Matka Canyon | Macedonia’s Hidden Natural Wonder

Have you ever heard of Matka Canyon? It’s a hidden natural wonder you can’t miss in Macedonia, and we’re telling you all about it.

We travelled to countries with as much nature as possible when we planned our backpacking adventure. We always seek remote and non-touristy destinations. North Macedonia was one of our favourites in the Balkan countries, with Matka Canyon on top of its attractions.

Getting There

Matka Canyon is about 15 kilometres from the city centre of Skopje, and getting there is easy. All options are affordable by car, bus or taxi since Macedonia is considered one of the cheapest countries in Europe.

It’s free for everyone, no entrance fees, and parking is free!

Direction on Google Maps from Skopje to Matka Canyon

What you need to know before visiting Matka Canyon

If you go by bus, there’s approximately a 15-minute walk to the Canyon, from where it stops. You’ll enjoy it, don’t worry, as it’s one of the most scenic walks.

Swimming in Matka Lake is possible, but the water is quite cold. Avoid swimming next to the paddle boat stands.

There are various restaurants to eat in, but if you travel on a budget like us, be careful since some of them belong to hotels, and prices are pretty expensive compared to others. You can also find food stalls along the Canyon.

All the restaurants have fantastic views.

You can bring your food since there are a lot of spots where you can stop and enjoy yourself in this serene place.

Picnic areas at Matka Canyon 

What to Do at Matka Canyon 

Kayaking 

Renting a kayak is the most adventurous way to see the Canyon. There’s no current in this Canyon, so you’ll find it relatively easy to peddle. 

Rent a Boathouse 

You can also rent a boathouse for a day. Prices, including transport and a kayak, are roughly €45/€50. There are several boathouses, which are only reachable by boat.

Boat Trips

A boat trip is a perfect way to appreciate the marvellous Matka Canyon. A 30-minute private boat trip costs €3.60 per person. You can also take a 1hr boat trip, however, these are for groups. 

Hiking 

For all those who love hiking, Matka Canyon is waiting for you! Don’t get fooled. The trail doesn’t end at the last restaurant. The trail is 10km long and continues until the Canyon’s end. If you plan on hiking it all and back, go early; it takes around 5 to 6 hours.

Cave Tours 

The cave tours of Matka Canyon are worth seeing. These are guided tours where you have to take a boat tour to see them. It takes a total of 2 hours.

Where to Stay when visiting Matka Canyon? 

Sit back, relax and book your stay now. Just choose your preferred dates and select your favourite accommodation for great prices and benefit from great deals from below.

When you have everything ready, go and enjoy the most magnificent views of this magical place.

If you plan on visiting the Balkans, you can’t skip North Macedonia, and Matka Canyon should be on top of your list. We highly recommend you visit as it’s Macedonia’s Hidden Natural Wonder and a fantastic day trip.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. If you book your accommodation or buy anything through our links, we earn a small commission at NO extra cost to you. We only recommend links to services we truly trust. Thank you for your support!