Debar is located in the western part of Macedonia, near the border with Albania, surrounded by the high and wonderful mountains Desat, Stogovo and Jablanica. Although there is evidence that a prehistoric settlement existed here, the first document where it is specifically mentioned is the map of Ptolemy from the middle of the 2nd century, where it is mentioned under the name of Deborus. The later documents about its existence originate from the times of byzantine emperor Basil II, in the charter where it is noted as a settlement within the Bitola Archbishopric, and the itinerary notes of Felix Petancic from the year 1502, noted under the name of Dibri. During 19th century, Debar is known for its rebellions against the Turkish Sultan as well as its richness. In the first half of the 19th century, the traveler Ami Bue has observed that Debar had 64 shops and 4200 residents. By the end of the century, the town had 15,500 residents but after World War I, this number started to decline.

Near Debar is located Lake Debar. In Banjishte are the health spas that contain such a combination of mineral substances, that can cure many illnesses: rheumatism, skin illness, female illnesses etc. The temperature of the Debar mineral water is 40C degrees, with a volume of 70 liters per second.