Skopje Outdoor Adventures: Your Top 5 Activities

Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, isn’t just statues and history, you know. It’s got a seriously cool outdoors scene too, it apparently does! Discover the historical landmarks are something to enjoy but you really ought to spend a few days getting away from the city centre to experience what else the area has in store, since North Macedonia is a fantastically mountainous country. So, whether you’re someone who seeks thrills, a laid-back explorer, or somewhere in between, get your backpack ready; the Skopje area could very well surprise you.

1. Hiking Heaven: Vodno Mountain

If you’re in Skopje and even remotely consider yourself a hiker, you actually must make time for Vodno Mountain, arguably. It’s practically looming over the city, so, too it’s hard to miss. Getting to the trailhead is fairly straightforward; a bus or taxi will get you there quickly, so do consider. Once you begin, the trails are apparently pretty well-marked, winding up through trees and opening to some truly awesome viewpoints, or so I hear. The Millennium Cross atop the mountain is rather a big landmark you see from nearly everywhere in Skopje. You actually can hike up to it, or, if you’re perhaps feeling less energetic, just grab the Millennium Cross Cable Car instead! Explore the hiking routes There are quite a few routes depending on how tough you wanna make it; there’s literally a trail for any level of experience, that!

When I first visited Skopje, you see, I knew I just had to do some climbing so one fine morning I grabbed some water and nuts and set off, too. I didn’t fancy the easy option so I selected one of the longer routes. As it goes the views kept getting better and better as I rose upwards! So, I highly suggest packing a camera; trust me!

2. Kayaking or swimming through Matka Canyon

Oh my, Lake Matka, also known as Matka Canyon, is that super gorgeous place a little drive outside Skopje. It looks like someone simply plucked a scene straight from a postcard. You can, perhaps, rent a kayak and paddle your way through the narrow canyon, where the water is remarkably still in places, reflecting the steep cliffs all around you as you take an effortless paddle. Plus, you’re rather likely to catch some interesting birdlife along the way, as I’m led to believe. A good pair of binoculars is definitely handy here, might I add! Enjoy nature walks Alternatively, a simple swim here can also offer a uniquely tranquil environment, just a thought.

Or, if water activities apparently aren’t your thing, so you actually can hike around the lake too! The trails provide lots of really nice viewing points over Matka. If you wish to rest a short while there’s even a cozy restaurant or two at the lakeside where you can simply have refreshments or perhaps a hearty meal too, seemingly.

3. Rock Climbing Escapade

Are you up for a test of strength and a little head for heights? Near Matka Canyon there are some very inviting climbing walls, actually! You see, this is an especially appealing option if you’ve got prior climbing experience. Now I’m not trying to patronize here, alright, but there’s a handful of tour operators who, by all accounts, can happily provide all the stuff you need – ropes, shoes, etc, and professional supervision if needed. What they will usually do is literally take you to some amazing spots offering various levels of difficulty for novice climbers to seasoned pros. What could be more thrilling, might I add? Choose from rock climbing packages There really is very little to consider as all that is left is choosing a rock face and begin climbing.

One fine sunny day while climbing close to Matka I actually met a traveler who’d never climbed outside before in their life, ever, in fact. At the conclusion of the day that person apparently was smiling so much. I just thought I’d throw that out there as inspiration.

4. Mountain Biking

For those who love two wheels, so, too the areas around Skopje present some very decent trails for all abilities; it really is quite a draw. Vodno Mountain, again, and the surrounding landscapes rather supply tons of off-road options ranging from gentle cross-country to some more technical downhill stuff too. I heard some locals basically consider the hills around Matka Lake brilliant also. You’ll likely be treated to remarkable vistas during most rides no matter the actual direction you take.Find biking events Mountain biking tours are broadly available, in fact.

A friend of mine rode a bike up to the Millennium Cross last year, might be worth a mention. And he wasn’t very experienced either. Now, he apparently admitted his legs felt like jelly by the time he was almost at the top! Anyway the thrill, and those far reaching views, he thought, were genuinely pretty rewarding. I may attempt that sometime too! Oh the pain!!

5. Hiking to the Millennium Cross on Mountain Vodno

For those who just really fancy the hiking part. Mountain Vodno has clearly marked trails leading to the iconic Millennium Cross, and there’s hardly a better viewpoint! Several clearly marked trails wind up the mountain offering amazing views of Skopje. Each, or every route shows stunning views making the hike an appealing challenge in its own right and you actually may experience seeing other historic points along the way. Or, instead, should your legs refuse the exercise I mentioned there’s a bus service! It definitely would be much easier.Reach the city from the peak Oh what the heck – get the cable car I said earlier!

When visiting, I met up with other travellers here, they clearly all seemed keen to have a good workout with some views at the conclusion. This appears to suit a group of friends down to the ground I have to say!