Eurovelo 8 cycling guides and maps

EuroVelo 8 – Mediterranean Cycle Route

EuroVelo 8 invites cyclists to travel more than 7,500 km along the Mediterranean coast, from Spain to Cyprus. A route combining sea, historical heritage, beaches, and gastronomy. It’s a superb cycle route that crosses 10 countries.

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The Mediterranean cycle route, a southern route

EuroVelo 8, also known as EV8 The Mediterranean by Bike, is a spectacular European cycle route that connects Cadiz in Spain to Cyprus, crossing no fewer than 10 countries :

• Spain
• France
• Monaco
• Italy
• Slovenia
• Croatia
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Montenegro
• Albania
• Greece
• Turkey
• Cyprus

In France, the route is fully signposted between Le Perthus and Menton, spanning over 850 km, combining greenways and minor roads. This French section takes in the spectacular crossing of the Catalan Pyrenees via the Pirinexus route, then runs along the Vermeille coast, crosses Languedoc via the Canal du Midi, continues through the Camargue, Provence and reaches the Côte d’Azur.

Eurovelo 8 stages, difficulty and condition of the route

The EuroVelo 8 map shows a partially developed route: while France, Italy, and Slovenia have good facilities, other countries such as Albania and Turkey offer a more adventurous experience, sometimes with limited signage.

• In France : The route is well-marked, alternating greenways, cycle paths, and shared roads. Ideal for all levels.
• In Italy and Slovenia : Developed sections, sometimes hilly.
• In the Balkans : The route is still under development, with secondary roads that are sometimes unsafe.
• In Greece and Turkey : A more challenging experience, reserved for experienced cyclists.

In short, the EuroVelo 8 difficulty ranges from easy to intermediate in France and Spain, to challenging or self-guided in undeveloped countries. Preparation is recommended with up-to-date EuroVelo 8 maps.

What to see on the EV8? The must-see tourist sites

Traveling the Mediterranean cycle route is a chance to discover unparalleled cultural and natural riches. Here are a few must-see stops :

• Cyprus : A sun-drenched island finale.
• Barcelona, ​​Spain : Gaudí’s flamboyant architecture, the Sagrada Familia, and Las Ramblas by bike.
• Carcassonne, France : Its medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Sète, Agde, and the Canal du Midi : Port atmosphere and river heritage.
• Camargue : Flamingos, wild horses, and rice paddies, between Aigues-Mortes and Arles.
• Nice, Menton : A slow-travel version of the French Riviera.
• Venice, Italy : The magic of its canals… just a few turns of the Adriatic.
• Dubrovnik, Croatia : Medieval pearl of the Dalmatian coast.
• Gulf of Corinth, Greece : Spectacular coastal landscapes and picturesque villages.

Routes connected to EuroVelo 8

The EV8 crosses or runs alongside several major European or national cycle routes:

• The ViaRhôna : This cycle route connects the Mediterranean Sea by bike between Sète and the Rhône Delta. This cycle route, which connects Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean Sea, is 815 kilometers long.
• The Canal des 2 Mers : The southern section of this canal, which runs along the Canal du Midi, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and connects Toulouse to the Mediterranean.
• EuroVelo 6 – From the Atlantic to the Black Sea : It can be reached via connecting routes along the Rhône Valley.
• EuroVelo 5 – the Via Francigena : A cross-country route in Italy to extend your cycling trip to Rome or Switzerland.

Connected routes allow you to create a tailor-made cycling trip.

And for even more destinations, you can consult our guides, atlases and maps in Europe.