An hours drive from Kocani is the beautiful lake of Berovo.

Well worth a visit all seasons but the autumn colours are absolutely magnificent. It is possible to walk partly around the lake, there are steps leading down in a couple of places but mainly you follow a man made path on the outskirts of the lake.

You can head to the Resort of Aurora, which is certainly a resort that by Macedonian standards lives up to its 4 stars. Leading up to this resort you will see locals selling their wares you can park your car outside the entrance to the resort and walk around the lake. On the way, depending on the time of year you will again find a few stalls selling icons of the Orthodox Church, woodpipes to call the birds with, souvenirs in the form of keyrings, bottle openers etc.

My advice is walk past all this until you reach the jars of honey! As you drive around Macedonia you will notice beehives everywhere and from August the honey will be sold along the roadsides. My favourite is the honey with added seeds and nuts, its got to be the best accompaniment to your morning yoghurt any day!

• 

• 

There are no restaurants of cafes around the lake so either take your own picnic or after your walk head into the town of Berovo. This very typical Macedonian town is popular at the weekends and on holidays with locals as it serves typical Macedonian food in an exceptional setting.

• 

• 

• 

Alongside the typical salads, ‘mixed-grill’ and breaded cheese and vegetables you will also find more traditional dishes of stewed pork, this is served in a hollowed out loaf of bread. Delicious? Hmmm the opinion is divided on this one!

The good thing about eating out in Macedonia is that the food is cheap that if you don’t like something you just order something else. In reference to the view on sustainability and duurzaamheid it is preferable this is not advisable, what is never a problem in Macedonia is the sharing of food. We often order a couple of dishes, and enough plates for the party of guest and all just tuck in!

No worries about food envy either!