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

Day 1	Visit Strumica Fortress, Roman Baths, and St. Leontius Basilica
Day 2	Explore the Koleshino Waterfall, hike the Plackovica Trail
Day 3	Take a Radozda Village Tour, try traditional Macedonian food
Day 4	Visit the Strumica Museum, and learn about the city’s history and art
Day 5	Go for cave exploration tour and enjoy the beautiful Vatasha Cave
Day 6	Wine Tasting Tour at Tikves Winery
Day 7	Relax at Lake Mladost, and participate in various water sports activities

Food and Drink Scene of Strumica

Strumica has a rich culinary scene that combines Macedonian, Turkish, and Balkan flavors. Apart from local restaurants, Strumica offers a variety of street food options from vendors and food trucks. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local drinks in Strumica:

Must-Try Dishes

Ajvar - roasted red pepper relish served with bread or grilled meats
Kebapi - Macedonian-style grilled sausages, served with traditional toppings
Tarator - a cold soup made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and walnuts
Pastrmajlija - a thin dough pie with spiced meat.

Local Beverages

Rakija - Macedonian brandy made from various fruits and commonly served as an aperitif
Vranec - a premium Macedonian wine with a full-bodied flavor and dark fruit notes
Turkish Coffee - a traditional beverage that remains an essential part of the Balkan culture.

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

From luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels, Strumica has varied accommodation options for tourists. Some of the most recommended hotels in Strumica are:

Hotel Izgrev Spa and Aquaparkn - a luxurious hotel offering a spa, pools, water park, and numerous amenities.
Hotel sani - a family-friendly hotel with a restaurant, fitness center, and business facilities.
Hotel Serpica - a centrally located hotel, featuring a terrace, restaurant, and modern rooms.

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

Strumica is known for its natural and artisanal products, made by local craftsmen and farmers. Some of the best souvenirs to take home from Strumica are:

Macedonian honey
Handmade pottery
Natural wax candles
Traditional woven textiles
Ajvar and other Macedonian delicacies.

Local Culture and Customs of Strumica

Strumica has a unique cultural heritage that combines Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman influences. The city is renowned for its traditional music, dance, and colorful folklore events. Respect for elders, hospitality, and generosity are significant values in the Macedonian culture. Visitors are advised to show respect for local customs and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Strumica

The best time to visit Strumica is from April to September, when the weather is mild and sunny, and nature is at its peak. The city’s cultural events, such as the Strumica Carnival and the Wine Festival, are also held during these months.

Do’s and Don’ts of Strumica

Do:

Respect local customs and traditions
Try Macedonian cuisine and local wines
Explore the beautiful nature of Strumica
Engage with the locals and learn about their culture and lifestyle

Don’t:

Assume that the city is unsafe
Be disrespectful towards locals or their beliefs
Litter or cause harm to the city’s natural surroundings.

Safety and Health

Safety in Strumica

Strumica is a safe city with low crime rates. Still, visitors are advised to take the usual safety precautions like avoiding unlit areas, taking care of their belongings, and avoiding excessive drinking.

Health in Strumica

The health system in Strumica is well-developed and efficient. Tourists are advised to have comprehensive travel insurance before arrival.

Getting to Strumica: Transportation Options and Logistics

Strumica is well-connected with the rest of the country and the region, with various transportation options available.

Airports Near Strumica

The nearest airport to Strumica is Skopje International Airport, which is approximately 140km away.

Bus Stations Near Strumica

Strumica has a central bus station, offering connections to major cities in North Macedonia and the surrounding countries.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent a car or take a taxi from Skopje to Strumica, with the journey taking around 2-3 hours.

How to Get Around in Strumica

The easiest way to get around in Strumica is by taxi or on foot. Taxis are affordable and easy to find in the city center, while walking is a great way to explore the city’s streets and hidden corners.

Where to Go Next from Strumica: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Strumica is an excellent base to explore the surrounding areas. Here are some of the nearby destinations worth visiting:

Dojran - a scenic lake resort located on the Macedonian-Greek border, famous for its healing mud.
Kuklica - the Stone Dolls geological formation located near Kratovo town
Gevgelija - a Greek-style town located on the Macedonian-Greek border, offering casinos, shopping, and nightlife.

Conclusion

Strumica is a beautiful and unique destination in North Macedonia that offers something for every kind of traveler. With its culture, history, nature, and delicious cuisine, Strumica will charm you at every step. Use this guide to plan your trip and explore all the marvels that Strumica has to offer!

Strumica Image Gallery

The Goce Delčev city square, reconstructed in 2010, hosts multiple events, including the local Strumica Open Festival and Strumica Carnival.

Remains of the north tower at Tsar's Towers

Hotel Srpski Kral

Ruins of the original Church of Saint Fifteen Tiveriopoulos Martyrs

The Church of the Holy Mother of God at Veljusa Monastery

Inside the ruins of the ancient Roman Bansko Baths