Ideas for one day
- 01
Hike from Vodno to Canyon Matka
Over Vodno to the canyon and its monasteries, an easy hike for all ages. Add kayaking or the Vrelo cave at the end.
- Distance: About 13 km
- Duration: About 4 hours
- 02
Kayak to the Vrelo cave in Canyon Matka
Paddle on the calm water of the canyon, about 30 minutes from Skopje, to Vrelo Cave. No experience needed.
- Duration: From 3 hours
- 03
E-MTB ride over Vodno to Matka
Off-road over Vodno and the Millennium Cross, then on to Canyon Matka for lunch. The Thomus e-MTB makes the climbs easy.
- Distance: 45 km
- Price: From 65 EUR (4,000 MKD)
- 04
Crn Kamen on Skopska Crna Gora
A moderate hike from the village of Ljubanci up to Crn Kamen, about 7 hours on the trail.
- Distance: 18 km
- Top: 1,585 m
- 05
Salakovski Lakes on Jakupica
From Patiska Reka up to the Salakovski Lakes, about 7 hours, with St. Marko monastery as an option.
- Distance: 15 km
- Top: 2,180 m
- 06
Rock climbing in Canyon Matka
Beginners welcome: a licensed, experienced guide climbs with you, and the harness, shoes and helmet are provided.
- 07
Tandem paragliding over Krusevo or Vodno
Fly with an experienced pilot over Krusevo, the highest town in Macedonia, or above Skopje. No experience needed.
- 08
Wine tour by e-bike in Tikves
Ride e-bikes between the wineries of the Tikves wine region, with tastings on the way.
Near Skopje
Vodno and the Millennium Cross
Skopje's own mountain: Krstovar, the 1,066 m summit of Vodno, carries the 66 m Millennium Cross above the city. Hike up from Sredno Vodno, ride up on an e-MTB with a guide, or carry on over the ridge to Canyon Matka.
Canyon Matka
A gorge 15 km south-west of Skopje with medieval churches and monasteries, caves, and rare endemic plants and butterflies.
On foot and on the bike
Easy hiking
An easy day hike for all ages: over Vodno, Skopje's own mountain, down to Canyon Matka and its medieval monasteries.
Medium hiking
A moderate day on Skopska Crna Gora, from the village of Ljubanci to the 1,585 m peak of Crn Kamen, with lunch at an ethno restaurant.
Advanced hiking
A full day in the high mountains: from the village of Patiska Reka up to the Salakovski Lakes at 2,180 m on Jakupica.
Guided e-bike tours
Ride from Skopje to Vodno, Canyon Matka or the mountains with a licensed, experienced guide. The e-MTB helps on every climb, so mixed groups ride together.
Easy bike tours
Three relaxed guided rides from the city: Skopje's history and food, Canyon Matka along the rivers, or up Vodno to the Millennium Cross.
Medium MTB tours
Off-road day rides from Skopje for riders with good fitness: no technical skills needed, just the legs for 40 to 45 km.
On the water, on rock and in the air
Kayaking
Calm canyon water 30 minutes from Skopje, clear mountain lakes and spring whitewater, with a guide and all the gear.
Cave tours
Stalactites, underground halls and cool, still air: explore the caves of Matka Canyon and beyond.
Rock climbing
Climb in Canyon Matka, 30 minutes from Skopje, or in Demir Kapija, the largest climbing area in Macedonia. No experience needed.
Paragliding
Fly with an experienced tandem pilot and see the mountains from above. You need no experience, only a sense of adventure.
Stand-up paddle
Stand on a board and paddle across calm canyon and lake water. Most people find their balance in a few minutes.
Culture and wine
Cultural tours
From ancient cities to Ottoman bazaars and Byzantine churches, with a guide who knows the stories.
Wine e-bike tours
Ride an e-bike between the vineyards of Tikves, the heart of Macedonian wine, and stop at the wineries for tastings. We plan the day for two people or for a group of any size.
Planned around you
Tell us how many people are coming and what you like. We pick the route by your fitness and the weather, and we arrange the transport from your hotel in Skopje.
Questions and answers
What is the closest day trip from Skopje?
Canyon Matka, 15 km from the city: hike there over Vodno, kayak to the Vrelo cave or climb its rock with a guide.
How far is Canyon Matka from Skopje?
About 15 km, around 30 minutes by car. You can also walk there over Vodno in about 4 hours, or ride there by bike.
Can we do a day trip without experience?
Yes. The Vodno to Matka hike suits all ages, kayaking and tandem paragliding need no experience, and on rock a licensed, experienced guide climbs with you.
Which day trips go into the mountains?
The hike to Crn Kamen (1,585 m) on Skopska Crna Gora, about 7 hours, and the hike to the Salakovski Lakes (2,180 m) on Jakupica, about 7 hours.
How do I book?
Send us your date, the number of people and what you would like to do on WhatsApp or Viber at +389 78 315 213. We reply with the details and the price.