Gevgelija - Macedonian Las Vegas

Sun-drenched Gevgelija, located only a few kilometers above the Greek border, is not only the crossing point for the E-75 international highway but also an enjoyable destination in its own right. It offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, excellent and fresh cooking, cultural events, nightlife and more. Spa lovers will enjoy the luxurious Negorci spa, just 4 km (2.4 m) from the town center. This state-of-the-art complex for restorative health features 2 pools heated from 38-40°C, as well as a center for physical therapy. A similar nearby facility is found 24 km (14.4 m) from Gevgelija, 850 km (528 m) above sea level of the stunning Mt. Kozuf. The resort known as ‘Smrdliva Voda,’ is famous for its sulfur baths and water used for healing gastric and kidney diseases. This spa complex is fully outfitted with 400 villas, a hotel, sports center and ski slopes. Gevgelija has its sultry climate to thank for its leading position as a Macedonian agricultural [Museum of Vardar Hill] center. The area enjoys 240 days a year without frost, with an average temperature of 22 °C (72 ° Fahrenheit). Mountain Kozuf provides a natural and easily detectable boundary between the Mediterranean climate, marked by arid, rocky hills, and the Continental climate, marked by grassy fields and deciduous and pine forests. This biodiversity has made the Gevgelija region one of Macedonia’s ecological rarities. Aside from wild flora and fauna, Gevgelija’s mixed climate and modern farming methods have blessed the area with an abundance of different fruits and vegetables: tomatoes, red peppers, cherries, watermelons, sunflowers, grapes, strawberries, peaches, pomegranates, onions and apples- you name it, they grow it. Although it is known primarily for its agriculture, Gevgelija also has a long history of culture. Theatrical performances were first held in 1908, followed two years later by the establishment of a public reading room. About the same time, residents started to enjoy Sunday orchestra concerts. Gevgelija’s cultural focus has continued right through to the present. The town’s music school thrives, and a summer art camp and ballet performances are held. The Gevgelija traditional dance troupe, finally, helps keep the traditions of old Macedonia alive today. Nowadays, Gevgelija is known as the Macedonian Las Vegas, having several hotel chains that promote casino entertainment in the region.

History and Culture

The settlement that was to become Gevgelija first sprang up around the confluence of two major Balkan trade routes: the Via Egnatia running east-west and the north-south road that followed the River Vardar. Since both roads ultimately ended in Thessaloniki only 70 km (42 m) away, Gevgelija’s attention has always been directed southwards. The construction of the Skopje-Thessaloniki railway in 1873 dramatically increased the importance of Gevgelija, being the last Macedonian stop before entering Greece. Even in ancient times, Gevgelija was an important part of the Macedonian world. Necropolises dating from the 8th-4th centuries B.C have been discovered at the Suva Reka archaeological site near the town, and other excavations carried out nearby have unearthed the ruins of impressive public buildings, an agora, numerous amphorae, glassware and other objects all bearing the seal of the royal house of Macedon. These finds have attracted worldwide attention as well as visits from leading American archaeologists. Today, the Gevgelija Museum contains numerous documents, archaeological rarities and artifacts from Macedonian history.

Travel by bus

If you are considering to go by bus you have a several of bus lines between Skopje and Gevgelija. Time travel is 3 and a half hours. Price for one way ticket is 320 denars / 5.2 EUR and for two ways ticket is 510 denars / 8.3 EUR.

Time of departure from Skopje: 08:30, 11:00, 14:00, 16:00, 17:30, 18:00.

Note: If you are considering traveling on weekend and holidays please contact the bus station for any changes of the lines.

Travel by train

If you like to travel to Gevgelija by train the time travel is between 2 and 3 hours. Price for one way ticket is 277 denars / 4.5 EUR and price for two ways ticket is 450 denars / 7.3 EUR.

Time of departure from Skopje: 06:05, 16:50.

Travel with taxi

If you are not comfortable to travel by train or bus, you can always get a taxi. The price in one way is more or less 4600 denars / 75EUR.

We recommended:

ABC Logistica
Mob: +389 78 504 500
Tel: +398 2 6143 900

Go with a car or rent a car

If you'd like to explore the land during your travel to Gevgelija you can go by car. Distance between Skopje and Gevgelija is 158 km.

For rent a car we recommenden:

ABC Logistica
Mob: +389 78 504 500
Tel: +398 2 6143 900

MIDA Rent-a-car
Office 2 (Airport Alexander the Great)
Tel/Fax + 389 22 56 10 10
24 hour service phones
Mob.1: 070 256 433
Mob.2: 071 223 042
Mob.3: 070 366 958