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Going or doing Matka Canyon Macedonia is sooo beautiful in person that I hope if you are reading this now you are planning to actually go. I decided last week that I need to do a single post for just Lake Matka because (1) I felt like it truly deserved its own spotlight and (2) I have had a lot of people ask me how to get to Matka Canyon from Skopje.
I went in May this year as I had a Bank holiday/Federal holiday in the same week and it made sense. The original plan was to take the local bus 60 down from Skopje to Matka Canyon. However, we decided to rent out a car as we planned to go and spend some time in Ohrid, Macedonia for a couple of days, so we decided to drive down. It’s a very short journey to Matka Canyon, just under 30 mins. The best time to go is from March to October. I would highly recommend if you are going (and you really should) that you should spend the morning or make it a day trip.
If you are going to North Macedonia, and want or have Lake Matka on your list of activities to do while there. Then here is everything you need to know before you go.
If you are looking for a full guide for visiting North Macedonia, then read here – North Macedonia Travel Guide: The Perfect 6-Day Itinerary
About Matka Canyon, Macedonia
The Lake Matka is located in North Macedonia and is known to be the oldest artificial lake in the country. The name Matka actually means “womb”, which represents the source of life, and when you see it, you will see and understand why. It was created.
The lake has the Vrelo Cave, which is one of the deepest underwater caves in Europe and is home to many medieval monasteries dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. If you are going to Lake Matka you can do a boat trip, hiking, bird watching, kayaking, and you can even stay there, and there are a few restaurants and snack stations on the way.
Where is Lake Matka Canyon?
So where exactly is Lake Matka Canyon? The lake is located only 15 kilometres from Skopje, which is about 30 to 45 minutes from Skopje (depending on traffic), making it a good half day trip from the capital. We left out around 10 am and were there before 11 am with buying snacks and things along the way. The lake sits along the Treska River and is one of the oldest canyons in the Balkans. I mentioned earlier that you can stay longer, as there are a couple of hotels and restaurants there also. Below are some hotels and lodges close by at Lake Matka.
How to Get to Lake Matka Canyon, Macedonia
There are many ways you can get to the lake Matka Canyon, but here are the ones I would suggest below:
- Car – The most easiest and most flexible option to go to Matka Canyon from Skopje is by car. The drive from Skopje to Matka Canyon is very straightforward and scenic and gives you the freedom to arrive and leave at your own pace.
- Bus – I had orginally planned to go to Matka Canyon from Skopje by us 60 from Skopje which you can go too from Skopje Bus Station “type in Google – MK MK, Владимир Комаров, Skopje 1000, North Macedonia”. The bus will take you directly to Lake Matka Canyon and is a great budget option.
- Tour Guide – You can also book a guided tour from Skopje which will include transport and context about the canyon’s history. Book via Viator or GetYourGuide.
What to Do at Lake Matka Canyon, Macedonia
- A Boat Ride – This is an absolute must and only costs around £4/$6. The ride lasts about 30 to 40 minutes and takes you through the most breathtaking scenery. Towering canyon walls and crystal clear waters I cannot recommend this enough.
- Kayaking – You can also hire a kayak and explore the canyon at your own pace. I was wearing a long dress and sandals on the day so I wasn’t dressed appropriately for it, but it is definitely on my list for next time.
- Exploring the Monasteries – Matka Canyon is home to several medieval monasteries and caves and is worth taking the time to explore beyond the boat ride.
What to Wear to Lake Matka Canyon
What you wear is entirely up to you. I wanted to wear a dress, but I do wish I wore my trainers so I could hike more than I did. I wore sandals and whilst I managed fine, trainers would have been much more better and practical especially if you want to kayak or walk along the canyon paths.
Practical Guidance and Information about Lake Matka Canyon
- My Instagram and TikTok have quick snap videos on the specifics of my visit to Matka Canyon, and DM me if you have any questions about your trip.
- Book with Viator or Get Your Guide if you want specific tours for Matka Canyon, North Macedonia. Please read the reviews before booking!
- Get travel insurance. I recommend that anyone travelling should have travel insurance, which you can get via SafetyWing here.
- I used Airalo, an e-SIM card, for data. You can purchase it here and use the code ADEBOL5279 for a discount
Final Views on Lake Matka Canyon
Lake Matka Canyon, Macedonia, is one of the most unexpectedly beautiful places I have ever visited, and that is saying something. I was constantly wowed throughout the whole trip. I took pictures with my camera of the lake because I was soo amazed.
The fact that it is free to enter and only 30 to 45 minutes from the Skopje to Matka Canyon it feels like a complete no-brainer to visit. You can then head to Ohrid for the rest of your trip to Macedonia.
What do you think have I convinced you to go to Matka Canyon, Macedonia.?
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Speak soon,
MBV x
