Why go?
Wizz Air recently launched the first direct flights between the UK and Ohrid, opening up this beautiful corner of the Balkans to British travellers. Macedonia’s second city offers an appealing mix of Ottoman architecture and Byzantine churches, but the real draw is its sublime lakeside setting. Tranquil Lake Ohrid is ringed by mountains, attractive villages and beaches which come alive in summer with local people sunbathing and swimming in the crystal-clear waters. A balmy, Mediterranean climate and some of the lowest prices in Europe make this a viable alternative to the Italian lakes.
What to do
Take a water taxi across the lake to visit the Monastery of St Naum, situated on a rocky headland with spectacular views. On the way you can stop off at the Bay of Bones Museum, a recreation of a neolithic settlement built on stilts over the water. The number of churches in Ohrid has earned it the nickname “the Macedonian Jerusalem”: the 13th-century church of Sveti Jovan on the cliffs at Kaneo is a popular spot for watching the sun set. On sunny days join the sunbathers at the Kadmo, Cuba Libre or Bella Vista beach clubs, where you can hire sun loungers or enjoy a waterside cocktail.
Where to stay
The Hotel Villa Sveta Sofija has a great location in Ohrid’s old town and just five guest rooms in an Ottoman-era mansion decorated with handmade rugs, wooden carvings and Murano-glass chandeliers (doubles from £50, vilasofija.com.mk).
Where to eat
Balkan specialities such as sarma (stuffed cabbage leaves) and fresh lake trout are on the menu at the great-value waterside restaurant, Dalga (Kosta Abrash 3, +389 46 255 999).
Insider tip
Ellie Marr of Regent Holidays (regent-holidays.co.uk), which can tailor-make holidays to Macedonia, recommends an excursion to the Galicica National Park: “There are lots of hiking trails through the hills and some pretty villages you can stop off at.”
Give me a break
Home: Zetter gets even better The Zetter Townhouse Marylebone will open on 14 August in a Georgian townhouse on Seymour Street, London W1. Like its sister hotel, the popular Zetter in Clerkenwell, it will offer colourful, eclectic interiors and a cocktail lounge. Rates start from £258, but selected rooms will be available to book at a 50% discount until the end of August (thezettertownhouse.com/marylebone).
Away: Paris in the autumn Paris has no shortage of hostels, but most of them could be anywhere. Three young Parisian entrepreneurs hope to change that at Les Piaules, a new hostel in an Art Deco building in the hip Belleville neighbourhood. It will showcase French food and drink and offer views of the Eiffel Tower from some of the bedrooms. The hostel opens in September with bunk beds from €30 a night (lespiaules.com).
