Waterfalls in Macedonia

Macedonia is a land of natural beauty and diversity, where you can find stunning mountains, lakes, rivers, and forests. Among these wonders, there are also some amazing waterfalls that will take your breath away with their power and grace.

In this article, we will introduce you to four of the most spectacular waterfalls in Macedonia, where they are located, how to get there, and what to do nearby.

Whether you are looking for a relaxing picnic spot, a thrilling hike, or a photo opportunity, these waterfalls will not disappoint you!

Korab Falls

Korab Falls is the highest waterfall in Macedonia and one of the highest in the Balkans. It is located on Mount Korab, the highest peak in the country, near the border with Albania. The waterfall is formed by the melting snow on the east side of Mal Korab peak, and it varies in height and intensity depending on the season.

It can reach up to 138 meters (453 feet) in spring, when the water level is highest, and it may dry out in late summer or autumn.

The waterfall is surrounded by a rugged and scenic landscape, with rocky cliffs, green meadows, and pine forests.

How to reach Korab Falls?

You need to have a 4×4 vehicle or a mountain bike, as the road is unpaved and steep. You can access the waterfall from two directions: from the village of Nistrovo on the left bank of the Dlaboka River, or from the village of Bibaj on the right bank. Both routes are poorly marked and require some hiking and river crossing.

Near Korab Falls, you can also visit the Korab-Koritnik Nature Park, which is a protected area that hosts a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. You can also enjoy some outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, kayaking, or climbing.

Duf Waterfall

Duf Waterfall is a beautiful and serene waterfall that is located in the Mavrovo National Park, near the village of Rostushe. The waterfall is fed by the Radika River, which flows through a deep canyon carved by erosion. The waterfall gently falls over a stone cliff that is nestled in a dense forest of beech trees.

The waterfall has a height of 23.5 meters (77 feet) and a width of about 6 meters (20 feet). It is full of water throughout the year, but it is especially impressive in winter, when it freezes into icicles.

How to  reach Duf Waterfall?

You need to drive to the village of Rostushe and park near the starting point of the trail. The trail is about 1.2 kilometers (0.7 miles) long and takes about 30 minutes to walk. It is well-maintained and marked with wooden signs and bridges.

Near Duf Waterfall, you can also visit the Monastery of St. Jovan Bigorski, which is one of the most important religious and cultural monuments in Macedonia. The monastery dates back to the 10th century and features a stunning iconostasis carved from walnut wood.

You can also explore some other attractions in the Mavrovo National Park, such as Lake Mavrovo, Mount Bistra, or Galicnik Village.

 

Koleshino Waterfall

Koleshino Waterfall is a charming and romantic waterfall that is located above the village of Koleshino in the southeastern region of Macedonia. The waterfall is created by the Baba River, which flows from Mount Belasica.

The waterfall has a height of 15 meters (49 feet) and a width of about 6 meters (20 feet). It cascades over a smooth black rock face that contrasts with the green vegetation around it.

The waterfall is also home to some rare plants such as royal ferns (osmunda regalis), which grow up to 2 meters (6 feet) high.

How to reach Koleshino Waterfall?

You need to drive to the village of Koleshino and follow the signs to the parking lot near the trailhead. The trail is about 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) long and takes about 20 minutes to walk. It is easy and pleasant, passing through fields and orchards. At some points, you can catch glimpses of the waterfall through the trees. At the end of the trail, you will find a wooden bridge that crosses over the river and leads you to a viewing platform.

Near Koleshino Waterfall, you can also visit some other attractions such as Smolare Waterfall, which is another stunning waterfall on Mount Belasica.

Smolare Waterfall

Smolare Waterfall is the tallest waterfall in Macedonia, falling from a height of 39.5 meters (129.5 feet). It is located above the village of Smolare in the Municipality of Novo Selo, on the northern slopes of Mount Belasica. The waterfall is formed by the Smolare River (also known as Lomnica River), which is a tributary of the Strumica River.

The waterfall is a geological and hydrological phenomenon, as it lies on a sharp structure that crosses the direction of the river flow. The waterfall has a powerful and majestic appearance, as it plunges into a giant pool at the bottom.

How  to get to Smolare Waterfall?

To reach Smolare Waterfall, you need to drive to the village of Smolare and follow the signs to the parking lot near the trailhead. The trail is about 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) long and takes about 40 minutes to walk. It is moderately difficult, as it involves climbing over 300 wooden steps that are built along the hillside. The trail passes through a lush forest of beech trees that offer shade and freshness.

At the end of the trail, you will find a wooden bridge that offers a spectacular view of the waterfall and its surroundings.

Near Smolare Waterfall, you can also visit some other attractions such as Koleshino Waterfall, which is another beautiful waterfall on Mount Belasica.

You can also visit the town of Strumica, which is famous for its thermal springs, festivals, and nightlife.

Stanechki waterfall

It is located on Kozja Reka near the village of Stanci, 8 km from Kriva Palanka. There is an asphalt road that is 5 kilometers long to the village of Stanci, and then you continue along a path that leads along the Kozja River and after 3 kilometers or 30 minutes of walking through beautiful nature, you reach the great Stanechki waterfall, which is at an altitude of 1160 meters and there is water throughout the year.

The waterfall is 11 meters high, which is the largest waterfall in the Osogovo Mountains. The waterfall flows into a large natural pool created by the constant current. The terrain to the waterfall is relatively accessible and surrounded by a dense beech forest.

Waterfalls of Kamenjane

If you are looking for a natural adventure in Macedonia, you should visit the eight waterfalls of Kamenjane, a village that lies on the slopes of the majestic Shar Mountain. The waterfalls are a hidden treasure that will enchant you with their beauty and diversity.

How to get there?

To get to the waterfalls, you need to drive to Kamenjane, which is about 7 kilometers from Tetovo, on the right side of the highway Gostivar-Tetovo. From there, you need to follow the asphalt road along the river bed until you reach the village of Jelovjane, where you will find signs and information boards that will guide you through the beech forest.

The trail to the waterfalls is about 2 kilometers long and takes about an hour to complete. It is easy and accessible, with stairs and bridges that make it comfortable and safe.

Along the trail, you will encounter eight different waterfalls, each with its own charm and character.

The waterfalls are a perfect place to relax and enjoy nature. You can swim in the pools, picnic on the banks, take photos or videos of the scenery, or just admire the beauty and tranquility of the place. You can also explore some other attractions nearby, such as Shar Mountain, which offers stunning views and hiking opportunities.

What is the best time to visit Macedonian waterfalls?

The best time to visit Macedonian waterfalls depends on what you are looking for. If you want to see the waterfalls at their highest and most powerful, you should visit them in spring, when the snow melts and the rivers swell. However, spring can also be rainy and cold, so you might not enjoy the outdoor activities as much.

In general, the best time to visit Macedonian waterfalls is from May to October, when the weather is pleasant and the nature is green and lush.

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Macedonia is a country that offers many natural attractions for visitors who love nature and adventure. Among these attractions, there are some amazing waterfalls that will amaze you with their beauty and diversity.

Macedonia offers a wealth of natural attractions for nature lovers and adventurers. Its waterfalls, from the towering Korab Falls to the serene Duf Waterfall, provide breathtaking beauty and diverse experiences.

Plan your visit to these spectacular sites, and discover the wonders of Macedonia’s natural landscapes.

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