Gevgelija, North Macedonia

Capital City

With a population of just 15,156, this border town in southeast North Macedonia is a far cry from the glitz and excitement of its nickname, the "Balkan Las Vegas." The reality is a sleepy, provincial outpost where the Mediterranean climate and silk trade are the main draws. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as evidenced by the town's complex history of shifting borders and overlapping jurisdictions. While the nearby spa offers some respite, Gevgelija is better suited to those seeking a quiet, slow-paced life on the edge of the Balkans than thrill-seekers.