Things to Do in Gevgelija & Kozuf Mountain: Visit the best restaurant

The team at Kajak.mk always introduces you to the best places you absolutely must visit this season, and this year—without any doubt—you have to visit the restaurant Itz-Itz.

Located on the beautiful Kožuf Mountain, about 30 minutes from Gevgelija, in the tourist weekend settlement Smrdliva Voda—or as we would call it, “Healthy Water”—this restaurant offers an experience that cannot be described, only lived.

Right next to the flowing Slivka River lies the restaurant “Itz-Itz,” a place where nature and gastronomy come together in one perfect experience.

Why would we call this tourist settlement “Healthy Water”? Because right here springs one of the healthiest mineral waters in Macedonia, which the locals call “Smrdliva Voda” due to its sulfur compounds (such as hydrogen sulfide).

That’s the same smell many describe as “rotten eggs,” but in fact, it is a sign that the water is rich in minerals and has healing properties.

That’s why we must say that Smrdliva Voda is a place that literally heals you with its water, oxygen, and dense forest.

The restaurant Itz-Itz currently operates only on weekends, but our advice is to call +389 71 655 001—you might get lucky and be welcomed during the week as well.

What makes Itz-Itz truly special is its location. A clean, crystal-clear mountain river flows right through the yard. The sound of the water, the shade from the dense forest, and the fresh air—this is a combination that will recharge you better than any spa center.

And the food? Exactly the reason you’ll want to come back again and again. At Itz-Itz, traditional Macedonian specialties are served, prepared in an authentic way—juicy grilled meats, lamb under the saj, fresh trout, homemade cheeses, kajmak, and warm, freshly baked bread. Every bite is a combination of mountain freshness and homemade taste that takes you back to childhood.

They say that one second spent at “Smrdliva Voda” adds 10 new seconds to your life. And when you come here—you will understand why. Because here, not only the water but also the air heals. The dense, lush forest is a true oxygen bomb—no industry, no noise, no pollution.

Getting to “Smrdliva Voda,” or as we say “Healthy Water,” is easy. The road is fully asphalted—you just need to reach Gevgelija, and after only 30 minutes of driving, you are already in a completely different world: mountains, silence, and a restaurant that will win you over at first sight.

This is not just a place for lunch. This is a place to escape reality. A place to breathe deeply. A place you return to again and again.