Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From the car park below the Matka dam, walk up to the dam and St Andrew's Monastery beside it, then follow the path south along the eastern side of the canyon. For much of the way it is cut into the cliff above the green water of Lake Matka, with limestone walls rising steeply on both sides. It ends near Vrelo Cave, on the right bank of the Treska, where boats from the dam land in season. Return the same way.
It is 7.3 km there and back with 169 m of ascent; allow about 2½ hours. The grade is Easy: a narrow, rocky path with drops beside it and some short climbs, slippery after rain.
Lake Matka is the oldest artificial lake in North Macedonia, and St Andrew's Monastery was founded around 1388. Vrelo Cave has stalactites and two lakes deep inside. Parts of the path have no railing, so take care with children. The canyon is busy at weekends: start early.
The car park below the dam is small and fills quickly; buses run from Skopje to Matka.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Lake Matka, behind a dam on the Treska, is the oldest artificial lake in North Macedonia
- St Andrew's Monastery by the dam was founded around 1388
- The path is cut into the canyon wall above the water for much of the way
- Vrelo Cave, on the right bank, has stalactites and two lakes deep inside; boats from the dam visit it in season
Getting there
Start: Matka, car park below the dam · Free parking. 41.95297, 21.29699
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Matka: Booking.com → Expedia →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.