Matka Canyon

Matka Canyon is home to Lake Matka, Macedonia's oldest manmade lake, and the entire canyon is a biological and geological wonderland. The term 'Matka' is derived from the Macedonian word мaткa, which means womb, and represents the region's abundant biodiversity. There are 77 unique species of butterflies, two novel species of spiders found nowhere else, five species of pseudo-scorpions, huge communities of bats, and over 1,000 plant species. Nearly 20% of the species that flourish here are endemic, meaning they cannot be found anywhere else on the planet.

The canyon region is about 5000 hectares large, and in addition to the canyon itself and a man-made lake, there are a number of caves that range in length from 20 to 176 meters. The Vrelo Cave, one of the best natural attractions on the list of the New7Wonders of Nature, is the most well-known. There are many activities available for adventurers, including trekking in the mountains, climbing, cave excursions to see stalagmites, stalactites, drip-stone pillars, and cave lakes, boat journeys, kayaking in the gorge of the Treska River, and fishing. The medieval village of Matka also has churches, monasteries with paintings, and the remains of a fortification.

Restaurants, bars, cafes, and even lodging choices are available for those who wish to remain longer. After the busy summer season, the canyon becomes less crowded, the weather gets cooler, but the grandeur remains. Autumn hues turn the hills orange, and the water appears even verdant against that backdrop.

Google Rating: 4.8/5
Website: https://www.canyonmatka.mk/
Phone: +389 70 271 900
Opening Hours: Daily
Address: VStreet 1, Village Matka 1000, Skojpe, North Macedonia