Discovering the hidden treasures of the Adriatic region is a heavenly experience offered by this velodrome nestled along its coast, with Venice being its starting point.
Embark on a journey through time and beauty as you pedal along the EuroVelo 8 cycling route, connecting the enchanting cities of Venice and Rijeka. This itinerary offers a unique blend of scenic coastal cities, historic sites, and natural landmarks along the Mediterranean and Adriatic coast.
Key Cities and Towns
Your adventure begins in Venice, Italy, a city famous for its canals, Renaissance art, and architectural wonders. As you leave Venice behind, you'll encounter a series of picturesque coastal towns that offer breathtaking sea views.
The final destination, Rijeka, is a port city in Croatia, known for its maritime history and elegant Austro-Hungarian buildings, as well as more modest structures.
Historic Sites
Along the way, you'll pass various Roman ruins that reflect the ancient Mediterranean heritage. Medieval fortresses and churches in coastal towns provide a glimpse into the region's rich past. Further along the route, in Turkey, you'll find the ancient city of Pergamon with its steep theatres and temples.
Another significant historic site, the House of the Virgin Mary near Ephesus in Turkey, is also worth a visit, along with the well-preserved Roman city of Ephesus featuring massive theatres and marble streets.
Natural Landmarks
The route runs along the Mediterranean and Adriatic coastlines, offering spectacular sea views and natural coastal landscapes. The Mediterranean climate affords abundant beaches, hills, and coastal nature reserves that are highlights for cyclists.
Key Stops Along the Way
The route from Pula to Labin is approximately 96.6 km and takes about 5 hours. Along this stretch, you'll encounter the Croatian city of Novigrad with its waterfront and floating bridge after 20 km. The route then passes through typical villages with small bakeries offering burek, a Balkan pastry.
Labin, perched on a hill, overlooks the Croatian islands and hosts a classical music festival every summer. The route from Labin to Rijeka is approximately 63 km and takes about 3 hours and 50 minutes. Trget, a peaceful little port nestled in a bay, is a must-stop before tackling the climb to Labin.
The 47 km journey from Umag to Funtana takes approximately 3 hours. The stage after Umag to Funtana is approximately 72.5 km and takes about 5 hours. Porec, a lively town, is the destination of the last ten kilometers of the Umag to Funtana stage. The route offers spectacular views of the islands of the Istrian peninsula.
Fazana marks the entrance to the Brijuni National Park and its fourteen preserved islands. The route passes through Rovinj, an Istrian gem with colorful houses and paved alleys.
For a comprehensive guide, including safety tips and detailed route stops, consult the official EuroVelo 8 guide. This 83-page resource offers extensive information, including historical and artistic sites in the Mediterranean region.
[1] Official EuroVelo 8 Guide
[2] EuroVelo 8 Route Description
- Your budget-travel itinerary could include stops at in-flights to reach Venice, Italy, the start of your cultural-travel adventure along the EuroVela 8 cycling route.
- Adventure-travel enthusiasts might be captivated by the natural beauty of Fazana, the entry point to the Brijuni National Park along the EuroVela 8 route, offering a glimpse of the stunning islands of the Istrian peninsula.
- By following the EuroVela 8 route, you can experience a mix of lifestyle options, ranging from discovery of historic sites like the House of the Virgin Mary and Pergamon, to exploration of picturesque coastal towns like Rijeka and Porec, all while indulging in local delicacies such as burek in typical villages.
