Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
North Macedonia, a small landlocked country in the heart of the Balkans, offers an ideal setting for practicing many sports, whether in nature or in the modern facilities of its cities. Discover the favorite physical activities of Macedonians and how you too can enjoy them during your stay or expatriation in this country with diverse landscapes.
From Soccer to Mountain Sports: The Key Disciplines of Macedonians
North Macedonia has over 1,300 sports clubs with nearly 60,000 members, reflecting the population’s enthusiasm for physical activity. Here is an overview of the most popular sports in the country:
- Soccer: the king of sports in North Macedonia, as in many European countries
- Handball: considered the national sport, with strong performances from both men’s and women’s teams
- Basketball: very popular, especially thanks to the good results of the national team
- Hiking: a must-do activity in this mountainous country with varied landscapes
- Skiing: practiced at several modern resorts like Mavrovo or Popova Šapka
- Kayaking and Canoeing: popular on the country’s many lakes and rivers
- Climbing: with numerous natural sites suitable for this practice
Team sports like volleyball and water polo are also gaining popularity in recent years.
Good to Know:
North Macedonia participated in the UEFA European Championship for the first time in 2021, sparking unprecedented national enthusiasm for this sport.
Varied Facilities for All Sports Tastes
Whether you are a fan of indoor or outdoor sports, North Macedonia offers many opportunities to practice your favorite activity:
- Gyms and fitness centers: present in all major cities, they offer modern equipment and group classes
- Stadiums and sports complexes: such as the Boris Trajkovski Sports Center in Skopje, which hosts many competitions
- Municipal pools: ideal for swimming and aqua aerobics
- Tennis courts: available in most urban parks
- Hiking trails: marked in the three national parks (Mavrovo, Galičica, and Pelister)
- Ski resorts: equipped with ski lifts and slopes for all levels
- Climbing sites: such as the Matka Canyon near Skopje or the cliffs of Demir Kapija
- Lakes and rivers: suitable for water sports like kayaking or diving
Good to Know:
Many sports clubs and associations offer introductory sessions and guided outings to discover outdoor activities safely.
Sports Budget in North Macedonia: Affordable Rates for Expats
Practicing a sport in North Macedonia is generally less expensive than in Western Europe. Here are some examples of prices to give you an idea:
- Monthly gym membership: between 20 and 40 euros
- Private tennis lesson (1 hour): about 12 euros
- Day pass at a ski resort: between 15 and 25 euros
- Kayak rental (half-day): about 20 euros
- Municipal pool entry: less than 3 euros
For team sports, joining a local club is often very affordable and allows you to quickly integrate into the community.
Good to Know:
Some employers offer sports benefits to their expatriate employees, such as discounts on gym memberships or corporate sports outings.
North Macedonia therefore offers an ideal setting for sports enthusiasts, whether they are fans of classic disciplines or looking for new thrills in nature. With quality facilities and affordable rates, there is no excuse not to stay fit during your stay in this beautiful Balkan country!
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
