SOURCES OF VEVČANI

These springs (Вевчански Извори/Vevčanski Izvori) are among the most famous in Northern Macedonia. Located on Mount Jablanica, at an altitude of 910 m, they have been a protected area covering 1,370 ha since 2012. Several streams here swell the waters of the Vevčanska River, which flows through Vevčani, before joining the Black Drin at the village of Dobovjani, 6 km to the east. The area is enchanting, with old mills, waterfalls, paved paths, wooden footbridges, information panels (English version), picnic areas and thick vegetation dominated by oak and hazel. The area is home to numerous animal species, including 120 types of butterfly, 30 species of reptile and 9 types of bat. However, the main source of the Vevčanska is further up (1,344 m), at the place known as the "Jankov Stone" (Јанков Камен/Jankov Kamen). A pleasant, easy 3.3-km-long trail follows the river between the "Vevčani springs" and the "Jankov stone" (allow 3h round trip). You can sleep in a dormitory at the Jankov Kamen hut (+389 75 89 20 45, approx. €8/person), then continue for 8.5 km to Gorna Belica (Горна Белица, Belica e Sipërme), at 1,440 m altitude. This hamlet, with just four inhabitants in 2021, does however have a hotel, the Gorna Belica (+389 70 27 45 60, around €25 for two). It's a good starting point for other trails to the peaks and lakes of Mount Jablanica.