Iva Says
  • Home
  • Destinations
    • Americas
      • Dominican Republic
      • North America
    • Europe
      • Belgium
      • Bulgaria
      • France
      • Greece
      • Germany
      • Hungary
      • Macedonia
      • Netherlands
      • Italy
      • Romania
      • Serbia
      • Slovenia
      • Switzerland
    • National Parks
    • Travel Ideas + Lists
    • Where I’ve Been
  • Reviews
    • Accommodations
    • Attractions
    • Destinations
    • Transportation
  • Resources
    • Travel Guides
    • Travel Quizzes
    • Travel Resources
    • Travel Tips
  • Nature
    • Beaches
    • Camping
    • Caves
    • Hiking
  • Travel Photos
  • Lifestyle
    • Awards
    • Blogging
    • How-To
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Destinations
    • Americas
      • Dominican Republic
      • North America
    • Europe
      • Belgium
      • Bulgaria
      • France
      • Greece
      • Germany
      • Hungary
      • Macedonia
      • Netherlands
      • Italy
      • Romania
      • Serbia
      • Slovenia
      • Switzerland
    • National Parks
    • Travel Ideas + Lists
    • Where I’ve Been
  • Reviews
    • Accommodations
    • Attractions
    • Destinations
    • Transportation
  • Resources
    • Travel Guides
    • Travel Quizzes
    • Travel Resources
    • Travel Tips
  • Nature
    • Beaches
    • Camping
    • Caves
    • Hiking
  • Travel Photos
  • Lifestyle
    • Awards
    • Blogging
    • How-To
No Result
View All Result
Iva Says
No Result
View All Result

Explore the wet and dark heart of Vrelo Cave Matka

Matka Canyon

by Iva
November 28, 2019
in Attractions, Caves
Reading Time: 6 mins read
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Please note this post may contain affiliate links. IvaSays may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article, at no extra cost to you.

Hotel and Flight Search

Cave Vrelo in Canyon Matka

Recently, a dear friend of mine from the USA came to visit North Macedonia. With so many things to see in North Macedonia, we decided to start from all things to do in Skopje to the natural wonders around the city.

Among the many places we visited around Skopje and North Macedonia, Matka Canyon and Vrelo Cave Matka were one of the first destinations on our list of natural wonders in North Macedonia.

About Vrelo Cave

North Macedonia has many caves, including Peshna Cave near Makedonski Brod, but the most popular in the Macedonian tourism is the Canyon Matka Cave Vrelo.

Cave Vrelo is an underwater cave in North Macedonia. It’s the only cave, out of ten, that is open to the public in Matka Canyon North Macedonia. The cave is both an underwater and an above ground cave.

So far, it has been estimated that the depth of Cave Vrelo is around 230 meters. It’s not the deepest cave in the world, but it’s been debated that it might be the deepest underwater cave in the Balkans. This is because the deepest underwater dive point is still unknown in the cave. Dive explorations are still ongoing, but the lowest depth of the cave has not been reached.

Visiting Cave Vrelo in Matka Canyon Tour

How to get to Matka Canyon

You can get to Canyon Matka from Skopje either by bus or a car.

If you don’t want to use a taxi or a rental car, you can get from Skopje to Canyon Matka using bus route numbers 60 and 160. You will need an electronic bus card to use as a bus ticket, which you can obtain at the main bus terminal in Skopje.

Upon arriving at Matka, there is a 10-minute walk to the Matka Dam, Lake Matka, and the canyon from the parking lot by the Treska river. Get our free Canyon Matka travel guide for more detailed instruction to visiting Matka.

As you walk around and make your way around the dam on your Matka Canyon tour, you will arrive at the tourist information center. The kayaking rentals and boat tours offices are situated by the tourist information center in Matka Canyon, next to the church of St. Andrew’s.

Traditional Macedonian red wool rugs on a green railing by the Canyon Matka water. People on kayaks in the Matka lake.
Boat tours and kayak rental services in Canyon Matka

How to get to Cave Vrelo

Vrelo Cave is situated across the canyon and around 3 km away from the Matka Dam.

The cave is NOT accessible by walking. The only accessible way is by water. To reach Cave Vrelo, you can go for a boat ride or kayak rental.

The Matka Canyon Boat Trip

A boat ride across Lake Matka to the cave is easier and cheaper than a kayak, especially during summer. The boat ride price to cave Vrelo is 400 denars per person for a guided tour with a duration of one-hour.

If the weather permits it, you can still visit Matka Canyon in the winter, including the cave.

The Matka Canyon Kayak Rental

Self-guided kayaking trips along the Matka Canyon and to the Vrelo cave are much more expensive. Single kayak rental price for 30 minutes and 60 minutes is 150 and 300 denars, respectively. For double kayaks for 30 and 60 minutes, the prices are 250 and 500 denars, respectively.

The tour guide stated that if kayaking it takes about an hour just to reach the cave due to paddling against the current of the water.

Also, docking the kayaks can be tricky, since there is no designated spot for them, the dock is only for the boats. So, if you don’t want the hassle, I would recommend a boat tour of the cave.

The Matka Canyon Boat Ride to Cave Vrelo

As stated before, the boat tour around the cave takes about an hour, round trip. Once the boat leaves from the tourist information center by St. Andrew’s, in about 20 minutes visitors will arrive at the dock below the entrance of the cave.

From the dock, you hike for about 2 minutes and climb some stairs on a marked pathway to get to the entrance of cave Vrelo. Then, prepare to be amazed by nature!

Small boat used for tours to take visitors to cave Vrelo in canyon Matka.
Our tour boat
Big gorges, green trees, and a view to the water body in canyon Matka, Macedonia from the entrance of cave Vrelo.
Beautiful nature around canyon Matka.
A small tourist boat with visitors on the way to cave Vrelo.
Boats in Canyon Matka

Inside the Vrelo Cave Tour

Your first steps inside the Vrelo Cave are mysterious and insecure. You enter a wet and dark place, inside the heart of the Canyon’s mysterious cavities. Inside is dark, except for the parts that are lighted with reflectors. There are stairs and the tour guide will slowly lead you to the center part, explaining things along the way.

Visitors using the stairs to navigate through cave Vrelo in Macedonia.
Exploring Vrelo cave.

There are numerous stalagmites and stalactites inside the cave, with one famous stalagmite is known as the “Pinecone” due to its cone shape. You will be given enough time to take photos of all the amazing stalactite formations, with the Pine Cone being the most popular one.

The cave is also a home to a local bat species in North Macedonia. You will get to see the hundreds of bats sleeping at the top of the cave as well as their feces on the ground beneath them. There is a nearby cave Krshtalna (not open to the public) that actually is the home to four different species of bats: Rhinolophus Ferrumequinum, Rhinolophus Hipposideros, Myotis capaccinil, and the Miniopterus schreibersi.

A stalagmite in the shape of a pinecone located in the Vrelo cave.
The “Pinecone” in Cave Vrelo.
The "Big" Lake depicted in the distance in Vrelo with darkness around the cave.
The Big Lake in Vrelo.
The "Small" Lake depicted in the distance in Vrelo with darkness around the cave.
The Small Lake in Vrelo

In cave Vrelo, there are two green-emerald lakes – Big and Small Lake – and a beach at the Big lake known as the “Russian beach.” The beach got its name the “Russian beach” because one of the first people exploring the cave and swimming in the lakes were mainly Russian pilots hired by the North Macedonia aviation.

Entering the two lakes is, naturally, forbidden. However, there are still ongoing diving underwater cave explorations to figure out the true depth of Cave Vrelo.

Leaving Cave Vrelo

Due to the small size of the cave available to tourists, the visit is relatively short but memorable. Then, you’ll get a few minutes outside the cave to relax and prepare for the return boat ride in Lake Matka towards the Matka Dam.

General Information

Where is the cave located?

Vrelo Cave is around 3 km away from the Matka Dam, within the Matka Canyon in northern part of North Macedonia. The canyon is nearby Skopje, the Capital of North Macedonia.

What makes the cave special?

Vrelo Cave is known as one of the world’s deepest underwater caves. Aside from that, it is home to different bat species and many stalactites.

Currently, visitors can enter only one small portion of the Vrelo Cave, look at the stalactites and take photos of the magnificent views inside.

Vrelo Cave Tour Price?

As far as we noticed, the entrance at Vrelo Cave was free. However, to get inside you must wait for a guide to open the door as visitors can’t wander inside by themselves.

Those that want a guided tour (which I recommend) can rent a boat ride for 400 MKD per person (at the time of my visit). The boat takes visitors from St. Andrew’s Church to the Cave and back with a guided tour. The guide speaks English and provides interesting information regarding the Cave.

Beautiful cave wall in Vrelo. Rock formations with brown colors.
A cave wall.
Inside exploring cave Vrelo in Canyon Matka.
Inside Vrelo
Walking the guided tour of cave Vrelo in Macedonia.
Exploring Cave Vrelo

Tips for visiting Vrelo

  • Bring comfortable shoes as on the inside of the Cave is slippery
  • Bring a sweater because inside can be a bit chilly
  • Prepare for a boat ride of around 20 minutes one-way
  • Prepare for a short hike and a climb of stairs from the spot where the boat stops at the entrance of the cave
  • Bring a hat, sunglasses, water and even snacks
  • Bring your camera – photographing is allowed in cave Vrelo
  • During high season visit during working days as on weekends it’s crowded

Opinion on Vrelo Cave Matka

Well, I am ashamed to admit that this was my first visit to this amazing spot. I’ve heard about it, I’ve read about it, but I’ve never actually paid a visit to Vrelo Cave Matka before.

I believe that this cave is a wonder of nature that everyone should visit, especially because it’s not too expensive to see it, plus you also get to explore the popular and breath-taking Matka Canyon.

Therefore, everyone that loves nature, every cave-enthusiast and anyone that enjoys natural wonders definitely should reserve a day to visit the Matka Canyon and the Vrelo Cave in North Macedonia.

Tags: AdventuresAttractionsBalkansCanyon MatkaCave VreloCity BreakEuropeKnow Before You GoNorth MacedoniaSkopjeThings to seeTravelTraveling
Previous Post

Buttermilk Falls – The Tallest Waterfalls in NJ (Layton)

Next Post

155 Travel Quotes to Inspire and Motivate You to Travel

Iva

Iva

Iva is a former engineer who decided to explore the world before settling down. She is a pragmatist at heart, so she hopes to provide honest and useful guides to all her readers.

Related Posts

How to visit Cave Beauty in North Macedonia guide.

How to Visit Cave Beauty in North Macedonia

October 20, 2022
A cascade waterfall with a natural springs pool.

Minnewaska State Park Preserve NY: Waterfalls, Ice Caves & Hiking [Guide]

November 28, 2019
The Ultimate Sziget Festival Review in Budapest.

Partying on Hajógyári Island: The Ultimate Sziget Festival Review

December 18, 2019
Fun Things to Do in Skopje - Escape Rooms

Fun Things to Do in Skopje – Escape Rooms

June 19, 2020
Next Post
Body of water and green grass on the beach.

155 Travel Quotes to Inspire and Motivate You to Travel

The Ultimate Food Guide to Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Skopje, Macedonia

Best Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants in Skopje

Best Beaches in Mainland Greece Guide 2018

Don't miss these beaches in the mainland of Greece!

  • Where I’ve Been
  • About
  • Contact
  • Cookie Policy
  • Disclaimers
  • Privacy Policy
  • Return and Shipping Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Sitemap
  • RSS Feed

© 2020 Iva Says - All Rights Reserved. Request permission before using any images or content.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Destinations
    • Americas
      • Dominican Republic
      • North America
    • Europe
      • Belgium
      • Bulgaria
      • France
      • Greece
      • Germany
      • Hungary
      • Macedonia
      • Netherlands
      • Italy
      • Romania
      • Serbia
      • Slovenia
      • Switzerland
    • National Parks
    • Travel Ideas
  • Reviews
    • Accommodations
    • Attractions
    • Destinations
    • Transportation
  • Resources
    • Travel Guides
    • Travel Quizzes
    • Travel Resources
    • Travel Tips
  • Nature
    • Beaches
    • Camping
    • Caves
    • Hiking
  • Travel Photos
  • Lifestyle
    • Awards
    • Blogging
    • How-To
  • About
  • Contact
  • Our Policies
    • Cookie Policy
    • Disclaimers
    • Privacy Policy
    • Return and Shipping Policy
    • Terms of Service

© 2020 Iva Says - All Rights Reserved. Request permission before using any images or content.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website.

You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings.

The logo for the travel blog of Iva Says
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.