Old Town Cruise, Tito's Residence

Overview

This one-hour boat cruise from Ohrid's central port squeezes the Old Town, the lakefront cliffs, and a stretch of shoreline into a single loop on the water. The boat leaves from Kej Makedonija, a short walk from the main square, and hugs the shore on the way out so the churches and fishermen's houses of Kaneo pass close enough to photograph in detail. On the return leg it swings wider, giving a full panoramic view of the Old Town stacked above the lake.

The captain narrates as the boat goes. Sights on the route include the 9th-century Church of Saint Sophia, the cliffside Church of Saint John at Kaneo from the mid-15th century, the virgin beach at Labino, the two Caves of Love popular with locals, the Church of Saint Clement at Plaoshnik, and the 10th-century Tzar Samuel fortress above the town. The cruise then continues past the former presidential residence built for Yugoslavia's longtime leader Tito, now used as a holiday retreat, set in a pine wood around four decades old, before turning back past Park Golden Beach, Cuba Libre Beach, and the entrance to the Biljana springs canal.

The tour suits travellers with limited time in Ohrid who still want to be out on the lake, and reviewers repeatedly describe it as relaxing and informative, with several mentioning sunset departures and captains who position the boat for photos.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at Ohrid portThe departure and end point is Kej Makedonija 1, the central port, roughly 50 meters from the main square. No pickup is included, so travellers make their own way there.
2. Cruise the Old Town shoreThe boat runs close to the shore for a detailed view of the Old Town, passing the 9th-century Church of Saint Sophia while the captain gives a guided commentary.
3. Kaneo and St. JohnYou pass the fishermen's settlement of Kaneo and the mid-15th-century Church of Saint John at Kaneo, the most photographed church in Ohrid, perched on a cliff above the lake. Expect photo stops.
4. Labino beach and cavesThe route continues past the virgin beach Labino and the two Caves of Love, which draw both locals and tourists.
5. Plaoshnik and fortress viewOn the way back you see the Church of Saint Clement Pantelejmon at Plaoshnik, built on the foundations of an early Christian basilica, with the 10th-century Tzar Samuel fortress overlooking the lake from the top of the Old Town.
6. Tito's residenceThe cruise extends past the Old Town to the presidential residence originally built and used by Tito, now used mainly as a holiday residence by the President and Government, sitting among smaller villas in a pine forest over 40 years old.
7. Beaches and Biljana springsThe return leg passes Park Golden Beach and Cuba Libre Beach before reaching the entrance to the Biljana springs canal.
8. Return to portThe tour ends where it started, at Kej Makedonija 1, after the full loop around the Old Town. Total duration is one hour.

What To Expect From The Tour

The cruise lasts an hour and runs at a relaxed pace, with commentary from a licensed captain in English, Croatian, Serbian, or Macedonian.

• Bring a camera. Several travellers said the crew positions the boat specifically for good photos, especially under the cliffs of St. John at Kaneo. The wide return leg is the moment for panorama shots of the whole Old Town.
• Sunset timing. Many reviewers mention booking a sunset departure and describe the light over the lake and the town as a highlight. Some crews have reportedly let the trip run slightly longer so passengers see the town lights come on after dark.
• Pack a layer. Multiple reviews mention blankets being handed out when it turns chilly after sunset. Bringing an extra layer is sensible for evening departures in any case.
• Relaxed pace. No walking or fitness is involved beyond boarding the boat. Reviewers consistently describe the ride as smooth and the atmosphere unhurried, with time to take pictures.
• Talkative captains. Reviewers often mention knowledgeable, friendly captains who share local history and give restaurant recommendations. One reviewer noted a guide even used a translation app for non-English speakers.
• Getting there. No hotel pickup is included. The meeting point is Kej Makedonija 1, about 50 meters from the main square, right at Ohrid's central port.

Common issues. The most consistent criticism in reviews is that an hour feels short for the sights covered, and several travellers wished the cruise ran longer. The listing notes this tour is likely to sell out, so booking ahead is wise. No food, drinks, or entry fees are mentioned as included beyond the cruise, guided commentary, and licensed captain.

Common Questions