Skopje to Matka Canyon and Tetovo: Private day trip

When the Treska River was dammed, it transformed Matka Canyon into a scenic lake. The hiking trails around its perimeter offer great views, and the opportunity to see some of the endemic species that evolved here during the last glacial period. The area is dotted with caves, which visitors can tour. Perhaps most impressive is the concentration of medieval monasteries. The Monastery of St. Andrew’s was built in 1389 and contains some impressive frescos. Perched on a cliff overlooking the lake, the Monastery of St. Nicholas Shishovski offers spectacular views of the lake and its surroundings. Nearby is Matka Monastery, which dates from the 14th century, and houses 15th century frescoes.

One of the oldest cities in Macedonia, the country’s oldest artefact - a Bronze Age sword - was found here. But was the arrival of the Ottomans in the 16th century that provided the city’s most striking cultural heritage. Under their reign, mosques, fountains, public baths, and even kitchens for the poor were erected. The Decorated Mosque is perhaps the most unique in the country. First built in 1438, it was renovated by Abdurrahman Pasha in 1833 to suit his artistic preference. The typical ceramic tile decorations were replaced by vibrant floral and geometric paintings, which used 30,000 eggs to prepare. Of the many paintings, the depiction of Mecca is a stand-out, likely being the only one of its kind in southeastern Europe.