The weekend is coming and you have visited all the places in Skopje and the wider surroundings that were suggested to you for vacation or sightseeing. However, Macedonia has many natural beauties and attractions that deserve your attention. Some of them are located in the wider area of Skopje.
Wanting to broaden your horizons for your idea of a weekend away from the urban jungle, in this blog post we will show you places that can be reached within about an hour's drive from the streets of Skopje.
Lake Kozjak viewpoint
Your Instagram followers will love your story from the Lake Kozjak and Dam viewpoint, that’s for sure!
Lake Kozjak is the largest artificial lake in Macedonia located between Suva Gora Mountain and Jasen reserve. It is 32 kilometers long, and the depth reaches up to 130 meters. Kozjak is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, including forests, cliffs, and mountains.
The viewpoint can be reached from Skopje in about 1 hour.
Kuckovo village
The village of Kuchkovo, which is located in the northern part of the Skopje Valley, that is, in the suburban area of the Municipality of Gjorce Petrov, is a weekend choice for many Skopjans.
In the village there are a large number of churches, but also a monastery, as well as archeological sites and natural rarities.
You can hike and cycle in the surrounding countryside, or simply relax and enjoy the view.
It can be reached by car in about 30-40 minutes.
Kokino archaeological site 75 kilometers from Skopje, on about 6 kilometers from the Serbian border, the Bronze Age archaeological site Kokino is located.
Offering breathtaking views the site is situated between 1010 and 1030 meters above sea level. The site is declared a "property under temporary protection".
Veles
South of the capital of Macedonia, the city of Kocho Racin, the famous Macedonian author and socialist activist who is considered a founder of modern Macedonian literature - Veles is located.
Around one hour by car, the first stop you could make is at the artificial Lake Mladost. There, you can find a few restaurants and hotels, and you can spend some time enjoying the view. Keep in mind, it could get busy during weekends and holidays.
Afterward, you can continue to the city, and visit the Ossuary Monument Kosturnica, which is the eternal resting place of a hundred fighters from Veles who died in the National Liberation War.
Your next destination could be the Racin Memorial House.
If you have time left, take a walk around the city, visit the beautiful park and have lunch in one of the restaurants in the city center.
Kamnik winery
Much closer to Skopje is the famous Kamnik winery.
Within the complex, there are several additional facilities. And so, Kamnik offers wine-tasting tours, which include a visit to the vineyards, the cellar, and a wine-tasting program. Then, lunch or dinner at the Hunter's Lodge Kamnik restaurant.
To visit the place, you need to call them and make a reservation before your visit. Working hours are 8 AM to 4 PM every day.
Do you need to rent a car for a weekend getaway?
So what would be the ideal destination for you?
Lake Kozjak
Kuckovo Village
Kokino archaeological site
Veles