Things To Do
in Novo Selo
Novo Selo is a tranquil town in southeastern North Macedonia, set amid rolling hills and agricultural countryside. It serves as a gateway to the Belasica foothills and the Strumica Valley, offering easy access to nature, rural traditions, and easy day trips. The area is known for friendly locals, rustic taverns, and a relaxed pace that suits countryside exploration.
Visitors can combine scenic walks with short drives to historic churches, local markets, and scenic viewpoints in the surrounding countryside.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touchdown in Novo Selo and settle into your guesthouse. Meet your local host family and enjoy a warm welcome with homemade tea. Wander through the peaceful streets to get your first glimpse of village life.
Take a guided walking tour of the village center and historic church. Stop by the community square to chat with elders and learn about daily routines. Visit a small museum showcasing traditional crafts and agricultural tools.
Share a home-cooked dinner featuring Macedonian specialties like tavče gravče. Listen to folk tales and live music performed by local musicians. Stroll under a canopy of stars and breathe in the quiet countryside air.
Spend the morning learning pottery techniques from a master craftsman in his workshop. Shape clay on a traditional wheel and paint intricate patterns inspired by local motifs. Discover the stories behind each design as you work your first piece.
Join a woodcarving session to carve decorative household items under expert guidance. Practice chiseling patterns on oak to create your own keepsake. Learn about the wood types native to the region and their cultural significance.
Head to a textile weaving demonstration at a family-run loom house. See how wool and natural dyes are transformed into vibrant rugs and shawls. Finish with an evening chat over herbal infusions and sweet pastries.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $2-3 |
| 🥗Meal at mid-range restaurant | $12-25 |
| 🚕Taxi short ride | $3-6 |
| 🛒Groceries (basic staples) | $2-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning rural landscapes and easy access to Belasica foothills
- Affordability and warm, welcoming locals
- Delicious traditional cuisine and relaxed pace
- Good base for day trips to Strumica and surrounding villages
- Limited nightlife within Novo Selo itself
- Fewer English speakers in rural areas; some signage in local language
- Public transport options are modest; a car helps for exploring
- "Zdravo" - Hello
- "Dobar den" - Good day
- "Molam" - Please
- "Blagodaram" - Thank you
- "Kade e toaletata?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Kolku e vaka?" - How much is this?
Places to Visit in Novo Selo
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden light over the rolling hills above Novo Selo provides sweeping landscape shots and color-rich skies.
Quaint vantage points overlooking the valley with terraced fields and distant mountains; ideal for wide-angle compositions.
Cobbled streets, traditional houses, and street lamps create a charming rural evening scene.
Photogenic rural infrastructure and winding roads framed by olive trees and vineyards.
Food in Novo Selo
Novo Selo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A slow-baked bean dish flavored with onions, peppers, and paprika; a staple comfort food often served with fresh bread.
Must-Try!
A roasted red-pepper relish, typically served as a spread or side, perfect with bread and grilled meats.
A refreshing mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, and white brined cheese; a go-to starter in nearly every outing.
Small grilled minced-meat sausages served with onions, flatbread, and sometimes ajvar.
A clay-baked bread dish topped with spiced dried meat; a distinctive North Macedonian specialty.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively market where you can buy fresh produce, cheeses, olives, baked goods, and street snacks—great for samples and souvenirs.
Seasonal roadside stalls offering grilled vegetables, baked breads, and homemade jams; ideal for a quick, authentic bite.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A firm handshake and eye contact are common. Say Zdravo or Dobar den when meeting someone.
Dress modestly when visiting churches and monasteries; speak softly, and remove hats if required by site rules.
Friendly, direct but respectful; use polite language and avoid sensitive topics unless invited to discuss them.
Safety
Tipping in Novo Selo
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of 5-10% is common if service is not included; rounding up the bill is also appreciated. For cafes, rounding up the bill is typical.
Cash (Macedonian denar) is widely accepted, and many larger places accept cards. Small rural vendors may prefer cash; always have a small amount of local currency handy.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot days with strong sun; plan early morning outdoor activities, carry water, and seek shade in the afternoons. Evenings are pleasant for walking and alfresco dining.
Mild to warm days with cooler nights; harvest season brings vibrant landscapes and abundant produce at markets.
Cold temperatures with potential frost and short days; occasional light snow in higher elevations; good time for cozy taverns and cultural visits indoors.
Flowers and greenery return; comfortable hiking weather and blooming orchards around the valley.
Novo Selo at Night
Hiking in Novo Selo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Multiple marked routes through the Belasica range offering panoramic valley views and forest scenery.
Accessible trail options in the broader region for longer hikes and scenic overlooks; suitable for day trips with proper planning.
Airports
How to reach Novo Selo by plane.
Main international gateway to North Macedonia; ~1.5-2 hours by road from Novo Selo, depending on traffic and route.
Smaller regional airport serving some seasonal and charter flights; farther away but an alternative in peak travel seasons.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority demographic in the region, with communities of other groups present in nearby towns, contributing to cultural variety.
Smaller communities that contribute to the region's diversity and local customs.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport regionally, with local teams and informal matches common in towns and villages.
A popular indoor sport with local clubs and school teams; casual games are common in community centers.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Novo Selo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Look for Tavce Gravče, Shopska Salad, Ajvar with bread, grilled vegetables, and dairy-based dishes. Most taverns can prepare vegetarian options if you ask, and restaurants with broader menus often offer salads, soups, and cheese plates.