Bradt's Macedonia remains the only standalone English-language guidebook to this increasingly
popular destination available outside the country. Originally written by Thammy Evans a
political analyst who lived in Macedonia for five years this new edition has been thoroughly
updated and restructured to make it even easier to use by Philip Briggs arguably the world's
most experienced guidebook writer. Coverage of national parks has been increased and hiking
information has been fully integrated to make it more accessible to casual users. Introductions
to many points of interest have been expanded to give more of an overview of what the
attractions are and there are several new and redrawn maps. Of all the new countries formed
following the break-up of Yugoslavia in 1991 Macedonia was the only one to attain independence
without bloodshed. This is a small land that offers huge variety to travellers from the oldest
lake in Europe to soaring forest-swathed mountain ranges and from the millennia-old Neolithic
rock observatory at Kokoni and Roman mosaics at Heraclea to dozens of historic and
actively-used mediaeval monasteries and mosques. Macedonia's urban centrepiece and main port of
entry is the capital Skopje now home to a wealth of Ottoman buildings a lively culinary scene
and several world-class museums while the main tourist hub is the pretty lakeshore town of
Ohrid a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its wealth of medieval churches and other
architectural gems. A trio of national parks provide refuge to brown bears grey wolves the
rare Balkan lynx and a wide variety of birds. And wherever you go welcoming family-run
tavernas and lively pavement cafés serve authentic traditional cooking and locally produced
wine that ranks as probably the most affordable anywhere in the European Balkans. Wherever you
go and whatever your interest this is a country that offers countless rewards to
independent-minded travellers and those who want to get away from the crowds. And with Bradt's
Macedonia you'll find everything you need for a successful trip.
