Mountains and Waters

The Municipality of Strumica is a region whose relief distinguishes through its diversity. On one side there are mountains and on the other there are rivers, hills, streams, hydro systems, springs, groundwater ... To complete the picture of diversity, nature has bestowed it with warm sun and mild winters, a beautiful blend that gives room for research, recreation, and relaxation.

Mountains

The Mountains Belasica, Plavush, and Elenica that surround Strumica offer wonderful places and opportunities for development of hunting, sports and recreational tourism. Large areas covered mostly by forests, meadows and pastures, the diversity of flora and fauna, with different types of game and birds, attract many lovers of hunting.

Belasica is located in the southeast of Strumica with its highest peak of 2031 m. It is one of the oldest mountains, not only in Macedonia, but also in the Balkans. According to its morphological structure, Belasica a notable karst with very steep slopes that descend on the north and on the south side. It is rich in forests, and countless pastures stretch on the horizon like in a postcard. However, Belasica still has places where human foot stepped or not sufficiently explored.

Plavush is a small low mountain and represents a continuation of the mountain west Belasica, which is separated by the slopes in the village Kosturino and its highest point is the height of 997 m. It consists of amphibolites, crystalline schist and quartzite. Lonely and low peaks end in gray limestone.

The Mountain of Elenica is part of the Mountain of Smrdesh and is located at an altitude of 900 m. The highest peak of this mountain is the eponymous peak "Elenica". It has typically mild relief. It is composed of carbonate (calcium carbonate), limestone and red soil. This mountain is surrounded by the villages of Vodocha, Veljusa, Rich, Belotino, and Popchevo. In the mountains which are located on the territory of the Municipality of Strumica there is a large number of low-trunk plants such as currants, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, rosehips ... etc., diverse teas, flowers, fruits, resins ... etc., and also some species of fungi including: chanterelle, champignon, parasol, wild mushrooms and more. The most common deciduous trees are: birch, linden, maple, oak, hornbeam, chestnut, ash, beech and others. The most frequent evergreen trees are cypress, pine, thuja, juniper, spruce, fir, ash ... etc. The fauna includes: rabbits, wild pigs, does, wolves, foxes, deer, wild cats, squirrels ... etc. And birds that can be found: nightingale, pheasant, partridge, hawk, jay, crow, eagle, falcon ... etc. as well as various kinds of insects.

Waters

The Municipality of Strumica is rich in water. It has a developed hydrographic network, consisting of rivers, streams, springs, groundwater, hydro systems ... Waterworks, wells and public water fountains as well as an artificial storage lake (Vodocha) and other water facilities have been constructed.

The artificial lake of “Vodocha”, which is located near the village of Popchevo, Municipality of Strumica, is a big storage lake. It is 38.7 m deep. Beside supply and irrigation of crops in Strumica Valley, it offers the opportunity for rest, recreation, research and education. The Vodocha Lake and its environment are perfect for numerous sports activities, such as hunting, fishing, hiking, jogging and biking, and is a real feast for the eyes and soul. A significant number of marsh birds reside in the lake, while the fish stock mainly consists of carp, roach, and belvica (salmothymus ohridanus).

At the foot of Belasica, numerous thermal and mineral waters flow. Among them the most famous is the spring in the village of Bansko. The water from this spring is healing, mineral and sulfur with a temperature of 73ºC. It provides Banja Bansko with healing water. The hydro geological investigations by the Geological Office in Skopje have determined that the thermal-mineral waters in Bansko are the warmest in the country.