Matka Canyon

Matka is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in North Macedonia and is home to several medieval monasteries. And, it was highly recommended by our friends from Skopje. So we had to go! And it was delightful.

We camped by a river, parking high on the bank after a warning from a local that the dam releases water at night. Very glad we got that tip, as even in the higher spot the water came up to our tires.

The couple parked close to us were Spaniards who work at police officers. The woman served in the army and was last in the region as a peacekeeper during the 1990s wars. She said it was a bit disorienting being back.

Our walk through the canyon featured some beautiful views, a monestary, and ended at an artificial lake so followed by a boatride back over to the main shore.

We tacked on a trip to a Go Kart place, as our earlier waterpark plans were thwarted by end-of-season closures. And, the boys were needing some plain-ol-kid-fun.Read more