Matka Canyon 1: Hikes, trails and food

Matka, Macedonia

We’ll never tire of visiting Matka Canyon in Macedonia. Sure it’s become a tourist trap, but for good reason.

With the Treska River running through it, the damn at one end, several monasteries and stunning scenery, we’ve been there on each trip.

A great hike is to cross the river using the walking bridge at road level (near the car park) and and follow the trail up one side of the canyon that leads to Sveti Nikola Shishevski at the top, a 14th century monastery that has been updated over the centuries and makes for great photos.

The only downside is for all the times we've been up here, it's been closed as often as it is open. So it's hit and miss on if you'll see the al frescos inside. 

Sveti Nikola Shishevski, Matka, Macedonia
Sveti Nikola Shishevski at the top of Matka Canyon, Macedonia, July 2021....

....And Sveti Nikola Shishevski in June 1996 - look at the difference in the trees

Inside Sveti Nikola Shishevski, July 2017

Inside Sveti Nikola Shishevski, July 2017

An experienced, fit hiker can reach the top in well under an hour. Not us. We took about 70 mins. 

It's steep going in places, but the reward at the top is fantastic views of the canyon and River Treska. 

There’s two ways back down – the same way you walked up. That’s longer but easier. Or drop down on the river side. It's much shorter, but steeper and you need to be sure-footed. At the bottom, hit the iron gong, and a boat will come across the lake to get you.

Restaurant at the bottom of the Canyon (2017). We dropped down this side. 

Is it more difficult? Yep. My trainers got me to the top. And gave out part way down on all the rocks.

It drops you at the heart of the most popular tourist part of Matka. You can sit, eat and drink here. And we have, many times. But these days we tend to walk back to the starting point, and head to the Bear Cave restaurant. No idea if that’s its real name, but the food is superb, and its priced well. And yes, it’s in a cave.

River Treska, Matka Canyon
The boat approaches to take us across Treska River, after getting to the bottom of the canyon

River Treska, Matka Canyon
River Treska and Matka Canyon

We’ve been told by an experienced hiker that it’s possible to walk from the top of the canyon over to the big cross that overlooks Skopje. We’re nowhere near fit enough to try it, but I’ve seen the signposting for the trail.

Getting there

Matka Canyon is about a 30 min drive from the centre of Skopje, and an easy drive by car or taxi. There's plenty of parking. 

We’ve no connections with the restaurants – just love the food and have been going to it since the late 1990s. All photos: Matka Canyon and Lake Treska, Macedonia, 2021, 2017 and 1996.





Location: Skopje, North Macedonia

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Battle of Kumanovo: Zebrnjak monument and Ossuary

Image
A monument worth visiting is Zebrnjak, commemorating the Battle of Kumanovo, which took place in 1912. Fought by Serb soldiers, the battle is considered a turning point in efforts to push the Ottoman Empire out of the Balkans. The monument was paid for by Serbs in honour of their fallen compatriots and built in 1937. The tower’s history was short – it was blown up by the Axis Bulgarian army in May 1942 during World War 2. Originally 48m high, it is now 18.5m.  But don't be fooled. It's much bigger inside than it looks from the outside. Free to visit, it is worth an hour of your time. Inside is a mini warren of small rooms that tell the story of the Battle of Kumanovo, with photos of key figures in the battle, a model of how the tower originally looked and downstairs, an Ossuary. The various rooms leading off the central area Stairs leading up to the model of the tower. The room includes images of it being built and after it was blow up by the Bulgarian army One of the roo...
Read more

Skopje Old Town

Image
  Skopje Old Town (or Old Bazaar), in the heart of Skopje itself and just off the main square, is a warren of paved, walking streets. The Muslim quarter of Skopje, the streets are lined with shops - jewellery, antiques, clothes, etc - bars and restaurants, and it’s always busy during the day. It’s a great area to wander, full of colour, and you’ll never be short of opportunities to take great photos. It’s on a hill, so you’ll also get some great vantage points. The best approach is to walk through the main city square, and over the old stone bridge. You’ll walk past a lot of imposing statues, including over the bridge and at the foot of the Old Town. Alternatively, enter at the top of the hill, near Kale, and walk down. All photos: Skopje Old Town, Macedonia; 2021, 2010, 2013 and 2008
Read more

St Naum monastery, Ohrid

Image
  A trip to Macedonia is not complete without heading to Ohrid Lake. Straddling Albania, the lake is huge enough to seem like a sea. It’s one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The main town is bustling. Much better to head around it to places like the small, beautiful town of Radozhda, on the western shore (about 30km from Ohrid Town) and very close to Albania. Or drive in the opposite direction to Saint Naum. And then you’re really touching the border with Albania. You’ll navigate the usual small, winding roads, for long stretches run parallel to the lake itself, see amazing scenery and then suddenly, you’re at St Naum. Don’t be fooled by first impressions. From the outside, it looks like you’re about to head into a holiday camp. And it is very touristy. Need the toilet? Pay. (Or head into the lake). Want to buy a plastic Spiderman laying prone on the ground firing a gun? (Yep, really.) The front end is full of little shops selling...
Read more