Uploaded July 2025 | Updated September 2026, 9 minutes ago

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Struga wasn’t on my radar when I arrived in North Macedonia… but after staying 8 days with local friends, it became the heart of my journey.

Full Travel Guide: hikingwithlee.com/struga-macedonia-travel-guide

In this episode, I explore the small lakeside town of Struga — where life slows down, the lake is warm, and Macedonian hospitality shines through every meal, every smile, and every unexpected invitation.

Join me as I:
• Stay with a local family for a week
• Visit hidden gems like the Kališta Monastery
• Swim at Versus Beach and Izgrev Beach
• Taste fish stew for breakfast 🐟
• Wander the riverside promenade
• And attend a traditional Macedonian wedding 🇲🇰💃

Chapters:
00:00 – Intro: 8 Days in Struga, Macedonia 🇲🇰
01:14 – Where Is Struga? The Hidden Gem on Lake Ohrid
03:47 – Living with Locals: Hospitality & First Impressions
04:31 – Versus Beach: Hidden Lake Spots
05:03 – Local Weekend Market & Daily Life in Town
05:36 – Kališta Monastery & Cave Church ⛪
08:47 – The Macedonian Wedding Experience 💃🕺
10:21 – Final Thoughts & What’s Next in the Series

Struga is peaceful, authentic, and full of soul — a place you probably haven’t heard of… but should absolutely visit.

📸 Equipment
(*Note that I value lightweight, compact and budget friendly options because of the type of travels I normally do)

* iPhone 15 Pro Max - amzn.to/3SKEOPR
I have moved over to the iPhone for most of the ground footage - it actually takes amazing videos and my phone is always close by.

* DJI Mini 4 Pro - amzn.to/3W8MVI5
I absolutely love this drone - it’s small, compact and provides amazing footage.

* GoPro - amzn.to/3W88ok9
I still use the GoPro for the ‘on the go’ shots. It has great stablization, battery life and video quality.

If you have any questions around my gear please feel free to drop a comment in the video below.

(*PS some of these links are affiliate links, with no cost to you but I might get a small commission if you decide to purchase one of these products)

🔔 Like, comment & subscribe to follow the full Macedonia series
Next episode → Into the mountain villages above Lake Ohrid ⛰️

#Struga #NorthMacedonia #TravelVlog #LakeOhrid #HiddenGemsEurope