Everything you need to know about Matka Canyon, North Macedonia

Nestled in the heart of North Macedonia, Matka Canyon boasts a rich history and unique geology. This natural wonder was carved by the Treska River over centuries, creating dramatic cliffs and mesmerizing rock formations.

Matka Canyon, around 16km from the centre of Skopje and is the perfect day trip to escape the heat of the city in the summer months. As well as just relaxing by the water and taking in your surroundings, Matka Canyon offers a number of activities including:

Getting to Matka Canyon from Skopje

Now, you might be wondering, “How do I reach this hidden paradise?” Fear not, intrepid explorer! Matka Canyon is conveniently accessible from Skopje, either by Bus, Hire Car, or Taxi.

You can catch the number 60 bus from the main bus station in Skopje, which takes approximately 50 minutes and costs 70 den (€1.14/$1.23) for a round trip. Have a read of our Skopje Travel Guide for details of timetables and tickets

If travelling by hire car the journey should take around 35 minutes, although there are no parking charges, finding a space can be tricky in the summer months as Matka is popular with both locals and tourists.

For a group of people travelling together, or those wanting to avoid the hassle of catching the bus, taxi’s should cost around 600 den (€9.74/$10.57) each way. Although costs can vary, so try and agree a price beforehand.

You will be dropped off by the bus/taxi, or have to park slightly down river from the dam. The walk to Matka Canyon, beyond the dam itself, will take 5-10 minutes.

Exploring Matka Canyon

Once you’ve arrived, get ready to explore one of the wonders of North Macedonia. There are a variety of activities that cater for everyone, from boat rides, kayaking, leisurely walking trails around the canyon, to more demanding hikes for those who are looking for something more adventurous.

There are a number of stalls, cafe’s and restaurants below the dam, however beyond your Canyon Matka Hotel & Restaurant. Although the prices might be somewhat high by North Macedonian standards, what you are paying for is the location, overlooking the emerald green waters of Matka Lake.

Boat Trips

For those seeking a unique perspective, don’t miss the boat trips along the Treska River. Drift through the canyon, marvel at the towering cliffs, and let the tranquility of the water immerse you in the natural wonders of this hidden gem.

There are a couple of different boat trips you can take, with the shortest and cheapest being 30 minutes and costing 200 den (€3.25/$3.52).

Caves

Carved by the Treska River over millions of years, the cave system spans approximately 5 kilometers and is adorned with stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations that create an otherworldly atmosphere. Vrelo Cave, the largest among them, harbors a wealth of subterranean chambers, revealing a fascinating geological history.

Visitors can embark on boat tours to Vrelo Cave for 400 den (€6.49/$7.05) taking 2 hours in total.

Rent a Kayak

While kayaking may not appeal to everyone, navigating the canyon via kayak provides a distinctive perspective, allowing you to absorb the serene ambiance of the surroundings. Rental companies offer both single and tandem kayaks, along with the provision of life jackets and secure storage for personal belongings if needed.

Single Kayak’s are available for 150 den (€2.44/$2.64) per 30 minutes, with double kayaks costing 250 den (€4.06/$4.40).

Hiking Trails

There are a number of different hiking trails that you can start from Matka Canyon, providing something suitable for most visitors.

The trail which follows the side of the canyon, is well established and has hand rails on sections with steep drops. The route is possible in trainers or walking shoes, but wouldn’t be advisable with sandals. There route is out and back, so you can decide on your own distance and head back when you are ready.

For those wanting to visit St. Nikola Monastery, the hike starts at the opposite side of the lake. Which means that you will need to take a short boat transfer costing 30 den (€0.49/$0.53). The hike itself takes around 30 minutes, but is extremely steep, gaining around 180m (590ft) in elevation.

For those looking for a something more challenging hike, there is a 11km route from the Millenium Cross on Mount Vodno in Skopje to Matka Canyon. One way the hike round take 3-4 hours, so to make this an enjoyable round trip this could be combined with taking the cable to Mount Vodno, completing the hike and then taking the number 60 bus back to Skopje.

Everything you need to know about Matka, North Macedonia

Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or just someone looking for a day of serenity, Matka Canyon has it all. So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to be captivated by the beauty that awaits in this North Macedonian gem.

Looking for more ideas for your trip to North Macedonia, then check out our Skopje, Bitola and Ohrid travel guides.