Discover Radovish

• At 1,754 m, Lisec is the highest peak in the Plačkovica Mountains.
• Hiking trails to Lisec approach from the north, south and east; the northern route is considered the easiest.
• Natural highlights include caves, gorges and the 26.7 km-long Plavaja River.
• Cultural events take place in August and early November.

You can explore Plačkovica’s natural attractions in several ways. If you’re aiming for the mountain range’s highest point, three ascent routes are described: from the north, south and east. The northern route is described as the easiest; no specific walking time or distance is given. Lisec itself reaches 1,754 m and is the highest peak in the range.

Caves and gorges also shape the landscape. Marked trails lead to the Ćup, Ajdučka, Turtel and Ponor caves, which are considered easily accessible. The Golema Peštera on Plačkovica is a separate cave: it is 600 m long and features cave formations. These are two different points to bear in mind when choosing what to visit—the trail markings refer to the four caves named above, while the length and cave formations refer to Golema Peštera.

The Kamnik, Kozjak and Zrnovka gorges have infrastructure to support travel through them. This includes trail markings, information boards and signposts, as well as ropes, iron fittings and rest areas. At Mount Goten, possible activities include hiking, hunting tourism, and collecting medicinal herbs, mushrooms and forest fruits. The Plavaja River is 26.7 km long and is suitable for fishing and river fish farming.

The Church of Sv. Troica in Radoviš has a single-nave cruciform floor plan and a vaulted dome area in the Byzantine style. The area around the present-day Church of Sv. Gjorgji, 2 km north of the village of Oraovica, offers another historical point of interest. There are foundations and walls up to 0.8 m high belonging to an old single-nave monastery church, probably dating from the 14th century. Traces of frescoes remain on its south wall.

Archaeological research at Borov Dol points to human habitation as far back as the Neolithic, around 8,000 years ago. Several events offer a glimpse of living traditions: Sv. Spaso Radoviški is held every year in mid-August over three days in memory of the city’s patron saint and protector. The program includes church services, a spiritual academy, a procession and a concert. In Topolnica, Pelivan wrestling is part of a Juruč festival celebrating the long-standing traditions of the Juruč population in the municipality of Radoviš. The Karamonovi Poetry Gatherings have a history of more than 40 years.

Radoviš somun is a local specialty. It resembles Štiper, a pastry dish compared to pastırma, or Veles pita. Another specialty is tatlija: this dessert is made by pouring syrup over fresh, unsalted cheese, and is considered characteristic of the area. The international event “Samun em Tatlija” is held every year in Radoviš in early November.

The Džumaja mountain lodge in the Plačkovica Mountains is 21 km from Radoviš and has 30 sleeping places, as well as electricity and water in the building. A cycling route known as Džumaja–Lumia is associated with the lodge. If you’d like to compare subregions and other destinations, you can find Radoviš and Kozbunar as well as Demir Kapija, Veles, Delchevo, Mogila, Resen and Saraj.

What is the highest peak in the Plačkovica Mountains?

Lisec is 1,754 m high and is the highest point in the Plačkovica Mountains.

From which directions can you climb Lisec?

You can climb Lisec from the north, south or east; the northern route is considered the easiest.

Which caves on Plačkovica have marked trails leading to them?

The trails to Ćup, Ajdučka, Turtel and Ponor are marked. The 600 m-long Golema Peštera is another cave mentioned; it features cave formations.

When do major events take place?

Sv. Spaso Radoviški is held every year in mid-August over three days. “Samun em Tatlija” takes place every year in early November.

For the broader travel overview: Macedonia.