Canyon Matka - The Nature's Pearl
Chair, Macedonia
Nature wonder whose beauty captured the hearts of many, Nobles and Legends, through 850 years. Matka - womb canyon of the Balkans spreads all of her beauties to welcome you to her heavenly Home.
Highlights
- Explore Canyon Matka
- Discover Medieval monasteries as the special story of Matka
- Admire Gorgeous nature, rare species of flora and fauna
- Enjoy Hiking, Canyoning, Kayaking, Diving, Swimming, and Alpinism
Description
The Tour - Plan:
- 1. Pick up
- 2. Arrival and visit of the Holy Mother of God Monastery, with a chance for a private meeting and a nice talk with the nuns.
- 3. Walk to the Matka Dam, built in the time of the Kingdom of the Serbs.
- 4. Boat tour to the Vrelo Cave (maybe the deepest cave in Europe, with 2 lakes)
- 5. Stop at the restaurant for a refreshment (beer, juice) and visiting the Saint Andrew's Monastery.
- 6. Free time (swimming), walk tour, climbing
- 7. Transfer back
Symbolism
The symbolism of Matka (Womb) is always related to creation, the fertility of nature and spiritual renewal. The myth of Mother Earth is closely related to matka, underground worlds, caves or abysses.
Staying in the Matka is a timeless state from which all things originate. Some researchers believe that the matriarchal cults in Matka were maintained continuously from antiquity to the Middle Ages. Research shows that this area abounds with places and toponyms that confirm, first of all, the female character of the earliest ancient, pagan and Slovene-Christian cults. The cultural remains of Matka can be grouped into several time periods: Bronze Age, Antiquity, Middle Ages and Late Middle Ages.
And this is where our journey will take place.
Reasons to Visit
There are many reasons for visiting the Matka canyon. Beautiful surroundings, excellent gastronomic offer and boat rides are an excellent invitation for those who like to spend their free time in a relaxed manner. Lovers of sports and active vacations will find their joy in several hiking trails, alpinist routes, kayaking, while the most adventurous can even indulge in diving and speleology. There are 10 caves here, from 20 to 176 meters with extremely attractive tunnels and passages, but also two vertical pits up to 35 meters deep. Vrelo cave was also in the running for the world's natural wonders.
Medieval monasteries are the special story. There are more than 10 of them, and certainly the most famous are the Saint Andrew's, Holy Mother of God and Saint Nikola Monastery. They were all built in the XIV century by Prince Andrija, son of King Volkašin and brother of King Marko.
Matka is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, some of which are unique to the area. Roughly 20% of the plant life found at Matka is endemic and only found there. The canyon is also home to 77 indigenous species of butterfly, in addition to the most venomous snake in south Europe, the horned viper.
Vrelo Cave, the most important on Matka, has many stalactites including a large one in the middle of the cave known as the 'Pine Cone' due to its shape. There are two lakes at the end of the cave, with one larger than the other. The canyon's caves are home to large populations of bats.
Extra Possibilities
- 1. 30 minutes of hike to the St. Nikola Shishevski Monastery with spectacular views (the housekeeper Zoki will serve you rakija and homemade coffee with our famous Macedonian generosity)
- 2. Kayaking
Going back to Skopje
Includes
An experienced guide with a license
The transport to Matka (and back)
A boat tour to the Vrelo Cave (and entry into the cave)
One drink (beer, juice, water, or coffee)
Excludes
Extra Boat-tours
Ticket for Kayaking (you can pay it on your own)
Climbing
Lunch (you can buy it on your own)
Hike to St. Nikola Shishevski Monastery with Rakija (10 euros extra)
Important Information
- This tour presents a mixture of history, sports, architecture, local tradition and excitement Be prepared to have a lot of fun
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
