More and more travelers from Serbia are choosing to take a break for lunch or an overnight stay on their way to Greece.
Depending on the starting point, for some it is a halfway stop, while others are resting after a longer ride. But the places in N. Makedonia are good as they are just before entering Greece.
This is especially logical for travelers coming from Vojvodina, Novi Sad, or Belgrade.
After covering a long stretch, a break allows travelers to rest, refresh, and continue their journey well-rested and alert. This is important, especially during peak travel season, when long waits at the border can exhaust both drivers and passengers, leaving them drained upon arrival at their destination.

Here are a few recommended places where you can take a break, have lunch, or stay overnight. Most of them are near the border, making it easier to plan your crossing during less busy times.

Lunch break in South Serbia

Passing through southern Serbia without trying the specialties is a real shame, especially for tourists from the north of the country who don’t have the opportunity to “jump” to a Leskovac barbecue so often. That’s why we suggest a gourmet paradise in Leskovac.

Leskovac - Ethno Log Cabin Groš

An ideal gourmet break on the way to Greece or on the way back.
Located 13km from the highway (Leskovac exit), Ethno Log Cabin Groš offers an authentic ambiance of old Serbia and a menu that has become synonymous with the south - 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.
Telephone: +381 62 242031
Website: www.restorangros.com
Address: Svetozara Miletića bb, 16000 Leskovac
e-mail: bokigros@sbb.rs
e-mail: rezervacije@restorangros.com
Facebook stranica: Etno Brvnara Groš
Instagram: Etnobrvnaragros
Google maps: LOCATION
Working hours: 9–24h, Friday- Suturday 9–01h, Sunday 12–22h

Recommended Stops in N. Makedonia on the Way to Greece

NIKA The Architect – The Diamond of Gevgelija

NIKA is a functional and convenient accommodation located in Gevgelija, about a 15-minute drive from the Bogorodica - Evzoni border crossing. Its location makes it a practical stop for travelers heading to Greece. You can relax in comfortable surroundings and continue your trip early in the morning, avoiding long queues at the border.

The best time to cross the border is before 7:00 AM, as traffic tends to build up after that—both at the crossing itself and around Thessaloniki due to weekday rush hours.
The accommodation offers air-conditioned apartments and studios, all with free WiFi and a balcony or terrace. Each unit is equipped with a kitchenette, fridge, electric kettle, coffee machine, and hairdryer. Some units include a sofa bed, ideal for families.

NIKA also offers several traveler-friendly features:
24-hour reception
On-site security
Private parking within the property
The staff speaks Greek, English, and Serbian, which is a big plus for guests from the region.

There are 17 units in total, organized as follows:
11 apartments with living room, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom
2 apartments with bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom
4 studio units

This accommodation is a great choice for families, transit travelers, or anyone looking for a clean and affordable stay in Gevgelija, with easy access to the Greek border and a smooth continuation of the journey.

If you decide to take a break here, you can contact the owners via their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573712124971
Or book directly via Booking.com: https://www.booking.com/Share-L1XvG3Z
Phone/Viber/WhatsApp contact:
+389 75 262 556
+389 78 426 624
+389 76 263 506

A place to rest on Kožuh Mountain close to border- Sermeninski Čardak

Another place on the way to the sea where a nice rest stop awaits you, which, we believe, most of you have already heard of - Sermeninski Čardak.
It is located on Kožuh Mountain, so if you want to combine the sea and the mountain, the road and a break, this is the right place. The border crossing is not far away, 18 km from Đevđelija, so you can monitor the situation at the border and head to Greece when the crowds are less.

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, it is about a half-hour drive.
Click here to see the exact location on the map.
The Čardak offers:
- double\, triple and quadruple rooms.
-Private parking
-Wi-Fi
-Air conditioning
-Children’s playground
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.
They also offer the purchase of local products (jam, forest fruit juices, wine, ajvar brandy, lyutenica, honey, cheese…)
The food in the restaurant is local, and the vegetables are grown and purchased from local producers.
Our loyal followers on the networks say the following about this place:
“We stayed overnight on the way to Lefkada, all praise for the hospitality of the host Zvonko. Excellent food, pleasant atmosphere. “
“Checked, all praise for the food and hospitality and a big greeting to Vaska and Zvonko. See you this summer Vaska Janeva. “

Through the Facebook page at the link below, you can order pies, banice and specialties under the sača, homemade products and book accommodation.
Contact:
facebook: Sermeninski čardak
Phone for reservations:
00 389 71 866 175
00 389 70 616 961
Address Sermenin bb (on Kožuf mountain).

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:

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