The Blato, as it’s affectionately known by its nearby residents, is a marsh, purported to be one of the last and biggest in North Macedonia.

For an authentic off-the-beaten-track experience, make a stop at the Monospitovo Blato near Monospitovo village, itself an authentic rural village where time seems to have stood still. The Blato, as it’s affectionately known by its nearby residents, is a marsh, purported to be one of the last and biggest in North Macedonia. It lies sprawled at the base of Mount Belasica, 17km southeast of Strumica, and has been officially designated as an environmentally protected site, conferring upon it the status ‘monument of nature’.

Monospitovo Blato lies between Bansko and Kolešino in the municipality of Bosilovo. To get here take the road to Bansko and Murtino, and at Murtino turn east towards Monospitovo village; the entrance to the wetlands lies to the south of the village. In Bosilovo itself, a good place to eat is at Pizzeria Park, which is famous for its bosilanka deep-pan pizza, made with pork, or with chicken and vegetables, and served with a delicious tomato sauce on the side.

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