Skopje and the Vardar

Region

The capital and the river valley that runs through the middle of the country. Skopje mixes an Ottoman old bazaar with a riverside of statues and new monuments, Matka Canyon is just outside town, Kumanovo and Kratovo are in the northeast, and the Tikveš wine region around Kavadarci makes much of the country's wine. Spring and autumn are most pleasant.

Skopje and the Vardar Toše Proeski ArenaVodnoJakupica rangeMustafa Pasha MosqueScupiSkopska Crna GoraTauresiumChurch of St. PanteleimonPorta MacedoniaSkopje AqueductSultan Murad MosqueKozjak (mountain near Pčinja)Church of St. Clement of OhridMacedonia Square, SkopjeMemorial House of Mother TeresaMuseum of the City of SkopjeMuseum of Contemporary Art (Skopje)Skopje ZooStone town of KuklicaBabuna (mountain)Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Skopje)Matka (lake)Museum of the Macedonian Struggle (Skopje)Holocaust Memorial Center for the Jews of MacedoniaTumba MadžariIshak Bey MosqueOld Mosque, KumanovoSkopjeVelesKumanovoKavadarciOld BazaarStobiKokinoSkopje FortressKriva Palanka

Skopje and the Vardar essentials

Country: North Macedonia
Driest months: Jan-Mar
Pay in: Denar (ден)
Language: Macedonian, Albanian
Emergency: 192

Where to Go in Skopje and the Vardar

City Skopje SkopjeCapital of statues and an Ottoman bazaar City Kumanovo KumanovoNorthern city near ancient Kokino City Veles VelesVardar River town City Kavadarci KavadarciCity in Kavadarci, North Macedonia History Skopje Fortress Skopje FortressHistoric fortress overlooking Skopje and Vardar River History Stobi StobiAncient Roman and Macedonian archaeological site with mosaics History Scupi ScupiAncient Roman-era settlement that became modern Skopje History Tauresium TauresiumArchaeological site near Skopje; early Byzantine ruins Nature Vodno VodnoMountain above Skopje featuring the Millennium Cross Nature Jakupica range Jakupica rangeMountain range in central North Macedonia Nature Skopska Crna Gora Skopska Crna GoraMountainous region north of Skopje with limestone forests Nature Kozjak (mountain near Pčinja) Kozjak (mountain near Pčinja)Mountain near Pčinja, with steep forested slopes
Regions & Cities
Skopje Explore Skopje Skopje centers on the Stone Bridge and a jumble of Ottoman bazaars, Socialist-era concrete and new monumental statues; visitors sample tavče gravče, grilled meats and rakija, then head to Matka Canyon for kayaking and caves. Veles Explore Veles Veles perches along the Vardar River - walk the riverbanks, browse the old bazaar, and sample hearty pastries at bakeries favored by locals before heading to nearby monasteries. Kumanovo Explore Kumanovo Kumanovo’s Ottoman-era mosques and Orthodox churches sit near lively markets; day-trippers use the town as a base for nearby archaeological sites and outdoor hunting or fishing trips. Kavadarci Explore Kavadarci Vineyards slope toward Kavadarci in the Tikveš region; wineries and tasting rooms dominate the town calendar. Old Bazaar Explore Old Bazaar Skopje’s Old Bazaar occupies a dense grid of Ottoman-era streets, mosques and craftsmen’s shops. Stobi Explore Stobi Archaeological site in North Macedonia with Roman and early Christian ruins, mosaics and an amphitheatre; popular for guided tours of extensive excavations near Gradsko. Kokino Explore Kokino A Bronze Age megalithic site on a Macedonian hilltop, Kokino contains carved stone markers and possible astronomical alignments; archaeologically curious visitors come for the prehistoric monuments and panoramic countryside views. Skopje Fortress Explore Skopje Fortress Perched above Skopje’s Old Bazaar, the Ottoman-era fortress offers medieval walls, archaeological remnants and panoramic views over the Vardar River and city bridges.

Top Cities in Skopje and the Vardar

Skopje Kumanovo Veles Kavadarci Kriva Palanka

Skopje and the Vardar at a Glance

Local Time
1:09 AM
GMT+1
Population
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Best Things to Do in Skopje and the Vardar