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Explore Matka Canyon: Tour from Centar, Skopje - Book on Varoom

You’ll begin your ride from VIP Arena Sports Center Boris Trajkovski and pedal through several suburbs of Skopje until you arrive at the dramatic confluence where River Treska meets the River Vardar at Sastav, a perfect photo stop and orientation point; from there you glide into the leafy Park in Saraj, once a beloved weekend escape in the 1980s. The journey continues through the peaceful rural landscapes of Krushopek and into the village of Shisevo, where a scenic single-track follows River Treska and brings you close to the historic Matka Power Plant, the first power plant built in Macedonia that remains in operation. Your route finishes at the stunning Matka Canyon, a hub for additional activities including a boat trip to the underwater cave Vrelo, kayaking, hiking to the 14th-century Saint Nikola Shishevski Monastery, and rock climbing, and you’ll also have the option to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near Matka. This ride blends cultural landmarks, riverside single-track, village charm, and canyon adventures-ideal for travelers seeking a full-day outdoor and sightseeing experience around Skopje.

About this activity in Centar

Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Highlights

  • Cycle from VIP Arena Sports Center Boris Trajkovski through Skopje suburbs to the scenic confluence of the Treska and Vardar rivers at Sastav.
  • Ride through the historic Saraj parklands - a popular weekend escape in the 1980s - and enjoy quieter village trails toward Krushopek and Shishevo.
  • Follow a beautiful singletrack beside the River Treska that leads close to Matka Power Plant, Macedonia’s first still-operating hydroelectric plant.
  • Explore Matka Canyon’s outdoor options once you arrive: boat trips to Cave Vrelo, kayaking, hiking to the 14th-century Saint Nikola Shishevski Monastery and guided rock climbing, with local dining available nearby.

Important Information

  • The route covers mixed terrain - paved suburb roads, park paths and singletrack along the river - so wear comfortable cycling shoes and layered clothing suitable for changing canyon microclimates.
  • Bring a small daypack for essentials and a camera: Matka Canyon and the river confluence offer excellent photo opportunities and varied nature scenery in the region.
  • Plan extra time at Matka if you want to join optional activities or have lunch at a local restaurant; many experiences (boat trips, kayaking, cave visits, guided hikes and climbing) are offered on-site and may require reservations.
  • This activity suits a wide range of fitness levels but is not recommended if you have pregnancy or serious cardiovascular concerns; check accessibility for any specific needs before booking.

Meeting Point

Meet at VIP Arena Sports Center Boris Trajkovski in Centar (Skopje). Look for the group near the main entrance on the arena’s south side 10 minutes before departure; staff will be wearing identifiable gear and will brief you before the ride begins.

Includes

  • Bottled water provided during the activity - stay hydrated while exploring Centar, Skopje and the surrounding area.
  • Light snacks included to keep your energy up as you enjoy the event in the region.
  • Use of a bicycle is included so you can move comfortably around the local streets and nearby sights.

Excludes

  • Entrance tickets are not included - you’ll need to purchase admission to any attractions separately.
  • Meals and personal expenses are excluded from the price; plan accordingly for dining in Centar or nearby.
  • Special activities such as the boat trip to Cave Vrelo, kayaking, hiking, and rock climbing are not covered.

Other

  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers - please consider your health and consult a professional before booking.
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health due to activity demands in the area.
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels - the activity is designed to accommodate a wide range of participants here.

Customer Reviews

10/10
Based on 2 Reviews
VaivaL_13
Sep 22, 2023 02:40:48 PM
Summary: We had a fantastic time cycling around, exploring Macedonian mountains. Dean is such a wonderful guide, gave us a lot of tips what to see and try in Macedonia. Ride was super beautiful, very remote and wild side of Macedonia. Recommend. Make sure you mark 4h in your agenda, no reason to rush over.
Aarti S
Jul 1, 2019 09:08:37 AM
Summary: We visited the matka canyon and took a ride to the caves by boat. Its a one hour ride to and fro including the time spent in the caves. The temperature in the caves was quite low at almost 12 degrees as compared to the temperature outside at 35 degrees. the scenary on both sides of the river was very really serene and we couldnt stop taking pictures

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Know more about Centar

You ride from the VIP Arena through several Skopje suburbs, pass the Sastav where River Treska meets the Vardar, cross the popular Park in Saraj, then continue through Krushopek and Shisevo. The route follows a scenic single track beside River Treska and finishes near the historic Matka Power Plant before you reach Matka Canyon.
Absolutely - from Matka you can hike to the Saint Nikola Shishevski Monastery dating to the 14th century, enjoy walking trails along the canyon, and explore local cultural points of interest near the river.
Yes - there is an option for lunch in a local restaurant near Matka, so you can relax and sample regional food after your ride and activities in the canyon area.
Yes - Matka Canyon offers a range of Water-Based activities, including the boat trip to Cave Vrelo and kayaking. These activities are available as additional options when you arrive at the canyon.
Rock climbing is one of the activity options at Matka Canyon. The canyon caters to a variety of visitors, and many activities can be enjoyed by groups; check the specific activity requirements when booking to see if they fit your group’s needs.
The tour departs from VIP Arena Sports Center Boris Trajkovski in Centar, Skopje, then follows a mapped route through suburbs and riverside single track along River Treska, ultimately bringing you to the Matka Canyon area and the Matka Power Plant.