For many people holiday starts with preparations and traveling to the destination. In order to make a trip to Greece enjoyable, to not be overwhelmed an to arrive safely, it is recommended to make frequent breaks or overnight stay on a halfway. The possibilities of accommodation on the way to Greece are in Serbia, Macedonia and Greece.

If you are not in a rush, we recommend you to visit Vlasina Lake. It’s 30km away from the Vladicin Han’s junction on a highway, but it takes about 50 minutes to drive there, because of a curvy, but good road. The beauty of this lake is breathtaking. If you want to go for a lunch in Vlasina, you can visit the restaurant Narcis, which offers accommodation too. Also, you can go for a lunch in Surdulica town. If you are an adventurer, you can continue your way to Greece through Vlasina and Bulgaria (there are two borders at Vlasina). For information about the route through Vlasina to Greece, click here If this is too much adventure for you, you can return to Vladicin Han and get on the highway at the same point where you get off the highway at first.

Those who wanted to avoid crowds at the border Presevo and went to the Prohor Pčinjski border, say that a night in Prohor Pčinjski Monastery (see attached picture) it is a very good and affordable solution. You would be surprised how much this monastery keep up with the modern way of life (internet connection is available, although you would not expect it in such a place). Also, the food and drinks they serve are really above all expectations. However, yes, there is no crowd at the border Prohor, but the driving will be delayed due to a very bad road, so we recommend this way only if you enjoy the slow ride through the new areas.

For a good lunch, you can also stop by the Etno Brvnara Groš restaurant for a gourmet break on the way to Greece or on the way back. The restaurant is located 13km from the highway (Leskovac exit), and offers dishes such as Leskovac barbecue, mućkalica u pogača, sukanice, sacevi, trout and roasts. Along with local cuisine, you will be greeted by buns from the plate, pickles, brandy and desserts such as Žerbo cake and caramel koh. A favorite among tourists and our Greek associates, this stop is remembered for its taste and warmth. Phone: +381 62 242031 Website: www.restorangros.com

Where to take a break in N. Macedonia?

For those looking for reliable and clean accommodation in Gevgelija, about 15 minutes from the Bogorodica- Evzoni border crossing, NIKA The Architect is an excellent choice.

NIKA The Architect

Offers air-conditioned apartments and studios, private parking, and a ²⁴⁄₇ reception desk. Perfect for an early start to avoid border queues.

Nika features 17 accommodation units, ranging from single studios to four-bed apartments, making it suitable whether you’re traveling alone or with family. Studios and apartments are equipped with essential amenities for a comfortable stay: a kitchenette, refrigerator, electric kettle, coffee maker, and hairdryer.

Free WiFi is available throughout the property, and the 24-hour reception is especially convenient for guests arriving during the night. Communication is also easy, as the staff speaks Greek, English, and Serbian. (In case you’re wondering why Greek is mentioned – it’s because Greek travelers sometimes stay here on their way to Serbia or back to Greece.)

For more information or to make a reservation, you can contact the owners via their Facebook page Direct reservations you can make jere on booking.com: https://www.booking.com/Share-L1XvG3Z Or via telephone numbers: viber i whatchap  +38975262556 +389 78426624 +389 76263506

Another place to rest before the border crossing is Sermeninski Čardak

If you want to combine the mountains and the sea, here you can find double, triple and quadruple rooms and food in the restaurant, which is famous far and wide. Location of the restaurant and accommodation: 15km from the E75 highway and 22km from the Macedonian-Greek border Bogorodica - Evzoni. From the direction of Serbia, the exit is at the place Prdejci (you probably noticed the sign with the name). From the exit to Sermeninski Čardak you have about half an hour’s drive. The restaurant serves Macedonian national dishes, barbecue, pork, veal roast, local wines and brandies. The prices in the restaurant are also lower than in other restaurants and the owner says that their guests are mostly our people. Contact: facebook: Sermeninski čardak

Recommendations for a break in Greece

In Greece, the best choice is to spend the night in Polikastro, not far from the border Evzoni, where there are several hotels with one, two and three stars (e.g Astro Hotel) or in Thessaloniki itself, which has a big number of hotels in all categories (we recommend you to book in advance hotel in Thessaloniki trough internet). One of the best hotels in Thessaloniki is Pella Hotel which is close to the city center. In the city center there are hotels El Greco and Olimpia, which are a bit expensive and the Esperia Hotel with average prices.

Where to spend the night in Bulgaria or take a break on the way to Greece?

If you are traveling through Bulgaria, let’s say to Thasos, what we recommend, then the best choice is to spend the night in Bansko. A huge selection of hotels and affordable prices, but also a very nice place are the reason why more and more people decide to spend the night right here. You can read more here.

Overnight stays in the total amount, range from 40 to 100 euros depending on the size of the room or apartment, the dates you travel and the categories of accommodation you have chosen. Although these prices are not low, the safety of you and your family/friends is priceless, and the rested driver will surely arrive safely to the destination, from the one who, without a break, or only with a short break, is driving from Serbia to Thasos.

Cmprehensive Touris Guide you can find HERE. Choose destination and read all you are interested about in it.

Live cameras for monitoring the situation at border crossings

What will certainly help you while you are at one of the rest areas is to monitor the situation at the border crossings live on cameras, especially at the Bogorodica border crossing: Bogorodica border crossing (North Macedonia) – Evzoni (Greece) Preševo ​​/ Serbia – North Macedonia border crossing Preševo ​​border crossing - exit from Serbia All border crossings in North Macedonia

The Dojran border crossing unfortunately still does not have a camera for monitoring the traffic situation live. Check out other border crossings as well as places where you can take a break on the way to your desired “sea” destination:

• Overnight stay on the way to Greece through Bulgaria
• Lunch break on the way to Greece
• Accommodation and sights on the way to Greece through Bitola
• Metsovo - overnight stay on the way to the Ionian coast
• Journey to the Ionian coast via the Niki border crossing

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