When planning a getaway, it’s easy to forget that other holidaymakers will likely share the same space.

If you’ve ever visited the Louvre Museum in Paris, you’ll know the feeling of being part of a dense crowd, all straining to glimpse the iconic Mona Lisa. Or perhaps you’ve found yourself hurried through Pile Gate in Dubrovnik by throngs of tourists flocking to this increasingly popular hotspot.

However, North Macedonia could be the answer if you seek a European destination with fewer visitors.

The country welcomed 734,139 foreign tourists in 2023 – an uplift of 36.6 percent from 2022, according to data from the State Statistical Office.

This underrated gem, once part of Yugoslavia and nestled in the heart of the Balkans, is a must-visit before it becomes more widely known for its stunning natural beauty.

North Macedonia has become known as a cheaper and lesser-known alternative to Greece and is popular in the warmer months. For hiking and biking, spring and autumn are the best times to visit, with “a fest of alpine flora in the former and grape harvest and stunning leaf colour in the likes of Matka Canyon in the latter,” states Responsible Travel.

That said, it’s still a fascinating place to visit in the winter. Smog settles over the capital, Skopje, in November, December, January, and February.

Snow settles on the Mavrovo National Park, providing respite for skiers and alpine explorers escaping the capital. The iconic Lake Ohrid and Prespa benefit from a milder Mediterranean climate, which makes for misty mornings and rain-soaked cobbled streets.

Responsible Travel notes that it’s an “atmospheric time to visit churches and monasteries without the tourists associated with summer”.

Lake Ohrid is one of one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes. Situated on the mountainous border between North Macedonia and Albania, this tranquil spot has been described as “the most beautiful place on Earth” by Tripadvisor user mani_kalai.

They further praised the idyllic location, saying: “Amazing view, can take a boat trip to see the town view from the lake. Friendly local people, lots of bars, restaurants and shops.”

Skyscanner ranks December, January and February as the cheapest months to travel to Skopje from London. Return flights in early December cost just £56. In January, return flights start at £57 and in February, £55.

There are no direct flights to Ohrid, but the serene spot is just a two-hour and 35-minute drive from Skopje, Mother Teresa’s historic birthplace.

As for what to do in the capital, Skopje boasts attractions like the bustling Old Bazaar, which Tripadvisor users have described as an “astonishing place”.

“Enjoy some rakia the way the locals do. I can assure you that you won’t get bored in this region because it is very lively,” wrote one tourist. 

The iconic Stone Bridge is a testament linking Skopje’s old and new towns, while the city also serves as a gateway to the awe-inspiring Matka Canyon.

A mere 35MKD (50p) bus fare delivers you to this stunning site, boasting monasteries, caves, and watersports galore on Lake Matka. Notably, Vrelo Cave at the lake is said to be one of the deepest underwater caves globally, promising mysteries yet to be fully unravelled as its fame escalates.

Other visitors can indulge in breathtaking views, dine at exquisite restaurants and embark on boat tours at this hidden gem of a destination.