Overview
Canyon Matka is a significant landmark with several medieval byzantine monasteries and natural rarities – a compulsory visit when you are in Skopje. We invite you to explore the richness of this natural treasure – you can do it all here: hiking, kayaking, swimming, cave exploring, rock climbing, fine dining.
An easy to moderate all-day hiking excursion from the Millennium Cross (1060 m.asl.) and following the ridgeline to the West will take you to Canyon Matka in 3-4 hours’ time (11km). You can use the cable car to get to the Millenium cross and start your hike from there experiencing unforgettable 360 degree panorama overlooking Skopje and the surrounding mountain ranges. Or, see our
Skopje –Millennium Cross route if you prefer to extend it to a full day hike.
If you want to explore the mountains in North Macedonia, Millennium Cross – Canyon Matka hiking tour is the perfect place to get to know them – see them by far, experience the geology and feel the climate, breathe the aroma from the endemic mountain flowers and plants.
Highlights
Canyon Matka is a significant landmark with several medieval byzantine monasteries and natural rarities – a compulsory visit when you are in Skopje. Each photograph of Canyon Matka represents a story by itself – a historical monument, a wildlife splendor, a place for spiritual awakening, a getaway destination from the noisy and chaotic streets of Skopje. And each photo calls you out to explore the richness of this natural treasure – you can do it all here: hiking, kayaking, swimming, cave exploring, rock climbing, fine dining.
The view: During your hike an unforgettable 360 degree panorama overlooking Skopje opens up and then some more - Mount Skopska Crna Gora, Jakupica Mountain and the magnificent ridge-line of Sharr Mountain – with many peaks of 2500+ meters.
Biodiversity: The canyon thrives with natural richness. Matka is home to a wide variety of plants and animals - some 20% of the plant life there is endemic and only found here. The canyon is also home to 77 indigenous species of butterflies and the caves are full with large populations of bats.
The caves of Canyon Matka: Due to the limestone geology of the area, there are several caves and pits at Matka Canyon, with the lengths ranging from 20 metres (65.6 feet) to 176 metres (577.4 feet). Matka is also home to the oldest artificial lake in the North Macedonia.
Once your hike down to the canyon the first significant place is
St.Nikola Shishevski monastery from XIV century. It is built on a small plateau next to a rock face and it offers a unique view high above the canyon - Matka Lake and the other monasteries and churches:
St.Nedela, St.Andrew, Monastery Holy Mother of God (all dated XIII-XIV century). In medieval times this was an important spiritual place evenly compared to Mount Athos peninsula in the Aegean Sea.
As you reach the lake shore, take a
boat or kayak tour to visit Vrelo Cave. Located on the right bank of Treska River, Vrelo Cave is considered a natural wonder with its many stalactites and cave interior. There are also two lakes at the end of the cave, with one larger than the other. Though the exact depth of the cave is unknown, some speculate that it could be the deepest underwater cave in the world.
When your day ends and the sunshine is replaced by the dark shadows of the extruding rock faces, an inner peace overflows your mind, and only then it becomes clear why Canyon Matka carries such a name*.
*the word Matka in English is translated as Womb.
Difficulty Grading
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EASY/MODERATE |
up to 18km / 11mi
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Terrain may be rugged, with some hills, but not too strenuous.
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Suitable for fit and active people, with some hiking experience
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Map
When To Go
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Possible
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01 January – 14 April and 16 November to 31 December
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Recommended
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15 April – 15 November
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Not available
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All other dates
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Price
Available on request
INCLUDED IN PRICE:
- Mobile app with maps and route descriptions
- Detailed hiking route descriptions and maps
- Local safety information and contacts
- Stand by support
- Organization and logistic by Macedonia Travel
NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE:
OPTIONS & SUPPLEMENTS:
- Private arrival / departure transfers available upon request
- Extra night in Skopje before or after the tour
3* hotel: from 26 € / per person sharing double room; Single supplement from 15 €
4* hotel: from 40 € / per person sharing double room; Single supplement from 20 €
- Rent of Global Positioning System (GPS) console: 45 €
Arrival & Departure
By bus & cable car to Vodno Peak:
Buses start from
Skopje Central Bus Station to
Sredno Vodno bus stop
4 min walk from Sredno Vodno bus station is the Cable Car stop for the Millennium Cross line.
By bus from Matka to Skopje
Buses to
Skopje Central Bus Station depart from the bus stop which is on
15 min walk from Canyon Matka hotel & restaurant
Taxi / private transfer: Available on request
Please contact the agency for current bus / cable car departure times
Why Travel With Us?
LOCAL EXPERTS
Since 2004 we create authentic, high quality tours in the Balkans. North Macedonia is our homeland, we have walked and biked every corner of the country and we make sure that the balance between the activities, the "must see" attractions and the "off-the-beaten-track" experiences gives you the true Balkan - intense, hearth warming and often life changing experience.
SAFETY
* Strict company risk management on each tour that we operate available
* 24/7 for anything from enquiries to emergencies
* Macedonia Travel has liability insurance by Winner - Vienna Group
* "A" licensed by the Ministery of Economy of North Macedonia UP 113-101
* IATA license No. 76-3 2058
FLEXIBLE BOOKINGS
* Change your travel plans up to 30 days before departure, with no fees.
*After you pay the deposit, the rest of the amount can be paid any time until 30 days before departure
