Skopje, 4 September 2026 (MIA) - Lake Ohrid has been named the most beautiful place in Europe by Time Out magazine, beating a number of well-known tourist destinations across the continent, including Saturnia in Italy, Alberobello in the Puglia region, and the Norwegian fjords.

In its annual selection of Europe’s most beautiful destinations, the magazine did not base its choices on popularity, but on personal recommendations from its network of editors and travel writers, who highlighted places that left the strongest impressions during their travels across Europe.

Time Out describes Lake Ohrid as one of Europe’s most underrated destinations and a quieter, more affordable alternative to Italy’s Lake Como, known for its luxury villas, celebrity visitors and large numbers of tourists. According to the magazine, Ohrid offers equally impressive natural scenery without the crowds and high prices associated with some of Europe’s best-known lake destinations.

In explaining the choice of first place, the magazine notes that Lake Ohrid, which stretches between North Macedonia and Albania, is one of Europe’s oldest and deepest natural lakes. Its crystal-clear waters, surrounding mountain ranges and shoreline dotted with historic settlements create a landscape that rivals Europe’s most famous lake destinations.

The authors pay particular attention to Ohrid, which they describe as a true star on the Macedonian side of the lake. The city, they say, captivates visitors with its cobblestone streets, rich cultural heritage and numerous medieval churches. The article also mentions the legend that Ohrid once had 365 churches, one for each day of the year.

Among the most striking sights highlighted is the Church of St. John at Kaneo, perched above the lakeshore and offering panoramic views of the blue waters of Lake Ohrid. Time Out describes the scene as truly spectacular and recommends visiting the site in the early morning, when the atmosphere is peaceful and there are fewer visitors.

The magazine notes that tourists in Ohrid can spend their days swimming in the lake and exploring archaeological sites, while enjoying sunsets behind the surrounding mountains in the evenings. According to the authors, all of this is available at significantly more affordable prices than a holiday on Lake Como.

The article also highlights the Albanian side of the lake, which offers a different experience, with quieter villages and natural landscapes. The village of Lin is singled out for its mosaic remains and lakeside campsites.

Also making the list of the 10 most beautiful places in Europe for 2026 were Počitelj in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Royal Botanic Gardens in London, the Prinsengracht canal in Amsterdam, the Mosel Valley in Germany, and Casa Batlló in Barcelona. However, the top spot went to Lake Ohrid, recognized as a destination combining natural beauty, cultural heritage and an authentic travel experience.

Photo: MIA archive