• The Republic of Former Yugoslavia north of historical Macedonia in Greece, is a newly founded Slavic state in the southern balkans above Greece, with a mixed ethnic population, on what was once the kingdoms of ancient Paeonia and Dardania and is unrelated to the historical Macedonia on the northern Greek peninsula.
• The largest ethnic group in the Former Yugoslav Republic are Slavic and Turkic tribes of the Bulgarians (People of the first Slavic and Bulgarian tribes)* that migrated to the area in the 6th century CE.
• The Former Yugoslav Republic north of the historical Macedonia, wants to self-identify as simply "Macedonia", a name given to it by the communist regime of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia before its dissolution. This name represents no ethnic or political reality for the new Slavic Republic, and was given as part of an expansionist agenda to wrest historical Macedonia from northern Greece and forge for the communist Yugoslavia, a strategic pathway to the sea.
• The Former Yugoslav Republic, based on the name it insists on taking, also claims the achievements, wealth and boundaries of the historical Macedonia to its south, on the northern Greek peninsula.

• Ancient Macedonia, was an ancient Greek kingdom on the northern Greek peninsula
• Modern Macedonia, is a Greek province corresponding almost entirely to the ancient Greek kingdom on the northern Greek peninsula.
• There is an unbroken record of people identifying with a Greek ethnic linguistic and cultural identity, continuously inhabiting the land of historical Macedonia from the present to ancient times.

Macedonia as a region

There is no such thing as a "Greater Macedonia" and a "Macedonia Region" and in particular one that was divided. This is propaganda by the Former Yugoslav Republic whose aim is to distort historical reality and create a false narrative to all those readers not familiar with Balkan history. The illusion is that before the Balkan wars (1912-13) a sovereign state entity with the name Macedonia existed, inhabited by an alleged "Macedonian" ethnicity, that was attacked, defeated and consequently partitioned by the allied Greeks, Serbs and Bulgarians.

However, the three areas which comprise this imaginary unity, that is, modern FYROM (Vardar), Greek (Aegean) and Bulgarian (Pirin) Macedonia has never constituted an ethnological, historical, cultural and linguistic united territory. Even the name Macedonia itself (expanded as an administrative unit while under foreign occupation) was not applied to the whole area (especially the greater part of today´s FYROM that lies north of the Prilep-Strumica line).

Therefore, the terms Vardar Macedonia, Macedonia of Pirin and Aegean Macedonia used by the citizens of the FYROM were tricks by the former Yugoslavia to serve effectively its aggressive and political purposes. FYRO"M"'s Name Violation

• The use of simply "Macedonia" to describe the newly founded Slavic state is in violation of Article 2 of the UNESCO Declaration on Cultural Diversitythat states that in the interest of harmonious interaction, one nation (The Former Yugoslav Republic) in exercising its right to self-determination, cannot diminish the equal right of another nation (Greece) to identify simply by its millennia-old historical identity (Macedonia) which is ethnically, culturally, geographically different to the new Slavic nation.
• The interim accord was signed under the auspices of the United Nations, obligating the Republic of Former Yugoslavia to choose for itself a name that does not violate Greece's right to identify by its historical identity and that does not imply a territorial expansionist agenda on Greece's historical northern province.
• Instead of honoring its agreements, the former Yugoslav Republic continues to violate the interim accord and Article 2 of the UNESCO Declaration on Cultural Diversity, relentlessly creating propaganda, distorting the history and historical perception of Greece and continues to meddle in Greece's domestic affairs.
• The Former Yugoslav Republic constantly makes territorial provocations on Greece's historical northern province and continues on unimpeded with its expansionist agenda to change people's perceptions and validate a lie.

When visiting the historical Macedonia which is now a province on the northern Greek peninsula.

• Macedonia, the ancient kingdom of Alexander the Great, is one of the most beautiful areas of Greece, rich in natural beauty, history, archaeology and great food. The modern province has as its capital on the Thermaic Gulf, the provincial city of Thessaloniki, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which was named by Cassander after Alexander the Greats half-sister. It is the most cosmopolitan city in Greece and a hub for culture lovers from all over the world where you can walk among ancient basilicas of the Byzantine era, the white tower fortress, ancient Rotunda and Roman arches, past the statue of Alexander the Great, on your way to brunch at the quaint cafe's of old town or the Macedonian Museum of contemporary Art.
  

• Greece is an amazing ecotourism destination with over 300 Blue Flag labelled beaches, UNESCO world heritage sites, traditional architecture, and vineyards in traditions that date back to ancient times. Endemic plants and animals fill the northern province with some of the world's most endangered species calling Macedonia, home.
  

• Florina boasts where Greece begins and is a beautiful all year round picturesque town dating back to ancient times.
  

• The birthplace of Alexander the Great is in Pella and is best known as the historical capital of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon during the time of Alexander and his father Philip II. On the site of the ancient city is the Archaeological Museum of Pella where you can walk among the remains and ruins of the old palace and more.
  

• The Archaeological site of Aigai (modern Vergina) Imathia central Macedonia, is a UNESCO world Heritage site. The ancient city of Aigai was the first capital of the Kingdom of Macedon. In addition to the monumental palace, lavishly decorated with mosaics, inscriptions and painted stuccoes, the site contains a burial ground with more than 300 tumuli, one of which has been identified as that of Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great.
  

• Legend tells, that Caranus the founder of Macedonia, following a flock of goats, led a large force of Greeks into the heart of Macedonia in the midst of a heavy storm of rain and a thick mist. Remembering the oracle which had desired him "to seek an empire by the guidance of goats", he fixed here the seat of government and named the place Aegae in commemoration of the miracle.
  

• Edessa (Ancient Aegae) is known as the "city of waters", with its beautiful cascading waterfalls and healthy natural spa waters and hot springs.
  

• The village of Grevena is surrounded by high mountains, verdant forests, streams, rivers and creeks, impressive ancient stone bridges and old byzantine churches. The National Park of Valia Calda, the Vasilitsa Ski Center, the rivers used for white water rafting and mushroom picking in the forests make Grevena a pole of attraction for adventurers, nature and mountain lovers alike. It is estimated that more than 1,300 different species of mushrooms grow in Grevena, of which some European species are extremely rare.
  

• Halkidiki - The Ancients knew the region as Flegra - the Place of Fire - because it was believed to be the place where an epic battleground for the fire took place between the Olympian Gods and the Giants, the sons of Gaia (Earth). According to the myth, Kassandra got its name when one of the Giants, named Egelados, was crushed by Kassandra promontory, thrown by goddess Athena and was buried underneath. The second prong received its name from Sithon, son of the sea god Poseidon. Today it is proud of its 52 blue flag beaches, its world-class family resorts, its all-night clubs, lounge bars, seaside taverna's and beach bars. Halkidiki is home to Stageira the birthplace of the famous Greek philosopher Aristotle.
  

• For those that enjoy island get-a-ways Thassos, known as the ''Emerald Island'' of Greece, for its rich greenery, has cool temperatures all year round. Pine forests, chestnut forests, and numerous plane trees border golden beaches and crystal clear waters and ancient ruins creating a paradise on earth. It is home to the marble mines that were used for many ancient statues and buildings.
  

• The Athos peninsula was named after the giant Athos, who during the famous battle between the Olympian Gods and the giants, threw a mountain at the gods, but failed to find his target. "Today, cloaked by beautiful chestnut and other types of Mediterranean forest, the steep slopes of Mount Athos are punctuated by twenty imposing monasteries. An Orthodox spiritual center since 1054, and protected UNESCO world heritage site, Mount Athos has enjoyed an autonomous statute since Byzantine times. Monks cultivate the famous Mt Athos wineries and greet travellers making the pilgrimage for a taste of monastic life and to see the world renown iconography. The monasteries of Athos area are a veritable conservatory of masterpieces ranging from wall paintings (such as the works of Manuel Panselinos at Protaton Church ca 1290 and by Frangos Catellanos at the Great Lavra in 1560) to portable icons, gold objects, embroideries, and illuminated manuscripts". ~ (UNESCO website) Famous visitors include Prince Charles, Vladimir Putin, Rasputin, Edward Lear, an innumerable Byzantine ex-emperors among others.
  

• Macedonia has a very long tradition of winemaking. It is said that a light was always kept burning at the temple of Dionysus to ensure a good harvest. Today the descendants of these ancient vines comprise acres and acres of viticulture throughout Macedonia and the rest of Greece. Mythology says that the god of music, dance and inebriation, Dionysus, married Ariadne, who had two sons, Staphillos and Oinopoeonas, who, in turn, gave grape cultivation and wine production to the Greeks. The Wine Roads of Macedonia Thessaly and Thrace in Northern Greece infuse the entire region with its wonderful aromas, making the journey around the archaeological sites, churches, monasteries, museums and boutique wineries extra special. Discover restaurants, taverna's, hotels, inns, local gourmet workshops and stores stocked with regional culinary specialities.
  

• The town of Naoussa sits at the foot of Mount Vermion. According to the ancient Greek mythology, Semeli, the mother of God Dionysos, lived on these slopes and that the magnificent dancer Silinos, the faithful companion of the God of vineyard and wine, was born in this area. Here lay the renowned Macedonian Tombs of Lefkadia. Aristotle's school at Mieza is very close to the town of Naoussa, where Alexander the Great was a student of the great Greek Philosopher. Naoussa is famous for its carnivals and celebrations such as the custom of "Genitsaroi and Boules" date back to ancient Dionysian rites and whose costume and festivities were used by the Macedonian freedom fighters to visit family and plan their attack against the Ottoman occupying forces.
  

• Hike up to Mt Olympus, home of the Olympian Gods and sit in the "throne of Zeus". Mt Olympus was the dwelling of the Olympian Gods after the Titanomachy. Dion the ancient city at the base of Olympus owes its name to the most important Macedonian sanctuary dedicated to Zeus (Dios "of Zeus"). As recorded by Hesiod's Catalogue of Women, Thyia, daughter of Deucalion, bore Zeus two sons Magnes and Makednos, eponym of the Macedonians, who dwelt in Pieria at the foot of Mount Olympus. Thus Dion was the "sacred place" of the Macedonians. It was here Alexander made sacrifices to his Gods before setting off for Persia and the sanctuary has been preserved till today.

• Macedonia offers GPS tracks of Thessaloniki, Mt Olympus and Halkidiki, in central Macedonia, Gramos in the west and Falakro Mountain in the east and much more for professional and amateur hikers alike.
  

• Birding in northern Greece is a hub for wildlife travellers and conservationists alike - The rich bird life of the northern Greek Peninsula is determined by its unique habitat. Freshwater lakes and coastal lagoons form an important network of wetlands that attract some of the world's most unique species. A birdwatching resource for the lakes of Mikri Prespa and Kerkini, and the marshlands and bayous of Macedonia, northeast Greece.
  

• Travel the Egnatia Road to ancient Philippi founded in 356 BCE by Philip II, where Mark Antony and Octavian's army avenged Caesar's murder in battle with the armies of Junius Brutus and Gaius Cassius in 42 BCE.
  

• In Philippi, you can walk in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul who first brought Christianity to Europe and founded the first European Christian Church. It was in Philippi that St Paul began to Evangelize the people of Greece and christened Lydia, a wealthy woman from Thyatira, a dealer in purple cloth, in a nearby creek, that is still used today. Lydia became the first Christian on European soil. The prison that once held the Apostle lays among the famous ruins and tourists come from around the world to hear the whispers of history in the breeze. Philippi too is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. The remains of this walled city with its Hellenistic theatre and funerary heroon (temple) lies at the foot of an acropolis on the ancient route linking Europe and Asia via the Egnatia. The modern city rises up from the harbor to the majestic Byzantine fortress. It boasts clean pristine, sandy beaches.
  

• Amphipolis is best known for the magnificent ancient Greek polis whose impressive remains can still be seen, and the huge monument of the lion of Amphipolis dating back to the 4th century BCE. It is famous in history for events such as the battle between Spartans and Athenians in 422 BCE, and the place where Alexander the Great prepared for campaigns leading to his invasion of Asia. Amphipolis is also the place where his wife Roxane and their small son Alexander IV were exiled and later murdered after Alexanders death. Currently, archaeologists are working on a newly found tumulus that has yet to yield its secrets.
  

• Throughout historical Macedonia, you will find archaeological museums of ancient Macedonia, War museums, Museum of the struggle to free Macedonia from foreign occupation. Macedonian Museums of Contemporary Art, Folklore Museums, Museum of Byzantine Greek culture, Museum of photography...

For the Former Yugoslav Republic

I would like to recommend the following top destination when you travel to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia ,

Cities you certainly should see, with the minimal time needed.

-Skopje (1-2 day, depending what you want to do/see...Musea etc? or just the old buildings and churches?)

-Ohrid and the Monastery of St Naum (2 days)

-Bitola and the archeological site Heraclea Lyncestis (1 day)

-Prilep with the Towers of Marko (less than 1 day)

-The archeological site Stobi (less than 1 day)

If you have some more time:

-Lake Prespa with the uninhabited island Golem Grad or Snake Island (less than 1 day)

-The churches around Lake Matka near Skopje (1 day including some hiking)

-Struga at Lake Ohrid (half a day)

If you have a car, go e.g. from Skopje to Ohrid through Mavrovo National Park and have a stop at Mavrovo. It's a bit longer but certainly worth it.

I did a quick one-day tour with my parents by car from Ohrid to Bitola+Heraclea, Prilep to visit Marko's towers and via Stobi to Skopje, to show them some highlights, but you'll be missing a lot when going that fast.

BTW, Get the Bradt Travel Guide for Macedonia, second edition. It's very good! And make sure that you have papers with you showing that your health insurance is valid in FYR-Macedonia, otherwise you'll have to buy one at the border.

Greece refuses to acknowledge the former province of Yugoslavia which calls itself the Republic of Macedonia. Greece has a historical province named Macedonia.

Macedonia Name Dispute Background

The issue is simple and straightforward:

Greece

• Historical Macedonia, was an ancient Greek kingdom on the northern Greek peninsula
• Modern Macedonia, is a Greek province corresponding almost entirely to the ancient Greek kingdom on the northern Greek peninsula

• There is an unbroken record of people identifying as Macedonians with a Greek ethnic linguistic and cultural identity, continuously inhabiting the land of historical Macedonia from the present to ancient times.
• Historical Macedonia, on the northern Greek peninsula was liberated from foreign Ottoman occupation in 1912.

• The Republic of Former Yugoslavia north of historical Macedonia, is a newly founded Slavic state with a mixed ethnic population, on what was once the kingdoms of ancient Paeonia and Dardania, and is unrelated to the historical Macedonia on the northern Greek peninsula.
• The largest ethnic group in the Former Yugoslav Republic consist of Slavic and Turkic tribes of the Bulgarians, (People of the first Slavic and Bulgarian tribes) that began to slowly migrate into the area in the 6th century CE.

• The Former Yugoslav Republic north of the historical Macedonia, wants to self-identify as simply "Macedonia", a name given to it in 1946 by the communist regime of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia before its dissolution. This name represents no ethnic or political reality for the new Slavic Republic, and was given the name as part of an expansionist agenda to wrest historical Macedonia from northern Greece and forge for the communist Yugoslavia, a strategic pathway to the sea.

• The use of simply "Macedonia" to describe the newly founded Slavic state is in violation of Article 2 of the UNESCO Declaration on Cultural Diversitythat states that in the interest of harmonious interaction, one nation (The Former Yugoslav Republic) in exercising its right to self-determination, cannot diminish the equal right of another nation (Greece) to identify simply by its millennia old historical identity (Macedonia) which is historically, ethnically, culturally, geographically different to the new Slavic nation.

However, instead of honoring its agreements, the former Yugoslav Republic stalls on deciding on a name for itself, continues to violate the interim accord and Article 2 of the UNESCO Declaration on Cultural Diversity by identifying itself only as "Macedonia", relentlessly creates a flood of propaganda, misappropriates Hellenic state symbols, and demonizes and distorts the history and historical perception of Greece. The government of FYROM and its Diaspora continue to provoke Greece and meddle in Greece's domestic affairs.

The Former Yugoslav Republic constantly makes territorial provocations on Greece's historical northern province and continues on unimpeded with its expansionist agenda to change people's perceptions and validate a lie.

The claim perpetuated as justification for the use of the historical Greek name "Macedonia" and at the heart of the expansionist plan is that Macedonia was a region that was "divided".

FACT:

There is no such thing as a Macedonian Greater Region and in particular one that was divided. This is propaganda spread across many platforms by the Former Yugoslav Republic whose aim is to distort historical reality and create a false narrative for all those readers not familiar with Balkan history.

The illusion is that before the Balkan wars (1912-13) a sovereign state entity with the name Macedonia existed, inhabited by an alleged "Macedonian" ethnicity, that was attacked, defeated and consequently partitioned by the allied Greeks, Serbs and Bulgarians.

The reality is, that the three areas which comprise this imaginary unity, that is, modern FYROM (Vardar), the historical province of Macedonia in Greece (Aegean) and a region in Bulgaria (Pirin) never constituted an ethnologically, historically, culturally and linguistically united territory. Even the name Macedonia itself was not applied to the whole area even when under foreign occupation (especially the greater part of today´s FYROM that lies north of the Prilep-Strumica line). In fact, one cannot find any original map before WWII with the term Macedonia in the area of present-day FYROM.

• Quote: The Department has noted with considerable apprehension increasing propaganda rumors and semi-official statements in favor of an autonomous Macedonia emanating from Bulgaria, but also from Yugoslav partisan and other sources with the implication that Greek territory would be included in the projected State. This Government considers talk of "Macedonian Nation", "Macedonian Fatherland", or "Macedonian National Consciousness" to be unjustified demagogueryrepresenting no ethnic or political reality, and sees in its present revival a possible cloak foraggressive intentions against Greece.

• Quote: For (**Fyr)Macedonia to be recognized as an independent state, it would be necessary to change its name [...] It is historically proven that the Yugoslavian Democracy of Macedonia was created by Stalin, Tito and Dimitrov, aiming at the stealthy removal of a large part of Northern Greece. This Democracy was used during the period 1944-1949 in order to destabilise Greece.

ALL countries including the USA, use the OFFICIAL name,Former Yugoslav Republic in all international organizations, formal dealings and events while it waits for the FYROM government to honor its agreement. Not because "Greece throws a tantrum" but because there is a violation of international convention. The 'tantrum' is thrown by the Former Yugoslav Republic who will not deal with any country bilaterally without forcing the use of the name of its expansionist agenda with the plan to make it stick.

ALL governments of all countries are very aware of the issue and all (except perhaps the possibility of Turkey) have agreed to accept the new name once the Former Yugoslav Republic honors its agreement to stop violating Article 2 of the UNESCO Declaration on Cultural Diversity.