From Cadiz to Cyprus along the north coast of the Mediterranean.
Eurovelo 8 is just under 6,000 km. It affects 11 countries: Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Greece and Cyprus.
Cádiz
Probably one of the toughest routes in the Eurovelo network as it flows largely in poorly equipped areas for two-wheeled tourism where the roads are quite busy especially during the summer.
The route begins in Andalusia in Cadiz and continues along the coast across all the seaside towns and the Strait of Gibraltar, always keeping the sea on the right. After 284 km you reach Malaga, a splendid city that retains the treasures of three civilizations: Romans, Arabs and Christians.
Continuing along the route, a small detour leads into the hinterland to visit Granada, one of the most famous places in Spain. Returning on the coast, you will meet the cities of Alicante, Valencia and Barcelona.
In France, Eurovelo 8 can be divided into two long sections: the first Languedoc-Roussillon flows along the coast, while the second in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur inland region. This avoids much of the dangerous traffic of Côte d’Azur. Initially, the landscape does not differ much from that of the Spanish coast and you proceed quickly up to Montpellier. From here it’s not far the border with the region mentioned above. Going ahead the track avoids the coast and unfortunately also the wonderful city of Avignon. You return to the sea in the small town of Cagnes-sur-Mer and continue through Nice.
With another 15 km you will cross the border with Italy and the trail continues along the Ligurian coast and then pass through the Po Valley coasting the river Po in the direction of Venice. After passing the splendid lagoon town the route leads to Trieste and after a short stretch in Slovenian territory arrives in Croatia.
The Croatian route is very animated from the altitude point of view but slopes are always below 5-6%. From Istria, you can walk to Dalmatia through Split and Dubrovnik, two of the most beautiful towns in the country.
Continuous ups and downs persist along the coast of Montenegro. In this section of Eurovelo 8 you will surpass many of the resorts of the country, with beaches, spas and uncontaminated natural environments still unattractive to mass tourism.
Entering into Albania you finally found a long stretch of plain flowing in the inland for about 45 km. At the foot of the town of Alessio (Lezhë), you return to pedal along the coast. The route follows the profile of the Albanian coast up to the capital, Tirana, and once crossed it enters between the gentle hills.
Cyprus
Arriving in Greece, Eurovelo 8 take the way to Athens, avoiding the coast to reach the Aegean sea. Domokos, Termpopili, Tebe are just some of the most beautiful historical sites that you will cross along the way. In the Greek capital, a visit to the Acropolis, the extraordinary archaeological site dominated by the whole city, is a must.
Officially Eurovelo 8 ends in Cyprus. To do the island tour, you can follow the numerous panoramic roads along the coast.
Please note: Not all the route sections have been completed yet, we recommend that you check the Eurovelo official website for more information.