North Macedonia is a small European country with no coastline. It's surrounded by places that are more popular with tourists, including Greece to the south. But wait — don't write off North Macedonia just yet! Here are just a few good reasons to visit a country Lonely Planet calls a "little-known gem." Many travelers start with a place that's been described as one of Europe's best-kept secrets: Lake Ohrid. The area, which includes the lake and the old town of Ohrid, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it's easy to see why. Old monasteries look down over the clear blue waters of the lake, which is one of Europe's oldest and deepest. The town, which is said to be home to 365 churches — one for each day of the year — is also one of Europe's oldest. You can walk along the walls of the fortress, look around the town's old streets or relax by the water. But there's more to see in a country that was part of Yugoslavia until 1991. Travel away from the lake and you'll find green national parks that are still home to bears, wolves and lynx. But don't worry: there are lots of places where you can enjoy nature without getting close to those animals! Some people like to walk 2,500 meters to the top of Ljuboten, which means "the peak of love." In winter, those same mountains are great for skiing. Many visitors choose to go to Mavrovo National Park, which is not far from Ohrid. The capital, Skopje, is in the north of the country. It's a city full of quirky statues and lots of different types of architecture. And don't miss the beautiful painted mosque in the nearby town of Tetovo. North Macedonia might not be a hidden gem for much longer!