Matka Canyon

Matka is a canyon west of central Skopje in North Macedonia, one of the most popular outdoor destinations in the country, and home to several medieval monasteries. Matka Lake, within the canyon, is the oldest artificial lake in North Macedonia. The canyon has ten caves and two vertical pits. Vrelo Cave, on the right bank of the Treska River, was listed among the top 77 natural sites in the world in the New7Wonders of Nature project; it has many stalactites, among them a large one in its middle known as the Pine Cone, and two lakes at its end.

Visiting Matka

The canyon is about 15 km south-west of Skopje and is entered free of charge; bus 60 from the intercity bus station takes about 45 minutes and stops roughly 2 km short. Boats go to the Vrelo cave on the far side (rain can cancel them), kayaks are for hire, and a cliff-face trail takes a few hours there and back. A short hill path leads to a monastery with a view. There is a picnic area with traditional restaurants by the river, and a restaurant in the canyon serves Macedonian dishes. April to October is best; July and August are very hot. Bring cash.