Štip Travel Guide (Eastern North Macedonia/North Macedonia/Balkans/Europe)

Introduction to Štip

Štip is a vibrant city nestled in the slopes of the Tikveš valley in eastern North Macedonia. As the fifth largest city in North Macedonia, it boasts of a rich history, heritage, and culture. From ancient archeological sites to scenic hiking trails, from cozy guesthouses to traditional cuisine, Štip is a hidden gem that must not be missed.

List of Places to Visit in Štip

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The Štip Museum - Located in the city center, the museum showcases the history, art, and culture of Štip and the surrounding regions. The exhibits include fascinating archeological finds, traditional costumes, and paintings by local artists.
Isar Fortress - Built during the Ottoman Empire, this fortress overlooks the city and provides stunning views of the valley.
The Aqueduct - This ancient monument was built during the Roman period to supply water to the city.

Natural Attractions of Štip: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Lake Kalimanci - This natural gem is perfect for swimming, fishing, and boating. The lake is surrounded by verdant forests and slopes, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers.
Mountain Plachkovica - This mountain range is a paradise for hikers and bikers. The trail winds through beautiful forests teeming with wildlife and offers breathtaking views of the valley.
Sakarovski Monastery - Nestled in the foothills of Plachkovica, this peaceful monastery offers scenic views and is a great spot for a picnic with friends and family.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Štip

Štip offers numerous trails for hiking and biking. Some of the popular routes include:

Lake Kalimanci Trail - This trail takes you through the verdant forests surrounding Lake Kalimanci, offering stunning views of the lake and the valley.
Plachkovica Mountain Trail - This trail takes you through the dense forests and wildflowers of the mountain range, providing picturesque views of the valley.
Sakarovski Monastery Trail - This trail offers a peaceful walk through the foothills of Plachkovica, leading to the serene Sakarovski Monastery.

Best Things to Do in Štip: Activities and Tours

Take a City Tour - Explore the city’s history, culture, and lifestyle through a guided tour.
Visit Local Wineries - Take a wine tasting tour in the famous Tikveš wine region, located just a short drive from Štip.
Try Traditional Macedonian Cuisine - Savor the delicious flavors of the Balkans with dishes like tavche gravche (bean stew), ajvar (roasted red pepper spread), and kachamak (cornmeal with cheese).

Week-Long Itinerary for Štip

For a perfect week-long itinerary, check out ours:

Day	Activities
Day 1	City Tour: Visit the Štip Museum, Isar Fortress, and the Aqueduct
Day 2	Hiking/Biking: Take on the Plachkovica Mountain Trail
Day 3	Lake Kalimanci: Swim, fish, or go boating in the lake
Day 4	Wine Tour: Explore the Tikveš wine region and visit local wineries
Day 5	Sakarovski Monastery Trail: Take a peaceful walk and have a picnic at the monastery
Day 6	Traditional Macedonian Cuisine: Try delicious local dishes
Day 7	Free Day: Explore the city on your own, try local cafes or just relax

Food and Drink Scene of Štip

Must-Try Dishes

Tavche Gravche - A hearty bean stew with onions, tomatoes, and spices.
Ajvar - A roasted red pepper spread that goes well with bread or meat dishes.
Kebapi - Balkan-style grilled meat rolls, served with onions and bread.

Local Beverages

Rakija - A strong fruit brandy that’s popular throughout the Balkans.
Vranec - A full-bodied red wine from the Tikveš region.
Skopsko Beer - A popular Macedonian beer that comes in light and dark varieties.

Where to Stay in Štip: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Štip offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget. Some of the popular choices include:

Hotel Uni Palas - A modern hotel located in the city center, offering comfortable rooms and great amenities.
Plachkovica Guesthouse - A cozy guesthouse nestled in the foothills of Plachkovica mountain range, providing excellent views and home-cooked meals.
Hostel Florens - A budget-friendly hostel located in the heart of the city, providing basic amenities and clean rooms.

What to Buy in Štip: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Handmade Embroidery - Štip is famous for its traditional embroidery, featuring intricate patterns and designs.
Tikveš Wine - Bring home a bottle (or more) of the famous Vranec or Chardonnay wine from the region.
Ajvar - Stock up on the delicious roasted red pepper spread that you won’t find anywhere else.

Local Culture and Customs of Štip

Štip has a rich culture and heritage that is reflected in the local customs and traditions. Some noteworthy practices include:

Macedonian Weddings - Macedonian weddings are known for their grandeur and traditional customs, such as the sesame seed tossing, the cutting of the wedding cake with a sword, and the drinking of Rakija.
Folk Music and Dance - Folk music and dance are an integral part of Macedonian culture, with many popular festivals featuring lively traditional performances.

Best Time to Visit Štip

The best time to visit Štip is during the spring and autumn seasons, from April to June or September to November. The weather is mild, and the landscape is awash with colorful blooms and foliage.

Do’s and Don’ts of Štip

Do:

Respect Local Customs - Be respectful of local customs and traditions, and learn about them before visiting.
Try Traditional Cuisine - Macedonian cuisine is unique and delicious, so make sure to try local dishes and drinks.
Learn Basic Macedonian Phrases - Learn a few basic Macedonian phrases to communicate with locals and make your travel experience more enjoyable.

Don’t:

Ignore Dress Codes - Dress appropriately when visiting religious sites and other important cultural locations.
Litter - Keep Štip clean and always dispose of your trash responsibly.
Disrespect Privacy - Always ask for permission before taking pictures of locals or their property.

Safety and Health

Safety in Štip

Štip is a safe city for tourists, with a low crime rate. However, it’s always advisable to take basic precautions such as keeping valuables hidden and staying in well-lit areas at night.

Health in Štip

North Macedonia has a decent public healthcare system, but it’s always recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance before embarking on any trip. Medical facilities in Štip are decent, but visitors may need to travel to nearby cities for more serious medical conditions.

Getting to Štip: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Štip

The Skopje International Airport is the nearest airport to Štip, located about 100 km away. From there, visitors can either rent a car or take a bus to Štip.

Bus Stations Near Štip

Štip has a central bus station located in the city center, with connections to major cities in North Macedonia and the Balkans. There are also buses that run between Skopje and Štip regularly.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Štip by car or taxi, either through rental or private hire. However, it’s always recommended to hire reputable companies and drivers with proper licenses.

How to Get Around in Štip

Štip is a relatively small city, and most of the attractions are within walking distance of the city center. Taxis and buses are also available, but it’s always advisable to agree on the fare beforehand.

Where to Go Next from Štip: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Štip is an excellent base to explore the surrounding regions and nearby cities. Some popular options include:

Skopje - The capital city of North Macedonia, famous for its bustling bazaars, historic landmarks, and vibrant nightlife.
Krushevo - A small town located in the hills of western North Macedonia, known for its ski resorts, beautiful architecture, and scenic views.
Ohrid - A picturesque lakeside town in western North Macedonia, famous for its UNESCO-listed old town, stunning churches, and serene lake views.

Conclusion

Štip is a hidden gem in North Macedonia, offering visitors an interesting mix of ancient history, scenic nature, and vibrant culture. With delicious food, cozy guesthouses, and friendly locals, Štip provides an unforgettable travel experience for visitors from all over the world.