Prilep: Day tour to abandoned village in Mariovo

Exploring the Abandoned Village in Mariovo: A Honest Look at This Unique Day Tour

Planning a trip to North Macedonia and craving something off the beaten path? This day tour to an abandoned village in Mariovo, based in Prilep, offers a chance to see a landscape that looks astonishingly like an African savannah, yet is part of Europe. It’s a different kind of adventure—one that takes you through dramatic, orange-tinted hills dotted with shrubs, with plenty of opportunities for photos and quiet reflection.

What we particularly like about this experience is how it balances natural beauty with a sense of history—for instance, the fact that lions once roamed this region makes it feel almost prehistoric. Also, the small group size makes it feel personal and flexible. On the downside, the journey is long and a little rugged; there are no shops along the route, so packing snacks is a smart move. This tour is best suited for travelers who love nature, scenic drives, and discovering lesser-known corners of Europe without a fuss.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Scenic landscape: Expect stunning, dramatic rocks in hues of gray, white, and red, with golden-orange hills dotted with shrubs.
• Historical intrigue: This was once a natural habitat for lions, giving the landscape an almost mythical feel.
• Adventure and solitude: The region is almost uninhabited, perfect for those seeking quiet, untouched nature.
• Wildlife spotting: An important bird area with reptiles, vultures, songbirds, and other wildlife.
• Practical notes: No shops along the route; bring food and drinks. The tour lasts around 6-7 hours in total.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchairs or people with certain health issues; the roads are rural and sometimes rough.

What Is This Tour All About?

This 7-hour trip offers a window into a landscape that’s as striking as it is unusual. Starting early from Prilep, you hop into a small, vintage Ford Ka from 1997—think of it as a bit of a thrill ride rather than a plush bus experience. The driver (who’s also your guide) takes you along scenic rural roads, with plenty of stops for taking in views and snapping photos.

The route heads south from Prilep into Mariovo, a region famed for its dry, sunny climate and rocky terrain. We loved the way the landscape looks like it belongs in Africa—think orange and golden hues with sparse vegetation and redish rocks—yet here it is, in Europe. It’s quite captivating, especially surrounded by the quiet with only the sounds of birds and wind.

You’ll pass through the village of Vitolishte, which has seen better days but still offers interesting rural architecture and a peek into what life once was. The entire area is dotted with abandoned villages, spread far apart, giving a sense of vastness and solitude. The landscapes are dramatic—hills rolling into rocky outcroppings—and the terrain supports a variety of wildlife, making it a spot of interest for bird watchers and nature lovers alike.

The Highlights That Make It Special

Irresistible Natural Beauty

The landscape is the star of this tour. Expect to see hills painted in golden-orange, with rocks of gray, white, and reddish tones that look like they belong to an otherworldly desert or savannah. The region’s dryness and sparse vegetation give it an almost surreal feel, like being somewhere in Africa or Asia—without leaving Europe. The scenery is picture-perfect, especially when the light hits the rocks just right in the late morning or late afternoon.

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Wildlife and Birdwatching

This area is designated as an important bird area, so if you’re into birdwatching, keep your eyes peeled for vultures, songbirds, and other wildlife—reptiles, butterflies, even some spiders and scorpions. The landscape’s openness makes spotting animals easier, and the quiet lends a contemplative mood. We read that the region also hosts wild mammals, adding to its appeal for nature enthusiasts.

A Touch of History and Myth

What makes this place even more compelling is its past. During ancient times, lions roamed freely through these hills—imagine that! Now, of course, they’re extinct in Europe, but knowing that these animals once prowled these rocks adds a layer of mystery. It’s a reminder of how much the landscape—and its ecosystems—have changed over millennia.

Unique Landscape Features

A highlight is crossing the river on a picturesque bridge, surrounded by beautiful plant life and trees that look almost exotic. The scenery here feels like a shot from a documentary—places where nature reigns supreme, quiet, raw, and unspoiled.

What To Expect During the Tour

The tour begins at 08:00, with your guide picking you up in a small, vintage Ford Ka. It’s a fun way to start, though don’t expect luxury—this is about the journey and the views. The drive lasts roughly 6-7 hours, including stops, so bring plenty of water and snacks—there’s no shop along the way, and only one rural restaurant that tends to open mainly on Sundays.

As you travel, expect to stop at multiple vantage points. These will be the perfect spots for photos and for soaking in the landscape. The guide is flexible—if you want to linger or explore a particular corner, just ask. The route includes short drives off the main road into smaller, more rugged paths, which adds a little adventure to the experience.

The landscape is dry and sunny, with rugged terrain and rocky hills. Wildlife sightings are common, especially for bird watchers and those interested in nature. The stops at the river crossing and abandoned villages give you a glimpse into rural life and history that’s no longer bustling but still full of character.

The Practical Side: What You Need to Know

This tour is best suited for those who love scenic drives and are comfortable with rural roads. It’s not accessible for wheelchair users or people with certain health concerns, because of the rugged terrain and the rural roads involved.

The tour is operated with a small, private group—just you and your companions—offering a more intimate experience. The driver is friendly, polite, and multilingual, speaking English, Macedonian, and Serbo-Croatian.

Price-wise, it offers good value considering the length and the exclusivity of the experience. Just remember to bring enough food and drinks, as amenities are limited. The tour can be canceled free of charge up to 24 hours in advance, offering some flexibility in your planning.

The Bottom Line: Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal if you’re looking to escape the crowds and see a landscape that’s both visually stunning and full of stories. It’s a good fit for travelers who enjoy photography, wildlife, and rural scenery, as well as those interested in a touch of myth and history. If you’re comfortable with a bumpy ride and don’t mind packing your snacks, this could be a highlight of your North Macedonia trip.

Keep in mind that it’s not a tour for those seeking luxury or easy accessibility. The focus is on the natural environment and the peaceful, almost untouched feeling of the landscape. It’s a day to slow down, take pictures, and marvel at scenery that resembles something you’d see in distant continents.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not specifically designed for kids, children accustomed to outdoor adventures might enjoy the scenic drive and the landscape. However, keep in mind the roads can be rugged, and there are no facilities along the way.

What should I bring with me?
Bring plenty of water, snacks, and possibly a picnic if you want to stay longer at stops. A camera or binoculars are recommended for wildlife and landscape viewing. Sun protection and sturdy shoes are also a good idea.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No, this tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users due to the rural roads and uneven terrain.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs around 6 to 7 hours, including stops for photos and observation.

Will I need to pay extra for anything?
No, the tour fee covers the transportation, guide, and all stops. However, you might want to bring extra money for food or souvenirs if any shops or restaurants are open nearby.

Is the tour private?
Yes, it’s operated as a private group, so it’s tailored to your preferences and pace.

What’s the starting point?
The pickup is from your accommodation in Prilep. Confirm your location when booking.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What if I want to take photos?
There are plenty of scenic spots where you’ll want to stop and take pictures, so bring your camera or phone fully charged.

Are there any restrictions on the time of year?
The description doesn’t specify seasonal restrictions, but expect good weather in warmer months. Rain or snow might make roads more challenging.

In the end, this day trip to the abandoned villages of Mariovo offers a rare chance to see a European landscape that feels more like Africa—dry, rocky, and full of character. It’s perfect for travelers who are into landscape photography, wildlife watching, or simply want to experience a quiet corner of North Macedonia that’s full of stories and wild beauty. Just be prepared for a rustic adventure, pack your snacks, and enjoy the views.

You can check availability for your dates here: