Macedonia’s Caves: The Next Big Thing in Active Tourism

If we were to make a list of names deserving recognition for the development of tourism in Macedonia, Darko Nedanoski, a member of SK Zlatovrv, would definitely be on that list.

Darko explores and promotes Macedonia from a different angle, a perspective he says is much more appealing to foreign tourists than to locals. He is a spelunker, or simply put, someone who studies caves and other natural underground spaces.

He has a long list of achievements behind him. At just 18 years old, he earned the title of rescuer after participating in numerous training courses in Bulgaria.

He has set multiple records, starting with the expedition in Slovenia and Croatia, where he, together with Mario Andonoski, reached a depth of 534 meters in the Propast Brezno cave in the Leskhov Mountains. His greatest record as a Macedonian spelunker is descending 950 meters underground and spending four days without daylight in a cave in Slovakia.

Darco says that although Macedonia is small in size, it has a lot to offer. The interest from foreign tourists is much higher compared to locals. His club receives calls from people all around the world, both for visits and tourist enjoyment, as well as for special scientific research and expeditions.

Because they are currently working on a campaign to promote Macedonian caves in the best light, our team places Darko and everyone in the club on the list of heroes who are doing small things of great significance for the development of tourism in Macedonia.

Starting from the fact that caves are untouched nature and that many find it a true pleasure to visit them, we can conclude that Macedonia has huge tourist potential, says Darko. Macedonia has many caves that truly take your breath away and are open for visits and tourism development. Others, however, are of great scientific importance and need to be maximally protected.

(PHOTOGRAPHY TAKEN AFTER 4 DAYS WITHOUT DAYLIGHT)

They are currently leveraging the power of social media and collaborating with the Speleological Federation of Macedonia. Through this partnership, they are connecting with clubs across the Balkans to foster European collaborations. Their most effective promotional effort has been the Open Days of Speleology, which draw large crowds of visitors.

This year, SK Zlatovrv will organize the inaugural Prilep Speleological Expedition, named "Solunska 2021." The goal of this expedition is to explore and discover new cave channels, potentially reaching a greater depth than the previously recorded 370 meters. 

Solunska Glava 5 is home to significant deposits of permanent ice, the largest of its kind in Southeast Europe. This unique feature represents a type of underground glacier in Macedonia. As part of the expedition, the glacier will be meticulously mapped for the first time, and samples will be collected for further scientific research.

The ice masses in this region are particularly significant as they serve as an archive of the area's climatic conditions. With the past decade witnessing the melting of ice masses in caves across Europe, it is crucial to conduct a detailed study of the deposits in Solunska Glava 5 before they completely disappear. Organizing the first speleological expedition in Prilep will be vital for advancing speleology and promoting caves in Macedonia.

Darko's team offers a unique and unforgettable experience. They organize a variety of adventures, including caving and many other outdoor activities that are often highlighted as priorities for active tourism.

As Darko mentioned earlier, Macedonia boasts numerous places to visit, including a significant number of caves. The most important thing is for us all to protect nature.

You can learn more about their activities at:

Instagram: @skzlatovrv

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skzlatovrv/

Website: www.zlatovrv.speleo.mk