Tetovo Car Hire

Guide of Tetovo

Geography

Tetovo located in the north west of the country in the Polog Valley, surrounded by mountains. The northern side is enclosed by the Shar mountains and the south end by the ‘Mali thate’ or The Dry mountains that protect the valley. Vardari is the main river that passes through the valley and the branch of the river known as the Shkumbi or Pena divides Tetovo, providing fresh water to the villages. Tetovo residents are proud of the fresh drinking water supplied from the Shar mountain.

Climate in Tetovo

Tetovo’ s climate because of the valley geographical location can be described as continental. Summer is warm and humid, winter cold with snowfalls, whilst spring and autumn are mild with frequent rain showers. In summer the average daily temperature reaches around 25°C. The best travelling months are from June to September. The winter season, especially if you enjoy skiing in the mountains nearby, is around January when temperatures range from -3°C to 5°C.

Culture

Archaeological evidence dates Tetovo’s history back to the Bronze Age. Overtime the early inhabitants endured changes in rulers, religions and languages. Historically Tetovo’s cultural background of significance commenced in the 15th century when the population of Muslins and Christians were under Ottoman rule. During this period Tetovo was known as Kalkandelen, Shield Penetrator, in honour of the local weapon-smiths. Under Ottoman influence Tetovo’s trade industry flourished where firearms, cannons were traded, as well as local farming produce. Wealth increased enabling a number of fortresses and mosques to be built, some are still present in Tetovo. During the wars of the 20th century the occupation changed from Albanian, Bulgarian, Serbian, Yugoslavian to finally the city became Tetovo part of the Republic of North Macedonia. Looking to the future Tetovo’s government has been working on establishing a political, economical and strategic outlook that will benefit the largely Albanian and Macedonian population. Education has been high on the agenda with development of higher education and two universities. Encouragement of private enterprise and investment has stimulated an economy in need. With more direction the community has sort to open up social and cultural events and tourism industry is being explored. Expect to find the Albanian Latin alphabet dominating the city, while the Cyrillic signage can be seen in the Macedonian community areas.

Things To Do in Tetovo

Tetovo region with its natural beauty and many cultural historical monuments is now a desirable tourist destination.

Stone Bridge

Uniting the two sides of the city is Stone Bridge which is thought to be built in the 16th century by local craftsmen from limestones with linkage made from melted lead.

The Fortress of Tetovo

Built on the top of the Baltepe in the 1820, this strategic position was chosen for the advantage of controlling a majority of the Polog Valley. A typical Ottoman architectural complex comprising of 5 palaces with a well in the middle of the fortress. The walls are inter-dispersed with towers. There are still the remains of the underground prison and three tunnels leading to Tetovo and the river Pena/Shkumbi.

Sharena Dzamija – Painted Mosque

Located in the old part of Tetovo, beside the river Pena/Shkumbi is a domed mosque covering one squared room. It’s style is Neoclassical Ottoman and was constructed in the 15th century. The history of the Painted Mosque is engraved in records carved on marble slabs placed over the entrance door. The attractiveness of the mosque is the decoration of the walls. The interior and exterior decorations are highly colourful geometrical motives interwoven with floral patterns.

The Hamam of Tetovo

Originally constructed as a bath house in the 16th century, the Hamam of Tetovo is located on the left side of the river Pena/Shkumbi. The limestone domed roof establishment was influenced by Albanian design. The domes organise the layout of the interior into different areas in preparation for bathing and the use of the window openings in the changing facilities adds dynamism. Although no longer a bath house the areas have been transformed into The Gallery of Visual Arts.

Sunny Hill Tourist Centre

If you can plan your vacation during winter and are an avid skier then only 18 kilometres from Tetovo is Sunny Hill Ski Resort. Offering 11 ski lifts over 20 kilometres of slopes of various degrees of difficulty and ranging up to a height of 2510 metres. The resort provides accomodation, ski rental and restaurant facilities.

Tetovo Film Festival

Watch Out! Tetovo Film Festival is a summer attraction organised in early June. Held over 3 nights with different yearly themes, the aim is to bring culture closer to people, transform society through the magic of cinema, give hope, optimism and courage. Besides viewing there are workshops and discussion groups available for participation.

Eating Out in Tetovo

Tetovo does provide international restaurants offering cuisines such as Italian pasta and pizza but why not take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local Albanian and Macedonian traditional dishes. Be prepared to view photos on menus or websites and pay in the local Denar currency. Some typical dishes to taste are burek a baked phyllo filled with meat, cheese, vegetables or fruits. Ajvar is a spread of roasted peeled red peppers combined with eggplant, garlic, oil, vinegar and salt. Shopska salad, an accompaniment often served, comprises chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, oil, salt and generous amount of a domestic feta like cheese. Dante restaurant in the city of Tetovo has a wide varied menu catering for breakfast, lunch and dinner, international dishes or a modern version of traditional recipes all written in Albanian, Macedonian and English. Breakfast omelettes can come natural or filled, soups are homemade, 8 salads are bound to please, whilst pasta, pizza and risottos are available. The traditional meat and fish dishes are mouth watering, with grilled local beef and sauce of choice or grilled whole fish or crustaceans with accompaniments. If you are going to visit the tourist resort in the Shar mountain on the way is the Albanian restaurant Sharri. In a beautiful mountain setting with animals, fish and a delightful balcony to admire the scenery you can enjoy your lunch or dinner, weather permitting. On offer are starters of hearty salads made of tomatoes, cucumbers with a cheese sauce or a casserole of mild peppers in a tangy white cheese sauce. Then for main course try their renowned varied meat platter of local cuts of beef and chicken or if you like a freshly caught trout from the premises, this can be grilled.

Transport

Tetovo is located 72 kilometres from Alexander the Great Airport Skopje with airlines servicing international and European destinations. Rule Turs operates a bus shuttle journey every 3 hours between Skopje to Tetovo that takes around 1 hour travel time. Jayride-Private will transfer you in a town car or there is the option of a taxi. Within Tetovo ‘Polet’ is responsible for the bus system and they do transfers to nearby villages. Taxis are available 24 hours a day. For convenience, flexibility and enjoyment hiring a car would enable you to transfer effortlessly, wander the old city, adventure to the villages and explore the new tourist attractions.