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You’ve heard about Matka Canyon in North Macedonia (and how busy it can get), and you wonder if it’s worth visiting? Don’t think twice – it is. And if you’re in the know, it’s easy to experience this gem near Skopje without the tourist crowds. You don’t even need a car to get there. Our insider’s guide shares the ins and outs of exploring Matka Canyon (and other Skopje must-dos) off the beaten path.
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What and where is Matka Canyon (and is it worth a visit)?
Situated just 15km southwest of Skopje, Matka Canyon is a breathtaking limestone canyon carved by the Treska River – a tributary of Macedonia’s longest river, the Vardar.
An astonishing 20% of all plant life in the canyon can be found nowhere else on Earth. No wonder: Matka means womb in Macedonian. On our hike around the canyon, we were surprised by the sheer variety of wildflowers, insects and even reptiles we encountered close to a major city. Here are just a few photos to show you what we mean:
Besides the stunning scenery, Matka Canyon is also home to historic monasteries (originating from the 14th to the 17th century) and a hydroelectric dam – built in the 1930s and still in operation today. The dam created Matka Lake, a water reservoir stretching the length of the canyon. The lake’s emerald green colour framed by almost vertical limestone walls make Matka Canyon a stunning and very worthwhile day trip from Skopje.
The hydroelectric dam has created Matka Lake, adding to the natural beauty of the limestone canyon
Map of Accommodation, Points of Interest, Eateries and Transport
Below is a map of the recommended accommodations, points of interest, eateries, and transport terminals or stops mentioned in this article.
When is the best time to visit Matka Canyon?
Matka Canyon is open year-round, but to fully appreciate its beauty and avoid extreme weather, the best times to visit are mid-late Spring (April/May/June) and early-mid Autumn (September/October):
- Spring transforms the canyon into a colourful paradise as the wildflowers bloom. The leaves on the trees are slowly returning, and the lush greenery and mild temperatures make it the perfect season for hiking and kayaking.
- Autumn brings a different display of colours as the canyon’s vegetation shifts from deep greens to fiery oranges and reds. Temperatures are still pleasant – again, a great time to explore the area on foot and by paddle.
To check the climate in/around Skopje year-round, head to Weather Spark.
Being so close to Skopje, Matka Canyon is a popular getaway for city dwellers who hike, kayak, explore caves, or swim and relax by the water. Therefore, avoid weekends, especially if you come here in the Summer, as it’ll be packed with locals (and holidaymakers from as far as Serbia and Kosovo).
Matka Canyon is a year-round destination, but the atmosphere is very different in the Winter | Image courtesy of Nurullah Kavakli on Unsplash
How do you get to/from Matka Canyon (without a car)?
Skopje to Matka
Reaching Matka Canyon from Skopje is straightforward if you know how.
Bus #60 departs from Skopje’s Central Bus Terminal (also called Transporter Centar/Транспортен Центар) [Google Maps location] and takes approximately 45 minutes to reach Matka. A day pass for the bus costs MKD120 and can be purchased from the ticket office at the station (a converted bus at the far end of the platforms, near the public toilets). Validate your ticket when you board using the reader behind the bus driver.
While there is a set timetable, delays are common. On a weekday, the 7:00 bus was only five minutes late when it arrived at Matka, but by the time we wanted to return at 13:00, it was running about 40 minutes behind schedule.
Tip The final bus stop in Matka [Google Maps location] is about 500 metres from the dam wall, the actual start of the canyon.
Bus #60 takes you from Skopje’s Central Bus Terminal to Matka in about 45 minutes
#60 Bus Timetable
| Skopje to Matka | Matka to Skopje |
|---|---|
| 05:50 | |
| 07:00 | 07:45 |
| 08:45 | 09:40 |
| 10:30 | 11:20 |
| 12:10 | 13:00 |
| 13:50 | 14:40 |
| 15:30 | 16:20 |
| 17:10 | 18:00 |
| 18:45 | 19:30 |
| 20:15 | 21:00 |
| 22:30 | 23:20 |
Return buses leave from the turnaround point in Matka (or an earlier bus stop between Glumovo and Matka)
Matka to Skopje
Returning from Matka can be a little more challenging. The road to Matka and the official turnaround area at Matka [Google Maps location] are often blocked by waiting taxis, parked cars, and tour buses, making it impossible for the #60 bus to get through, let alone turn around. When this happens, the #60 bus doesn’t go all the way but turns around before it reaches Matka.
What does that mean for you? Instead of waiting where you got off, walk to a bus stop before the turnaround area [for example, here: Google Maps location, near the police station in Glumovo [Google Maps location] or opposite the mosque in Glumovo [Google Maps location]. Don’t worry; the walk is reasonably flat, with little shade.
If you walked to Glumovo and still haven’t encountered the #60 bus, keep walking to the bus stop outside the supermarket / elementary school [Google Maps location]. From here, the #12 bus is another option to return to Skopje – stops Post 1/Пошта 1 [Google Maps location] and Gotse Deltchev Bridge/Мост Гоце Делчев [Google Maps location] are the closest to the city centre. If you want to go back to Skopje’s Central Bus Station, change to the #56 bus at Saraj Recreation Center/Рекреативен Центар Сарај [Google Maps location].
Buy a daypass from the ticket office at the Bus Terminal and tap it on the card reader when you get on the bus
How to escape the crowds at Matka Canyon?
Matka Canyon is a stunning natural escape, but as mentioned, it can get crowded, especially on Summer weekends. If you prefer a quieter, more immersive experience, there are a few simple ways to enjoy the canyon without the crowds.
Visit on a weekday
Weekends at Matka Canyon can be mayhem (a local’s words, not ours), with busloads of visitors, cars parked everywhere, and long waits for boat rides or a space in one of the restaurants. Another guy who camped at St. Nikola’s Monastery told us he always leaves before the weekend because of the number of people.
If possible, plan your visit on a weekday when the atmosphere is far more peaceful, and you can appreciate the canyon’s serene beauty without a flood of daytrippers.
Matka Canyon can get busy in the middle of the day and on weekends when parked cars, taxis and tour buses block the access road
Arrive early
Especially for those who can only visit on the weekend, arriving early makes a huge difference.
Taking the first bus at 07:00 means you’ll reach Matka before 08:00, with hardly another soul in sight (the only other people on our bus were local workers). The canyon is still shaded and calm, making it an ideal time to start your hike.
Arriving early at Matka means the canyon is still shaded - a perfect time to start your hike (or kayak adventure)
Hike up the canyon walls
Most visitors stick to the main paths along the river, but hiking up the canyon walls is one of the best ways to experience Matka’s beauty in solitude. There are several trails, and for those seeking a challenge, it’s even possible to hike to the Millennium Cross – an 11km trek with rewarding views over Skopje (we’ll talk about the Millennium Cross a bit later in this article).
We encountered two other people on our loop hike to St. Nikola’s Monastery. Along the trail were carpets of blooming wildflowers and buzzing insects, and we even encountered the occasional small snake sunning itself on the rocks. While we chose the eastern side of the canyon for our hike, there are also hiking trails on the western side, offering equally breathtaking views.
For stunning bird's-eye views and unique wildlife encounters, hike the trails leading up the canyon walls
Walk beyond the main visitor area
Most visitors don’t venture past the main restaurant and boat departure area. If you continue walking along the cliffside path towards Vrelo Cave, you’ll encounter fewer people, even during peak hours. This trail is approximately 5km one way and offers a mix of shady sections and sunlit viewpoints.
Be careful, though, as some parts of the path are quite eroded, and the protective barrier is missing in some areas. Also note that you won’t be able to access Vrelo Cave, the most famous of the ten caves in Matka Canyon, from the hiking trail (it’s on the other side of the lake, and there is no crossing). So, it’s just a simple out-and-back, albeit with stunning scenery.
If you prefer a flattish path, keep walking past the main tourist area - the trail continues for almost 5km (and not many tourists do it)
Kayak instead of taking the motorboat (to Vrelo Cave)
Many visitors opt for the motorised boat tour to Vrelo Cave, a well-visited limestone cave further upriver. We recommend renting a kayak instead for a more peaceful and immersive experience. Paddling along the canyon allows you to enjoy the scenery at your own pace and stop wherever you want.
If you’re planning to visit Vrelo Cave, be aware that
- it takes about an hour one-way to paddle to the cave (pending your abilities and rest stops along the way); and
- access to the cave is only available when a tour group is present, as the guide switches on and off the generator that powers the cave’s lights. Given how popular the cave is, you shouldn’t have to wait long, though.
You’d be looking at renting a kayak for 3 hours. Kayak rentals are reasonably priced: MKD500 per hour for a double kayak and MKD300 per hour for a single kayak.
Experiencing the sheer cliffs from the water is an altogether different experience - you could even kayak all the way to Vrelo Cave
Visit the Hydroelectric Exhibition Centre
For those interested in history and engineering, we recommend visiting the Hydroelectric Exhibition Centre [Google Maps location], operated by EVN, Macedonia’s electricity provider. Housed in the old machine building, the exhibition provides a fascinating look at the hydropower plant that has been operating here since 1938.
The centre is open on weekends from 10:00 to 15:00; visits during the week require an appointment. If you’d like to arrange a weekday visit, you can book it through their website: Matka EVN Exhibition.
Those interested in engineering history will enjoy a visit to the Hydroelectric Exhibition Centre below the dam
Where to eat at Matka Canyon?
After a day of hiking, kayaking or exploring the breathtaking scenery at Matka Canyon, you may need a good meal. While the canyon has a couple of dining options, some are better value than others.
The Canyon Matka Hotel and Restaurant [Google Maps location] is THE dining spot inside the canyon. Its beautiful riverside setting makes it a tempting choice for visitors, but the (hit-and-miss) food quality may not justify the (higher) cost.
For a more authentic and affordable dining experience, head slightly back towards Skopje (you pass it when you walk to an earlier bus stop) and visit the Monastery Cave Restaurant [Google Maps location]. This restaurant serves delicious local food on a terrace overlooking the river, or for a unique experience, you can dine inside, in its very own cave.
Alternatively, consider bringing a picnic. There are plenty of scenic spots along the canyon where you can enjoy a meal while soaking in the natural beauty – just be sure to take all your rubbish with you to help preserve this stunning environment.
Canyon Matka Restaurant is a popular (and the only) dining choice inside the canyon, but there are other options a short walking distance away
What else is worth knowing?
Restrooms
There is only a paid bathroom facility along Matka Lake, behind the Canyon Matka Hotel and Restaurant (MKD60). If you hike up to St Nikola’s Monastery, use the basic but free toilets there. You can also use the bathroom at the Fresh Lounge Bar (by the official bus turnaround point) [Google Maps location], though you’re asked to pay MKD50 if you’re not a customer.
Crossing Matka Lake
To cross Matka Lake (from the eastern shore below St Nikola’s Monastery to the western shore), bang the hammer against the metal plate fixed to the tree and wave across. A small boat will come and get you (the short journey is MKD100—you pay at the ticket office once you get off).
To cross Matka Lake coming from St Nikola's Monastery, bang the hammer on the metal plate, and a boat will come and get you
Where to stay in Skopje or Matka?
Staying in Skopje
For those who prefer a city base with easy access to Matka Canyon, Skopje offers a variety of accommodations, from budget-friendly apartments to more luxurious stays. The following options provide good comfort, central locations, and easy transport connections to (the bus to) Matka:
| Name | Property Features | Type | Price Indicator | Book Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Apartment LUNA | A cozy, well-equipped apartment in a convenient part of the city. | Apartment | $$ | Book Now |
| LD Diamond Apartments | Ideal for those looking for a stylish, mid-range stay near shopping and dining areas. | Apartment | $$$ | Book Now |
| Aparthotel Waldinger Skopje | A great option for those seeking a touch of luxury in Skopje’s city centre. | Apartment | $$$ | Book Now |
| Sunny Center Apartment | A bright and modern apartment within walking distance of Skopje’s main attractions. | Apartment | $$ | Book Now |
Staying in Matka
If you’d rather wake up closer to nature and have direct access to the canyon’s hiking trails and kayaking spots, staying in or near Matka Canyon is a great option. While Canyon Matka Hotel is the only accommodation option inside the canyon, there are better value-for-money accommodation choices in the village of Dolna Matka, located less than 2km from the dam:
| Name | Property Features | Type | Price Indicator | Book Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canyon Matka Hotel | Hotel | $$ | Book Now | |
| Canyon View Lodge | A peaceful stay with stunning views over the surrounding landscape. | Lodge | $$$ | Book Now |
| ILIS House | A welcoming guesthouse, ideal for those looking for a quiet retreat near the canyon. | Holiday home | $$ | Book Now |
| Villa Ramonda | A highly-rated option offering comfort, beautiful scenery, and great hospitality. | Apartment | $$ | Book Now |
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What can you do in/around Skopje beyond Matka Canyon?
Skopje is such a mish-mash of a city – a strange cross between Las Vegas and an Ottoman trading centre. I don’t think we’ve experienced anything like it before (or after). If you’re looking for things to do in Skopje – especially ones that help you make sense of this weirdness – here are our favourite experiences, all within easy reach by public transport.
Join a free walking tour
A great way to get to know Skopje (and understand how this mish-mash came about) is by joining a free walking tour. These tours are led by knowledgeable locals who share fascinating stories and hidden details about the city. For more information and to sign up, head to GuruWalk.
A guided walking tour of Skopje will help you make sense of the architectural mish-mash of the city
Explore Skopje’s free museums
Several museums in Skopje are free to enter, making them great budget-friendly options to learn more about the city’s history:
- Mother Teresa’s Memorial House [Google Maps location] – While Mother Teresa’s birth house no longer exists (there is a commemorative plaque in its place instead), this small museum celebrates her life and work. Open daily.
- City of Skopje Museum [Google Maps location] – Located in the old railway station, this museum tells the story of Skopje, including its devastating 1963 earthquake. If you only have time for one museum in Skopje, come here. Closed Mondays.
- Historical Museum and Art Gallery – Suli An [Google Maps location] – Housed in a beautifully restored Caravanserai in the Old Bazaar area, this small museum blends history and art in an atmospheric setting. Closed on weekends.
While not Calcutta's Missionaries Of Charity House, Mother Teresa's Memorial House in Skopje provides a glimpse into the life of this unique woman
Visit the Church of the Ascension of Jesus
Located at the edge of the Old Bazaar area, the Church of the Ascension of Jesus [Google Maps location] is a small yet stunning Orthodox church known for its intricately carved iconostasis. It’s a peaceful place to reflect and admire the beautiful craftsmanship. The church is closed on weekends.
The small Church of the Ascension of Jesus is home to an intricately carved iconostasis, a beautiful piece of craftsmanship
Check out the local markets
If you want a taste of (local life and) seasonal Macedonian produce, head to one of Skopje’s many markets – for example, Bit Pazar in the Old Bazaar area [Google Maps location] – closed Sundays – or Zelen Pazar by the Parliament Building [Google Maps location] – open daily.
Fruit and veggies here are fresh and affordable – a great way to buy groceries (and practice the few Macedonian words you’ve learned on your walking tour) while supporting local growers and vendors. Bring your bag, though, and kindly decline the obligatory plastic carrier.
Head to one of Skopje's local markets for a taste of local life and seasonal produce | Imagecourtesy of Prince Roy on Wikimedia Commons
Enjoy the best views over Skopje
Who could miss the giant cross on Vodno Mountain (and the alien-spaceship-looking tower next to it)? Both can be seen from almost anywhere in town.
For panoramic views over Skopje from the Millennium Cross (as it’s called) [Google Maps location], take the double-decker bus #25 from the Central Bus Station or Macedonia Square [Google Maps location] to Sredno Vodno [Google Maps location]. Then, ride the cable car up to the 66-meter-high landmark overlooking the city. Cable car tickets are MKD100 return.
If you prefer a more active adventure, buy a one-way ticket (MKD50) and hike back to Sredno Vodno.
Note The cable car is closed on Mondays.
| Skopje to Sredno Vodno | Sredno Vodno to Skopje |
|---|---|
| 08:00 | 08:40 |
| 09:20 | 10:00 |
| 10:00 | 10:40 |
| 11:20 | 12:00 |
| 12:00 | 12:40 |
| 12:40 | 13:20 |
| 13:20 | 14:00 |
| 14:00 | 14:40 |
| 14:40 | 15:20 |
| 15:20 | 16:00 |
| 16:00 | 16:40 |
| 17:20 | 18:00 |
| 18:40 | 20:00 |
Return buses leave from the parking area outside the Cable Car Terminal
Towering over Skopje, the Millennium Cross on Mt Vodno offers panoramic views beyond the city | Image coutesy of Wikimedia Commons
Have you been to Matka Canyon?
When did you visit? What was your experience? And what other tips would you add? Please let me know.
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