Welcome to Northeastern Macedonia. A relatively unexplored region by tourists, but at the same time an area rich in natural treasures and recreational opportunities for all nature lovers.

The Stanecki Waterfalls and the Kalin Kamen Lake are our choices for this adventure, and following, we will tell you everything you need to know before heading towards them.

First and foremost, follow our guide and not Google Maps, as it will lead you in the wrong direction and make your path to the waterfall more difficult (unless you voluntarily want to choose a harder route).

Near Kriva Palanka, you will find the village of Stanci, which is our starting point for the route to the waterfall. The village doesn’t have many permanent residents, and the old houses have been taken over by nature over time. This sight is truly interesting to observe, and the sound of silence will complement your complete experience of this magical fusion.

At the end of the village, on your left side, expect a bridge that will take you to the other side of the river, and about fifty meters from it, you will spot a wooden signpost. If you reach it, you are already in the right place and can immerse yourself in the beauties of this green oasis.

The trail is well-maintained, with small wooden bridges wherever you need to cross the stream, until you hear the loud noise created by the waterfall. This will be your guide and a sign that you should expect to see it before you at any moment.

There you will find a wooden platform with tables and benches, perfect for a rest and a picnic, and the water splashing around will surely keep you sitting longer than you should, especially on summer days.

To reach the Stanecki Waterfalls, you will need 40 minutes of walking, and you can freely bring children and pets with you to make their day unforgettable.

*We didn’t see any livestock or village dogs, but be careful and check immediately upon arrival for greater safety.

When you decide that you are ready to continue to the next destination, you need to return to the vehicle and follow the same path you took to reach the village, to turn to the other side of the mountain and climb to the Kalin Kamen Lake.

The road to it is 90% asphalt, but you can drive the last 10% with a car. If you don’t feel comfortable driving on dirt, feel free to leave the vehicle as you will reach it shortly even on foot.

I highly recommend you catch the sunset by the lake and feel the magic of the mountain before night falls, and if you’re a passionate lover of the open sky, don’t forget your camping gear and turn this one-day excursion into a weekend adventure.

Check out our Instagram posts from this place – search for “Kriva Palanka” in the highlights.

Coordinates:

📍Stanci Village:

• 42,17698° N, 22,37914° E

📍Stanecki Waterfalls:

• 42,17629° N, 22,39641° E

📍Kalin Kamen Lake:

• 42,17593° N, 22,42102° E

+tips: If you are on foot and ready for hiking, from the waterfall you can continue along the mountain trail and reach the lake, and along the river, you have the opportunity to discover other smaller waterfalls. This trail is not recreational.

See you in the mountains,

Ana and Mane