Kayaking in Macedonia
Calm canyon lakes, big clear lakes and spring whitewater. We paddle wherever there is good water, from Matka to Ohrid, Prespa and the Radika.
- Where
- Rivers and lakes across Macedonia
- Level
- First-timers to whitewater
- Duration
- 3 hours to several days
- Season
- Spring to autumn
Calm water, for everyone
Matka Canyon and Vrelo Cave
Our most popular trip, 30 minutes from Skopje. Green water between canyon walls and about an hour of easy paddling to Vrelo Cave.
Lake Kozjak
The biggest reservoir in the country, about 35 km long, deep in the Treska canyon upstream from Matka. Few boats and wild shores.
Lake Ohrid
Paddle along the old town of Ohrid or from Peštani to Trpejca (12 km), in some of the clearest water in Europe.
Lake Prespa
A UNESCO biosphere reserve shared with Albania and Greece. Paddle from Stenje to Konjsko, with views of Golem Grad island.
Lake Mavrovo
A mountain lake at 1,220 m. Paddle out to the half-sunken church of St. Nicholas.
Lake Tikveš
A long canyon lake on the Crna Reka near Kavadarci, in the wine region. The Pološki monastery can only be reached by water.
Lake Debar
A quiet lake in the west, good for a relaxed paddle on a hiking or biking trip.
Easy rivers, a first step
Upper Treska
About 55 km of easy grade I water from Dolni Manastirec, a good first river trip.
Pčinja
Flat to grade I+ water from Dobrošane to Katlanovo, best in spring or after rain.
Bregalnica
About 10 km of grade I to II water below the Kalimanci dam, with water almost all year.
Whitewater, for paddlers with experience
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.
How a trip works
We meet at the water. You choose a single or double kayak, get a paddle, a life jacket and a short safety briefing, and then we paddle together at a pace that suits the group.
On calm water no experience is needed. Whitewater trips are for paddlers who can already roll or self-rescue, and we bring helmets and spray decks.
What’s included
- Single or double kayak and paddle
- Life jacket, plus helmet on whitewater
- Safety briefing and guide
- Transport from Skopje on request
What to bring
- Clothes that can get wet
- Sunscreen, hat and water
- A dry bag for your phone
Make a day of it
Kayaking fits well after a morning of climbing in Matka, at the end of the Vodno to Matka hike, or on a weekend at Lake Ohrid.
Questions before you book
Do I need to know how to swim?
You wear a life jacket the whole time. Still, tell us when you book if you can’t swim.
Which trip is best for beginners?
Matka and Vrelo Cave. The water is calm, it is close to Skopje and the trip takes about 3 hours.
Do you do whitewater?
Yes, for paddlers with experience: the Treska slalom course, the Radika in spring and sections of the Crni Drim. Tell us what you have paddled before.
Single or double kayak?
Both are available. Double kayaks are very stable and good for couples or a parent with a child. Single kayaks are for people who want to paddle on their own.
Is it suitable for families?
Yes, on calm water like Matka or Lake Ohrid. Tell us the children’s ages when you book.
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