Matka Canyon

Matka Canyon is a small gorge and reservoir lake a short drive from Skopje, with rock walls, short walking paths and a few medieval monasteries in the valley. It is a quick escape from the city and an easy first taste of the country's outdoors.

Many visitors take a boat or kayak up the water, where the canyon narrows and the walls rise. We would go on a weekday morning, when it is quiet, and allow three to four hours with a lunch stop. In July and August the shade makes it a cooler choice than the city, but wear proper footwear on the paths, and check the weather first, as paths can be slippery after rain.