Strumica monasteries and waterfalls tour from Skopje

Skopje , North Macedonia

Strumica monasteries and waterfalls tour from Skopje

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(2 reviews)

10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The eastern part of Macedonia abounds with exceptional natural beauties, and beautiful old churches and monasteries. We will visit two monasteries, not far from Strumica, the monastery St. Leontius in Vodocha, and the Monastery in Veljusa, dedicated to the Holy Mother of God Eleusa. One of the masterpieces of nature, that we will explore, is the Kolesino waterfall. You will fall in love with this beautiful little place, nature carved in the hills of the Belasica mountain, not that far from the Kolesino village.

Available options

Strumica monasteries and waterfalls tour from Skopje

Pickup included

What's included

Experienced English-speaking tour guide/driver

Pick-up and drop off at your hotel or any other preferred location in Skopje

All transfers with comfortable A/C car or minivan

Detailed itinerary

The monastery is located In the nearby village of Vodocha (4 km). The church is a complex, built on the foundations of an early Christian Basilica, originating from the 5th and 6th century. The fresco painting inside the church is from the 10th to 12th centuries. In the churchyard, you can see the excavation site with remains of early Christian buildings and a necropolis, where around 1000 graves where found, filled with jewellery and ceramics. Today, the monastery is open to visitors and divided into two parts: the quarters for the monks and the residential quarters for the visitors.

The Veljusa Monastery is built on a hill in the village of Veljusa. It is one of the most valuable symbols of orthodoxy in the Republic of Macedonia. The exceptional church is dedicated to the Holy Mother of God Eleusa, meaning “showing mercy”. It abounds with remarkable frescos originating from two periods, from the foundation of the church in 1080 and from the 12th century. Once, it used to be a home of monks, but since 1996 and with the renewal of the monastic life it became a female monastery. Today, there is a sisterhood of around ten nuns whose day starts and ends with prayer. Their communication is minimal, but with the host sister responsible for the visitors you are going to feel more than welcomed in this holy quiet place situated in an incredibly scenic area. The sisterhood is in charge of making a lot of handicraft items in their workshop, so it is possible to purchase some of the items, put for sale.

You will be able to explore the town’s center, the park, or visit some of the local branded stores. We can have our lunch break here, before departing to the slope of Belasica for the waterfall visit.

After the break, we will continue our way for the foothills of Belasica, to the Kolesino waterfall. We have about 10 minutes walk to the falls, in beautiful natural surroundings. The waterfall is 610 meters above sea level, and the water falls from about 19 meters. For the ones who want to explore a little more, there is a small trail over the cliffs for a view from the top of the waterfall.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Personal expenses

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The tour does not operate in extremely bad weather conditions. You will be offered a change of dates in case that happens

Important notes

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

About Skopje

Skopje, the vibrant capital of North Macedonia, is a city where ancient history and modern architecture collide. Known for its Ottoman-era bazaars, Roman ruins, and an abundance of statues, Skopje offers a unique blend of cultures and eras. The city's dynamic atmosphere and rich heritage make it an intriguing destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Skopje Fortress (Kale)

The Skopje Fortress, also known as Kale, is an ancient fortress located in the heart of the city. It offers panoramic views of Skopje and a glimpse into the city's rich history.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Macedonian Square (Makedonija Square)

Macedonian Square is the main square in Skopje, surrounded by notable landmarks such as the statue of Alexander the Great and the Portico. It's a bustling hub of activity and a great place to people-watch.

Historical 30 minutes to a few hours Free

Old Bazaar (Čaršija)

The Old Bazaar is a historic market area that dates back to the Ottoman period. It's a maze of narrow streets filled with shops, cafes, and mosques, offering a glimpse into Skopje's rich cultural heritage.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore, prices vary for shopping

Matka Canyon

Matka Canyon is a stunning natural area located just outside of Skopje. It offers beautiful landscapes, hiking trails, and a variety of water activities.

Nature Half day to full day Free to explore, prices vary for tours and activities

Stone Bridge

The Stone Bridge is an iconic landmark in Skopje, connecting the Old Bazaar with the modern city center. It's a beautiful example of Ottoman architecture and offers great views of the Vardar River.

Historical 15-30 minutes Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Tavče Gravče

A traditional Macedonian dish made with baked beans, onions, and various spices, cooked in a clay pot.

Dinner Vegetarian

Ajvar

A popular relish made from roasted red peppers, eggplants, and various spices.

Side Dish Vegetarian, Vegan

Shopska Salata

A refreshing salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and grated cheese.

Starter Vegetarian

Kebapi

Grilled minced meat sausages, typically served with ajvar, kaymak, and fresh bread.

Dinner Contains meat

Popular Activities

Hiking in Matka Canyon Caving in Vodno Mountain Boat tours on Matka Lake Spa and wellness treatments Exploring the Old Bazaar Visiting museums and galleries Boating on Matka Lake Swimming in local pools and spas

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This period offers warm weather and plenty of sunshine, perfect for exploring the city's outdoor attractions and festivals.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Macedonian
Widely spoken: Albanian, English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Macedonian Denar (MKD)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Skopje is generally safe for travelers, with low levels of violent crime. However, petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps.
• Avoid exchanging money on the street.

Getting there

By air

Skopje International Airport • 17 km from city center

By train

Skopje Railway Station

By bus

Skopje Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is the primary mode of public transport in Skopje, with an extensive network covering the city and its suburbs.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Taxi 24, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Bazaar (Čaršija) City Center Debar Maalo

Day trips

Matka Canyon

15 km from Skopje • Half day to full day

Matka Canyon offers stunning natural landscapes, hiking trails, and water activities, making it a perfect day trip from Skopje.

Vodno Mountain

5 km from Skopje • Half day

Vodno Mountain offers beautiful views of Skopje and the surrounding area, as well as hiking trails and a historic church.

Potočari Memorial Cemetery

200 km from Skopje • Full day

A solemn and moving memorial dedicated to the victims of the Srebrenica massacre, offering a poignant historical experience.

Festivals

Skopje Summer Festival • July Skopje Jazz Festival • October

Pro tips

Visit the Old Bazaar early in the morning to avoid the crowds and heat.
Try the local coffee and pastries at one of the many cafes in Debar Maalo.
Take a boat tour on Matka Lake for a unique and scenic experience.
Explore the underground caves of Matka Canyon for a thrilling adventure.
Visit the Millennium Cross on Vodno Mountain for a breathtaking view of the city.