Matka Canyon, Skopje – Best Things To Do There
Matka Canyon is one of the most beautiful natural attractions in North Macedonia. Located just outside Skopje, this breathtaking canyon is home to stunning rock formations, crystal-clear waters, hidden caves, and medieval monasteries. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a history lover, or simply looking for a peaceful escape from the city, Matka Canyon has something for everyone.
Matka Canyon is the perfect choice for a day trip from Skopje, since it is only about 15 km away from the city centre. If you are visiting Skopje and you have enough time, this is definitely a thing to do. Matka Canyon is home to rare plant species and birds like eagles and falcons, making it perfect for nature lovers. Besides that it has a lot to offer – canyon boat trip, hiking, swimming, visiting caves, medieval monasteries… how does that sound to you? If you find it interesting, keep on reading.
Where is Matka Canyon and how to get there?
As mentioned, Matka Canyon is about 15 kilometres from Skopje city centre. The canyon is a place where locals and tourists love to go on a sunny, hot day to escape the capital. It is pretty easy to go there.
There is no entrance fee at Matka Canyon.
As a tourist you have three options to get there.
By bus from Skopje Bus station
This is the cheapest option to visit Matka Canyon. You have to take bus number 60 at the main bus station. They run quite regulary. You can ask the driver about the timetable and they will tell you. The cheapest option is to buy the Skopska card for buses (but keep in mind that one Skopska is per one person and every person needs its own card). If you don’t have, you can pay on the bus. It will cost you a little bit more, but still very cheap (one direct will cost you around 0,60€).
Matka Canyon can get very busy and it can happen that the bus can’t get to the place where you got off, so you have to walk a little bit further so that the bus driver can pick you up. Also, the bus will drop you off a bit further from the entrance and you will have to take a walk – but don’t worry, it is an easy walk.
By car
This is ofcourse the easiest option. Use Google Maps to get there. The road is pretty good, but can get narrow at some places.
By taxi
This is another option to get to the Matka Canyon. If you are not traveling on a budget you can take a taxi, which is not expensive – a single ride will cost you around 10€. The taxi will drop you off at the beggining of the trail.
Best things to do in Matka Canyon
Rent a kayak
Rent a kayak (approx. 200-300 MKD per hour – this is about 6-10€/person) for a peaceful ride on the emerald-green waters. You can rent them by the hour and there are single and double ones. Kayaking on the Matka lake is pretty easy and this is one of the best ways to see the canyon from the water.
💡 Tip: Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon for a peaceful, crowd-free experience.
Boat trip on Matka Lake
You have to see this amazing canyon from the water and if you are not into kayaking, the best thing to do is to take a boat trip to enjoy this beautiful place. There are two places where you can take a boat trip – the first one is not so busy. Boat trips are around 30 minutes and cost 200 MKD/person. There is also a 1 hour trip, where you also visit the Vrelo Cave.
💡 Tip: If you don’t want to kayak, the boat tour is a relaxing alternative to experience the canyon’s beauty.
Vrelo Cave tour
To get to the caves you will have to take one of the Matka Canyon boat trips that take around 1-2 hours in total. You will get to the entrance by boat and then there is a short walk through the caves where you can see stalactites, stalagmites and deep holes. Some parts are illuminated and colorful. There is a walkway through the caves and they are pretty interesting to visit. Boat trip with caves will cost you 400 MKD/person (this is around 6,50€).
Hiking Matka Canyon
I have a good news for hiking lovers. There is a trail that goes all the way to the end of canyon. You will pass medieval churches and monasteries. I didn’t do it, but I’ve heard that the hiking is a real adventure – it is 10 kilometers long and hiking all the way and back will take you around 6 hours. Ofcourse you don’t have to hike all the way and you hike just a bit. I bet you’re gonna love it!
Hike to the St. Nikola Monastery
The most popular one is the trail along the canyon leading to St. Nikola Monastery, which takes about 1.5-2 hours round trip. The path is pretty steep but the views are stunning. If you decide to hike, be sure that you are carrying enough water with you. There are springs where you can refill higher up, but it takes a while before you get to them.
💡 Tip: Bring good hiking shoes and enough water, as the trail can be steep in some areas.
Enjoy lunch with a view
There is a restaurant right next to the canyon where you can enjoy a meal with a spectacular view.
- Restaurant Name: Canyon Matka
- Cuisine: Traditional Macedonian dishes like grilled meat, trout, and fresh salads.
💡 Tip: The restaurant is often crowded, so make a reservation if visiting during peak hours.
Bonus: Sleep at the Hotel Matka Canyon
This is the only place to sleep in Matka Canyon. I only did a day trip to Matka, but I am sure that it feels great to spend the night here. Not even to mention the peaceful morning in this amazing canyon. If I ever visit the Matka Canyon again I will stay there to experience this.
Also, there is a restaurant and you can’t miss it because you will stumble upon it when walking up to the boat tour place. Just for your information ; the restaurant is a little pricey for North Macedonia. But the views are worth it.
My funny story with reaching the Matka Canyon
We left around 11 a.m. and we’ve decided to go by bus since my Airbnb host gave us 2 Skopska cards to use during our stay. Ofcourse I was very “smart” and I thought that one Skopska card will be enough because we have enough money on it. Well, I guess I was very wrong about it (so, don’t be like me and get your own card). We were running late and the bus was leaving the station the moment we got there. Friendly bus driver picked us up and we found out that we both need Skopska card.. He was friendly enough (people from Balkan, thank you) to let me go to top up my card. In the mean time he drove closer to the information office and picked me up in the middle of the bus station. Yup, the Balkans again 🙂
And that’s not all!
Going back from Matka Canyon to Skopje
After spending a few hours in the Matka Canyon, we decided to return to Skopje, so we headed towards the bus station, or rather the place where the bus dropped us off when we arrived from Skopje. After a few minutes of waiting, two locals drove by and asked us if we might be waiting for the bus. We said yes, to which they replied that the bus would not be standing here because the road was too full of cars and the bus could no longer get to this place, so it was standing in a different location than before.
They offered to take us there. At first we were sceptical and not sure, but we decided to take them up on their offer anyway. So, by sheer happy coincidence, we arrived at the place where the bus picked up passengers for Skopje. When travelling in the Balkans, one has to be prepared for all possible scenarios.
Suggested itinerary for a perfect day
⏰ 9:00 AM – Arrive at Matka Canyon: if driving, aim to arrive early to secure a parking spot. If taking the bus, start your trip before 8am
🥾 9:30 AM – Hike to St. Nikola Monastery: enjoy panoraminc views from the top, take photos & relax in the peaceful setting
🚣 11:00 AM – Kayak in the Canyon: rent a kayak for an hour to explore the beautiful canyon waters.
🛶 12:00 PM – Take a Boat Tour to Vrelo Cave: explore one of the deepest underwater caves in the world.
🍽 1:00 PM – Have Lunch at Canyon Matka Restaurant: enjoy fresh trout or traditional Macedonian dishes with a view.
⛰ 2:30 PM – Explore More or Relax
🚌 4:00 PM – Return to Skopje: If using the bus, check the schedule in advance. If using a taxi, be prepared to negotiate the return fare.
Useful tips for visiting Matka Canyon
- Go early in the morning to avoid crowds.
- There are picnic spots, so you can bring your own food
- There are street vendors selling icea cream, fruit, water, roasted corn & so on
- Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to hike.
- Bring cash, as some activities don’t accept card payments.
- Check the bus schedule in advance if using public transport.
- Stay hydrated, especially in summer.
Best time to visit
🌸 Spring (March – May)
- Best time for hiking and kayaking
- Pleasant weather with lush green scenery
☀️ Summer (June – August)
- Great for water activities
- Can be crowded and hot, so visit early in the morning
🍂 Autumn (September – November)
- Less crowded with mild temperatures
- Perfect for hiking and photography
❄️ Winter (December – February)
- Peaceful and less touristy
- Some activities like boat tours may not operate
Visiting North Macedonia? You need to check this too!
- Reasons To Love Skopje, the unique capital of North Macedonia
- Beautiful Ohrid – Hidden Gem in North Macedonia
Matka Canyon is a must-visit destination near Skopje. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or stunning landscapes, this hidden gem offers something for everyone. Take a boat ride, hike the trails, explore the caves, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Feel free to ask me anything about Matka Canyon. Let me know in the comments if you have visited Matka Canyon already or if it is on your travel list!
ANUKRATI
November 6, 2021I have experienced a cave tour in Halong Bay (Vietnam) and loved it.
Jasmina
November 6, 2021I am sure that you did. Caves are really amazing.
Krista
November 6, 2021What a beautiful place to visit as part of a day trip from Skopje! I’ll make sure to visit when I go to Skopje next year.
Jasmina
November 7, 2021Yes, it makes a perfect day trip from Skopje.
Jen Ambrose
November 6, 2021This looks so beautiful, I can’t believe there’s such amazing nature so close to Skopje! We’re really hoping to get to visit Macedonia next year – fingers crossed 🙂
Jasmina
November 7, 2021I was amazed too. I hope that you will get to visit Macedonia and enjoy in its beauty 🙂
Annie
November 7, 2021North Macedonia is one of the places I really want to visit. I love the Balkans! I’m totally adding Matka Canyon to my list!
Jasmina
November 7, 2021I love the Balkans too – there is so much to see and do and the people are just amazing. Great choice, I’m sure you’re gonna love it!
Sarah McDonald
November 7, 2021This seems like a cheap and easy day trip. The caves look fun to visit!
Jasmina
November 7, 2021Yes, you’re right. You can get a lot for such a small amount of money.
Sharyn
November 7, 2021What a great place to visit. The water looks so inviting.
Jasmina
November 7, 2021It sure is. It was really nice to spend a few hours there.
Marguerite
November 7, 2021Wow! Matka Canyon looks so beautiful! So many stunning photo spots! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Jasmina
November 13, 2021It is a real gem. I loved it 🙂
Paula
November 7, 2021This is absolutely stunning and a place I would love to visit one day. It reminders me of Halong Bay in Vietnam. Your guide is so detailed and very helpful, thanks for sharing it and for inspiring me to visit a new place.
Jasmina
November 13, 2021It is really stunning. Thanks, I really love to hear that!
Cristina
November 10, 2021I had never heard of this place before. I am glad I came across your blog! I would love to visit Matka Canyon in the future 🙂
Jasmina
November 13, 2021It is a true gem near Skopje. Thank you, it is so great to hear that! 🙂