Black Drim Springs

One of the most beautiful monasteries in Macedonia and an important pilgrimage place, this monastery is a must-see when visiting Ohrid. Most visitors make this a half-day or full-day trip. With a breathtaking setting on a plateau over Ohrid Lake and Galičica mountain towering from behind, it was founded in the 905 by Saint Naum, but most of the present-day church was built in the 16th century. Of the original church, just the side chapel with the grave of Saint Naum still stands. In the side chamber, visitors typically get down on their knees and try to listen for the heartbeat of Saint Naum on his resting place. The frescoes were painted in 1806 (the side chapel frescoes depict the life and miracles of St. Naum); in the first chamber of the church look for the fresco of Saints Cyril and Methodius and their students including Saint Clement and Saint Naum. The icon screen was made in 1711 and it is the oldest completely preserved wooden high icon screen in the country. Around the monastery grounds look for the peacocks, including rare albino ones. Parts of the dormitories of the monastery have been turned into a guest lodging. Near the monastery is a chapel dedicated to Saint Petka with holy water and beside it are the springs of the Black Drim River. Next to the monastery, the river enters the lake. On both sides of the monastery there are pleasant sandy beaches, packed in summertime. At the entrance from the parking lot to the sprawling monastery grounds is a promenade with souvenir shops and restaurants.

Among Ohrid's most significant churches but not as well known due to its secluded location; the church can be reached only by boat from Trpejca or Ljubaništa villages. Ask around to find someone to take you. It was built on a stunning location among the rocks on a small beach in 1299, while its frescoes were completed in 1361. The church is dedicated to the Holy Mother of God and there is an interesting legend regarding the name and reason for the monastery's construction. As this spot is near the deepest area of Ohrid Lake, many had tried to determine the depth of the lake from here. One day, a woman of nobility tried to do the same when suddenly violent waves began to attack her, causing her to pray to God to save her while promising to build a monastery on the spot to be "for the mind" (Za Um) of her and all future visitors to not test the lake and attempt to record its depth. The architecture is exquisite, but the frescoes inside are very impressive, the most striking of which is that of Saint Anna breastfeeding the Holy Mother. Restoration work is regularly carried out. Some visitors bring tents and camp on the grounds for days, though dormitories have been rebuilt and can now be used for lodging.

In a small bay near the Gradište campground and beach, a Neolithic settlement has been reconstructed atop the water along with fortifications and a museum on land. The floating town contains reconstructed prehistoric homes with various objects inside them to help illustrate what life was like at this spot many years ago. Archaeological evidence suggests Lake Ohrid was once rich in these pile-dwelling settlements. Since opening in 2008, it has become one of Ohrid's most popular attractions. The site also features a scuba diving centre. The museum is easily accessed off the highway leading to Saint Naum and boats from Ohrid's port also make stops here.

This 14th-century cave church sits below the village of Šipokno and above the lakefront hotels Sileks, Aura, and Aqualina. The church was built into the natural cave and its frescoes date from the 14th century, though heavily damaged. The elevated position of the cave church gives it nice views over the lake.

On the slopes of Galičica is this small 15th-century church. Its frescoes were painted between 1444 and 1451 in a style considered a typical example of church art during Ottoman rule. Its courtyard contains the village's cemetery.

This 14th century church is best known for its scenic location, standing on a cliff above Lake Ohrid, likely making it the most photographed of the town's churches. Notable about its architecture is the Armenian influence with the zigzag line of the roof of the dome. There are only a few original frescoes left inside the small church. A popular beach is situated just below the church.