Matka Canyon

Matka Canyon (Матка) is a gorge on the Treska river southwest of Skopje, where a dam built in the 1930s created a narrow green lake between limestone cliffs that rise straight from the water. It is the most popular natural excursion from the capital and a protected area rich in plants, butterflies and birds of prey.

Medieval monasteries stand at the entrance and along the gorge. The Church of Saint Andrew, built in the fourteenth century and decorated with fine frescoes, sits right by the water near the dam, and the monastery of Saint Nicholas Šiševski and the Matka monastery cling to the slopes above. A footpath carved into the cliff follows the eastern bank deeper into the canyon. Show more

Boats and kayaks lead along the lake to Vrelo Cave, a cave with stalactites whose underwater shaft is among the deepest known in Europe and has never been fully explored. Further caves, climbing routes and hiking trails up to the ridges offer views over the gorge and towards Skopje. Small restaurants by the dam serve trout and Macedonian dishes on terraces above the water.

Matka Canyon is reached by road or bus from Skopje in about half an hour. Half a day to a day suits a visit, combining a walk, a boat trip and the monasteries. Spring and autumn are especially pleasant, while summer weekends are the busiest time.