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Veles

city in North Macedonia

53km

41.7152777821.77527778

Strumica

city in North Macedonia

73km

41.437522.64305556

Skopje

capital city of North Macedonia

83km

4221.4333

Gjilani

City in Kosovo

85km

42.4621.47

Prilep

city in North Macedonia

92km

41.346421.5542

Niš

city in Serbia

107km

43.3191666721.89611111

Ferizaj

City in Kosovo

117km

42.37121.155

Gračanica (Kosovo)

town in Kosovo

117km

42.621.2

Kruševo

town in North Macedonia

120km

41.36721.233

Pristina

capital of Kosovo

123km

42.666721.1667

Bitola

city in North Macedonia

129km

41.02821.32

Sokobanja

Sokobanja is a famous spa-town in the Podunavlje region of Serbia

132km

43.6394444421.86944444

Pelister National Park

separates Bitola from Prespa. It covers the Baba Mountain area and features two glacial lakes known as "Mountain Eyes" that feed multiple rivers.

137km

4121.24

Sofia

capital city of Bulgaria

138km

42.723.3333

Thessaloniki

city in Greece

148km

40.62522.9725

Resen

town in North Macedonia

153km

41.0888888921.01222222

Pirin National Park

National Park

159km

41.5523.5667
Sights (23)

Stone town of Kuklica

This natural wonder, consisting of 15 larger (10 m / 32 ft tall) and 120 smaller stone pillars, was probably created by erosion and other climate influence. However, the legend connected to this phenomenon says that the figures are in fact wedding guests who were turned into rocks.

15km

42.1244444422.05027778

Kuklica

village in Macedonia

17km

42.1166666722.03333333

Cocev Kamen

Cocev Kamen is within Kratovo Municipality but, because of some mountains, is a shorter drive from Kumanovo than from Kratovo. The hilltop cave site of volcanic origin may have been inhabited as early as Paleolithic times. Some of the walls are painted, similar to such caves found in Bulgaria and Italy. It may have also been used as an astronomical observatory. It is on Macedonia's tentative World Heritage Sites list.

21km

42.0921.98944444

Stobi

archaeological site in Macedonia, ancient town of Paeonia

48km

41.5516666721.975

Kavadarci

town in North Macedonia

56km

41.4333333322

Strumica Fortress

Strumica's fortress dates from the 11th century. It sits just west of town, overlooking the city from its elevated position. It was used under the Byzantine, Bulgarian, and Serbian empires. It then fell under Ottoman rule and by the 17th century it was completely abandoned. The site, however, was used again during the Balkan Wars and the World Wars. A restoration effort of the fortress began in 2014.

72km

41.432322.6298

Goce Delčev Square

town square in Strumica, Macedonia

72km

41.4391111122.63730556

Cathedral of the Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary, Strumica

72km

41.43522.64

Treskavec Monastery

Built in the 12th century and set atop an outcropping of rock on Zlato Mountain, this monastery dedicated to the Holy Mother of God is renowned as a place with an incredibly beautiful Macedonian sunset. Prior to the construction of a paved road in the 2010s, Treskavec was known for being largely inaccessible but nonetheless still being home to one monk. A fire in 2013 did a lot of damage to the monastery grounds, destroying almost everything but the church. The surviving frescoes inside are from different periods in the 14th, 15th, 16th and 19th century. It is no longer possible to spend the night here as the monks' and visitors' quarters were destroyed in the fire. If you hike in summer start early, if you want to take the hike in winter, early spring or late fall, ask around to make sure the path is passable. The position of the monastery offers views below of Prilep and above of the higher distant surrounding mountains.

90km

41.4040166721.53826111

Markovi Kuli

Truly a Macedonian gem. While the towers themselves are quite interesting, it's the location and rock formations that make this hike well worth it. The trail begins above a residential area, at the "Stone Elephant" rock formation. The trail then steadily gets steeper and steeper. There is not a single tree to be found on the entire hike; bring water and avoid hiking during peak summer heat. With the lack of trees, it is easy to stay on the trail and not get lost. Enjoy the vistas from the trail that only get better as you climb further. The remains that can be seen are from the 10th to the 14th centuries, built under King Marko who was the last ruler in the region prior to Ottoman takeover. They exist at varying heights on the hill and are in varying conditions. Upon exploring the area, you'll likely find that you are alone in your exploration - no staff, no signs, no rules. Just yourself wandering ruins used to defend a medieval kingdom. This is a rare situation and may not always be the case, so be sure to visit Prilep soon. The fortress can also be reached by a more scenic but rough path from Varoš Monastery. You have the option of continuing on the original dirt road (before the fork) for another 5km/3.2miles towards Treskavec Monastery.

92km

41.361621.538475

Mound of the Unbeaten

A World War II memorial built in 1961 to honor the Prilep area's fallen in the Struggle for the Liberation of Macedonia. It consists of memorial urns made of marble, almost resembling life-sized chess pieces. The site also contains a crypt housing the remains of 462 soldiers whose names are inscribed on the marble slabs. It is part of the larger Park of the Revolution which features busts of prominent local heroes. The site is in area of greenery with scenic views of the surrounding mountains. A memorial service occurs here every 11th of October.

92km

41.3343521.55455

Zrze Monastery

This monastery, dedicated to the Holy Transfiguration, is 34 km (20.5 mi) northwest of Prilep on the mountainside of Dautica. There are two main churches in the complex. The older one was built in the middle of the 14th century and the one beside it was built in the 17th century. Excellent frescoes are painted on the main façade of the church under the charming porch. The monastery stands on a plateau with a breathtaking view over the Pelagonia plain and the surrounding mountains. The monks are very friendly and might prepare tea and coffee for you. They will also tell you the history of the monastery and show you around. Look for the water spring behind the monastery for a tasty sip of natural water. The monastery is open to everyone only for day visits.

103km

41.5213888921.34166667

Ilinden (memorial)

monument complex in Kruševo, Macedonia, dedicated to Ilinden–Preobrazhenie Uprising

118km

41.377421.2484

Gazi Hajdar Kadi Mosque

This mosque was built in the 1560s, designed by noted Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan. After falling into disrepair years ago, it was renovated with the help of the Turkish government in 2016. Due to the decrease in size of the old bazaar, it is now at the northern edge of the district. It has a single dome with three additional domes above the portico. It also has a single minaret. Following restoration, the mosque is once again an active religious building and is now fully illuminated at night.

127km

41.0349916721.338475

New Mosque, Bitola

Located in the centre of Bitola and one of the city skyline's most prominent features, the Yeni Mosque was built in 1558. It has a square base with a dome-capped roof and one minaret. "Yeni" in Turkish means "New", suggesting that the mosque was built atop an older mosque or church. Today, the mosque is used as an exhibition space.

127km

41.0308333321.335

Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Bitola

This Catholic church is the co-cathedral of the Diocese of Skopje. It was established in the 19th century but the current church was built in 1909 in the neo-Gothic style. It stands in one of the more historic sections of the pedestrian street Širok Sokak.

127km

41.028621.3358

Clock Tower (Bitola)

The clock tower is the pride of the people of Bitola and a main symbol of the city. It was built in 1664 but got its present appearance in the 19th century. Standing 33 m (108 ft) tall, it is south of the Dragor River, between the old bazaar and Magnolia Square, on Širok Sokak. The square tower is capped with a small dome, on which a cross stands.

127km

41.0308333321.33388889

Bitola Zoo

Opened in 1950, Bitola is home to North Macedonia's second zoo. It houses about 200 animals from about 40 species. Efforts have been made to bring the facilities up to European standards. Covering 2 hectares (5 acres), it is a relatively small zoo.

128km

41.014621.3415

Heraclea Lyncestis

archaeological site in Macedonia, ancient city

128km

41.0108333321.3425

Tetovo

city in North Macedonia

135km

4220.96666667

Ishak Çelebi Mosque

Located just west of the bezisten, Ishak Çelebi Mosque was built in 1508, commissioned by local judge Isak Çelebi Ibni Asa. With its 50 m (164 ft) minaret, it is prominent in the city skyline. It is also Bitola's largest mosque.

140km

41.00105521.200005

Gostivar

city in North Macedonia

142km

41.820.91666667

Kičevo

city in North Macedonia

142km

41.5177777820.96555556
Nature

we will see

Kratovo

North Macedonia
Someday we will visit Kratovo or begin to dream about going there! However, for now its not on our radar. Let us know in the comments if you think that should change!

Kratovo

Kratovo is a town of just under 7,000 residents located in northeastern North Macedonia. It is situated on the western slopes of Mount Osogovo inside the crater of an extinguished volcano. In addition to its scenic location, it is best known for its medieval bridges and towers.

Kratovo is known for its many reminders from the past. One of its symbols are its stone towers. Once there were twelve of them, but now there are only six towers remaining (Saat or Clock Tower, Simić, Krstev, Eminbeg, Zlatković and Hadži Kostov Tower). The towers were built in late Middle Ages, starting from late 14th century and were used not only for protection but also as storage rooms.

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