Top 4 Gorges in Skopje Region

The Vrelo Cave is on the OTHER SIDE of the river bank and can only be reached by boat. It is also possible to go by boat and then, by arrangement, be ferried to the other bank and walk back along the magnificent cliff path. This is very impressive. Towards the end, in the direction of the dam, there are some benches or picnic spots. However, there is no one-way ticket. You always pay the full price of approx. 5 Euros including cave entrance.

At the beginning of the Matka Canyon, there are various stalls, then a narrow path leads along the cliffs past the dam to the oldest artificial lake in the country. There, you can continue by boat or enjoy a meal and a drink at the restaurant. When I was there on a Monday, it was relatively quiet, so it was possible to cycle into the gorge. During peak season or on weekends, this would probably be impossible. There are ten caves in the Matka Canyon, the shortest of which is 20 meters long and the longest 176 meters. Visitors and tourists can explore the Vrelo Cave during a 20-minute boat ride in the Matka Canyon.

It can get very crowded on weekends in spring and summer, with cars and tour buses backing up the small access road. But the views and scenery are incredibly beautiful. The water of the Treska River, which flows through the gorge, is ice-cold even in summer. A refreshing dip is still worthwhile. Worthwhile: There's a 20-km hiking trail from Vodno to the Matka Gorge and vice versa, offering breathtaking views of the gorge and the surrounding area. For example, you can hike from Skopje to the gorge and then take a taxi back.

It can get very crowded on weekends in spring and summer, with cars and tour buses backing up the small access road. But the views and scenery are incredibly beautiful. The water of the Treska River, which flows through the gorge, is ice-cold even in summer. A refreshing dip is still worthwhile. Worthwhile: There's a 20-km hiking trail from Vodno to the Matka Gorge and vice versa, offering breathtaking views of the gorge and the surrounding area. For example, you can hike from Skopje to the gorge and then take a taxi back.

Wonderful landscape. The Matka Monastery is worth seeing here.

Small place below the reservoir. The parking lots are there. (Free.) Also several restaurants.

A must when in North Macedonia. Not too crowded yet. The restaurants at the car parks still have good prices.

A boat trip on the Matka Canyon. Should not be missed.