Makaza is a road border crossing and mountain pass situated on the border between Bulgaria and Greece. The crossing lies within the Strandzha (or Eastern Rhodope) Mountains, near the Bulgarian village of Makaza in the municipality of Malko Tarnovo, Burgas Province, and the Greek settlement of Kipoi in the Evros regional unit. It serves as a point of entry and exit for vehicular traffic on European route E85, which connects the Bulgarian capital Sofia with the Greek city of Alexandroupoli and further to the broader European road network.
Geography
The Makaza pass traverses a mountainous terrain at an elevation of approximately 350 metres above sea level. The surrounding region is characterized by dense forested slopes, part of the Strandzha Nature Park on the Bulgarian side and the Rhodope Mountains on the Greek side.
History and Development
The border crossing was officially opened to road traffic on 1 January 2013. Its establishment was part of a European Union–funded infrastructure project aimed at improving transport links and fostering economic integration between the two Balkan states. Prior to this development, the crossing was limited to local pedestrian and limited agricultural use. The construction of a modern roadway and customs facilities replaced older, less-developed routes that had historically facilitated regional trade.
Infrastructure
The Makaza crossing includes customs and immigration facilities operated jointly by the Bulgarian Customs Agency and the Greek Independent Authority for Public Revenue. The road infrastructure comprises a two‑lane highway on both sides, equipped with signage, lighting, and safety barriers conforming to EU standards. The crossing is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for both passenger vehicles and freight transport.
Economic and Strategic Significance
The opening of the Makaza crossing has reduced travel time between Sofia and the Greek port city of Alexandroupoli by approximately 2–3 hours compared with alternative routes. It has facilitated increased cross‑border trade, tourism, and cultural exchange, contributing to regional development initiatives in the Balkans. The crossing also serves as an alternative corridor for traffic diverted from the more congested Kapitan Andreevo–Svilengrad border crossings further east.
Transportation
European route E85, which passes through Makaza, forms part of the Pan‑European corridor IV, linking Central Europe with the Aegean Sea. Bus services and freight operators regularly use the crossing, and it is integrated into national road networks of both Bulgaria (Road 28) and Greece (Greek National Road 2).
Environmental Considerations
Given its location within a protected natural area, the Makaza crossing project incorporated environmental impact assessments. Mitigation measures included the construction of wildlife crossings, noise barriers, and reforestation efforts to preserve the biodiversity of the Strandzha region.
Future Developments
Plans discussed by Bulgarian and Greek authorities include potential upgrades to accommodate increased traffic volume, such as expanding lane capacity and enhancing customs processing efficiency. These proposals remain subject to further funding and bilateral agreement.