Matka Canyon Skopje: The Greenest Escape and a Wet Adventure 2026

If the massive statues, endless construction sounds, and grey concrete of Skopje city center have overwhelmed you, I am writing you the prescription: Matka Canyon. It is only 15 kilometers from the city center, yet the atmosphere feels like another planet. With its emerald green waters and sheer cliffs slicing through the sky, this is the one stop on your Macedonia trip where you will definitely say, I'm glad I came.

I didn't just watch this place from afar; I paddled into its waters with a kayak, walked its narrow paths, and to be honest, got a little wet. Here is your experience-tested guide to Matka Canyon, the star of your Skopje itinerary, designed to keep you out of tourist traps.

Essentials Before You Pack

Entrance Fee: Entry to the canyon is completely free.

When to Go: To avoid the weekend chaos, definitely target weekday mornings. If you leave it for the afternoon, you will struggle with traffic.

Critical Warning: You must carry cash (Macedonian Denars); cards are accepted almost nowhere.

Getting to the Canyon: The Bus #60 Reality and Taxi Drivers

Reaching here seems easy, but if you don't know the local dynamics, it can be annoying.

For budget-friendly travelers, the only address is Bus #60. However, pay attention: If you try to hand cash to the driver, they will not let you on. You must have acquired a Skopska card beforehand and loaded it with credit. Another local surprise is this: When traffic locks up on weekends, the bus does not go all the way to the dam entrance. They drop you off at a point where you have to walk for about 15-20 minutes. Don't be surprised and ask, Is this the last stop?; if everyone is getting off, you should get off too and follow the crowd.

The walking path towards the dam entrance after getting off Bus 60.

For those coming with their own car, here is a piece of advice worth gold: Do not try to drive all the way to the bottom of the dam. Park your vehicle at the first available parking spot you see. The end of the road narrows so much that turning back becomes impossible, and your holiday turns into stress management. Walk the extra 10 minutes and keep your peace of mind.

If you are coming by taxi, sit at the bargaining table with a figure around 600-1000 MKD. Some clever taxi drivers might try to guarantee the return journey by saying the bus isn't working; be alert against these tricks.

Boat tours waiting at the dock in Matka Canyon.

Boat Tour and Vrelo Cave: Is It Worth It?

When you arrive at the canyon, rows of boats will welcome you. They offer two options: Just the canyon tour or the long tour including the cave. Choose the one including Vrelo Cave without hesitation.

Inside the Vrelo Cave with its stunning stalactites.

Gliding into the depths of the canyon by boat is therapy in itself. The Vrelo Cave you eventually reach is known as one of the deepest underwater caves in the world (the bottom has still not been fully found!). When you get off the boat and enter the cave, the outside heat is replaced by ice-cold air. The massive Pine Cone stalactite inside and the underground lakes are truly mesmerizing. The cave visit is short, but for that mystical atmosphere, it is definitely worth it.

The Kayaking Adventure and the Wet Butt Reality

If you are one of those who say let me be in control, rent a kayak instead of the boat. Paddling between those massive walls of the canyon makes you feel like you are on a movie set. The best angles for photography are definitely caught from the water.

Kayaking alone in the emerald waters of Matka Canyon.

However, let me give you a detail no one tells you: As motorboats pass by you, they create waves, and it is inevitable that water splashes into the kayak. When I got out of the canyon, I was left with soaking wet trousers (yes, the literal wet butt syndrome). If you don't want to get on the bus or taxi in that state on the way back, taking a spare pair of shorts or a change of clothes with you saves lives.

Hiking on the Edge of the Cliffs

The scenic hiking trail carved into the cliffs of Matka Canyon.

For those who don't want to get into the water, the path on the left side of the canyon is a great option. This road, carved into the rock wall, continues along the river. With a flat walk of about 30-40 minutes, you can see the most beautiful views of the canyon. Although some parts of the road are narrow, there are railings.

If you have a more robust condition and say I am a view hunter, try the St. Nikola Šişevski Monastery route. It requires a steep climb of about 30 minutes, but when you reach the top, the entire canyon lies beneath your feet. If you don't want to walk back after reaching the monastery, go down and bang on the wooden board at the dock to make a sound; when the boatmen hear this sound, they come and cross you over. Let this be a local secret for you.

Food, Drink, and Other Details

At the entrance of the canyon, the restaurant of the Canyon Matka Hotel is especially enchanting with its view. However, let me state that the prices are above the Skopje average. Drinking a coffee and enjoying the view is great, but a full meal might strain your budget. If you want to do as the locals do, throw your sandwiches in your bag and have a picnic against the canyon on the benches along the road.

Finally, keep some coins with you for the toilet (WC fee is about 60 MKD) and please do not leave your trash in nature; this is a treasure we all need to protect.

If Ohrid is next on your route, Matka Canyon is the best energy storage point before starting that journey.