Hiking Millennium Cross to Canyon Matka

Overview

Canyon Matka is a significant landmark with several medieval byzantine monasteries and natural rarities – a compulsory visit when you are in Skopje. We invite you to explore the richness of this natural treasure – you can do it all here: hiking, kayaking, swimming, cave exploring, rock climbing, fine dining.

An easy to moderate all-day hiking excursion from the Millennium Cross (1060 m.asl.) and following the ridgeline to the West will take you to Canyon Matka in 3-4 hours’ time (11km). You can use the cable car to get to the Millenium cross and start your hike from there experiencing unforgettable 360 degree panorama overlooking Skopje and the surrounding mountain ranges. Or, see our Skopje –Millennium Cross route if you prefer to extend it to a full day hike.

 If you want to explore the mountains in North Macedonia, Millennium Cross – Canyon Matka hiking tour is the perfect place to get to know them – see them by far, experience the geology and feel the climate, breathe the aroma from the endemic mountain flowers and plants.

Highlights

Canyon Matka is a significant landmark with several medieval byzantine monasteries and natural rarities – a compulsory visit when you are in Skopje. Each photograph of Canyon Matka represents a story by itself – a historical monument, a wildlife splendor, a place for spiritual awakening, a getaway destination from the noisy and chaotic streets of Skopje. And each photo calls you out to explore the richness of this natural treasure – you can do it all here: hiking, kayaking, swimming, cave exploring, rock climbing, fine dining.

The view: During your hike an unforgettable 360 degree panorama overlooking Skopje opens up and then some more - Mount Skopska Crna Gora, Jakupica Mountain and the magnificent ridge-line of Sharr Mountain – with many peaks of 2500+ meters.

Biodiversity: The canyon thrives with natural richness. Matka is home to a wide variety of plants and animals - some 20% of the plant life there is endemic and only found here. The canyon is also home to 77 indigenous species of butterflies and the caves are full with large populations of bats.

The caves of Canyon Matka: Due to the limestone geology of the area, there are several caves and pits at Matka Canyon, with the lengths ranging from 20 metres (65.6 feet) to 176 metres (577.4 feet). Matka is also home to the oldest artificial lake in the North Macedonia.

Once your hike down to the canyon the first significant place is St.Nikola Shishevski monastery from XIV century. It is built on a small plateau next to a rock face and it offers a unique view high above the canyon - Matka Lake and the other monasteries and churches: St.Nedela, St.Andrew, Monastery Holy Mother of God (all dated XIII-XIV century). In medieval times this was an important spiritual place evenly compared to Mount Athos peninsula in the Aegean Sea.

As you reach the lake shore, take a boat or kayak tour to visit Vrelo Cave. Located on the right bank of Treska River, Vrelo Cave is considered a natural wonder with its many stalactites and cave interior. There are also two lakes at the end of the cave, with one larger than the other. Though the exact depth of the cave is unknown, some speculate that it could be the deepest underwater cave in the world.

When your day ends and the sunshine is replaced by the dark shadows of the extruding rock faces, an inner peace overflows your mind, and only then it becomes clear why Canyon Matka carries such a name*.

*the word Matka in English is translated as Womb.

Difficulty Grading

EASY/MODERATE

up to 18km / 11mi

Terrain may be rugged, with some hills, but not too strenuous.

Suitable for fit and active people, with some hiking experience

Map

When To Go

Possible	01 January – 14 April and 16 November to 31 December
Recommended	15 April – 15 November
Not available	All other dates

Price

Arrival & Departure

By bus & cable car to Vodno Peak:

Buses start from Skopje Central Bus Station to Sredno Vodno bus stop

4 min walk from Sredno Vodno bus station is the Cable Car stop for the Millennium Cross line.


By bus from Matka to Skopje

Buses to Skopje Central Bus Station depart from the bus stop which is on 15 min walk from Canyon Matka hotel & restaurant

Taxi / private transfer:

 Available on request


 Please contact the agency for current bus / cable car departure times

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