The Makaza pass forms part of Pan-European Corridor IX,[1] connecting Helsinki in Finland with the Greek port of Alexandroupolis on the Aegean Sea.

[2] The international border between Bulgaria and Greece lies at the highest point of the pass, at 682 metres (2,238 ft) above sea level.

[3] The Makaza pass runs from the Bulgarian village of Strizhba in Kirkovo municipality, Kardzhali Province, to the Greek town of Komotini, the capital of the East Macedonia and Thrace region.

Thus, it provides quick access from central Bulgaria to the Aegean Sea, some 30 kilometres (19 mi) from Komotini, and to the A2 motorway (Egnatia Odos).

[3] The distance from Kardzhali to Komotini via Makaza is around 70 kilometres (43 mi) and takes approximately one hour and 15 minutes by car.