Lake Matka

The lake and the canyon are used for recreation, including fishing. Vrelo is a very deep and dangerous cave that only trained cave divers should enter; ask locally about boat trips, access and current rules before you go.

Getting there

Matka is about 15 km south-west of Skopje. Bus 60 from the intercity bus station takes about 45 minutes and stops roughly 2 km from the lake, and taxis from the stop or from Skopje are pricey, so a car or a walk from the stop is the alternative. Entry to the canyon is free. Bring cash for boats, kayaks and food.

On the water and on foot

Boats go deeper into the canyon to the Vrelo cave on the other side, one of about ten caves here, and kayaks are for hire; rain can cancel the boats. The cliff-face walking trail is fairly easy, with a metal rail in places, and takes a few hours there and back. A hill path of about 30 minutes climbs to a monastery with a view over the canyon; ask on the spot for the way. You can swim, but the water is cold.

Eating and timing

There is a picnic area with traditional restaurants by the river just before the main car park, and a restaurant inside the canyon serving Macedonian dishes (try the Shopska salad). A hydroelectric dam is a ten-minute walk up the road. April to October is the best time, with the least rain; July and August can hit the high 30s, and weekends are busier, so go on a weekday morning. Plan a full day to combine the walk, a monastery and lunch.