North Macedonia · Eastern Region

Kalimanci Lake

Directions

Калиманци

Kalimanci is a long, narrow reservoir on the Bregalnica in eastern North Macedonia, in the Delčevo–Kočani gorge on the slopes of Osogovo, about 23 km north-east of Kočani. The largest artificial lake in the east of the country, it has a much-indented shore in the municipalities of Vinica and Makedonska Kamenica.

How it formed

The rock-fill dam with a clay core and its hydroelectric plant went into service in 1969. The lake’s main job is irrigation: its water flows down the Bregalnica to two canals that feed about 28,000 hectares, largely the rice fields of the Kočani valley and part of Ovče Pole.

History

The small island of Kalata, near the centre of the lake, holds the remains of an ancient settlement and emerges only at low water.

Visit

Getting there

Nearest settlement: Makedonska Kamenica

Swimming

No reliable information

Tips

The main road between Kočani and Delčevo passes close to the water, and rougher dirt roads branch off to the shore, with informal parking; they can be muddy after heavy rain. Anglers come for carp and catfish. The village of Grljani stands on the shore.

Swimming is discouraged because of steep underwater drops, cold currents and submerged debris, so take care near the dam. There is little shade, so bring sun protection and sturdy shoes. June to August is the pleasant season, though late summer can be very hot.