St. Nikola Šiševski Monastery
Discover a hidden monastery in Matka Canyon via scenic hikes, offering breathtaking views and a sense of secluded tranquility.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
St. Nikola Šiševski Monastery
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a hidden monastery in Matka Canyon via scenic hikes, offering breathtaking views and a sense of secluded tranquility.
"Feels almost like visiting a secret place. Absolutely loved this lesser visited part of the canyon!"
Choose Your Hike Wisely
Hike up via Treska Bridge (60 min, moderate), down via boat access (25 min, steep). :athletic_shoe:
Monastery May Be Locked
Enjoy the exterior and views; interior access isn't guaranteed. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
St. Nikola Šiševski Monastery
Matka Canyon
A secluded monastery offering stunning canyon views, often with few other visitors. A true hidden gem.
Scenic Canyon Trails
Matka Canyon
Hike along varied terrains with breathtaking views, experiencing different hiking challenges.
Matka Lake Boat Ride
Matka Lake
A short, affordable boat ride across the lake connects you to trails and kayaking/boat trip options.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Choose Your Monastery Path
Monastery Access & Trail Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Trip to Matka Canyon
Choose Your Hike Wisely
Hike up via Treska Bridge (60 min, moderate), down via boat access (25 min, steep). :athletic_shoe:
Monastery May Be Locked
Enjoy the exterior and views; interior access isn't guaranteed. :camerawithflash:
Lake Boat for Connectivity
Take the 50 denar boat to access kayaking and further canyon exploration. :boat:
Trail Cleanliness
Be aware of trail conditions; some visitors noted waste. Pack out everything. :wastebasket:
Tips
from all over the internet
Choose Your Hike Wisely
Hike up via Treska Bridge (60 min, moderate), down via boat access (25 min, steep). :athletic_shoe:
Monastery May Be Locked
Enjoy the exterior and views; interior access isn't guaranteed. :camerawithflash:
Lake Boat for Connectivity
Take the 50 denar boat to access kayaking and further canyon exploration. :boat:
Trail Cleanliness
Be aware of trail conditions; some visitors noted waste. Pack out everything. :wastebasket:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the St. Nikola Šiševski Monastery as a beautiful, secluded spot offering rewarding hikes and stunning canyon views. While the monastery's interior may be locked, the journey and the panoramic scenery are highlights. Some note trail cleanliness issues and steep sections.
"Nice place to rest + WC available.
There are two routes to reach the monastery:
1) Across the Treska Bridge from the parking lot, markers available from there. Easy to moderate difficulty for inexperienced hikers. Took ~ 60 mins.
2) Across the lake with a 30 sec boat ride from pier next to the hotel, then walk up the trail. Much steeper and harder. Took ~25 mins.
For inexperienced hikers, I would recommend going up from path 1 then going down from path 2."
John Wong
"The monastery was locked and closed. Nothing to see but the outside. I’m not sure if you can take the boat across the river as well so it’s an out and back hike . Look out for human poo along the trail"
jeremy kalous
"Really nice hike and monastery! I recommend the way we did so you can do one way trip :) before you reach the parking lot for Matka canyon take a left onto a bridge that crosses to the other side. When you reach the other side of the bridge, follow the trail to the monastery up to the right. It takes about 30 mins to get to the monastery, and then you can take the trail (next to the toilet) from the monastery directly down to the Matka lake. Then take a boat for 50 denar per person to cross with a boat to the other side where you can book kayaks or boat trips to go further into the canyon!"
Elisabeth Strømme
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
There are two main routes. The first is a moderate hike across the Treska Bridge from the parking lot, taking about 60 minutes. The second involves a short 30-second boat ride from the pier near the hotel, followed by a steeper, quicker 25-minute trail. Many recommend hiking up one way and down the other for a varied experience.
Yes, there is a parking lot available near the entrance to Matka Canyon, which serves as a starting point for many hikes and activities.
While taxis are an option, public transport directly to Matka Canyon can be limited. It's often easier to reach Skopje city center and then arrange transport or join a tour.
The route involving the boat ride and then a shorter, albeit steep, trail might be more manageable than the longer bridge hike, but steepness is a factor on both. Assess your comfort level with inclines.
Yes, various tour operators in Skopje offer guided tours that often include visits to Matka Canyon and potentially the St. Nikola Šiševski Monastery, providing transportation and local insights.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no specific entry tickets required for the monastery itself, as it's often viewed from the outside. However, you will pay for the boat ride across the lake if you choose that route.
The monastery's interior may be locked, and there are no fixed public opening hours. Visitors typically admire the exterior and its surroundings.
The boat ride across Matka Lake typically costs around 50 Macedonian denars per person, offering a convenient way to access different parts of the canyon.
The hiking trails themselves are generally free to access. Any costs would be associated with transportation to Matka Canyon or optional activities like boat tours.
It's advisable to check with local operators at the Matka Lake pier for booking options for boat trips or kayaking, especially during peak season.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike via Treska Bridge is considered easy to moderate, taking about 60 minutes. The route from the boat pier is much steeper and harder, taking around 25 minutes.
You can admire the monastery's exterior architecture and enjoy panoramic views of the canyon. The interior may be inaccessible.
Restrooms are available near the Matka Lake pier and potentially at the monastery's vicinity, though their condition can vary.
Matka Canyon offers kayaking, boat tours deeper into the canyon, exploring caves (like Vrelo Cave), and hiking along its scenic trails.
While many visitors hike alone, it's always recommended to inform someone of your plans, stay on marked trails, and be aware of your surroundings. Some trails can be steep and remote.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are from the approach trails offering views of the monastery against the canyon backdrop, and from the monastery itself looking out over the canyon.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the dramatic landscapes and the monastery.
A versatile zoom lens is useful for capturing both wide canyon vistas and details of the monastery. A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes. :camerawithflash:
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check with local authorities or park management before flying a drone to ensure compliance.
From the monastery, you can capture stunning panoramic shots of the Matka Canyon, the lake below, and the surrounding rugged terrain.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Once at the lake, the short boat ride is usually a hit with kids, and the option for kayaking or longer boat tours can provide further entertainment. Ensure children are supervised closely on trails and near the water. Pack plenty of snacks and water, as facilities can be limited.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Lovers
Nature lovers can enjoy the rugged beauty of Matka Canyon, the tranquility of the lake, and the unique perspective from the monastery. Keep an eye out for local flora and fauna. Remember to wear sturdy hiking shoes and be mindful of trail conditions.
📸 Photographers
Consider bringing a versatile lens to capture both wide-angle canyon vistas and closer details of the monastery's architecture. The journey to the monastery also offers numerous scenic viewpoints perfect for landscape photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Monastery Trails
The second option begins with a brief, 30-second boat ride from a pier near the hotel, depositing you closer to the monastery. From there, a trail leads upwards. While significantly shorter in duration (around 25 minutes), this path is considerably steeper and more challenging, requiring a good level of fitness. Many visitors find a combination of these routes ideal: hiking up via the bridge and descending via the boat-accessed trail, or vice versa, to experience both the journey and the destination fully.
It's important to be prepared for varied trail conditions. Some sections can be steep, and visitors have noted the presence of natural waste along the paths. Wearing appropriate footwear is crucial, and it's always best practice to pack out everything you pack in to preserve the natural beauty of the area.
The Monastery Experience
However, it's important to manage expectations regarding interior access. Many visitors report that the monastery is often locked, meaning you can admire its exterior architecture and the serene setting, but may not be able to enter. This doesn't diminish the experience, as the primary draw is often the sense of discovery and the commanding vistas it provides over the canyon.
From the monastery's vantage point, you can look directly into the canyon, offering a unique perspective. The quietude and the feeling of being in a secluded spot contribute to its charm, making the hike worthwhile even if the doors remain closed.
Connecting Your Canyon Adventure
From the lake, you can easily access options for kayaking, allowing you to paddle through the serene waters and explore the canyon's nooks and crannies at your own pace. Alternatively, you can book longer boat trips that venture deeper into Matka Canyon, often including visits to attractions like Vrelo Cave, known for its impressive stalactites and underground lake.
This connectivity makes the monastery hike a perfect starting point for a fuller Matka Canyon experience. You can combine the hike with water-based activities, creating a diverse and memorable day trip.
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