Canyon Matka Hotel & Restaurant - Matka

Canyon Matka Hotel & Restaurant - Four nights

Stunning scenery and location, a beautiful quaint hotel that exceeds your expectations in Matka Canyon, Macedonia.

Canyon Matka Hotel is very cosy, located in the heart of the gorge, you feel instantly at peace, surrounded by the lake and nature.

The rooms are spotless, and be sure to book one facing the lake to enjoy the magic views of the canyon. A nice surprise was you receive a free bottle of wine for your stay.

The restaurant and bar are full of views, and all tables have the same magical views; you truly feel you are in a private oasis; it was very tranquil.

The food was exceptional, we really enjoyed the crisp fresh salads, and the meat and fish dishes were mouthwatering. After four days, we dined a few times and were equally impressed with every dish. The menu was extensive, and desserts were also a treat; portion sizes were plentiful.

We enjoyed a few cocktails on the terrace, soaking up the views, and they were made to perfection. It was also a busy spot for day-trippers, following their experiences in the canyon.

A big thank you to Dejan for his high level of service; he was very attentive and warm. Most staff have been with the hotel for long durations and make you feel very welcome; they exude energy and friendliness. Alexander is the manager and was an absolute delight to spend time with too.

If you are an early riser, it's worth noting breakfast starts at 9 am. They have a range of choices, the bacon and eggs baked with cheese were delicious, fresh juices available, and coffee was excellent.

A boat trip with Almata Prima Kayak Rental And Boat Tours, located next to the hotel, is well worth doing; it was magical. You also visit a cave, only one hour for the trip, and very affordable on a luxury pontoon at 500 denar - €8 each (normally 750).

Another fun activity is to kayak through the canyon, ideally during the morning if you want to avoid the tourists, it is a popular destination. If you are a fan of hiking, there is no shortage of treks.

A fellow guest we became friends with from the US has stayed in this gorgeous hotel for five weeks, a true testament to the hotel and friendly staff.

The hotel is about a 10-minute walk from the car park via a cobblestoned trail, but the hotel will ensure your luggage is transported; we loved the simplicity and the experience.

To have the canyon a short 25 minutes from Skopje, Macedonia's capital city is a true treasure; I recommend staying for a few nights to truly enjoy the atmosphere and nature.