Sprawling around the Bregalnica River, Berovo is a picturesque town that once formed part of the Ottoman Empire’s Kosovo Vilayet. It was ceded to Serbia in 1913 before becoming part of Yugoslavia and was later annexed to Bulgaria. Today, it lies within the territory of North Macedonia near its eastern border with Bulgaria.
Things to do in Berovo
One of Berovo’s most famous landmarks is the Saint Archangel Michael Monastery, which was constructed in 1815 between the existing churches of St. George and St. Holy Mother. Today, it encompasses a nunnery dating back to 1940 that was home to a theological school and a weaving workshop. Dominating the monastery is a 19th-century-inspired church, which houses an icon of Noah created by Georgi Veljanov.
A short drive south of the town centre is Berovo Lake, which is a popular setting for swimming, fishing and sailing in the warmer months. It is surrounded by a protected evergreen forest and is ringed by a lakefront walking trail. You can cast a fishing line to lure carp, trout and barbel or feast on the day’s catch at one of the lakeside restaurants.
Head north-east of Berovo to admire Spikovski Waterfall, an eight-metre cascade that can be accessed along a well-paved walking trail. Also nearby is the Crndolski Waterfall, which tumbles along a tributary of the Ravna Reka, and the seven-metre-high Skokotot Waterfall. Collectively known as the Pehchevski Waterfalls, they are at their most impressive following heavy rain.
Getting around Berovo
Berovo is around two hours’ drive from Skopje and Skopje International Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe and North Africa. Long-distance buses connect to Berovo and the town is small enough to explore on foot. Renting a car is the most convenient way of accessing the surrounding attractions.