Tucked just outside Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, Matka Canyon is one of the country’s most beautiful places to visit.
I really enjoyed my trip out to Matka Canyon, especially to escape the heat of the summer, and I won’t hesitate to go back again—but maybe on a quieter day!
With its tranquil waters, dramatic cliffs, medieval monasteries, and caves, it’s the perfect day trip for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers. Here’s what you need to know:
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Getting to Matka Canyon
- From Skopje: Matka Canyon is located about 15 km southwest of the city center.
- By car: A 30–40 minute drive. Parking is available at the entrance, though it can get crowded on weekends.
- By bus: Bus #60 runs from Skopje’s main bus station to the village of Matka. From there, it’s a short walk to the canyon.
- By taxi: Affordable and convenient, especially if traveling in a group.
We went to Skopje bus station to get the bus, but the timetable is a bit confusing and unreliable.
After waiting around 45 minutes, we used the Wizi app to take a taxi there, which cost d1300. However, a local taxi driver only quoted us d1000 for the return journey, so we took that deal. Other blogs we read quoted around d600 each way, but we felt d1000 was still reasonable so we didn’t haggle.
We went by ourselves, but you could also take a tour:
Read Next: Things to Do in Skopje, Macedonia
Things to Do at Matka Canyon
1. Explore by Boat or Kayak
- Take a boat tour down the Treska River for incredible views of the steep canyon walls.
- Rent a kayak if you prefer exploring at your own pace. It’s one of the best ways to experience the tranquility of the canyon. The water is very tranquil so it’s easy to kayak, especially in a two-person kayak:
The price for kayaking is per hour and you pay when you return. However, definitely time yourself because we were overcharged at first, but luckily my partner had kept a timer on his watch.
2. Visit Vrelo Cave
- Often considered one of the deepest underwater caves in the world.
- Accessible by boat, it features stalactites, stalagmites, and underground lakes.
- Guided tours are available and highly recommended for learning about the cave’s geology.
We kayaked all the way to cave entrance… and then realised we would need our shoes because you need to climb up a hill to get to the cave entrance!
3. Go Hiking
- Several trails wind through the canyon, offering varying levels of difficulty.
- The Matka Monastery trail takes you to St. Nicholas Monastery perched above the canyon, rewarding you with panoramic views.
- More challenging hikes lead into the mountains of Jakupica.
We visited Matka in the heat of summer, so we didn’t hike. However, I’ve heard it’s possible to hike from Vodno to Matka, which I plan to do if we return in a cooler season.
4. Discover the Monasteries
- The canyon is dotted with historic medieval monasteries, some dating back to the 14th century.
- St. Andrew’s Monastery, right by the lake, is the most accessible and beautifully preserved.
5. Rock Climbing
- Popular with climbers, Matka offers limestone cliffs with routes for both beginners and advanced climbers.
Where to Eat and Drink at Matka Canyon
- Canyon Matka Hotel & Restaurant: Overlooking the water, it’s the most popular dining spot in the area and really the only place to go. The prices was double what we’ve paid for dinner in Skopje (there was even a charge for the toilet!), so eat beforehand if you don’t fancy paying the premium.
- There are plenty of vendors around Matka. I was pleasantly surprised by how good the ice cream was, plus there were fresh local fruits (plums and figs were in season), as well as local honey.
- Pack snacks and water if you plan to hike, as there are limited facilities deeper into the canyon.
Practical Tips
- Best time to visit: Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Summers can be very hot, and weekends tend to be busy.
- Footwear: Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to hike—trails can be rocky and uneven.
- Bring cash: Some tours and restaurants may not accept cards.
- Photography: The canyon is incredibly photogenic, so bring a camera or keep your phone charged.
Suggested Itinerary for Matka Canyon
Half-day trip: Take a boat ride to Vrelo Cave, explore St. Andrew’s Monastery, and enjoy lunch at the restaurant.
Full-day trip: Add a hike up to St. Nicholas Monastery or further into the mountains, with time for kayaking in the afternoon.
Why Visit Matka Canyon?
A visit to Matka Canyon was exactly what we needed after a few weeks in the stiflingly hot and dry capital, Skopje. Kayaking on the lake was amazing – I felt so relaxed and the scenery was beautiful.
Next time, I would definitely bring my swimsuit to swim in the river as well.
Read Next: 6 Key Books About North Macedonia for Curious Travellers and The Best Bookstores in Skopje, Macedonia for English Books
Have you been to Matka or do you have an additional travel tips to share? Let me know in the comments.
Travel Essentials
Here are the websites and services I personally use and recommend.
FLIGHTS: The best deals can be found on Skyscanner, Google Flights and Kiwi (learn more about Kiwi travel hacking here).
TRAVEL INSURANCE: I recommend World Nomads for travel insurance because you can purchase once you’re already overseas and you can easily extend your policy. For digital nomads, I recommend and personally use Genki (learn more about Genki digital nomad health insurance here).
E-SIM: For travel in Europe, I use an e-sim with GoMobile, which is a provider based in Malta, but you need to be there to set it up.
ACCOMMODATION: I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for apartments. For Colivings, I usually book privately, but Coliving.com is a good place to start.
THINGS TO DO: I use Viator or Get Your Guide for booking day trips, city tours and other activities, though I often check reviews on TripAdvisor too.
