More day trips

Three trips that fit around Matka

Matka Canyon is a half-day outing, so most visitors have time for one more thing in the same stay. Three places come up most often. The Millennium Cross is a hill and a view above the city. The Old Bazaar is a walk through the old trading quarter. Lake Ohrid is a different kind of trip, across the country. Each has its own page.

Which ones combine with Matka

The Millennium Cross is the usual partner for Matka. It stands on Mount Vodno, close to the city, and group tours from Skopje often join the two, as the day tours page explains. One caution: a guide verified on 24 September 2026 reported the cable car closed since 21 April 2026, with an overhaul targeted for the end of November. Ask how your group will reach the cross, or plan to walk.

The Old Bazaar suits an afternoon. The Stone Bridge, built between 1451 and 1469, leads into it from Macedonia Square, and the lanes run on from there. See the canyon while it is quiet, then spend the late afternoon here.

Lake Ohrid does not combine with Matka as a day trip. It is 171 km from Skopje, about three hours each way by car, according to a transfer company. Treat it as an overnight stop, and travel on after the canyon rather than trying to return the same day.

Planning around the trips

Start from the home page for the canyon itself, then use getting there from Skopje for the transport options. If you are choosing a base for two or three outings, see where to stay in Skopje. Seasons and weather are on the best time to visit page.