ABOUT OHRID
Ohrid is a city in Republic of Macedonia, notable for once having had 365 churches, one for each day of the year, and has been referred to as a "Jerusalem (of the Balkans)". The city is rich in picturesque houses and monuments and the tourism is predominant. It is located about 170 km southwest of Skopje at an elevation of 695 meters above the sea level. In 1979 and in 1980, Ohrid and Lake Ohrid were accepted as Cultural and Natural World heretage Cities by UNESCO. In fact, Ohrid is one of only 28 sites that are part of UNESCO's World Heritage that are both Cultural and Natural sites.
Climate
Ohrid has a humid subtropical climate. The coldest month is January with an average temperature range between −1.5 °C (29.3 °F) and 6.2 °C (43.2 °F). The warmest month is August with average temperature range of 14.2 °C (57.6 °F) and 27.7 °C (82 °F). The rainiest month is November, which sees on average 90.5 mm (3.6 in) of rain. The summer months of June, July and August receive the least amount of rain, around 30 mm (1.2 in). The best time to visit Ohrid will be when the average temperatures are at a comfortable level (between 20°C / 68.0°F and 30°C / 86.0°F on average) which is during months June, July and August. Other great months to visit Ohrid are May, September and October when the average temperatures are a little cooler but still between a pleasant 10°C (50.0°F) and 20°C (68.0°F).
Lake Ohrid
Lake Ohrid rightly deserves the name “Macedonia’s freshwater sea”. Not only for its warm water blue colour, which gains its intensity from the sky blue colour, but because of its size, this lake gives an impression of being a sea. It covers an area of 358 square kilometers and one gets an impression of being in front of a large bay of the sea as if a part had been uprooted of the sea’s breadth, and launched among high mountains 695 meters above sea level. On its northern shore the ancient city of Ohrid, rises above the lake like some colossal piece of scenery, located on a double hill with highest point at Samuel’s Fortress 800 m. above sea level. The Lake is 30 km long and its width varies from a maximum of 15 km, to an average of 11 km. Lake Ohrid has been found to be deepest 286 m., about 5 km from the shore, in the section between the fishing villages of Pestani and Trpejca. Its average depth is 151 m. The rare clarity of the water in Lake Ohrid whose translucency may reach down to depth of 22 meters, is due to numerous underwater springs all along the south and the east shores. Much of this water comes from Lake Prespa, which lies at a greater altitude.
Galichica National Park
Complete your journey to Ohrid by visiting Galichica, the lovely mountain that keeps secrets for at least the next million years, as it was said by certain explorers. Due to its exceptional natural beauties and the rich endemic flora and fauna, in 1958 Galichica has been proclaimed a National park. It is situated in the south-west of Macedonia, at the meeting point of the borders of Macedonia, Albania and Greece. Galichica is endowed with rare species of floral and animal wildlife.What you simply mustn’t miss are the springs of the river Crn Drim (Black Drim), located near the complex St. Naum, where you can offer yourself a ride on a small boat along the thirty subterranean and the fifteen coastal springs in amazing surroundings and have an unrepeatable adventure. On 1735 mетерс above the sea level the place called Vidikovec - Goga is situated, a position from where you can see the two lakes - Ohrid and Prespa Lake - at the same time.
History
Handicrafts
The people of Ohrid possess a special artistic spirit, and numerous crafts have been practiced here for centuries. Today these traditional skills, such as woodcarvings, silversmith, making jewelry (most famous are the Ohrid pearls), making products of copper, leather and handmade paper, and are still performed in much the original manner.