Border crossing
Border crossings in the Bansko region
From Bansko and the region, you have convenient access to three different border crossings with the Republic of North Macedonia, depending on your final destination.
| Point | From Bansko | Working hours | Suitable for | Workload |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zlatarevo MK: Novo Selo |
~115 km 1 hour 40 minutes. |
24/7 | Strumica, Dojran, Valandovo, Gevgelija | Lively |
| Stanke Lisichkovo MK: Delchevo |
~85 km 1 hour 20 minutes. |
24/7 | Delchevo, Shtip, Veles, Kavadarci | Calm |
| Gyueshevo MK: Deve Bair |
~125 km 2 hours 10 minutes. |
24/7 | Kriva Palanka, Kumanovo, Skopje | Lively |
Advice for families
For a walk with children and a bite to eat, choose the route through Zlatarevo to Strumitsa. The road is convenient, and Strumitsa offers great parks, cafes, and excellent taverns for a family lunch.
Documents
North Macedonia is not in Schengen, but Bulgarian citizens enter only with an ID card. For the car, a driver's license, a coupon and a valid "Green Card" are mandatory (most insurers issue it free of charge to the Civil Liability).
Family walk and meal
Eat well — the closest places after the border
Once you cross the border, it takes 15–30 minutes to get to a decent restaurant. Here are the most convenient stops for families and groups.
Strumica
The first larger town after Zlatarevo — about 30 minutes from the border. Nice pedestrian area, cafes along the boulevard and good traditional restaurants. Suitable for a family lunch.
Delchevo
Literally 15 minutes after the Stanke Lisichkovo border checkpoint. A small town, separated by the Bregalnitsa River, offering a cheap market, tranquility and authentic local grill.
Gevgelija
Border town with a lively market and many restaurants. Accessible via Valandovo from Zlatarevo or via Greece (Kulata). Known for its casinos and riverside restaurants.
Kavadarci
The wine town of Macedonia. Good restaurants with local wine, a pleasant bazaar and a family atmosphere. About 3 hours drive from Bansko via Delchevo and Shtip.
Kriva Palanka
The first town after the Gyueshevo/Deve Bair checkpoint. Nearby is the beautiful Osogovo Monastery, which you must visit and where you can have a delicious lunch.
Veles
A beautiful stepped town above the Vardar River with nice old streets. An excellent place for a short walk, coffee and enjoying the local architecture.
Family restaurants
In Macedonia, restaurants (often called "kafani") are family-run, noisy in a nice way, with huge portions at a low price. Children are welcome everywhere. Lunch for a family of 4 — about €30–45.
Grocery shopping
Chain stores and markets in Macedonia
Food products in North Macedonia are significantly cheaper than in Bulgaria — meat, wine, vegetables, and dairy products are a real find.
Supermarket
Tinex
The largest Macedonian chain. Wide assortment, good prices, clean and convenient place to buy local products.
Supermarket
Ramstore
Hypermarket format. Large selection, excellent fresh produce section and exclusive local delicacies.
Hypermarket
Vero
A large chain with stores in Strumica and Skopje. Very good selection of local dairy products and meat at excellent prices.
Meat and delicacies
Local butchers
Pork, beef and lamb at prices below Bulgarian prices. Ask for "dried meat" - a local specialty that is worth it.
Wine and brandy
Tikvesh / Stobi
World-famous Macedonians wine at extremely low prices. A bottle of quality wine often starts at €3–5.
Dairy products
Dairy / market
Homemade white cheese, yellow cheese, and yogurt — look for them in the city markets for the most authentic taste.
Market days
Всеки град в Македония оганизира традиционен седмичен пазар (на т.нар. пазарен ден). Пазарите са автентични, цветни и с най-ниски цени на пресни плодове и зеленчуци.
Customs and quantities
Very important: При влизане в България безмитно можете да внесете: only up to 40 cigarettes (2 packs), 1 l of hard alcohol, 4 l of wine and goods for personal use worth up to €300. The fines for exceeding the cigarette limit are steep!
Practical advice
Before you go
Currency
The local currency is the Macedonian denar (MKD). 1 EUR ≈ 61.5 MKD. Cards are widely accepted in supermarkets and gas stations, but for markets and small cafes, be sure to bring cash (they often also accept levs or euros, but the exchange rate may not be favorable).
Phone and roaming
North Macedonia is not in the EU — roaming (especially mobile internet) is extremely expensive. Be sure to turn off your mobile data before the border. Most establishments offer free WiFi.
Fuel and roads
Fuel in Macedonia is at similar prices or slightly cheaper than in Bulgaria. Highway tolls are paid at toll booths, and you can pay in cash (euro/denar) or by bank card.
Gastronomy
What you must order
The Macedonian tavern is noisy and delicious. Here's what you shouldn't miss at the table.
Grill and kebabs
Mixed grill for the table - beef, pork, kebabs and "uviyach". The portion is huge, the price is pleasant. Ideal for groups and families.
Tray of beans
Националното ястие — запечен бял боб в глинен съд. Вегетарианците го обичат, месоядците — също. Често се сервира и с домашна наденица.
Shop salad and ajvar
The ajvar (made only from roasted peppers) comes with warm bread and is a must-have appetizer along with a fresh Shopska salad.
Бюрек за закуска
Бюрекчийниците отварят рано. Хрупкаво тесто с кайма или сирене, задължително в комбинация с чаша студен айрян.
„"A short drive, another country, great prices and amazing cuisine — Macedonia is the perfect neighboring destination from Bansko.""
vbansko.com · Travel