In short
- Matka: about 3 hours in total, with about an hour of easy paddling to Vrelo Cave.
- Lake Ohrid: along the old town of Ohrid, or 12 km from Peštani to Trpejca.
- No experience needed on calm water; everyone wears a life jacket.
- Season: spring to autumn; Lake Ohrid is warm enough to swim from late June.
- Whitewater for experienced paddlers: the Treska slalom course, the Radika and the Crni Drim.
Kayaking in Matka Canyon
Lake Matka is a reservoir on the river Treska, closed in by limestone walls. We start at the dam, where the monastery of St. Andrew stands by the water, and paddle upstream between the cliffs.
After about an hour of easy paddling you reach Vrelo Cave. Leave the kayak at the landing and visit the cave, with its stalactites and an underwater lake, one of the deepest known underwater caves in Europe. The whole trip takes about 3 hours.
The water is calm and sheltered, which makes Matka good for beginners and families. Tour boats use the lake too, so we keep to the side of the canyon.
Kayaking on Lake Ohrid
Lake Ohrid is one of the oldest lakes in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site, with some of the clearest water in Europe. Paddle along the old town of Ohrid and its churches above the water, or follow the quiet east shore from Peštani to Trpejca, 12 km past cliffs and small beaches.
The lake is big, and the wind can raise waves in the afternoon, so we paddle in the morning. From late June to September the water is warm enough for a swim from the kayak.
When to go
We paddle from spring to autumn. Matka is good from April to October and on warm days outside that. Lake Ohrid is best from June to September. Spring is the season for whitewater, when the snowmelt fills the rivers.
What we provide and what to bring
- We provide a single or double kayak, a paddle, a life jacket, a safety briefing and a guide.
- Bring clothes that can get wet, sunscreen, a hat and water.
- Bring a dry bag for your phone, or leave it in the car.
- Tell us the children’s ages when you book; double kayaks are very stable for a parent with a child.
More places to paddle
Once you have paddled Matka and Ohrid, there is a lot more water in Macedonia: Lake Prespa, Lake Mavrovo, the Treska upstream from Matka and, for experienced paddlers, real whitewater.
Treska slalom course at Matka
A 350 m course below the dam, grade III to IV, where the International Ilinden Kayak Slalom has been held since 1969.
Vardar
Wildwater races in the centre of Skopje and natural rapids through the Demir Kapija gorge.
Radika river
A wild canyon in Mavrovo National Park, between Bistra and Korab. Best in spring, when the snowmelt fills the river.
Crni Drim
Flows out of Lake Ohrid at Struga. Struga to Lukovo is 25 km of flat water; Lukovo to Lake Špilje is grade III to IV.
Questions before you book
Do I need experience to kayak in Matka?
No. The water is calm and sheltered, you get a short safety briefing, and double kayaks are very stable.
How long does the Matka kayak trip take?
About 3 hours, with about an hour of easy paddling to Vrelo Cave.
Can I rent a kayak at Matka without a guide?
Yes, kayaks can be rented at the dam. With us you also get a guide, transport from Skopje and help with the visit to Vrelo Cave.
Is Lake Ohrid good for kayaking?
Yes, especially in the morning, before the wind picks up. The water is very clear, and you can paddle along the old town or the quiet east shore.
Can children kayak?
Yes, on calm water like Matka or Lake Ohrid. Tell us the children’s ages when you book.
