren’t at the moment any ride-sharing apps like Uber in Nort Macedonia.
SIM Playing cards and Knowledge
Though my UK knowledge plan labored in Croatia as a result of it’s EU, as North Macedonia isn’t, I had to purchase a SIM card to hold on working remotely (although in practicality, with wonderful WiFi in my house and in any respect the cafes, you will get away without having one if circumstances permit).
There are a number of telecom networks in North Macedonia together with A1, Lycamobile, Makadonski Telecom, and T-Cell. A1 has the finest protection in Ohrid so I like to recommend going with them. You should purchase a SIM at any cell phone store, at airports, and at many comfort shops, in addition to on-line.
You don’t want any ID to buy a SIM in North Macedonia. A1 has a spread of pricing choices and among the finest offers is the 10GB month-to-month bundle for 299 MKD (€4.85 Euros). Click on right here to search out out extra.
Cash Saving Ideas for Ohrid
- Meals is reasonable in supermarkets (and even cheaper on the markets) so prepare dinner meals at house.
- Consuming and consuming at eating places on the lakeshore is dearer than at inland institutions.
- Don’t order wine within the eating places as they mark it up closely (despite the fact that it’s regionally made).
- Purchase meals and wine from the grocery store for a picnic on the seaside.
- Ebook boat excursions on-line prematurely as its cheaper than paying on the dock.
- Use Airbnb for long-term lodging.
Coworking Areas in Ohrid and WiFi Pace
On every go to to Ohrid, and all through my time dwelling there, I used to be impressed by the quick WiFi which enabled me to work with out subject, browse the online, and stream movies on YouTube. I didn’t expertise any outages in my complete time within the metropolis which is uncommon when on the street.
The common obtain velocity in Ohrid is 28.86 MBpS with a median add velocity of 26.62 MBpS and a latency of 16. Click on right here for more information and up-to-date speeds.
Though working remotely in Ohrid is a superb choice due to quick WiFI, nice cafes, and low-cost dwelling prices, there isn’t a big co-working scene right here. There are solely two co-working areas within the metropolis, and neither is especially central.
- CoWorkOhrid: That is positively the most effective co-working area within the metropolis (they provide free espresso too!) and is in style with younger distant employees, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs. 799 MKD (€12.95 Euros) per day or 3,099 MKD (€50.25 Euros) per week. Click on right here for instructions.
- Kasarna Hub: This can be a neighborhood area for freelancers, distant employees, and different entrepreneurs that’s positioned in an previous military barracks within the north of the town. 500 MKD (€8 Euros) per day or 2,000 MKD (€32 Euros) per week. Click on right here for instructions.
Actions and Issues To Do in Lake Ohrid
The most effective issues about life in Ohrid is that there’s a lot to see and do. From exploring the beautiful previous city to eating on the waterfront, swimming, boating, and climbing, there’s loads to maintain digital nomads entertained throughout downtime in Ohrid.
1. Discover the Outdated City
Ohrid has one of many most charming previous cities I’ve visited with numerous slim lanes to discover and wooded footpaths that lead all the way down to the lake. Should you’re a historical past lover like me then you definately’re in for an actual deal with. See the Hellenic (pre-Roman) amphitheater that’s been remarkably nicely preserved.
Discover picturesque monasteries and Jap Orthodox church buildings, browse boutique outlets promoting souvenirs and Macedonian handicrafts (I purchased a few good work of the city and lake to take house), and chill out at one of many many streetside cafes, bars, or eating places.
From the previous city, there are paths and trails as much as Samuil’s Fortress (see under) and all the way down to the lake. I strolled across the previous city and all the way down to the lake day-after-day whereas dwelling on Lake Ohrid. The most effective methods to expertise the previous city and find out about its fascinating historical past is to take a tour. Click on right here to search out out extra.
2. Stroll to the Church of St. John the Theologian
The Church of St John the Theologian is without doubt one of the most iconic photos of North Macedonia and seeing this beautiful monastery above the lake impressed me to go to for the primary time again in 2019 (and it completely lived as much as expectations).
The church dates again to the thirteenth Century and is fabricated from the red-brick and terracotta roofing typical of the area. The church sits on a promontory overlooking the lake with a backdrop of pine forest. It’s some of the serene spots in Ohrid and is the proper place to sit down and collect your ideas.
St John’s is positioned at Kaneo which is a ten to fifteen-minute stroll from the previous city both alongside the wood boardwalk above the lake or by means of the forest. There are a few small (and stony) seashores at Kaneo in addition to some beachside bars and eating places, so it is a excellent place to spend a day.
3. Hike as much as Samuil’s Fortress
Samuil’s Fortress (additionally known as Samuel’s Fortress) is an eleventh Century fort on the prime of the city and named after Tsar Samuel of Bulgaria (Ohrid was as soon as the capital of the primary Bulgarian Empire). The fortress underwent huge restoration work in 2003 which changed most of the partitions that had fallen into disrepair.
The views from the Samuil’s Fortress are phenomenal and you may see all the best way throughout the lake to Albania with a backdrop of mountains. You’ll be able to climb the restored partitions and battlements for panoramic views of the whole previous city and the lake past. It’s a superb place for photographers.
The fortress is a brief ten minutes from the previous city and lots of roads and paths result in the highest – keep in mind it’s all uphill however there are luckily loads of locations to cease for a relaxation and take within the views. The fortress is open every day from 10 am to 4 pm and prices 125 MKD (€2 Euros) to enter.
4. Have a Meal on the Lakeshore
One of the crucial nice issues to do in Ohrid is to get pleasure from a meal or a glass of wine at one of many many bars and eating places on the lakeshore. One in all my favorites is the Noa Lounge Bar which sits on a wood platform above the lake providing beautiful views of Kaneo and St John the Theologian.
Many of the eating places are open for breakfast and morning espresso and that is one thing I took benefit of virtually every day (even in late October it was heat sufficient to sit down outdoors). Different wonderful choices embrace Liquid, Alexandrija, and Kak Kanevche at close by Kaneo.
Simply take a stroll anyplace from Middle all the best way to Kaneo and also you’ll move loads of wonderful choices for consuming and consuming. Whether or not you fancy a espresso, a beer, a glass of wine, or a full meal, there are numerous nice locations to select from, all with incredible views out throughout the lake.
5. Take a Boat Journey
You’ll be able to’t come to Ohrid and never spend trip on the water. Taking a ship journey is an effective way to get a distinct vantage level of the city and see sights like St John the Theologian and Samuil’s Fortress from a distinct angle. There are additionally every day boat journeys to close by points of interest just like the must-visit Bay of Bones.
You’ll see numerous individuals promoting boat journeys down on the water’s edge and across the dock. There’s a every day ferry service to Sveti Naum on a big boat, or you possibly can go for a smaller speedboat (normally with drinks included and extra stops to smaller bays).
There’s a spread of excursions you possibly can e book on-line like this wonderful cruise across the previous city the place you’ll get to see the Church of Saint Sophia, the Church of Saint Clement, St John the Theologian the Caves of Love, and much more, all from the consolation of a non-public vessel with your individual captain. Click on right here to e book.
Climate in Ohrid
The very best time to go to Ohrid is within the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn. On my first go to, I used to be there in April and had heat, sunny days day-after-day. On my latest return, I used to be there in September and October and the climate was beautiful and nonetheless heat sufficient for a swim.
Summer time is lengthy and scorching, and Ohrid can get fairly busy with vacationers throughout this time, so it’s finest prevented if you would like relative peace and quiet for work. Winter runs from November to March and that is the coldest interval with temperatures between 27 and 41 levels Fahrenheit.
Execs and Cons of Dwelling in Ohrid
As with anyplace on this planet, there are each professionals and cons of dwelling in Ohrid:
Execs of Dwelling in Ohrid
- Lovely – Ohrid is without doubt one of the most charming cities in Europe. It’s nonetheless comparatively off the overwhelmed path so doesn’t get too crowded, there’s heaps to see and do, and sitting in one of many lakeside cafes is one in all life’s easy pleasures.
- A lot of cafes – If like me you prefer to discover a good cafe to work in with quick WiFi, good espresso, and attractive snacks, then you definately received’t must look far in any respect for one in Ohrid.
- Low cost – Costs are nonetheless so much cheaper than the remainder of Europe right here which makes being a digital nomad in Ohrid a superb choice. Lodging, meals, and transport are all very inexpensive.
- Good WiFi – I’ve at all times discovered the WiFi in all places in Ohrid to be very quick with no interruptions. That is true of the cafes, hostels, and motels.
- Simple to discover close by locations – Ohrid makes an awesome base for exploring close by locations of curiosity from the Bronze Age village on the lake on the Bay of Bones to the Roman ruins at Heraclea Lyncestis.
Cons of Dwelling in Ohrid
- English isn’t extensively spoken – When dwelling as a digital nomad in Macedonia you’ll discover they use the Cyrillic script relatively than Roman, and most of the people don’t communicate English (excluding some youthful generations).
- It may be crowded in summer time – In summer time particularly, Ohrid can change into busy and also you’ll must combat for area in town’s small seashores. Decide as a substitute for autumn which is a incredible time to go to.
- Public transport isn’t nice – Getting round North Macedonia isn’t as straightforward as elsewhere in Europe. Most individuals use marshrutkas however there aren’t timetables and it may be tough to plan issues utilizing public transport alone.
Digital Nomad Visa for Ohrid
On the time of writing (Could 2023) North Macedonia doesn’t have a digital nomad visa, although they’ve been speaking about implementing one since 2021. As a British passport holder, I’m capable of keep in North Macedonia visa-free for as much as 90 days. This is identical for all EU residents, in addition to these from Canada and the USA.
As many nationalities can keep for as much as three months with no visa, North Macedonia is a incredible place for digital nomads in search of a brief to medium-term keep. Should you want to keep longer (which is solely believable after spending time in stunning Ohrid), you’ll want to speak to your nearest Macedonian embassy about long-term stays.
In Conclusion
Now you realize all about tips on how to be a digital nomad in Ohrid, I extremely advocate this unbelievable metropolis as a spot to work remotely for just a few months. I cherished each minute of dwelling right here and stay up for returning very quickly. With quick WiFi, plentiful cafes, trendy co-working areas, and plenty to see and do, that is the proper place to dwell your finest nomad life in stunning environment.
