ON FOOT ACROSS BEROVO

High on the slopes of the Maleshevo region lies a small town, a small world and a pristine part of nature which lures and invites you to explore it, be absorbed by and experience it. Berovo – the pearl of Eastern Macedonia is a destination for every nature and hiking lover.

Walking through these areas is a special experience, mostly due to the clean air and the vegetation. There are no traffic jams; there is only peace and tranquility. Switch your brain off and simply enjoy either by exploring the small mountain trails, meadows which are perfect for mini-picnic with food and refreshments, or by climbing the mountain peaks on the horizon and inhaling the prevailing white pine smell.

This region is perfect for falling in love during/in the long walks under an open sky, especially for those who not only regularly avoid doing physical activity, but also spend their time inactively. The journey is not short – it is more than 15 kilometers long, but no worries, there are enough places to rest, so you will not feel tired of walking, particularly if you take with you enough fluids to stay hydrated.

This region abounds in sheepfolds, and not to mention the delicious local specialties. One of them is the famous sheepfold Klepalo, located at the eponymous peak to the border line, where apart from enjoying in the extraordinary sight, you could taste exquisite flavors of the well-known fruits and dishes prepared right here in the garden – Berovo potato, Berovo cheese, pastoral polenta with pork cracklings and pork meat, kneaded bread pie (hmm, hmm, sounds delicious).

If you are lucky, you might encounter some of the local craftsmen such as hoopers, blacksmiths, coopers, saddlers, who are still wholeheartedly conserving the Macedonian tradition in the small, but beautiful old Bazaar in Berovo. If you sit to have a brief conversation with some of them, they will surely tell you the story of a famous writer who was inspired by the exactly same pathway it is now walked by your footsteps.

You can choose among one of the five hiking trails, some of which are suitable for cycling tours – a great experience, especially if you have only pedaled in the urban jungle. What is more, if you are there in the right season, you might get to watch some of the competitions in canoeing, organized in the clear waters of the artificial Berovo Lake, which is situated among tall pine trees, to the village Ratevo, 6 km away from the city and at an altitude of 1,000 meters. It is worth mentioning the transversal path which connects the southernmost and northernmost part of the Maleshevo region. It is 45 km long, and there is a height difference of 730 meters, which some of the greatest adventurers consider as a real challenge.

The most famous hiking route which will perfectly suit you as a result of the sudden shift from passive urban life, stretches from Berovo lake to the village Dvorishte, and if you want to learn some more about the area through which you will be walking, there are professional tour guides that you can easily find. The trail is suitable for all hiking and nature lovers, and for those who have increased appetite for sports activities in nature, during winter they could try Nordic skiing, while the spring, summer and autumn are ideal for cycling. All mountain hiking trails are well-marked. Of course, do not miss the opportunity to have a picnic on Babin Chukar (one of the highest peaks in the area) and certainly, remember to be environmentally conscious and do not leave anything behind. Since nature is the most beautiful when pristine. Surely, next time when you go there, you would like to see the same beautiful, untouched nature.

Just above the lake there is a beautiful mountain slope Ablanica, which is a colorful mosaic of flowering meadows and diverse dense pine, beech and birch forests wherein is embedded a tourist settlement. During winter, one could descent down the slopes of Ablanica with skis, while during summer and autumn, one could pick forest fruits, mushrooms and tea from the forests on the Maleshevo Mountains, but accompanied by the well-versed locals.
You will have a wonderful weekend settlement at your disposal, called Suvi Laki, which is between Berovo and Strumica, where you could relax, as well as, use the time for a little recreation. Therefrom you could return in the city, to call it a day and check how good the local food is in some of the local restaurants and of course, the Hunting House located immediately above Berovo. Despite the ultimate modern offer, the hospitality of the hosts in the Maleshevo region might be felt as well, in the restaurant “Mrs”, in the hotels “Monastery”, “VIP”, the villas “Klepalo”, “Ivan”, “Fidanski”, “Aurora” Spa and Resort, “Hestia”.

The pristine nature and the dense forests of the Maleshevo Mountains were the reason for the development of the rebellious spirit of people living in the Maleshevo region, which served as an incentive for the turbulent cultural and historical past and tradition of Maleshevo, in which Dedo Iljo Maleshevski in Razlovci village took part in the first Macedonian uprising. Also, the Macedonian revolutionary Dame Gruev died in a battle at the top Petlec, above Rusinovo village. If you are keen on learning about the history, mountain slopes or paths along which the Macedonian leaders were moving ranging from the Maleshevo Mountains and peaks around Berovo, Rusinovo, Vladimirovo, there is still another good offer. Cultural and historical offer for a hiking tour will take you to the beautiful monastery of St. Archangel Michael, which will impress you with the beauty of its architecture, icons, frescoes and furnished garden with hospices and where the nuns would tell you a very interesting story about its foundation and construction.

If you are a fan of mass gatherings and of one of the finest lamb you will ever taste, visit Berovo during the Feast of Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God (Golema Bogorodica). Since 1975, every 28^th August, over 15,000 people head to the church “St. Bogorodica”(St. Mother of God), to celebrate this great religious holiday.

Overall, Berovo and its surrounding area along with the gentle and picturesque scenery are predetermined for recharging your batteries, for recreation. Berovo is expecting you!