With elegant buildings and beautiful people, elevated Bitola (660m) has a sophistication inherited from its Ottoman days as the 'City of Consuls'. Its 18th- and 19th-century colourful town houses, Turkish mosques and cafe culture make it Macedonia's most intriguing and liveable major town.
Širok SokakSTREET
Bitola's Širok Sokak is the city's most representative and stylish street, with its multicoloured facades and European honorary consulates attesting to the city's Ottoman-era sophistication. Enjoying the cafe life here as the beautiful people promenade past is an essential Bitola experience.
Church of Sveti DimitrijaCHURCH
This Orthodox church (1830) has rich frescoes, ornate lamps and a huge iconostasis.
Heraclea LyncestisARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
Located 1km south of Bitola (70MKD by taxi), Heraclea Lyncestis is among Macedonia's best archaeological sites. Founded by Philip II of Macedon, Heraclea became commercially significant before Romans conquered (168 BC) and its position on the Via Egnatia kept it prosperous. In the 4th century Heraclea became an episcopal seat, but it was sacked by Goths and then Slavs.
See the Roman baths, portico and amphitheatre, and the striking Early Christian basilica and episcopal palace ruins, with beautiful, well-preserved floor mosaics. They're unique in depicting endemic trees and animals. Excavations continue, so you may see newer discoveries.
VILLA DIHOVO
One of Macedonia's most remarkable guesthouses, Villa Dihovo ( www.villadihovo.com) comprises three traditionally decorated rooms in the 80-year-old home of former professional footballer Petar Cvetkovski and family. Its big flowering lawn is great for kids. The only fixed prices are for the homemade wine, beer andrakija (firewater); all else, room price included, is your choice.
Peter himself is a mine of information, deeply involved in the Slow Food movement, and can arrange everything from hikes to Lake Pelisterski, mountain-bike rides and an evening of wine tasting in his cellar. There's also a superb shared kitchen on the premises where guests can cook with the hosts, and a living room with an open fireplace – perfect for colder nights. Booking in advance is essential.
The village of Dihovo is just a short distance outside Bitola, and a taxi will cost between 120MKD and 150MKD.
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