Discover the Charm of Kozle: The Perfect Village Getaway for Your Family

The Kajak.mk team is starting another column today, and that is tips for traveling with children. We would also like to introduce you to Marija Stojanovska, whose tips will be part of our aggregate from today onwards. Her recommendation for a one-day weekend tour is "Kozhle".

The village of Kozle is situated 45 km from Skopje and can be accessed via the Skopje-Veles highway. If you are coming from Skopje, you can take a route through the settlement of Petrovec. Before reaching Katlanovo, turn right toward Blace.

Near Kozle, there are two bridges: the Stojanov Bridge on the Pchinja River, accessible via the Skopje-Veles highway, and the Vardar Bridge, which can be reached on foot.

We spent a bit more time at the Vardar Bridge, covering approximately 3.5 km, so we decided to walk to the Pchinja Bridge next. The path begins in the village of Kozle and concludes at the church of St. Bogorodica, near Stojanov Most. The trail is about 3 km long in one direction and is so narrow that we had to walk in a single file.

Why should you take your kids on this visit? 

The entire trail winds through a pine forest and has no major climbs, making it easy to navigate. It is well-leveled and free of rocks, which makes it perfect for a walk with your children. You can enjoy fresh air, nature, and physical activity together.

About 2 kilometers from Kozle, the trail splits into two paths: one leads to St. Bogorodica and the other to the village of Karabunishte. Along the way to Karabunishte, you will find the second bridge over the Vardar River. The natural scenery and views are incredible—a true treat for the senses.

 In a humorous moment, my mom behaved just like Mr. Bean in a swimming pool, trying to jump from a diving board. For someone like me, who has a fear of heights, it was an adrenaline rush from start to finish.

There are several downhill sections along the trail, but if you’re not afraid of them, you can easily reach the bridge with your children and enjoy the experience. I noticed that there were even children aged 4 and 5 who managed to walk on the steepest parts by themselves. At Stojanov Bridge, in the courtyard of the Church of St. Bogorodica, there are benches available for resting. The bridge itself is a captivating combination of adrenaline and beauty. The children were thrilled with this walk and are already looking forward to the next one at Vardar Bridge, although I think that trip will have to wait a little while. 

Stay tuned for more tips for you and your children. The most important thing is to stay as active as possible!