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Matka Canyon, a perfect outdoor adventure in Macedonia

Matka Canyon · North Macedonia

Season
Early April–November (climbing season)

In short

Matka Canyon is an outdoor destination near Skopje, North Macedonia, with paths for hiking and climbing, plus kayaking and boat trips on Matka Lake. The guide covers its monasteries, caves and climbing area. The climbing season runs from early April to November.

What to pack

Every hike

  • Water: half a litre for every hour of walking
  • Food and snacks for the day
  • Rain jacket
  • A warm layer (fleece or light down)
  • Sun cap, sunglasses and sun cream
  • Boots or trail shoes with good grip
  • Phone with the map offline, and a power bank
  • Small first aid kit
  • Headlamp, in case it gets late
  • Some cash and your ID

Water and sun

  • Swimsuit and a quick-dry towel, if you fancy a dip

The guide

Matka Canyon is a perfect outdoor destination located near the capital of Macedonia, Skopje. Easy to access, with a lot of different possibilities for outdoor activities like hiking, climbing, canoeing, and boating. Through the Matka Canyon flows the Matka Lake, which is the oldest artificial lake in Macedonia.

Matka is a very popular destination.

A hiker beside the green waters of Matka Canyon, with steep rocky cliffs under a cloudy sky

How to get there

The distance between Skopje to Matka is 16.7 km, therefore you can go to Matka by bike or by car.

After arriving at the capital of Macedonia, Skopje, head to Saraj, a municipality of Skopje where you can find the last supermarkets. After arriving there, you need to turn left, and after 8.5 km you will arrive in Matka Canyon.

About the Matka Canyon

A small boat and hammock beside the green waters of Matka Canyon beneath bare trees and rocky cliffs

Once you arrive in Matka, you will see a touristic map of the touristic attractions this Canyon offers. If you want to go for a hike or rock climbing, you need to go to the left. The path will lead you to the top of the canyons, where an old Monastery is. Near Monastery, you will see a rock climbing area, for climbing enthusiasts. The climbing season starts from early April until November. The view of the lake is amazing. Near the Monastery, you will find a great spot for a picnic.

Another path is the normal path where you can access to a restaurant and walk through the canyon, enjoying the magic view. There you can rent a kayak, or pay for a boat trip to Matka Lake, through the Canyons. I would highly suggest this trip!

There are around 10 caves in this area too.

There is another Monastery on the water, called St. Andrews Monastery, so, Matka is a combination of historical Monasteries and outdoor sports.