Tetovo’s Location
Tetovo lies in the northwestern section of North Macedonia, close to the Kosovo and Albanian borders. The capital of North Macedonia, Skopje, is around 45 kilometers distant.
On your way to Lake Ohrid, you’ll pass via Tetovo, one of North Macedonia’s most famous tourist destinations. Ohrid is 130 kilometers away.
Tetovo is the 5th largest city in North Macedonia, with a population of roughly 55 thousand people.
Why Should You Visit Tetovo?
Visitors to Tetovo come mostly to view the Painted Mosque, but there are a few other intriguing attractions to see as well. Tetovo has a distinct vibe from Skopje (or any other city in North Macedonia for that matter) because it is home to a big Albanian community, which you will notice immediately away. The atmosphere is alive, the streets are bustling, and the signs are no longer in Cyrillic. You’ll get a chance to see different regions of the city and broaden your knowledge of North Macedonia.
History of Tetovo
The town of Tetovo was formed in the 14th century, but the first settlements in the area date back to the Bronze Age. It grew quickly as a trading and artisan center under Ottoman authority. During this time, the town was surrounded by mosques, baths, and bazaars.
Because of its position, the city has attracted residents from nearby towns and has thrived in a multicultural environment.
Tetovo fell under Albanian control after the Ottoman Empire fell apart, but the city was quickly recaptured by the Serbian Army, only to be retaken by the Kingdom of Bulgaria not long after. Following World War II, Tetovo became part of Yugoslavia and then independent Macedonia following a tumultuous period.
How to Get To Tetovo?
It is relatively simple to go from Skopje to Tetovo. The buses run often, and the trip takes less than an hour. You can proceed to the bus terminal and within a few minutes, a bus will be departing in that way. You can also take the bus along Partizanski Odredi Boulevard.
You don’t have to go to the bus station in Tetovo; instead, you can get off at the roundabout closer to the city center, but you must inform the driver that you want to stop there. You must go to the bus terminal to take the bus on your route back to Skopje. Both in Skopje and Tetovo, you must purchase your bus ticket in advance at a ticket counter.
You don’t have to go all the way to the bus station to return to Skopje; instead, you can leave the bus at one of the following locations.
What To See in Tetova
Tetovo has many tourist attractions. Here the most interesting and cool tourist attractions are Painted Mosque, Popova Shopka, Arabati Baba Tekḱe, Bektashi monasteries, and many other places to explore. The diversity of architecture and places make it an interesting place. Make your trip easier with our Tetova Guide.
