Nov Dojran: History and Kaldrma

Nov Dojran brings together a distinctive settlement history, Kaldrma Beach, and a festive focus on regional cuisine and culture. The town invites you to shape your stay in the Dojran destination around specific interests: Would you like to learn more about how the settlement came about, explore the lake, or focus on culture and food?

How Nov Dojran came into being

The history of Nov Dojran begins in 1919/20. At the time, about sixty fishing families settled near the foundations of ancient Taurian. Old Dojran offered virtually no living conditions; at the same time, the families wanted to return to their former home. Four kilometres from the destroyed Dojran, they founded a new settlement and named it Nov Dojran. This dual movement—returning to their former home and founding a new place—makes the settlement’s history particularly vivid.

Kaldrma and the Dojran Gourmet Fest

Kaldrma is a beach in Nov Dojran. A municipal description dated 18 May 2021 described it as one of the oldest beaches in Dojran and as once having been a source of pride for the residents of Nov Dojran. For anyone who likes to connect local history with specific places, Kaldrma thus links a beach with the memory of its former significance to the town’s residents.

In the heart of Nov Dojran, fans of traditional food, culture and good music gathered once again in 2026 for the Dojran Gourmet Fest. Across the Dojran destination as a whole, the festival traditionally marks the start of the tourist season and has become a recognisable symbol that promotes local flavours, tradition and hospitality. If you are planning for another year, check the festival dates that apply then.

Dojran: Lake, nature and tradition

Across the Dojran destination as a whole, the lake offers a distinctive connection with nature and tradition. Today’s Lake Dojran is a remnant of the former Paeonian Lake, also known as Lake Strymonian. Twelve faunal endemics have been recorded in Lake Dojran; one of the fifteen fish species is locally endemic. These figures give nature enthusiasts a concrete insight into the lake’s biodiversity.

Another special feature is the traditional Mandra fishery on Lake Dojran, which uses birds in reed enclosures. Water conditions are also relevant when planning a holiday: the shallow water warms up quickly in summer and is recommended for swimming and family-friendly activities. Conditions can vary by season.

Cultural sites in the wider Dojran area

In Star Dojran, the St Partenij Zografski Monastery Complex was founded in 2001. The Church of St Elijah was built in 1848; its ruins stand on a rocky hill at the entrance to Star Dojran. The Dojran Lakeside Museum is housed in the premises of the local self-government and has a collection on the plant and animal life of Lake Dojran. The wider Dojran destination therefore offers different thematic points of interest: religious heritage, church ruins and a collection devoted to the lake’s natural environment.

Choosing a location to suit your interests

If you are deciding between Nov Dojran and Star Dojran, your preferred focus may help: Nov Dojran offers its own local connections through its settlement history and Kaldrma; Star Dojran has the monastery complex, church ruins and museum collection to explore. When looking for a holiday apartment, consider which of these stories and interests should determine where you stay.

For the overall travel overview: Dojran.