Lake Matka
A stunning man-made lake and canyon near Skopje, offering boat tours to an underwater cave and scenic walking trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Peaceful and tranquil views
Lake Matka
Best Time
Peaceful and tranquil views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning man-made lake and canyon near Skopje, offering boat tours to an underwater cave and scenic walking trails.
"Rarely does a big city have a place so close for kayaking on fast waters, but also for relaxed paddling, motorboat rides and enjoying the natural beauty of the canyon."
🚗 Taxi Caution
Be wary of taxi scams; negotiate fares beforehand or opt for tours for reliable transport .
💰 Euros Accepted
Don't worry about currency exchange; you can pay for boat rides and services with Euros .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Matka Cave Boat Tour
Lake Matka
Explore the stunning underwater cave on an enjoyable boat ride, a must-do for breathtaking natural beauty.

Canyon Views & Walking Trail
Matka Canyon
Stroll along the scenic walking trail for panoramic views of the canyon and the serene artificial lake.

Kayaking & Paddling
Lake Matka
Enjoy a refreshing time on the water, whether you prefer relaxed paddling or more adventurous kayaking.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Matka Canyon
Beat the Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Taxi Caution
Be wary of taxi scams; negotiate fares beforehand or opt for tours for reliable transport.
💰 Euros Accepted
Don't worry about currency exchange; you can pay for boat rides and services with Euros.
🚶♀️ Free Walkway Access
A free walkway offers great canyon views, though it doesn't lead to the cave.
📸 Plenty of Photo Ops
The tranquil setting and amazing views provide countless opportunities for stunning pictures.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Taxi Caution
Be wary of taxi scams; negotiate fares beforehand or opt for tours for reliable transport.
💰 Euros Accepted
Don't worry about currency exchange; you can pay for boat rides and services with Euros.
🚶♀️ Free Walkway Access
A free walkway offers great canyon views, though it doesn't lead to the cave.
📸 Plenty of Photo Ops
The tranquil setting and amazing views provide countless opportunities for stunning pictures.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Lake Matka's stunning natural beauty and its proximity to Skopje, offering a perfect escape. The boat ride to Matka Cave is a highlight, praised for its scenic value and affordability. While transport can require some planning, the tranquil atmosphere and picturesque views make it a highly recommended day trip.
"Rarely does a big city have a place so close for kayaking on fast waters, but also for relaxed paddling, motorboat rides and enjoying the natural beauty of the canyon. Or just come here and enjoy the view with a coffee."
Goran Najdovski
"Lake Matka is an artificial lake created by construction of dam in North Macedonia. It's a popular outdoor destinations that exists within the beautiful Matka Canyon. There is a walking trail around the lake, which is very scenic. We took a boat ride in the lake which was very enjoyable."
Soudamini Mohapatra
"I don't usually enjoy any destination with throngs of people, but this was well worth while. The canyon is quite beautiful, and we enjoyed the boat ride to the cave. While I recommend the boat ride, there is also a (free) walkway along the side of the canyon that was surprisingly empty, but which does not permit access to the cave.
Tip: I originally considered hiring a cab to do this, but am very glad I saw the canyon as part of the Canyon Matka Tour. The tour was an excellent; well organized and reasonably priced, and driving and parking looked like such a nightmare that I doubt a cab would have taken me anywhere near the entrance."
Jonathan Krejci
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bus number 60 is a budget-friendly option, though it may drop you a bit further from the canyon entrance. Taxis are available but be cautious of potential scams. Many visitors find guided tours to be the most convenient and stress-free way to reach Matka Canyon, avoiding parking hassles.
Driving is possible, but parking can be challenging, especially during peak times. Some visitors have noted that driving and parking can be a 'nightmare,' making tours a more appealing option.
Yes, you can take a taxi, but it's advisable to be cautious and aware of potential scams. Negotiating the fare beforehand is recommended. For a more reliable experience, consider booking a tour that includes transportation.
The travel time from Skopje to Matka Canyon can vary depending on your mode of transport. By bus, it might take around 45-60 minutes, while a taxi or tour could be quicker, typically around 30-40 minutes.
Yes, numerous organized tours are available from Skopje that include transportation to Matka Canyon. These tours often combine visits to other attractions and are praised for being well-organized and reasonably priced.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee to access Matka Canyon itself. However, activities like boat rides to Matka Cave or kayaking will have separate charges.
The boat ride to Matka Cave is typically around 7-8 Euros per person, offering a scenic journey and access to the cave.
Yes, you can pay for the boat ride and other services at Lake Matka using Euros. It's convenient for international visitors.
Matka Canyon is generally accessible throughout the day. The Matka Cave boat tours operate during daylight hours, typically from morning until late afternoon. It's best to check specific operating times for the boat tours if you plan to visit.
While not always strictly necessary, booking the boat tour in advance, especially during peak season or weekends, is recommended to secure your spot and avoid waiting times.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy boat rides to Matka Cave, kayaking, relaxed paddling, and walking along the scenic canyon trail. There are also opportunities to simply relax and enjoy the views with a coffee.
Yes, there is a scenic walking trail along the side of the canyon that offers beautiful views of the lake and surrounding landscape.
Swimming in Lake Matka is generally not recommended due to it being an artificial lake created by a dam, and the water can be cold. The focus is more on boat tours and water sports like kayaking.
Matka Canyon is known for its stunning natural beauty, the artificial Lake Matka, the dam, and the impressive Matka Cave. The dramatic cliffs and serene waters create a picturesque landscape.
Absolutely! Matka Canyon is a very popular and easily accessible day trip destination from Skopje, offering a refreshing escape into nature.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant and a cafe located near the dam, offering food and drinks with views of the lake. It's a great spot to relax after exploring the canyon.
The restaurant typically serves traditional Macedonian cuisine, as well as some international dishes. You can enjoy local specialties while taking in the scenic surroundings.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and have a picnic at designated areas within Matka Canyon. This can be a budget-friendly option.
While specific options can vary, traditional Macedonian cuisine often includes vegetable-based dishes. It's advisable to inquire directly with the restaurant about vegetarian or vegan choices.
Prices at the restaurant and cafe are generally considered moderate, reflecting the popular tourist destination. Bringing your own snacks or a picnic can be a more economical choice.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire canyon offers stunning photographic opportunities. Key spots include the dam, the lake's reflections, the entrance to Matka Cave, and viewpoints along the walking trail.
Early mornings or late afternoons (golden hours) provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Weekday mornings also offer fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
No, a smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the beauty of Matka Canyon. However, a camera with good low-light capabilities can be beneficial for the cave tour.
Drone usage regulations can change and may be restricted in protected natural areas. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the park management before flying a drone.
The boat tour offers unique perspectives of the cave's interior, stalactites, and the water. Shots from the boat itself, looking back at the canyon entrance, are also very picturesque.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating to Matka Canyon
Driving your own vehicle is also an option, but be prepared for potential challenges with parking, especially during busy periods. Some reviews suggest that parking can be quite difficult to find. If you do choose to drive, arriving early, particularly on a weekday, can significantly improve your chances of securing a spot and enjoying a less crowded experience. Regardless of your chosen method, the journey itself offers glimpses of the Macedonian countryside, adding to the overall travel experience.
Experiencing the Matka Cave
The cave tour is generally described as enjoyable and well worth the modest cost, typically around 7-8 Euros per person. Visitors appreciate that payments can often be made in Euros, simplifying transactions for international travelers. While the cave is a significant draw, it's worth noting that the free walkway along the canyon's side offers excellent views but does not grant access to the cave itself. Therefore, the boat tour is the primary way to experience the cave's interior.
Photography at Lake Matka
Visiting on a weekday morning is also highly recommended for photographers. This strategy not only allows for a more peaceful and unhurried experience but also ensures you can capture unobstructed views without the presence of large crowds. Whether you're using a professional camera or just your smartphone, the unique geological formations and serene atmosphere of Matka Canyon are sure to yield memorable photographs. Don't forget to capture the unique perspective from the boat tour into Matka Cave as well.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit