Novo Selo Travel Guide

Explore the fascinating and culturally rich region of Eastern North Macedonia with our comprehensive travel guide to Novo Selo. Discover top attractions, must-try dishes, where to stay, and how to get around with our helpful tips.


Introduction to Novo Selo

Novo Selo is a small town located in the eastern region of North Macedonia, in the heart of the Balkans, and is renowned for being a culturally rich area offering a mix of traditional and modern elements. Here, visitors can see the unique blend of various cultures from the Ottoman Empire, the Byzantine and Roman Empires, and even the ancient Macedonian civilization. Novo Selo is an ideal destination for travelers who want to explore the rich history of North Macedonia and experience its natural beauty.

This travel guide is designed to help you discover the best places to visit in Novo Selo, as well as having an insight into local life, food, and culture.

List of Places to Visit in Novo Selo

Take a look at the top places to visit in Novo Selo, and enjoy exploring the area at your leisure.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Novo Selo is home to many museums and historical landmarks that showcase the rich and fascinating history of the area.

The Monastery of St.Jovan Bigorski

This stunning monastery features intricate artwork, architecture, and beautiful frescoes and is one of the most important landmarks in North Macedonia.

The Museum of Macedonian Struggle

Located at the town center’s heart, The Museum of Macedonian Struggle displays artifacts and relics covering the Macedonian struggle for national independence from Ottoman Empire and Bulgarian domination and provides an insight into the history of North Macedonia.

The Skopje Aqueduct

A stunning piece of ancient history, Skopje Aqueduct has a history that predates ancient Rome and a sight not to be missed.

Natural Attractions of Novo Selo: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

For nature lovers, Novo Selo has plenty of options to explore its natural beauty.

River Treska canyon

This canyon offers some of the most stunning views in North Macedonia with its crystal-clear water, deep ravines, and spectacular waterfalls.

Lake Matka

Just outside of Skopje, Lake Matka is a natural gem in North Macedonia. Here you can hike, kayak and canoe.

The Canyon Matka

A stunning sight to behold, this canyon has some of the most unique landscapes in the region and is a popular destination for rock climbers and hikers.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Novo Selo

Novo Selo is an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts. With its countless miles of trails, bike paths, and nature reserves, Novo Selo is a hiker’s paradise.

Treska Trail

This trail offers hikers a chance to enjoy the beautiful Treska River canyon and unique rock formations.

Krivi Breg Trail

For a real challenge, try out the Krivi Breg Trail, a challenging but rewarding hike up to the top of the mountain which offers amazing panoramic views of Novo Selo and beyond.

Best Things to Do in Novo Selo: Activities and Tours

Novo Selo offers a wide range of activities and tours for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the best things to do when you’re in town.

Experience the local nightlife

Novo Selo has a bustling nightlife scene where visitors can enjoy live music and traditional Macedonian cuisine.

Take a Cooking Class

Experience Macedonian cuisine, and learn a few recipes at a cooking class. You’ll learn how to cook traditional Macedonian dishes, and hopefully, replicate them when you get back home.

Visit the Local Markets

A visit to a local market is always a fun and authentic experience where you can haggle with vendors, try new types of food, and immerse yourself in local culture.

Week-Long Itinerary for Novo Selo

We’ve put together a week-long itinerary for travelers visiting Novo Selo.

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore the Ancient Town
Day 2 Visit the Monastery of St. Jovan
Day 3 Enjoy the Canyon
Day 4 Try a Cooking Class
Day 5 Take a Hiking Trail
Day 6 Visit the Local Markets
Day 7 Relax by the Lake Matka

Food and Drink Scene of Novo Selo

Macedonian cuisine is renowned worldwide for its fresh ingredients and delicious flavors.

Must-Try Dishes

Tavce Gravce

A traditional Macedonian dish made with fresh beans, onions, paprika, and tomatoes.

Stuffed Peppers

Deliciously stuffed peppers filled with rice, minced meat, and herbs.

Local Beverages

Rakija

A Macedonian brandy made from fermented fruits, it is the most popular drink in the country.

Macedonian Wine

Macedonian wine is delicious and produced from locally grown grapes in the region.

Where to Stay in Novo Selo: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Novo Selo has a wide range of options when it comes to accommodations.

Village Hotel Kacedan

A charming guesthouse located in Kacedan village offers stunning views of a mountain range and traditional Macedonian hospitality

Motel Melnicani

A cozy and comfortable option, located nearby the town center, offers budget-friendly rates.

What to Buy in Novo Selo: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Bring home a piece of Macedonia back with you in the form of traditional souvenirs and locally-made products.

Filigree Jewelry

This traditional Macedonian jewelry is handmade and features intricate designs and stunning gemstones.

Macedonian Wine

The Macedonian wine is renowned across Europe for its high quality and offer a range of grape variety and price ranges.

Local Culture and Customs of Novo Selo

North Macedonia is home to a rich and diverse culture, and visitors will find that locals are warm, welcoming, and always happy to help.

Best Time to Visit Novo Selo

The best time to visit Novo Selo is during the spring and summer months (April - September), when the temperatures are mild and pleasant weather with sunny and long days.

Do’s and Don’ts of Novo Selo

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine
  • Be polite and courteous
  • Learn some basic Macedonian phrases

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothing in religious sites
  • Drink tap water in some areas

Safety and Health

Safety in Novo Selo

Novo Selo is a safe destination for travelers. Visitors should take usual precautions, such as avoiding leaving valuables in cars or unsecured locations.

Health in Novo Selo

Visitors to North Macedonia should ensure they have adequate insurance coverage and have received all recommended vaccinations.

Getting to Novo Selo: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Novo Selo

Skopje Airport is a major airport in North Macedonia and offers regular flights to major European cities.

Bus Stations Near Novo Selo

There are two bus stations in Novo Selo: one located in the center of town, which offers scheduled services to nearby cities like Skopje and Bitola, and another on the eastern side of the city for more remote destinationslike Prilep

Train Stations Near Novo Selo

There are no train stations in Novo Selo, but visitors can take a train to Skopje and catch a bus or taxi to the town from there.

How to Get Around in Novo Selo

The public transportation in Novo Selo and surrounding areas are limited, the best way to get around is by renting a car, or hiring a taxi.

Where to Go Next from Novo Selo: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Skopje

The capital of North Macedonia, Skopje, is a fascinating city that offers a mix of traditional and modern elements. It is just a 45-minute drive from Novo Selo.

Ohrid

More than just a pretty lakeside city, Ohrid is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most beautiful towns in the Balkans.

Conclusion

Novo Selo is an excellent destination for travelers who want to explore the rich history of North Macedonia, experience its natural beauty, and immerse themselves in local culture. This travel guide provides helpful tips and extensive coverage of all the main attractions and activities to do in the town. Enjoy exploring the beauty of Novo Selo!

Climbing up to the Kolešino Falls Climbing up to the Kolešino Falls