Hiking the Via Dinarica in North Macedonia
Hiking the Via Dinarica in North Macedonia
Hiking the Via Dinarica in North Macedonia
6 Days Starting in Skopje and ending in Skopje, North Macedonia
Visiting: Skopje, Popova Šapka, Titov Vrv, Ljuboten, Šar Mountains, Millennium Cross, Matka Canyon Trail
Tour operator:
Tour code:
321
Group Type:
Independent
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Age range:
18-80
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
The Via Dinarica is a long-distance network of trails, covering over 2,000km of the Dinaric Alps. Hiking the Via Dinarica in North Macedonia takes six days, starting and ending in the ancient capital of Skopje. Walking through Šar Mountains, one of the Dinaric Alps’ many massifs, highlights along the way include a hike up to the range’s highest summit Titov Vruh (2,747m). Another high is on Mount Ljuboten (2,498m), an impressive pyramidal summit with views back as far as Skopje Valley. Matka Canyon makes for a fitting finale on this holiday, cut to depths of 1,000m by the River Treska
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Skopje - Popova Å apka
Location: Skopje, Popova Šapka
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Konak Mountain Lodge in Popova Šapka
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrive at Skopje International Airport, where you are met by our local representative. You are transferred to your accommodation in Popova Å apka (1h 35mins), a mountain resort located at 1,800m in the Å ar Mountains.
Day 2 : Titov Vrv (2,748M) | 21Km
Location: Titov Vrv
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Konak Mountain Lodge in Popova Šapka
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s route explores the central part of the Šar Mountains, with an ascent up Titov Vrv (2,748m), the highest peak in the mountain range. The ridgeline route is demanding, and includes the smaller summits of Sin Vrv (2,550m), Karabunar (2,600m) and Bakardan (2,702m). However, there is also the option of a less demanding route.
Walking for the day: 21km, 8h, ↑1,811m ↓1,811m
Day 3 : Mount Ljuboten (2,498M) | 14Km
Location: Ljuboten
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: ila Ljuboten Mountain Resort in Vratnica (private room with shared facilities)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The day begins with a transfer to the starting point of the walk. Begin your ascent up Mount Ljuboten (2,498m), a summit with a pyramidal shape which dominates the mountainscape and can be seen from Skopje Valley. Take in the panoramic views from the summit, which extend east over the Skopska Crna Gora Mountains and Mount Vodno (1,066m), and west, all the way to mountain ranges in both Kosovo and Albania.
Walking for the day: 14km, 7h, ↑1,870m ↓888m
Day 4 : Å ar Mountains Ridgeline | 16Km
Location: Šar Mountains
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ibis Skopje City Centre Hotel or similar in Skopje
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Follow the route along the eastern side of Mount Ljuboten, heading past the landmark of Kozja Stena, which translates to goat’s wall after the wild goats in this area. Kozja Stena is a limestone rock that juts out from the southern side of Ljuboten. Continue on, via a rocky section with small boulders. After heading past Shija Ljubotenska saddle, you will see Livadicko Lake, located 200m below in a rocky cirque at 2,137m. The lake’s waves have caused a rare natural phenomenon, having carved an overhanging rock on its western shore. On your approach to the village of Belovishte, listen out for the sound of water flowing, from the surrounding creeks and rivers. Stop in the village for lunch, where there is the opportunity to go for a dip in the swimming pool at one of the local restaurants, before a transfer takes you back to Skopje in the afternoon.
Walking for the day: 16km, 6h, ↑945m ↓1,708m
Day 5 : Skopje - Millennium Cross - Matka Canyon | 15Km
Location: Millennium Cross, Matka Canyon Trail, Skopje
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ibis Skopje City Centre Hotel or similar in Skopje
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a transfer to the foothills of Mount Vodno (1,066m), today’s route first leads to Millennium Cross, a 66m cross located on Mount Vodno, which was built in commemoration of 2,000 years of Christianity in Macedonia. From Millennium Cross, the views extend over Skopje and its enveloping mountains. From there, begin your descent towards Matka Canyon, home to wildlife such as bald eagles, over 130 different types of butterflies and endemic plant species. There are also several 13th-century monasteries hidden in between the rocks. A transfer takes you back to Skopje at the end of your walk.
Walking for the day: 15km, 6-7h, ↑977m ↓994m
Day 6 : Departure
Location: Skopje
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you are transferred to Skopje International Airport. Alternatively, we can extend your stay with an extra night.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
5 nights accommodation
-
Meals
5 breakfasts
Meals as listed in the itinerary, three picnic lunches and three dinners -
Arrival and departure airport transfers to/from Skopje International Airport (one per group)
-
Transfers on days three, four and five to the starting/ending point of the walk
-
Luggage transfers between accommodations
-
Detailed tour materials, including maps, route book (one set per booking) and GPS tracks
-
24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
What's Not Included
-
Airfare
-
Drinks, snacks and any meals not listed as included in the itinerary
-
Travel insurance
-
Personal expenses
-
Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable locally)
-
Any items not explicitly listed as included
Check out our Q&As
-
When to go
This trip is available from the beginning of June until the end of October. The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates, meaning you can start your trip on any date during the season.
During these months, the weather is normally pleasant and sunny. More rainfall is to be expected at the beginning and the end of the season. During the summer months, particularly in July and August, the weather is warmer. Even in the mountains, temperatures can reach up to 30C. -
Are flights included in this tour?
No, international flights are not included
-
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes, Arrival and departure airport transfers to/from Skopje International Airport (one per group)
-
Difficulty and terrain
This tour is rated moderate to strenuous and is suitable for experienced walkers, who are in good physical shape. Daily walking distances range between 14-21km, with a maximum elevation gain of 1,870m. The routes mainly follow mountain paths, which can be rocky and uneven.
We strongly advise you to only follow marked trails and never try to shorten the path through unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with detailed route notes and maps and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed information on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack. -
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
All guides are English Speaking
-
Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
This will be provided on all documentation
-
Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes we can, please contact us for details
-
Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own
This holiday is available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms) -
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
-
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
-
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Sunday - Friday
Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025Monday - Saturday
Jun 02, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Jun 03, 2025 - Jun 08, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Jun 04, 2025 - Jun 09, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Jun 05, 2025 - Jun 10, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Jun 06, 2025 - Jun 11, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Jun 07, 2025 - Jun 12, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jun 08, 2025 - Jun 13, 2025Monday - Saturday
Jun 09, 2025 - Jun 14, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Jun 10, 2025 - Jun 15, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Jun 11, 2025 - Jun 16, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Jun 12, 2025 - Jun 17, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Jun 13, 2025 - Jun 18, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 19, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025Monday - Saturday
Jun 16, 2025 - Jun 21, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Jun 17, 2025 - Jun 22, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Jun 18, 2025 - Jun 23, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Jun 19, 2025 - Jun 24, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Jun 20, 2025 - Jun 25, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Jun 21, 2025 - Jun 26, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jun 22, 2025 - Jun 27, 2025Monday - Saturday
Jun 23, 2025 - Jun 28, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Jun 24, 2025 - Jun 29, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Jun 25, 2025 - Jun 30, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Jun 26, 2025 - Jul 01, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Jun 27, 2025 - Jul 02, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 03, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jun 29, 2025 - Jul 04, 2025Monday - Saturday
Jun 30, 2025 - Jul 05, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Jul 01, 2025 - Jul 06, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Jul 02, 2025 - Jul 07, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Jul 03, 2025 - Jul 08, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Jul 04, 2025 - Jul 09, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 10, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jul 06, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025Monday - Saturday
Jul 07, 2025 - Jul 12, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Jul 08, 2025 - Jul 13, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Jul 09, 2025 - Jul 14, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Jul 10, 2025 - Jul 15, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Jul 11, 2025 - Jul 16, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 17, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 18, 2025Monday - Saturday
Jul 14, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Jul 15, 2025 - Jul 20, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Jul 16, 2025 - Jul 21, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Jul 17, 2025 - Jul 22, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Jul 18, 2025 - Jul 23, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 24, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jul 20, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025Monday - Saturday
Jul 21, 2025 - Jul 26, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Jul 22, 2025 - Jul 27, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Jul 23, 2025 - Jul 28, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Jul 24, 2025 - Jul 29, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Jul 25, 2025 - Jul 30, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Jul 26, 2025 - Jul 31, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jul 27, 2025 - Aug 01, 2025Monday - Saturday
Jul 28, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Jul 29, 2025 - Aug 03, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Jul 30, 2025 - Aug 04, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Jul 31, 2025 - Aug 05, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Aug 01, 2025 - Aug 06, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 07, 2025Sunday - Friday
Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025Monday - Saturday
Aug 04, 2025 - Aug 09, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Aug 05, 2025 - Aug 10, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Aug 06, 2025 - Aug 11, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Aug 07, 2025 - Aug 12, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Aug 08, 2025 - Aug 13, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Aug 09, 2025 - Aug 14, 2025Sunday - Friday
Aug 10, 2025 - Aug 15, 2025Monday - Saturday
Aug 11, 2025 - Aug 16, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Aug 12, 2025 - Aug 17, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Aug 13, 2025 - Aug 18, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Aug 14, 2025 - Aug 19, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Aug 15, 2025 - Aug 20, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 21, 2025Sunday - Friday
Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025Monday - Saturday
Aug 18, 2025 - Aug 23, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Aug 19, 2025 - Aug 24, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Aug 20, 2025 - Aug 25, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Aug 21, 2025 - Aug 26, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Aug 22, 2025 - Aug 27, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 28, 2025Sunday - Friday
Aug 24, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025Monday - Saturday
Aug 25, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Aug 26, 2025 - Aug 31, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Aug 27, 2025 - Sep 01, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Aug 28, 2025 - Sep 02, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Aug 29, 2025 - Sep 03, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 04, 2025Sunday - Friday
Aug 31, 2025 - Sep 05, 2025Monday - Saturday
Sep 01, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Sep 02, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Sep 03, 2025 - Sep 08, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Sep 04, 2025 - Sep 09, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 10, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 11, 2025Sunday - Friday
Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025Monday - Saturday
Sep 08, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Sep 09, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Sep 10, 2025 - Sep 15, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Sep 11, 2025 - Sep 16, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 17, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 18, 2025Sunday - Friday
Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025Monday - Saturday
Sep 15, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Sep 16, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Sep 17, 2025 - Sep 22, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Sep 18, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Sep 19, 2025 - Sep 24, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 25, 2025Sunday - Friday
Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025Monday - Saturday
Sep 22, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Sep 24, 2025 - Sep 29, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Sep 25, 2025 - Sep 30, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Sep 26, 2025 - Oct 01, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 02, 2025Sunday - Friday
Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025Monday - Saturday
Sep 29, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Sep 30, 2025 - Oct 05, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Oct 01, 2025 - Oct 06, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Oct 02, 2025 - Oct 07, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Oct 03, 2025 - Oct 08, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 09, 2025Sunday - Friday
Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025Monday - Saturday
Oct 06, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Oct 07, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Oct 08, 2025 - Oct 13, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Oct 09, 2025 - Oct 14, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Oct 10, 2025 - Oct 15, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 16, 2025Sunday - Friday
Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025Monday - Saturday
Oct 13, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Oct 14, 2025 - Oct 19, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Oct 15, 2025 - Oct 20, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Oct 16, 2025 - Oct 21, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Oct 17, 2025 - Oct 22, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 23, 2025Sunday - Friday
Oct 19, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025Monday - Saturday
Oct 20, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Oct 21, 2025 - Oct 26, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Oct 22, 2025 - Oct 27, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Oct 23, 2025 - Oct 28, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Oct 24, 2025 - Oct 29, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Oct 25, 2025 - Oct 30, 2025Sunday - Friday
Oct 26, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025Monday - Saturday
Oct 27, 2025 - Nov 01, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Oct 28, 2025 - Nov 02, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Oct 29, 2025 - Nov 03, 2025Thursday - Tuesday
Oct 30, 2025 - Nov 04, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Oct 31, 2025 - Nov 05, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Nov 01, 2025 - Nov 06, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.
Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.