Overview
You have arrived in Skopje, marveled at the mixture of ordered Socialistic brutal architecture and chaotic Old Town Ottoman heritage, you've been awestruck by this unique micro cosmos of our multicultural city. But do you want to see the "Big picture" from above?
We suggest an easy hiking tour to nearby Mount Vodno, Skopje’s favorite recreational park-forest! The hike takes you by well-stablished trails through oak and pine forests offering shadows all the way to the top. Bird songs and twitters replace city noise that hums in the distant background. Having reached the Millennium Cross (there is a 66 meters high steel cross at the mountain top) in 1,5-2 hours, you will have the city right below hence the old from the new in terms of urbanization is easily recognizable.
And finally, following the ridgeline of Mount Vodno, the most beautiful part in Skopje region is sneaking in the near distance to the west. The outstanding
Matka Canyon is just a few hours hike from Vodno. Matka is a significant landmark with several medieval byzantine monasteries and natural rarities – a compulsory visit when you are in Skopje.
Highlights
The
Millennium Cross (a 66 meters high steel cross at the mountain top).
The
views: Your reflection of yesterday’s impressions of Skopje will be gone by the wind when you will notice that Skopje valley is surrounded by several mountain chains, and the top of Mount Vodno (1060 m asl.) offers an unforgettable 360 degree panorama of the northern half of Macedonia (pun intended). To the North is Mount Skopska Crna Gora hiding Kosovo plains in behind. East opens a view over hills to Osogovo Mountains bordering Bulgaria. South is the location of the Macedonian Massif central – Jakupica Mountain with Solunska Glava pick (2525m) looming above all, and finally to the west is the magnificent ridge-line of Shar Mountain – beginning with pyramidal pick Ljuboten and continuing south for 80 km. In the far horizon, among many picks of 2500+ meters height you will notice Titov Vrv (2474m) the highest pick of Shar Mountain.
Difficulty Grading
| EASY/MODERATE | up to 18km / 11mi | Terrain may be rugged, with some hills, but not too strenuous. | Suitable for fit and active people, with some hiking experience |
Map
When To Go
| Possible | 01 January – 14 April and 16 November to 31 December |
| Recommended | 01 April – 14 November |
| Not available | All other dates |
Price
Available on request
INCLUDED IN PRICE:
- Mobile app with maps and route descriptions
- Detailed hiking route descriptions and maps
- Local safety information and contacts
- Stand by support
- Organization and logistic by Macedonia Travel
NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE:
OPTIONS & SUPPLEMENTS:
- Private arrival / departure transfers available upon request
- Extra night in Skopje before or after the tour
3* hotel: from 26 € / per person sharing double room; Single supplement from 15 €
4* hotel: from 40 € / per person sharing double room; Single supplement from 20 €
- Rent of Global Positioning System (GPS) console: 45 €
Arrival & Departure
By bus: Buses start from
Skopje Central Bus Statio to
Vodno foothill and back
By Taxi / private transfer:
Available on request
Why Travel With Us?
ADVENTURES FOR EVERYONE
You only pay for what you want. We offer different levels of accomodation and comfort for every budget and travel style. Please read carefully the includes and excludes items and create the trip that is most convenient for you.
LOCAL EXPERTS
Since 2004 we create authentic, high quality tours in the Balkans. North Macedonia is our homeland, we have walked and biked every corner and we make sure that the balance between the activities, the "must see" attractions and the "off-the-beaten-track" experiences gives you the true Balkan - intense, hearth warming and often life changing experience.
SAFETY
- strict company risk management on each tour that we operate
- available 24/7 for anything from enquiries to emergencies
- smartphone navigation app in addition to the printed detailed route information and maps
- we give you a wireless modem on the trip so you can be easily located at any time in case of emergency
