In short
- Near Skopje: Vodno and the Millennium Cross, Matka Canyon and Skopska Crna Gora, all starting in the city.
- Further away: Mavrovo, Popova Shapka on Šar Mountain, Galičica above Lake Ohrid, and Pelister.
- Best seasons: April to June and September to November; the high mountains in summer.
- E-MTB: the easy way to big climbs and long days, even if you rarely ride.
- Rental in Skopje: CUBE mountain bikes from 1,000 MKD (16 EUR) for 5 hours; e-MTB price on request.
Why ride in Macedonia
Most of Macedonia is mountains, crossed by old shepherd paths, forest roads and village tracks, and you meet few other riders. Skopje lies at the foot of Vodno, so the first trail starts at the edge of the city.
Our guides know these trails well. They hold mountain guide and tourist guide licences, and one of them is a multiple Macedonian MTB cross-country champion.
Mountain bike or e-MTB?
- Pick a mountain bike if you ride often, like to earn the climbs and want the lightest bike.
- Pick an e-MTB for longer routes or more climbing in a day, for a group with mixed fitness, or if you rarely ride.
- On an e-MTB the motor helps only while you pedal, so you still ride and steer the bike yourself.
- Battery range depends on the climbs, the assist mode and the rider, so we plan the route around it.
Rides from Skopje
You don’t need a car for these rides: they start in the city. Times and distances are for our guided tours.
Easy
Skopje culture and history
- About 3 h
Old bridges, churches, mosques, the fortress and the Old Bazaar, with traditional Macedonian food and a glass of wine or beer.
Easy
Bike to Matka Canyon
- About 5 h
- 40 km
Along the Vardar quay and quiet village roads to Matka, lunch there and back along the Treska and Vardar. Can be combined with kayaking, hiking or climbing.
Easy
Millennium Cross on Vodno
- About 4 h
- 25 km
Up through the forest park above Skopje to the 66 m Millennium Cross, then the monastery of St. Pantelejmon and lunch in an ethno village.
Medium
Vodno to Matka off-road
- About 6 h
- 45 km
Off-road from the Millennium Cross down to Matka Canyon. Needs good fitness, not technical skills.
Medium
Mountain lodge Karadžica
- About 6 h
- 40 km
Mountain trail through small villages and along the river Kadina, up to the lodge for lunch and the view. You can stay the night. Needs very good fitness.
Medium
Skopska Crna Gora off-road
- About 6 h
- 40 km
Via the monastery of St. Ilija to Ramno, the highest point of the range, then a ridge ride or a fast descent to the villages below.
Advanced
Advanced MTB tours
- Book 2 days ahead
Technical trails across Macedonia with our most experienced guides.
Further afield
- Mavrovo: forest roads and pastures in the national park, around Lake Mavrovo.
- Popova Shapka: wide high pastures on Šar Mountain above Tetovo, about an hour from Skopje.
- Galičica: the national park between Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa, with views of both lakes.
- Pelister: pine forests and mountain trails above Bitola.
- We deliver bikes to other places in Macedonia for an extra fee, so you can ride on a trip around the country.
When to ride
April to June and September to November are the best months: green or golden hills, dry trails and mild days. In July and August the valleys are hot, so ride early in the morning or go up to the high mountains.
In winter the mountains are under snow, but the low trails around Skopje are often good on dry days.
Rental and what is included
Our mountain bikes are CUBE Analog hardtails with 29-inch wheels: 1,000 MKD (16 EUR) for 5 hours, 1,500 MKD (25 EUR) for 24 hours, 2,400 MKD (40 EUR) for a weekend and 7,000 MKD (120 EUR) for a week. Ask us for e-MTB prices.
Every bike comes with a helmet, a water bottle, a pump, a spare tube and patches. You pick it up in Skopje, or we deliver it to other places in Macedonia for an extra fee.
On the trail
- Carry water, a rain layer and a charged phone.
- Ride within your level, especially on loose descents.
- Shepherd dogs guard the flocks in the mountains. If they come towards you, stop, get off the bike and walk slowly past.
- Tell someone your route, or ride with a guide.
Questions before you book
Can I rent an e-MTB in Skopje?
Yes. We rent e-MTBs and CUBE mountain bikes in Skopje. Ask us for the e-MTB price and free dates.
How much does mountain bike rental cost?
A CUBE mountain bike costs 1,000 MKD (16 EUR) for 5 hours, 1,500 MKD (25 EUR) for 24 hours, 2,400 MKD (40 EUR) for a weekend and 7,000 MKD (120 EUR) for a week.
Do I need to be fit to ride an e-MTB?
Normal fitness is enough for most routes, because the motor helps on every climb. You still pedal, so it is a real workout.
Can I ride without a guide?
Yes. Rent a bike and we suggest a route that fits your level.
When is the best time for mountain biking in Macedonia?
April to June and September to November. In summer ride early in the morning or in the high mountains.
