Explore Matka Canyon Sightseeing Tour in Southwestern Region: A Guide to a Unique Natural Wonder of Skopje Skopje is the capital city of the Republic of North Macedonia, and it is known for its diverse natural wonders and cultural attractions. One of the most beautiful sights to explore in the city is Matka Canyon, and its surrounding region. With steep rocky cliffs and deep river gorges that extend for nearly 10 kilometres, this breathtaking canyon offers an unforgettable experience of hiking, swimming and sightseeing.This guide explores what makes Matka Canyon unique and offers advice on organising a sightseeing tour in the Southwestern Region of Skopje. From the best time to visit and what to bring to the tour’s highlights and activities, you can find all the information you need to optimise your exploration of this beautiful area. The Best Time to Visit Matka CanyonMatka Canyon is located in the West region of Skopje, and its natural beauty can be appreciated throughout the year thanks to its diverse ecosystem. However, if you want to make the most of a sightseeing tour, May to September is the best period as this time of the year offers more favourable weather conditions. During springtime, alpine flora flourishes in the area, creating an incredible lush landscape with stunningly bright colours. In summer, visitors can cool off in one of the many pools fed by the river’s crystal-clear waters. The temperature drops in autumn, a wonderful time to explore the canyon while admiring its captivating red, yellow, orange and brown autumn foliage. Heading into winter brings fresh powdery snow and a dramatic landscape with wonderful snowshoeing opportunities. What You Need for Your Sightseeing TourMatka Canyon offers a variety of activities for adventurers of all levels. It is important to come prepared for the specific activities you want to engage in so that you can make the most of your experience of this unique natural area. Here is what you need to bring with you: What to Wear – A pair of sturdy walking shoes: Make sure they have plenty of grip as some trails may have difficult terrain – A warm jacket: Wear layers that are easy to take on-and-off so that you are comfortable when touring regardless of weather conditions – Sun protection: Sunglasses and a hat will help protect you from the sun. What To Bring – A bottle of water: Remember to drink enough as it can get hot during summer tours – A picnic: If doing a longer hike, it is always a good idea to bring snacks and a light meal – Binoculars: Spotting wildlife in Matka Canyon is much easier if you have a pair of binoculars – A camera: Bring your most reliable camera to capture views that will make everyone back home jealous Highlights and Activities On a sightseeing tour of Matka Canyon, visitors can enjoy spectacular views, observe rare wildlife species and experience thrilling activities. Here are some of the highlights and activities you can expect during your visit. Hiking Matka Canyon offers an abundance of well-marked trails with varying levels of difficulty. Hiking these trails is one of the most popular activities in the area; making it great for nature enthusiasts, experienced walkers and families alike. If you are not used to long hikes, there are several shorter trails for beginners; passing through forests and along the riverbanks, with stunning outlooks at every corner. Caving Visitors with an adventurous spirit can enjoy exploring the depths of Matka Canyon’s 2 caves; Vrelo Cave and Golem Grad Cave. Both caves are open for public exploration, as long as visitors come prepared with all the necessary equipment. The caves are located on opposite sides of the canyon and are home to interesting historical sites and breathtaking views. However, exploration can be challenging as Vrelo Cave features steep slippery slopes while Golem Grad Cave features narrow pathways that require crawling. Wildlife Matka Canyon is home to a variety of wildlife species that make this area a delight to explore. Visitors can spot many different birds, amphibians and reptiles living in the area’s lush forests. When wandering along the shallow sections of radiating rivers, lucky visitors may catch a glimpse of one of Europe’s rarest fish species; the Danube Salmon. Swan Lake— Lake Matka A popular spot for sightseeing is Lake Matka; located at the beginning of Matka Canyon, this lake is home to an abundant population of the rare black swan and other waterbird species. It is also a great spot for kayaking and swimming on hot summer days. Visitors can follow many picturesque pathways around the lake and admire some breathtaking views by exploring one of its nearby islands. Shoulders of Giants Viewpoint At Shoulders of Giants Viewpoint, visitors get spectacular views across a deep gorge carved by an eroding river over many years. This viewpoint stands out from all others thanks to its impressive size; being two times larger than London’s Eye ferris wheel by surface and reaching incredible heights along its edge, Shoulders of Giants Viewpoint offers magnificent panorama shots that are bound to create amazing memories for photographers and nature lovers alike. Organising Your Sightseeing Tour Organising a sightseeing tour in Skopje’s Southwestern Region is a great way to explore Matka Canyon without stress or worries. GetYourGuide is an established leader in online travel activities with a wide selection specifically tailored for this area. With such an experienced partner at hand, visitors can rest assured they will have an enjoyable time exploring Matka Canyon’s wonders. GetYourGuide presents knowledgeable guides that will guide explorers through every activity so that you can make the most of your visit as well as provide travelers with tips on local attractions, dining options, tips on safety and more. All that’s left to do is pick the activity – book yourself on a tour according to your preferred duration, departure time and start location – and make your adventure happen! Exploring Matka Canyon no matter if it’s via a self-guided tour or with a local guide at hand; will create memorable experiences for adventurers of all ages and levels looking for something unique in Skopje’s Southwestern Region. From breathtaking views and hikes to swimming spots and wildlife encounters, this natural area offers an array of activities that are sure to fill every adventurous explorer’s checklist! So don’t miss out on this unique experience – book yourself the GetYourGuide Matka Canyon Sightseeing Tour , now!