Mavrovo is a region in the west of Republic of N. Macedonia that lies between the towns of Gostivar, Debar and Kichevo. On the Northern part extends along the ridge of Shar Planina Mountain while the Southern boundary is following the course of Mala Reka. The Western boundary of the Park overlaps with the State border with Albania and the east side borders with Jasen Natural Reserve. It holds the largest of the three national parks covering an area of about 780 km2. It is divided into three zones: strict nature reserves, managed reserves, and a tourist zone. It is characterized by deep canyons, lakes and dense forests that abound with diverse wildlife of which the most interesting is the Balkan lynx, considered to be the largest cat in the Balkans.
The relief of the park contains three Alpine mountain systems: the Shar, Korab and Bistra mountains. The Shar and Korab exceed heights of 2700 m (the Korab peak, with its 2764 m, is the highest in North Macedonia). These mountains are distinguished by chains of snowy, jagged peaks and broad grassy plateaus below them. Between the three mountains extends the Radika gorge for more than 25 km. The park area contains other interesting natural phenomena:
- “Bunec” Safari park (European Deer Reproduction Center) – this center covers territory of 430ha which is surrounded with protective fence. The visitors will be able to see the European deer in it, as well as the fallow deer, and the walk around the place is quite pleasant.
- Korab Falls – the highest waterfall in the Balkans (with a vertical fall of approximately 120 m)
- Lokuv Glacial Lake – lowest glacial lake in N. Macedonia at 1568m on Deshat Mountain, one of the numerous glacial lakes in the region
- The Mavrovo Lake – a genuine pearl with its surface of 13.7 km2. although it is artificial the it still captivates with its beauty. Besides fishing, the lake is used for camping, walks, etc.
Ski Mavrovo
The therein is suitable for various adventures so Mavrovo is visited thought the year. Still its full capacity is reached during the winter period. Mavrovo Ski Centre – Zare Lazareski winter sports area is situated between the elevations of 1,255 and 1,860 m. providing perfect conditions for skiing on natural and technical snow. The ski area is serviced with 3 ski chairs and 11 ski lifts that offer 25 km of perfectly maintained ski slopes that are different and ideal for recreational and professional skiers, as well as for beginners.
The most famous festival in North Macedonia is The “Galichnik Wedding”, an annual festival held in the village of Galichnik where a selected couple gets married in the traditional style. The two day event is held on St. Peter’s Day (12 July) every year and it serves as a cultural and tourist attraction. During the wedding, men dance Teshkoto, symbolizing the struggle of the Macedonian people through the centuries.
