You can appreciate the unique nature of the Balkans in Pelister National Park, 15 km from Bitola. Remarkably, it is situated on the border with Greece, so you can have a peep at the neighbouring country after the walk.

Founded in 1948, Pelister National Park is one of the oldest in Macedonia. It is located in the Baba Mountain massif and has an area of 143 sq. km. Lands here are far from flat: the highest point is 2,601 metres above sea level, and the lowest is 891 metres. Besides mountains and forests, there are two cleanest lakes – the Big Lake and the Small Lake.

Within the park borders, there is the Maloviste village, where you can stop for the night. It feels as if time has frozen here: everyone lives in traditional stone houses. Macedonians are very hospitable, so if you stay at their home, you’ll be treated to local cuisine – a great opportunity to know the culture from the inside. However, those who prefer more modern living conditions can visit a comfortable hotel, cafe, and shops nearby.

In the warm season, tourists slowly walk around the park, enjoying the fresh air of a dense pine forest. Some trees in Pelister are over 230 years old! Indeed, there is a lot to see: in addition to the picturesque green plant life, you can meet local inhabitants: forest cats, deer, rabbits, otters, and various birds. But since nature here is wild, there are some inhabitants that you would not like to see: wolves.

In winter, the national park turns into a real ski resort. However, extreme sports lovers come here in summer as well: alpinists try to conquer the main peak of Pelister. So, Pelister National Park is a top-rated site both for meditative walks and thrills.