How To Get To Matka Canyon

To get to Matka Canyon by bus, take the number 60 bus from the bus stop called "Faculty of Architecture" (Gradezen Fakultet) and get off at the last stop. The bus stop to Matka is just a few minutes walk from our apartments. When you walk towards the main square it is a few meters after Broz Cafe and Silbo Bakery.

You can take the bus 60 from any bus stop on Blvd. Partizanski Odredi.

Have a look on the map:

The journey takes around 45 mins depending on traffic and costs less than 1 euro each way.

MATKA CANYON BUS TICKETS

To ride public buses you need to have a plastic SKOPSKA card. You can find them in the apartments or you can also purchase them at the green kiosks (at the bus stop) with an initial fee of 180 MKD that includes three rides. Further rides are 35 MKD each and you need to top the SKOPSKA card up at any green kiosk.

It is also possible to purchase a ride with a Macedonian SIM card and smart phone for 40 MKD when you get on on the bus.

The buses to Matka do not run that often so please do check the return time. If you miss one you might have to wait an hour for the next.

Departure times TO Matka Canyon:

On weekdays: 7:00 / 8:45 / 10:30 / 12:10 / 14:00 / 15:30 / 16:50 / 18:35 / 20:10 / 22:30

Weekends: 7:00 / 8:45 / 10:30 / 12:10 / 13:50 / 15:30 / 17:10 / 18:45 / 20:15 / 22:30

*These are the departure times from the central bus station, so add 10-15 minutes on top of it and this is when the bus arrives to the bus stop near the apartments.

Departures times FROM Matka Canyon:

On weekdays: 05:50 / 7:45 / 9:40 / 11:20 / 13:05 / 14:55 / 16:25 / 17:45 / 19:20 / 21:00 / 23:20

Weekends: 05:50 / 7:45 / 9:40 / 11:20 / 13:00 / 14:40 / 16:20 / 18:00 / 19:30 / 21:00 / 23:20

HOW TO GET TO MATKA CANYON BY TAXI

Since the bus system in Skopje is not always reliable, you might have to take a taxi on the way back from Matka if the bus doesn't show up. There are always some taxis at the canyon, please make sure to negotiate for the price. It shouldn't be more than 500-600 MKD one way per car.

You can easily spend a few hours at the beautiful Matka Canyon. There are 3 options to explore the canyon:

1. By walk: the trail is well marked, it is a pleasant stroll. It is not a circular path so you will have to come back the same way you went.

2. By boat: you can explore a cave and have a nice view of the gorge

3. By kayak: if you are up for the challenge, rent a kayak and explore the area on your own

There is a restaurant on the lake (a bit more expensive) and 2 more other restaurants that are not on the lake but more affordable. So after thew walk or boat ride you can have a nice lunch or grab a coffee. Enjoy! :)

Read also: 15 Best things to do in Skopje