Radoviš between the maple tree and festival tradition

If you are looking for a hotel in Radoviš, the city’s history, an ancient maple tree, the celebration of its patron saint, and local festival cuisine offer concrete starting points for planning your trip. Landscape and hiking destinations, by contrast, are described in the broader Radovish travel destination as a separate regional context.

City History and the Radoviš Maple Tree

Radoviš has had urban functions since the Middle Ages. This long history gives the town a cultural connection that is also reflected in one of its best-known natural features: the Radoviš maple is considered the oldest and largest tree in the city. Its age is estimated at more than six centuries. Those interested in the town’s history will find two different timescales here: its medieval urban functions and a tree whose estimated age goes back much further.

Patron Saint and Celebration Tradition

In 2026, the Municipality of Radoviš and the Macedonian Orthodox Church, Bregalnica Diocese – Church of Sv. Troica, traditionally celebrated the feast in honor of the city’s patron saint, Sv. Spaso Radoviški. In the broader Radovish travel destination, the traditional Sv. Spaso Radoviški event lasts three days and takes place every year in mid-August. It includes church services, a spiritual academy, a procession, and a concert. If you would like to plan your trip around this feast, check the specific date for your travel dates.

Other cultural themes are also rooted in the broader Radovish travel destination. The Karamonovi poetry gatherings in Radoviš have a tradition spanning more than 40 years. In Topolnica, Pelivan wrestling is part of a Juruč festival that honors the long-standing traditions of the Juruč people in the Municipality of Radoviš. No current schedule is provided for these events, so do not base your plans solely on an assumed date.

Samun and Tatlija

Local festival cuisine includes Samun and Tatlija. Samun is the local name for Pastrmajlija. Tatlija is a traditional dessert eaten after Samun and made with fresh cheese. In the broader Radovish travel destination, Tatlija is considered a sweet specialty made from fresh, unsalted cheese and drizzled with syrup. Preparation may vary from one producer to another.

Reports on individual editions of the “Samun em tatlija” festival offer a snapshot of the festival cuisine at a particular time. For the 2019 edition, more than 10,000 local and foreign tourists were expected during festival week; Samun and Tatlija were presented at a total of 17 stalls. For the three-day 2025 edition, more than 10,000 Samun and as many pieces of Tatlija were expected. These quantities are expectations for the respective editions, not figures for actual demand or current availability.

In the broader Radovish travel destination, Radoviš-Somun is also described as a local specialty similar to Štip’s pastırma-like pastry or Veles pita. Thus, different food names and regional comparisons coexist: there, Samun refers to Pastrmajlija, while Radoviš-Somun is classified as a distinct local specialty.

Landscape in the Broader Radovish Travel Destination

In the broader Radovish travel destination, Lisec, the highest peak of the Plačkovica Mountains, stands at 1,754 meters. It can be climbed from the north, south, or east; the northern route is considered the easiest. Check current trail conditions before setting out. Golema Peštera, a 600-meter-long cave with cave formations, is also located on Plačkovica. Marked trails lead to the caves Ćup, Ajdučka, Turtel, and Ponor, which are considered easy for visitors to access. Here too, it is advisable to check trail conditions locally.

Other regional points of interest focus on different subjects: the Plavaja is 26.7 kilometers long and is suitable for fishing and raising river fish. Borov Dol is an archaeological site; archaeological research shows that human life developed there as early as around 8,000 years ago, during the Neolithic. The landscape, use of the river, and archaeological history are thus among the different themes to explore in the broader Radovish travel destination.

Choose the Focus of Your Trip

For a culture-focused trip, medieval urban functions, the ancient maple tree, celebration traditions, and festival cuisine can take center stage. Those more interested in nature and regional trails will find further guidance in the broader Radovish travel destination.

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