Naxos: West Coast Mountain Bike Trail To Ghost Town

Naxos’ west coast offers an exhilarating mountain bike adventure, leading riders on a 36 km trail to the eerie ghost town of Skeponi. This easy-difficulty journey promises stunning Aegean views, diverse landscapes, and potential swims in crystal-clear waters. Led by a certified guide, you will discover the haunting beauty of abandoned structures and nature’s reclamation of this once-thriving village, blending history and adventure. Whether seeking an active outdoor experience or exploring the island’s captivating past, this trail promises an unforgettable excursion.

Key Points

The 36 km (22.3 mile) mountain bike trail along Naxos’ northwest coast offers scenic Aegean views and exploration of the abandoned village of Skeponi.
The easy-difficulty trail takes approximately 4 hours and includes a visit to the atmospheric ghost town of Skeponi, abandoned since the 1970s.
The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a local certified guide, e-MTB and helmet, snacks, and a first aid kit for a safe experience.
The trail features diverse landscapes, including rocky mountains, livestock farms, and beehives, with an opportunity to swim, weather permitting.
The tour is not suitable for children under 14 or individuals with mobility impairments, and has a weight limit of 243 lbs (110 kg).

Activity Overview

The trail, known as ‘Naxos: West Coast Mountain Bike Trail To Ghost Town,’ spans approximately 36 km (22.3 miles) and takes around 4 hours to complete, making it an easy-difficulty excursion.

It starts from Naxos town and takes riders along the northwest coast, offering breathtaking Aegean views. The maximum elevation is 240 m (787.4 ft), and the recommended start time is after breakfast, around 10 a.m.

The activity is priced from $131.42 per person and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a local certified guide, an e-MTB and helmet, a backpack with snacks, a first aid kit, and gratuities.

Experience Highlights

Riders can expect to enjoy breathtaking Aegean views as they ride along the northwest coast of Naxos. They’ll explore a deserted village (Skeponi) that’s been abandoned since the 1970s, and may even have the chance to swim during the trip, weather permitting.

The journey also offers picturesque landscapes with rocky mountains, livestock farms, and beehives. Riders will witness the unique contrast between the serene coastline and the lush inland vegetation as they traverse through this diverse terrain.

The experience highlights the natural beauty and tranquility of Naxos, providing a glimpse into the island’s rich cultural heritage and untouched landscapes.

Itinerary Details

Starting from Naxos town, the trail heads north along the main road.

Riders then transition to a rural road leading to Ipsilotera’s tower. From there, the coastal trail winds its way to the chapel of Prophitis Elias, where a hydration stop is in order.

Crossing the main road, the route continues by Faneromeni’s dam and then ascends Mt. Koronos on an uphill dirt trail.

The highlight of the day is exploring the deserted village of Skeponi, which has been abandoned since the 1970s. Surrounded by lush vegetation, the atmospheric ghost town offers a unique glimpse into the region’s past.

Inclusions

What does the tour package include?

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a local certified guide, an e-MTB and helmet, a backpack with snacks (energy bar, juice, fruits), a first aid kit, and gratuities.

The guide will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the mountain bike trail.

The e-MTB, or electric mountain bike, provides an extra boost for the uphill sections, allowing riders to explore the terrain with ease.

The backpack with snacks and the first aid kit are there to keep you fueled and prepared during the adventure.

With these inclusions, you can focus on soaking in the breathtaking views and discovering the abandoned village without worrying about the logistics.

Restrictions

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 14 years, people with mobility impairments, individuals under 4 ft 9 in (150 cm), or those over 243 lbs (110 kg).

This mountain bike adventure requires a certain level of physical fitness and ability to navigate off-road trails. The e-MTBs provided can assist with the climbs, but riders should still be comfortable handling the bikes on uneven terrain.

The cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for those who may need to change their plans.

The tour operator prioritizes safety and enjoyment, ensuring a memorable experience for those who meet the participation requirements.

Cancellation Policy

The cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for those who may need to change their plans. This ensures customers don’t lose their money if unexpected circumstances arise.

The cancellation policy is straightforward and fair, catering to the needs of travelers:

No hidden fees or penalties for cancellations made within 24 hours
Completely hassle-free process to request a full refund
Ideal for those with last-minute schedule changes or emergencies
Gives peace of mind when booking the mountain bike tour
Demonstrates the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction

This cancellation policy is an important consideration for anyone interested in the Naxos mountain bike adventure.

Scenic Coastal Ride

Riders embark on a breathtaking coastal journey along Naxos’ northwest shoreline, taking in sweeping Aegean vistas throughout the adventure. The trail winds past rocky mountains, livestock farms, and picturesque beehives, offering a unique glimpse into the island’s natural beauty. Along the way, cyclists have the chance to cool off with a refreshing swim, weather permitting. The experience culminates with an exploration of the deserted village of Skeponi, a ghost town frozen in time since the 1970s. This scenic coastal ride promises an unforgettable blend of natural landscapes, culture, and outdoor adventure.

Highlights	Duration	Distance
Breathtaking Aegean views	4 hours	36 km
Swim in crystal-clear waters	Approx. 4.5 hours	22.3 miles
Explore a 1970s ghost town	Easy difficulty	Max elevation 240 m

Exploring Skeponi Village

After traversing the scenic coastal trail, cyclists arrive at the abandoned village of Skeponi, a ghost town frozen in time since the 1970s. Nestled amid lush vegetation, this once-thriving community now stands eerily silent, its crumbling structures and overgrown streets a poignant reminder of the passage of time.

Riders can explore the ruins, discovering:

Decaying homes and businesses, their weathered facades offering a glimpse into the past.
Remnants of everyday life, from rusted kitchen appliances to discarded personal belongings.
Eerie silence, broken only by the sounds of nature reclaiming the land.
A sense of mystery and melancholy, as the village’s story remains untold.
The haunting beauty of nature’s gradual reclamation of the man-made structures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Safety Guidelines for the Mountain Bike Trail?

The safety guidelines for the mountain bike trail include wearing a helmet, staying within the trail boundaries, taking breaks as needed, and following the instructions of the certified guide. Riders should avoid riding under the influence and notify the guide of any health conditions.

Are There Any Special Requirements for the Bike Rental?

The bike rental has some requirements. Riders must be between 4’9" and 6’3" tall, and weigh between 100-243 lbs. The electric mountain bikes are provided with helmets and come equipped for the trail.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a backpack and snacks, but bringing additional provisions is allowed and may be preferred by some travelers.

What Are the Weather Conditions Typically Like During the Tour?

The weather conditions during the tour are generally favorable, with mild temperatures and minimal precipitation. However, participants should be prepared for potential changes, as outdoor activities can be impacted by shifting weather patterns. Checking the forecast prior to the tour is recommended.

Is There Any Option to Extend or Shorten the Tour Duration?

The tour duration cannot be extended or shortened. The activity overview states the tour is approximately 4 hours long, and the cancellation policy does not mention any options to modify the duration. Participants must follow the set itinerary.