Kanjon Matka

Matka Canyon - The most important information

Matka, meaning womb, is a canyon located northwest of Skopje. Spread over approximately 5,000 hectares, Matka is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in North Macedonia. What attracts tourists the most are the numerous opportunities for various activities, the beautiful nature, and the large number of monasteries. In addition to the above, a great gastronomic offer awaits you in the restaurants located in the canyon.

The importance of the Matka Canyon

The canyon is one of the most prominent in Macedonia for alpine hiking. The climbing season starts around Easter and ends in November. Kayaking on the Treska River is a popular activity in the area, as are fishing, hunting, and swimming.
Matka Lake in the Matka Canyon is the oldest artificial lake in the country.
For the Vrelo cave, it is speculated that it could be the deepest underwater cave in the world, and it is a cave that was in the race for the world wonder of nature.
Also of great importance is the Sveti Andreja hydropower plant, which was built according to the plan of the famous Dr. Miladin Pećar. This hydropower plant is unique worldwide because it has interlocking rings independent of each other, so a general breakdown can't occur. Due to this hydropower plant, Skopje experienced significant economic progress in the 20th century. The hydropower plant has saved Skopje from major floods several times.

Characteristics of Matka Canyon

Geology: There are ten caves in the Matka Canyon, the shortest is 20 meters long, and the longest is 176 meters long. The canyon also has two vertical pits, roughly extending about 35 meters in depth.
Biology: Matka Canyon is home to various plants and animals, some of which are endemic. About 20% of plant life can be found in this canyon alone. The canyon is also home to 77 endemic butterfly species. The caves of this canyon are home to large populations of bats.

What must be seen in the Matka Canyon?

The Monastery of St. Andrije is located in the gorge of the Treska River. It was built by Andrija Mrnjavčević, son of King Vukašin, in 1389. It contains frescoes painted by Jovan the Metropolitan.
Matka Monastery, or Monastery of the Holy Virgin, built in the 14th century, is located on the left bank of the Treska. According to the inscription on the church, a woman named Milica found the church in poor condition and without a roof in 1497.
The monastery of Saint Nicholas is on a cliff above the canyon, like the monastery of Saint Andrew. The first mention of this monastery was in the 17th century, during the Ottoman rule. The monastery was abandoned in the 18th century. A monk found the church without a roof in 1816 and tried to revive it, but it was abandoned again in 1897. The monastery offers a unique view high above the canyon.
Vrelo Cave: Located on the right bank of the Treska River, Vrelo Cave is listed as one of the 77 most attractive natural sites in the world as part of the Seven Wonders of the World project. Vrelo Cave has many stalactites, including a large one in the middle of the cave known as the "Cone," which got its name from its shape. There are two lakes at the end of the cave. The smaller lake is 8 meters long at its widest point and 15 meters deep. The larger lake is 35 meters long at its widest point and 18 meters deep.

How to get to Matka Canyon?

This popular picnic spot is about 15 km west of Skopje and can be reached by bus or car.

By bus: Line 60 runs from Skopje to the Matka Canyon and can be reached in about an hour due to frequent stops.
By car: If you have decided to reach the Matka Canyon by car from the center of Skopje, head northwest to the Gorče Petrov boulevard, which you continue to the west. From this boulevard, turn left onto the road leading to the canyon. At the canyon itself, you have several parking places where you can leave your car.
Taxi stations: If you want to reach Matka Canyon by taxi, the taxi services in Skopje are Taxi Teniks - 071/209-194 and Taxi Skopje - 071/755-252.