Located on Lake Ohrid's eastern shore, this calm Macedonian town hosts the world's largest poetry festival. 18th-century buildings line streets where Nobel laureate Ivo Andric was born.
Struga, a town in southwestern North Macedonia, sits along the shores of Lake Ohrid where the Black Drin River begins its journey northward. You can watch locals dive from stone bridges into the clear river waters, explore 14th-century frescoes at the Kalishta Monastery, or swim at one of three lakeside beaches. Each August, poets from across the globe gather at the Poetry Bridge for the Struga Poetry Evenings festival, filling the riverside with verses in dozens of languages.
Getting to Struga
You can fly into Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle Airport, 10 km from Struga. Buses run regularly between Struga and Skopje, other Macedonian cities, and Tirana, Albania. From Ohrid, take a 15-minute bus ride for 40 denars or a taxi for around 200 denars.
The Black Drin River and Bridges
Walk along the paths on either bank of the Black Drin River as it flows from Lake Ohrid through central Struga. Three stone bridges connect the two sides of town, including the Poetry Bridge in the center. In summer, you'll see local swimmers diving from the bridges while people watch from the riverside cafes below.
Beaches and Lake Activities
Choose between three main beaches: Male Beach, Female Beach, and Galeb (Gull) Beach. The lake water here stays a few degrees warmer than in Ohrid, and you'll find more space to spread out your towel. Beach bars and restaurants line the shore, many with sun loungers and umbrellas for rent.
Religious Sites and Architecture
Visit the St. George Church in the town center, with parts of its structure dating to the 16th century. The Kalishta Monastery, 5 kilometers from town, contains well-preserved frescoes from the 14th and 15th centuries and sits right on Lake Ohrid's shore. In Radozda village, climb up to see the rock church with its medieval frescoes from the 13th and 14th centuries. All religious sites require modest dress.
The Old Bazaar and Shopping
Walk through the narrow streets of the bazaar area, where 18th and 19th-century buildings house shops selling local textiles, silver filigree jewelry, and handmade soaps. The bazaar connects directly to the riverside walking paths, with many small cafes serving Turkish coffee and local pastries.
Struga Poetry Evenings
During the last week of August, poets and literary critics gather in Struga for daily readings, workshops, and discussions. The festival culminates in the Golden Wreath award ceremony at the Poetry Bridge, where you can listen to poetry readings in multiple languages. Check the festival's website for the exact dates and program schedule.
