A splash of spontaneity is a must in all my travels plans.
It never fails to add the fab to my journeys.
Which is why one of my top travel tips is don’t plan too much.
My journey to Mavrovo National Park was one such little-planned escapade I shoehorned into a few spare days between joining a revolution and exploring Orchid – I’m so glad I did.
I had the place almost to myself, which is surprising since it’s one of Europe’s oldest National Parks.
The highlight was staying with a wonderful family who are the only permanent residents of Galichnik – a mountain village in the National Park which is completely cutoff in winter by the snow.
If you’re looking for peace, pure wilderness and wholesome adventure in the middle of Europe, this is it.
Find out more in my story ” The Revival of Mavrovo” published in Adventure.Travel
Thanks to Marko Bekrik of Galichnik mountain bike adventures and his lovely grandparents, Pavle and Borka, for the treasured experience.
- The Joy of the New Jordan Bike Trail - October 1, 2018
- The Magic of Macedonia - June 16, 2018
- Mountain Biking Tuscany - March 10, 2018
Posted: by Tracey
Category: Blog
Tags: #MTB, Adventure, Adventure Travel, Balkans, Bike, Bike Trails, Galicnik, Macedonia, Mavrovo, Mountain Bike, Mountain Bike Trails, Mountain Biking, National Parks
That’s awesome article for bike lovers
Thanks Sifat – glad you enjoyed it.
Hello Tracey, this Mavrovo National Park looks amazing and just wiki-ed and read about it. I wasn’t aware that it is situated in Macedonia. My suggestion for you is to come here in Bulgaria and try the Pirin National Park which is also amazing! It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
I’d love to do more mountain biking in the region generally and – yes – I’ve heard good things about Bulgaria Alex so will take you up on that recommendation.
Amazing place. I went there last year. Can not wait to go there again!
Hi Jesica, Did you meet the legendary Borka and Pavle? Special place and people.
Hi, I love mountain biking too .Could you pls tell Mavrovo National Park where it is? In Europe which part?
Have a nice day!
I love mountain bike.These are too much enjoyable.
Great story of you: “The Revival of Mavrovo” published in Adventure.Travel “! Thanks for sharing!
__Mira
Very Nice place to do Mountain cycling on Mavrovo National Park.
Really great to see that. Its was a very nice place i have seen.
Great story and I enjoyed your photos too. Thanks and Best Regards
This seems to have been a really great experience for you Tracey. Totally agree on the no prior planning rule. Spontaneous trips often bring the most excitement and joy.
Being a part of the cyclist community, I love it
Looks like a lot of fun! I love mountain biking too and that’s awesome article for bike lovers.
Looks like a really gorgeous place to cycle in – lots of greenery and beautiful scenery! Thanks for sharing.
Looks like an awesome biking trip, does anyone get to live with the residents of the park or is that something only you guys did. Would love to visit Mavrovo.