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A Guide to a Kratovo and Lesnovo Day Trip with Monastery in Skopje
Skopje is an exciting city, full of fascinating historical sites and beautiful natural wonders. That’s why it’s no surprise that one of the most popular day trips to take while visiting Skopje is a visit to Kratovo and Lesnovo with the monastery in Skopje. With a full day of activities ahead, it’s easy to become overwhelmed at all the things you can do. So, to help break it down, here’s your guide to the perfect Kratovo and Lesnovo day trip with monastery in Skopje.
What You Should Know Before You Go:
Before planning your day, it’s important to do some research on the region as well as make sure you have the right supplies. Here’s what you should know before venturing out.
Essential Information
- You will need to carpool or use public transportation when going to your destinations.
- If you plan to stay the night, book your lodging in advance.
- Apart from Skopje, the road to Kratovo and Lesnovo can become quite winding and hilly.
Supplies Needed
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Backpack or fanny pack
- Water bottle
- Snacks
- Camera
Day Trip Itinerary: Kratovo and Lesnovo with Monastery in Skopje
Morning: Start in Skopje
Start your journey in central Skopje, and make your way towards the old bridge. This bridge serves as a symbol of unification between the two sides of the city, as it connects both Skopje’s modern city and its old town. Once you’ve crossed this bridge and absorbed the stunning views, make your way to the Kale Fortress, which sits high above the city and can be seen from nearly anywhere in town. Although small in size, it is believed that this fort held considerable strategic importance from settlements during the Iron Age and Roman Empire. Afterwards, grab a coffee or snack from a local cafe before making your way towards Lesnovo.
Afternoon: Kratovo & Lesnovo
Your next stop should be Kratovo, a small town located roughly 30 km east of Skopje. Surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful forests, Kratovo’s natural beauty is rivaled only by its cobblestoned streets that have been preserved independent of any damage. Making it even more special is the fact that its homes date back to the 14th century, making it one of the oldest towns in Macedonia. Walk through the Mane Streets (also known as the Stari del) to take in all of its history before heading towards Lesnovo Monastery. Here, visitors can take in its architectural beauty as well as appreciate the stunning views it overlooks from the cliffs. After exploring Lesnovo Monastery make your way back to Skopje for dinner.
Evening: Dinner in Skopje
The best way to wrap up your Kratovo and Lesnovo Day Trip with Monastery in Skopje is with dinner inside central Skopje in Old Town Square (Staro Sajmiste) or near Stone Bridge Square (Kamen Most). Here, you can find plenty of restaurants that offer delicious Macedonian dishes such as burek (pastries filled with cheese), Tavče gravče (rice stew) or sarma (stuffed cabbage leaves). Enjoy a delicious dinner while people watching or search for souvenirs along the many street vendors. After dinner, wander around until you find one of the many Turkish-style coffeehouses to round out your day while enjoying a cup of Turkish coffee and people watching into the night.
Tips for Planning Your Day Trip
When planning your day trip to Lesnovo Monastery and Kratovo, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you make the most of your day and make sure it’s a smooth and successful journey:
- Book carpools or public transportation online: When going from Skopje to Kratovo, carpool services like Blablacar or public transportation are great options that can help you save time and money during your trip.
- Visit off-season: Lesnovo Monastery is one of Macedonia’s most popular tourist destinations, which is why visiting during offseason months like October or November can help ensure you beat the crowds.
- Bring snacks: Since it’s a long day-trip, it’s usually hard to find restaurants on the way. That’s why it’s important to pack snacks or even meals in advance so that you never go hungry.
- Book an organized tour through Get Your Guide : save yourself all the hassle of planning your transportation and activities by booking an organized tour through Get Your Guide. They offer several tours that include visits to both Kratovo and Lesnovo Monastery.
Whether you decide to join an organized tour or go at your own pace, Kratovo and Lesnovo Day Trip with Monastery in Skopje will be an amazing experience that won’t soon be forgotten. With a full day of activities ahead, be sure to keep these tips and suggestions handy as you plan out your perfect day trip!
