Kruševo Becomes Europe's Paragliding Capital: 130 Pilots From 38 Countries Chase a European Title
For a few days this month, one of Macedonia's smallest towns became one of the biggest names in European paragliding, as 130 pilots from 38 countries gathered above Kruševo to compete for a continental title.
Kruševo, a small mountain town better known for its role in the 1903 Ilinden Uprising and its Ottoman-era architecture, spent several days this month as the center of European paragliding, hosting 130 pilots from 38 countries competing for a continental title.
The town's elevation, thermal air currents and wide mountain views have made it a long-standing favorite among paragliding pilots, but this event marked one of its largest international gatherings yet. Competitors launched from the surrounding peaks in a series of timed and distance tasks, with conditions closely tracked throughout the competition days.
A Small Town, A Big Stage
For a town of Kruševo's size, hosting a field of 130 international competitors is a significant logistical undertaking — accommodation, transport to launch sites, and safety coordination all had to scale up for the event. Local businesses, from guesthouses to restaurants, saw a clear boost in traffic during the competition window.
The event adds to a growing pattern of Kruševo positioning itself as a hub for outdoor and adventure tourism in Macedonia, alongside its historical draw as the site of the short-lived Kruševo Republic. Organizers and local officials have pointed to events like this as a way to diversify the region's tourism appeal beyond the traditional summer coastal season.
MKNews Hub · Travel · August 14, 2026