Smolare & Kolešino Waterfalls
Belasica's forest waterfalls near Strumica
In the far southeast, on the wooded slopes of Belasica mountain above the Strumica valley, two villages guard the country's best-loved waterfalls. Smolare is the tallest waterfall in North Macedonia, reached by a forest stairway of several hundred stone steps that counts as a hike in its own right.
A few villages along, the Kolešino falls spill wide over dark volcanic rock in a fern-green amphitheatre. Between them stretch chestnut forests, springtime torrents and the Monospitovo wetland — a corner of the country most visitors never learn exists, which is precisely its charm.
Why travellers come here
Smolare Falls
The country's tallest waterfall, at the top of a stone staircase through cool beech and chestnut forest.
Kolešino Falls
A wide curtain of water over basalt, minutes from the village of the same name.
Belasica villages
Smolare, Kolešino and Mokrino — slow, green and generous with home-made food.
Strumica valley
The warmest corner of the country: early vegetables, monasteries and the pre-Lent Strumica Carnival.
Getting there
About two and a half hours from Skopje via Strumica; the two falls are a short drive apart and pair naturally in one visit.
Best time to visit
Spring for full water and wild greenery; summer for shaded relief from valley heat. Autumn turns the chestnut forests gold.
Tours & experiences here
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