MALOVISTE to ST ANA MONASTERY

See https://mymacedoniablog.wordpress.com/ for more info about sightseeing and hiking in Macedonia

The Monastery of St Ana (St Anna) is located about 3 km uphill from the village Maloviste. The height difference is about 250 m.

There is a marked trail going to the Monastery. This actually is a horse-riding trail, probably the remains of a failed attempt to make Maloviste attractive as an eco-tourism village. However, the trail itself is well marked with wooden signs (at least the last part of the trail through the woods that we walked was well marked).

To get to the beginning of the trail, follow the road uphill from Church of St Petka in Maloviste.

There is an information sign at the beginning of the trail. It says:

(1) The trail begins at the western part of the village, at the last houses of malovishta, among the Vlach locals called "la ketra" which means "near the stones", i.e. where are left piles of stones fallen from oldest houses

(2) After riding near the last houses, trail continues though abandoned meadows along the creek.

(3) The entire route of the trail is marked with many signposts.

(4) The creek has to be crossed at marked place near the Monastery.

(5) The last section goes through beech forest, after a short uphill.

(6) Arriving to Monastery is near the great fountain with clear and very cold mountain water.

(7) From dormitories you have to continue with riding for about 500 meters to the west and reach the church St Anna

(8) Returning to the village takes place after a narrow forest path, surrounded by tall beech trees

(9) Tour ends as you cross the stone bridge and enter the village."

We did not do the full circle of this trail, but walked uphill through the beech forest mentioned at (8). To do so, walk straight on after the information panel and cross the wooden bridge on your left. Walk uphill until you reach the main trail and go right (west). It took us about 30 minutes to reach the monastery.