Discover Radovish through two very different sides: on the Plačkovica Mountains, the focus is on peaks, caves and gorges; churches, archaeological traces and event traditions tell the story of its culture and history. Local specialties with their own regional connections add another dimension. You can tailor your trip to what interests you most—natural features, historic sites, festivals or local food.
Plačkovica: peaks, caves and gorges
The highest point in the Plačkovica Mountains is Lisec, at 1,754 metres. It can be climbed from the north, south or east; the northern route is considered the easiest. If you plan to reach the summit, check current trail conditions before setting out.
Golema Peštera on Plačkovica is 600 metres long and features cave formations. Other caves on Plačkovica include Ćup, Ajdučka, Turtel and Ponor. Marked trails lead to them, and they are described as easy to access. The three gorges—Kamnik, Kozjak and Zrnovka—have infrastructure to support movement through them. This includes markings, information boards, signposts, ropes, metal fixtures and rest areas. Before hiking or visiting the gorges, check the current condition of the trails and the infrastructure mentioned on site.
Mount Goten is suitable for hiking, hunting tourism, and gathering medicinal herbs, mushrooms and forest fruits. The Plavaja River offers a different experience: it is 26.7 kilometres long and is suitable for fishing and river fish farming.
Churches, archaeology and culture
The Church of Sv. Troica in Radoviš has a single-nave plan with an inscribed cross and a vaulted dome area in the Byzantine style. In Borov Dol, archaeology takes centre stage: research shows that human life had already developed there in the Neolithic period, around 8,000 years ago.
Near the present-day Church of Sv. Gjorgji, two kilometres north of the village of Oraovica, are the foundations and walls, up to 0.8 metres high, of an old single-nave monastery church. It probably dates from the 14th century, and traces of frescoes remain on the south wall. In Radoviš, you can encounter a range of historical evidence—from a documented church building to monastic remains and archaeological traces.
Event traditions also offer a variety of cultural experiences. The three-day Sv. Spaso Radoviški festival is held every year in mid-August to honour the city’s patron saint and protector. It includes church services, a spiritual academy, a procession and a concert. Check the exact dates before your trip. The Pelivan wrestling matches in Topolnica are part of a Juruč festival that celebrates the long-standing traditions of the Juruč people in Radoviš Municipality. The Karamonovi poetry gatherings in Radoviš have a tradition spanning more than 40 years.
Local specialties
Radoviš somun is a local specialty, similar to the pastırma-style pastry from Štip or the pita from Veles. Tatlija is a sweet specialty made with fresh, unsalted cheese and covered with syrup; it is considered characteristic of this area. Preparation may vary from one producer to another.
Staying in the mountains
The Džumaja mountain lodge is in the Plačkovica Mountains, 21 kilometres from Radoviš. The lodge is listed as having 30 beds, as well as electricity and water in the building; confirm current availability and facilities before booking. The cycling route known as Džumaja–Lumia is associated with the lodge.
Discover more destinations: Radoviš, Kozbunar, Municipality of Jegunovce, Vinitsa, Bogdanci, Kichevo, Krushevo, Municipality of Zhelino.
For the main travel overview: Macedonia.
