Nature guide · 30 minutes from Skopje
The emerald lake of Matka Canyon, boats and kayaks to Vrelo Cave, St Andrew’s Monastery and the hike to St Nicholas Šiševski.
North Macedonia feature
Thirty minutes from the city, a green lake between limestone cliffs.
Take a boat or a kayak to Vrelo Cave, walk the cliff path, visit St Andrew’s Monastery and have lunch by the lake.
Read the full back story below, then plan your trip.
The back story
A green lake between limestone cliffs, caves explored by divers, and medieval monasteries above the water, just half an hour from Skopje.
Boats to the caves
The lake behind the 1938 dam, with boat trips and kayaks into the canyon.
Stalactites and deep water
A cave on the lake, reached by boat or kayak, with stalactites and a deep underwater shaft.
Frescoes of 1389
A 14th-century church beside the dam, with frescoes from 1389.
High above the lake
A small monastery high on the cliffs above Lake Matka, reached by a steep path.
By the water
A hotel and restaurant beside the lake at the entrance to the canyon.
About 30 minutes
By taxi, car or city bus from Skopje, about 30 minutes; then a short walk to the dam.
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