Demir Kapija Gorge

Demir Kapija means iron gate, and the Vardar cuts a gorge here through limestone walls that close to a few hundred metres, with the main road and the railway both threading it. The cliffs hold rock climbing routes and a population of Egyptian and griffon vultures, and caves cut into the walls have produced archaeology. The town at the gorge mouth is a wine centre, with a royal-era winery among the estates.

What's there

• The gorge walls - limestone cliffs closing over the Vardar.
• The vultures - Egyptian and griffon vultures on the cliff faces.
• The climbing routes - the bolted lines on the gorge walls.
• The wineries - the estates around the town at the gorge mouth.

When to go

April to June and September to October are the most comfortable. Summer in the Vardar valley is very hot. Vultures are most visible in the morning.

What to expect

The main road and railway run through the gorge and the noise is constant. Summer heat here is severe. Climbing access and route information are patchy.

Nearby

Demir Kapija town is at the mouth, and Tikves is northwest.