Kriva Palanka Travel Guide

Discover Kriva Palanka, a hidden gem in Eastern North Macedonia. Our comprehensive travel guide offers information on places to visit, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.


Kriva Palanka Travel Guide: Explore Eastern North Macedonia

Located in Eastern North Macedonia, Kriva Palanka is a hidden gem that offers a blend of stunning natural landscapes, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities. In this travel guide, we’ll introduce you to some of the best places to visit, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more to help you make the most of your trip to Kriva Palanka.

List of Places to Visit in Kriva Palanka

Kriva Palanka is a small town, but it has plenty of attractions to offer to visitors. Here are some of the must-visit places in Kriva Palanka:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Museum of the Revolution: This museum tells the story of the Anti-fascist struggle of the people of Kriva Palanka and their contribution to the Socialist Revolution of Yugoslavia. Here exhibits of photos, weapons, and personal objects of the revolutionaries are displayed.

  • St. Nicholas Monastery: This monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in North Macedonia, and it dates back to the 11th century. It houses a museum with valuable icons, frescoes, and other religious artifacts.

  • Eski Mosque: Eski Mosque was built in the 15th century during the Ottoman period. It’s a popular attraction with a stunning design and is well worth a visit.

Natural Attractions of Kriva Palanka: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mariovo: Mariovo is a region located south of Kriva Palanka. It’s known for its untouched nature, stunning landscapes, and traditional architecture. Here you can take a walk, bike rides, or hire a horse.

  • Rasnik: Rasnik is a beautiful village located in Kriva Palanka. It’s known for its delicious food, local wine, and stunning landscape of mountains and fields.

  • Kratovo: Kratovo is a charming town located near Kriva Palanka, known for its well-preserved traditional architecture and spectacular landscape.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kriva Palanka

Kriva Palanka offers several hiking and biking routes that take you through stunning natural landscapes and to ancient heritage sites. Some of the best routes to try include:

  • Markovi Kuli: The Markovi Kuli hiking route takes you to the ruins of an ancient Macedonian fortification dating back to the 4th century BC. The route is about 3.5 km, and it takes approximately two hours to complete.

  • Pelister: Pelister is a challenging hiking route located in the Pelister National Park. The trail takes you to the summit of Mount Pelister, which is the third highest mountain in North Macedonia, standing at 2,601 meters above sea level.

  • Kriva Palanka to Kratovo: This biking route takes you through the beautiful landscapes of Kriva Palanka to Kratovo. The route is about 28 km, and it takes approximately four hours to complete.

Best Things to Do in Kriva Palanka: Activities and Tours

Kriva Palanka is a small town, but there are plenty of things to do to keep you busy and entertained. Here are some of the best things to do in Kriva Palanka:

  • Take a hot air balloon ride: The stunning mountains and plains surrounding Kriva Palanka make it an ideal location for hot air balloon rides. You can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the town and its surroundings.

  • Go skiing: Kriva Palanka is home to the Golema Reka Ski Center, which offers some of the best skiing opportunities in North Macedonia.

  • Take a wine tour: Kriva Palanka is home to rich vineyards and local wineries that offer wine tours and tastings. This is a perfect way to experience the local food and drink scene.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kriva Palanka

If you plan to stay in Kriva Palanka for a week, here’s a suggested itinerary to help you explore this beautiful town and its surroundings:

Day Activities
Day 1 Visit the Museum of the Revolution and Eski Mosque
Day 2 Take a hiking trip to Markovi Kuli
Day 3 Visit St. Nicholas Monastery and take a tour of Rasnik village
Day 4 Take a hot air balloon ride
Day 5 Go skiing at Golema Reka Ski Center
Day 6 Visit Kratovo and explore its old town
Day 7 Take a wine tour and enjoy some local wine

Food and Drink Scene of Kriva Palanka

North Macedonia has a vibrant food and drink culture, and Kriva Palanka is no exception. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages in Kriva Palanka.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Tavče Gravče: Tavče Gravče is one of the most popular dishes in North Macedonia. It’s a traditional bean stew baked in earthenware pots and served with bread.

  • Ćevapi: Ćevapi is a delicious dish made of grilled minced beef or pork, served with onions, Ajvar (a roasted red pepper sauce), and bread.

  • Pindjur: Pindjur is a spread made with tomatoes, roasted eggplants, peppers, onions, garlic, and spices. It’s an ideal side dish to any meal.

Local Beverages

  • Rakija: Rakija is a traditional fruit brandy made from plums, apricots, or grapes. It’s a popular local beverage, and it’s often served as an aperitif.

  • Vranec: Vranec is a red wine grape variety native to North Macedonia. The wine made from Vranec grapes is deep, rich, and full-bodied.

Where to Stay in Kriva Palanka: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Kriva Palanka offers a range of accommodation options to suit any budget. Here are some of the best hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in Kriva Palanka:

  • Hotel Manastir Amber: This hotel is located near St. Nicholas Monastery and offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities.

  • Guest House Lavce: Guest House Lavce is a traditional-style guesthouse located in the center of Kriva Palanka. It offers comfortable rooms and a restaurant that serves traditional Macedonian cuisine.

  • Hostel Ljubimetz: Hostel Ljubimetz is located in the outskirts of Kriva Palanka, and it’s a great option for budget travelers. The hostel offers dormitory rooms and private rooms.

What to Buy in Kriva Palanka: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Kriva Palanka offers a range of souvenirs and local products that you can bring home to remember your trip. Some of the popular items include:

  • Macedonian embroidery: Macedonian embroidery is a traditional craft that’s been passed down through generations. You can find beautiful embroidered clothes, tablecloths, and other textiles in Kriva Palanka.

  • Local wine: North Macedonia is known for its excellent wine, and Kriva Palanka has several local wineries that produce high-quality wines. You can buy Macedonian wine as a gift or to take home.

Local Culture and Customs of Kriva Palanka

North Macedonia has a unique culture and customs that visitors can experience firsthand in Kriva Palanka. The locals are friendly and hospitable, and they take pride in their heritage. When in Kriva Palanka, it’s essential to respect the local culture and customs, such as dressing modestly when visiting religious sites and being polite and courteous to locals.

Best Time to Visit Kriva Palanka

The best time to visit Kriva Palanka is during the spring (April-June) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is mild, and the landscapes are stunning. The ski season at Golema Reka Ski Center runs from December to March, making this another ideal time to visit.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kriva Palanka

Do:

  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, such as St. Nicholas Monastery.
  • Try local wine and food.
  • Respect the local culture and customs.

Don’t:

  • Take photos in religious sites unless allowed.
  • Disrespect locals.

Safety and Health

Safety in Kriva Palanka

Kriva Palanka is a safe town, but it’s still important to take precautions when traveling. Always keep valuables out of sight and be aware of your surroundings. If you’re planning to hike or bike, make sure you’re adequately prepared and consider hiring a guide.

Health in Kriva Palanka

North Macedonia has a good healthcare system, and there are pharmacies and clinics in Kriva Palanka. However, it’s essential to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Make sure you bring any prescription medication you need with you.

Getting to Kriva Palanka: Transportation Options and Logistics

Kriva Palanka is well-connected to other towns and cities in North Macedonia, making it easy to get there.

Airports Near Kriva Palanka

The nearest airport to Kriva Palanka is Skopje Alexander the Great International Airport, which is around 100 km away.

Bus Stations Near Kriva Palanka

Kriva Palanka has a bus station that serves several destinations in North Macedonia, including Skopje, Bitola, and Prilep.

Other Options

You can also hire a car or take a taxi to Kriva Palanka from Skopje or other nearby towns.

How to Get Around in Kriva Palanka

The town is small and easy to get around on foot. If you’re planning to explore further afield, consider hiring a car or bike.

Where to Go Next from Kriva Palanka: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are several nearby destinations and excursions that you can take from Kriva Palanka, such as:

  • Skopje: Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, is located around 110 km from Kriva Palanka. It’s a vibrant city with a mix of modern and traditional architecture.

  • Prilep: Prilep is a historic town located around 60 km from Kriva Palanka. It’s known for its cultural heritage and traditional stone cottages.

  • Ohrid: Ohrid is a picturesque town located on the banks of Lake Ohrid, around 240 km from Kriva Palanka. It’s a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty and ancient heritage.

Conclusion

Kriva Palanka is a hidden gem of Eastern North Macedonia that offers a blend of natural landscapes, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities. We hope this comprehensive guide helps you plan your trip to Kriva Palanka and make the most of your experience.

Kriva Palanka and the Kriva River Kriva Palanka and the Kriva River Osogovo Monastery is situated in the mountains outside the town Osogovo Monastery is situated in the mountains outside the town Fresco depicting the Paskačić noble family at Psača Monastery Fresco depicting the Paskačić noble family at Psača Monastery