Matka Canyon, North Macedonia

Matka Canyon

A deep canyon with a lake, caves and a monastery, just outside Skopje.

  • Apr–Oct
  • 1 night
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Nearby hidden places
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Things to do

2 days in Matka Canyon

Day 1

  1. MorningTake a small boat up the canyon lake to the Vrelo Cave, one of the deepest underwater caves known.
  2. AfternoonKayak on the green lake, or hike the canyon path cut into the cliff.
  3. EveningReturn to Skopje for dinner in the Old Bazaar, 30 minutes away.

Day 2

Visit the 14th-century monastery of St. Andrew at the canyon entrance.

What to eat

Grilled meat and fresh trout at the lakeside restaurant by the dam.

Local tips

Make the most of Matka Canyon

Beat the crowds

Weekends are busy with people from Skopje. Weekdays are calm.

Best photo spot

The steep canyon walls and the green lake from a boat or the path along the water.

Getting there

City bus 60 runs from Skopje to the canyon, about 40 minutes, then a short walk to the dam.

Don't miss nearby

Skopje's old bazaar and the Millennium Cross on Mount Vodno.

Good to know

Boats take you to the Vrelo Cave, one of the deepest underwater caves in Europe. Kayaks can be rented by the dam.

Plan your visit

Getting to Matka Canyon

Getting there

  • Skopje Airport (SKP)25 km away
  • Ohrid Airport (OHD)95 km away
  • Skopje12 km away
  • Tirana140 km away

Reachable by car or public transport; a car gives you more freedom to explore the area. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeApr–Oct
TypeNature spot
Good forNature
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay1 night
CountryNorth Macedonia

Questions

Matka Canyon: good to know

Is Matka Canyon worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like nature. A deep canyon with a lake, caves and a monastery, just outside Skopje.

How many days do you need in Matka Canyon?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Matka Canyon?

The best time to visit is Apr to Oct. Weekends are busy with people from Skopje. Weekdays are calm.

How do you get to Matka Canyon?

The nearest airport is Skopje Airport (SKP), about 25 km away. City bus 60 runs from Skopje to the canyon, about 40 minutes, then a short walk to the dam.

What is there to see near Matka Canyon?

Nearby hidden places include Skopje (12 km), Ohrid (102 km) and Lake Koman (123 km).

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