Valandovo – Archaeology, Festivals and Landscape

At the foot of Mount Plavush, Valandovo sits partly in an amphitheatrical setting on a slope, at an elevation of 110 to 150 metres. The municipality lies in the Valandovo Valley, characterised by a strong Mediterranean climate influence, warm days and fertile land. Archaeological sites, mountain landscapes and recurring festivals offer different ways to shape your trip—from ancient history to regional event traditions.

Ancient traces across different locations

The Valandovo Archaeological Complex contains extensive remains from Roman antiquity in all three zones. A specific find is located in Zone 1: a mosaic area of about 200 square metres was discovered in the northwestern part of the city. This size refers to the mosaic area; it sits alongside the other Roman remains in the complex.

The site of Melezik in the village of Dedeli reflects a different era. The necropolis dates from the 7th to the 6th century BC. The burials include inhumations in stone cists and burials in large ceramic vessels. The two forms differ in the containers in which the dead were laid to rest.

Northwest of Valandovo, Isar Kula stands on a long, rocky ridge with steep slopes. A visible, well-preserved defensive tower still survives there. Its exact date is uncertain. This site centres on a surviving defensive tower, while Melezik is distinguished above all by its different burial forms.

Nearby is Isar Marvinci: the archaeological site lies seven kilometres southwest of Valandovo, near the village of Marvinci. An ancient settlement and a necropolis can be seen there. The site was continuously inhabited from the 7th century BC to the 6th century AD. When comparing the sites, the distinction is clear: Isar Marvinci is outside the immediate urban area, while the Valandovo Archaeological Complex also includes a zone in the northwestern part of the city.

Plavush, a sanctuary and waterfalls

The Sveti Gjorgji Monastery is a religious sanctuary in a picturesque setting on Mount Plavush, northwest of Valandovo. Its grounds are set up for picnics, relaxation and leisure activities. Near the city, locals also use an existing tourist trail on Plavush for hiking and cycling. The sanctuary and the trail offer different ways to enjoy a stay on the mountain: the religious grounds on the one hand, and local use of the trail on the other.

The municipality’s natural features include the Kochula Waterfalls and the Ring Waterfalls on the western side of Mount Belasica. They are considered some of Valandovo’s most attractive natural features. Together with Plavush, Belasica offers another landscape to consider when planning your trip; both waterfall groups are on the western side of this mountain.

Festivals throughout the year

The HID-Bah Shen Festival has been held every year without interruption since 1992, for four days in early May, in the village of Chalakli near Valandovo. The programme includes folk performances, exhibitions of handicrafts and photographs, concerts, theatre performances, traditional wrestling and a football tournament. Another recurring May festival is Folk Fest Valandovo, held every year in May without interruption since 1985. Both events take place in May; check the specific dates before your trip to plan precisely.

Later in the year, the rakija tradition takes centre stage: the Valandovo Rakija Festival celebrates the municipality’s centuries-old tradition of making rakija. The festival includes a competition for the best rakija, with awards for first, second and third place. The 2026 edition is scheduled for 8 November; check the date and competition details again before your trip. This helps distinguish the events on the calendar: two May festivals and a rakija festival announced for November.

Planning your trip

The Vardar Main Road, also known as Via Axia, runs through the municipality of Valandovo. It is therefore a geographic reference point at the municipal level. When planning your hotel stay, you can first decide whether your travel dates are better suited to the May festivals, the rakija festival, the archaeological sites, or the landscape and leisure spots.

Discover more destinations

Valandovo, Skopje, Dojran, Saraj, Negotino, Municipality of Prilep, Kratovo, Municipality of Novo Selo

For the broader travel overview: Macedonia.