Looking for the best EuroVelo routes to conquer on two wheels?
The extensive network of long distance EuroVelo cycling routes are amongst some of the best in the world! Designed to connect together existing cycle paths and routes, there’s a huge variety of options, from scenic coast to coast adventures, to legendary journeys steeped in history.
With 17 EuroVelo routes in total, here we share six popular EuroVelo bike rides, starting in the far north of Europe and working our way south.
The team here at Epic Road Rides have all taken on many long distance cycling journeys in Europe, including several sections of the EuroVelo routes included below. In short, we know what makes a memorable multi-day cycling route!
Ready to cycle across Europe? Read on for inspiration…
This article includes details of products and/or services that we have used ourselves or which we would consider using. Some are paid features or include affiliate links or referral codes which we may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Please read our disclosure policy for further information.
In the interests of complete transparency, we haven’t (yet!) cycled all of the routes in this article. If you have ridden any of these, let us know in the comments below! All metrics in this article are also approximate.
Overview of the EuroVelo Network
EuroVelo, the European cycle route network 2024 (credit: www.eurovelo.com)
What is EuroVelo?
EuroVelo is also known as the European cycle route network. They deliver a network of cycling routes that span the European continent.
EuroVelo is managed by the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) and its main aim is to promote sustainable travel and tourism through cycling.
The network of routes connects major cities and European capitals, cultural landmarks, and scenic landscapes, offering cyclists a unique way to explore Europe. Each cycling route explores multiple countries in Europe, some up to as many as ten!
How many EuroVelo routes are there?
There are currently 17 EuroVelo cycle routes to choose from, each offering a distinct and memorable cycling experience through Europe.
These routes cover over 90,000 kilometres and traverse nearly every European country.
Each EuroVelo route is numbered and named (more on the EuroVelo signs below!)
How do you choose the right EuroVelo route?
Every route has a specific theme that is incorporated into its design, such as coastal paths, river routes, and historic trails. This makes it easier for cyclists to choose a route that suits their interests and cycling abilities.
- For example, the EuroVelo 5 (Via Romea Francigena) and EuroVelo 3 (Pilgrims Route) are both based on ancient pilgrimage routes. They have rich historical pasts that would make an excellent option for history-loving cyclists looking to explore beautiful cathedrals, churches and other historical sites of interest.
- Similarly, the EuroVelo 13 (also known as the Iron Curtain Trail) retraces the steps of the former Iron Curtain and provides a fascinating immersive history lesson.
- For cyclists who love coastal riding, the EuroVelo 1 (Atlantic Coast Route), EuroVelo 8 (Mediterranean Route) and EuroVelo 10 (Baltic Sea Cycle Route) all provide unique coastal odyssey’s that enable you to cycle along the beautiful, varied coastlines of multiple European destinations.
- Alternatively, the EuroVelo 6 (Atlantic – Black Sea) and EuroVelo 15 (Rhine Route) both explore some of Europe’s longest and most iconic rivers.
Top tip! Don’t have time to take on a two-three-month long distance cycling trip? If, like us, you only have limited time to take holiday each year, you can easily break these longer routes up into shorter sections that can be completed in more manageable chunks.
A beautiful pine forest backed beach near La Rochelle in France
Who are the EuroVelo routes designed for?
The EuroVelo routes are designed for a wide range of cyclists looking to experience some of the best cycling routes in Europe!
The routes attract many leisure cyclists who are touring Europe by bike, as well as families seeking a fun cycling challenge with good infrastructure and amenities along the way.
Be aware! In our experience we have found that many of the EuroVelo routes are best designed for bikes that can handle a variety of terrain, such as a hybrid touring bike, or a gravel bike. This was our experience on the following EuroVelo routes:
- The EuroVelo 3 cycling in Spain takes in many old ‘off road’ Camino de Santiago routes
- The EuroVelo 6 cycling along the Loire has a real mix of surfaces, including compact gravel
- The EuroVelo 5 through Tuscany includes lots of loose gravel, strade bianche sections.
It is also worth noting that in some countries EuroVelo does not mean cycling on segregated cycling paths!
So, if you are a road cyclist on skinny tyres, you might choose to adapt the EuroVelo routes to suit your needs and incorporate stretches of the network, where appropriate. See this article by Epic Road Ride Reader Andrew, who created a roadie’s alternative to the popular EuroVelo 8, between Venice and Corfu.
Loose gravel paths on the Camino de Santiago Spanish section of the EuroVelo 3
History of the EuroVelo
The concept of EuroVelo was first officially initiated in 1995 by the ECF. This was the first time key leaders that would spearhead the project were brought together, with the aim of creating a comprehensive network of long-distance cycling routes across Europe.
The project gained momentum with the support of various European institutions and national cycling organisations, including the UK charity Sustrans. It was officially launched in 1997.
Over the years, the network has expanded and improved, incorporating existing national cycling paths and regional routes into the EuroVelo system. Today, EuroVelo is recognised as a major infrastructure project that promotes sustainable tourism and cross-border cooperation in Europe.
There have been several new routes and extensions to existing routes added year on year, including most recently EuroVelo 14 (Waters of Central Europe) and EuroVelo 19 (Meuse Cycle Route).
EuroVelo signs
EuroVelo signs are easily recognisable and designed to guide cyclists along the routes.
The signs typically feature the number of the route surrounded by yellow stars on a blue background. They may also display the name of the route and mention EuroVelo. However, there are many variations!
The signs are strategically placed along the routes at key junctions, ensuring that cyclists can navigate the network with relative ease and confidence.
Example of the EuroVelo signs in the UK
Our pick of the best EuroVelo routes
EuroVelo 1: Atlantic Coast Route
The stunning Pembrokeshire coastline near St David’s
Distance
10,650 kilometres
Summary
A journey along Europe’s far western edges along epic coastlines
Start/ finish
North Cape, Norway to Valença, Portugal
Countries visited
Norway, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal
Our view
This long-distance bike route is a tale of dramatic contrasts. It begins on the rugged sea cliffs of the far north of Norway, Europe’s northernmost point, and ends near the sun-kissed shores of Portugal.
En route south, it takes in some of Europe’s wildest coastlines, including the Shetland Islands in Scotland, Ireland’s Atlantic west coast and the towering cliffs of Pembrokeshire in southern Wales.
Once in France, things begin to feel quite different! After leaving the Channel ,the Atlantic route heads further south, eventually weaving its way to the west coast of France, passing the beautiful town of La Rochelle, and many gorgeous sandy beaches backed by pine trees.
As the route enters Spain, it dives further into the sizzling south into the heart of the Iberian Peninsula. At this point the coast is left behind and the route picks up an ancient Roman road known as the Ruta de la Plata.
Eventually the EuroVelo 1 reaches Portugal, where it U turns to head north through the beautiful Algarve and along the Atlantic coast once more. The iconic cities of Lisbon and Porto are both encountered before the final stop in Valença, on the border with Spain.
More information
- Take a look at this guidebook
- Guide to cycling Ireland
- Guide to cycling the Celtic Trail
- Guide to cycling the Ruta de la Plata
- Guide to cycling Portugal
EuroVelo 3: Pilgrims Route
Fran on the final stretch of the Camino de Santiago
Distance
5,650 kilometres long
Summary
A culturally rich journey steeped in history
Start/ finish
Trondheim, Norway to Cape Finisterre, Spain
Countries visited
Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Belgium, France, Spain
Our view
A journey inspired by popular walking routes that have been well trodden over the centuries. The EuroVelo 3 is also referred to as the Pilgrims Route and includes the famous Camino de Santiago.
The route officially starts in Trondheim, Norway and follows trails walked by King Olav, who played a pivotal role in converting the country to Christianity in the 11th century. This remote and rugged first section of the journey feels worlds away from the bustling later stages in Spain.
After a short stretch in Sweden, the route gets noticeably flatter in Denmark and follows an ancient trading road into Germany, past Hamburg and Bremen en route to Belgium and along the Meuse River. In France the journey picks up La Scandibérique and takes cyclists diagonally across the country, through Paris and on to the Loire, then Bordeaux.
As the journey heads further south and into Spain, hills await in the Pyrenees!
From the French town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in the Pyrenean foothills, the EuroVelo 3 then picks up the Camino Francés. From here the route navigates northern Spain’s varied, green landscapes, including La Rioja and Galicia. The final stretch takes you to the iconic Santiago de Compostela cathedral.
More information
- See this guidebook for the Spanish section of the Camino de Santiago, from St Jean Pied de Port
- Guide to cycling the Camino and Camino FAQs
- Guide to Northern Spain
- Long distance cycling routes in France
EuroVelo 5: Via Romea Francigena
Admiring the Tuscan landscapes on the Via Francigena
Distance
3,250 kilometres
Summary
Discover the Italian Camino on this legendary journey to the eternal city
Start/ finish
Canterbury, UK to Brindisi, Italy
Countries visited
UK, Fance, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy
Our view
The EuroVelo 5 explores another ancient walking route, the Via Francigena.
Starting in Canterbury, UK, the route takes cyclists from the iconic Canterbury Cathedral, through Kent countryside and across the English Channel into France.
After heading east through the city of Lille, the EuroVelo 5 heads on to Belgium, following canals and old railway lines on its way to Brussels. More canals and cycle paths await as the route travel south through Luxembourg and France, including cycling along the Alsace Wine Road cycle trail past many vineyards.
In Switzerland, the Via Francigena crosses the Alps and hops the border into Italy, reaching the beautiful shores of Lake Como.
After weaving through Milan and the Po Valley, things start to get really exciting on the EuroVelo 5 as the journey heads into Tuscany, briefly skirting the coast before heading on to some of Italy’s most historic towns and cities, including Lucca and Siena. Tuscany’s iconic rolling landscapes and strade bianche stretches are some of the most beautiful sections of the whole route.
After riding through the eternal city of Rome, up to Vatican City, the final leg of the journey takes cyclists to Brindisi, a historic port city on the Adriatic Sea.
More information
- See this guidebook of the Via Francigena for the Italian section of the route.
- Best places to cycle in France
- Guide to the Via Francigena
- Guide to Brussels
- Guide to Tuscany
EuroVelo 6: Atlantic – Black Sea
On tour in the Loire Valley, France
Distance
4,700 kilometres
Summary
An epic coast to coast adventure via famous European rivers
Start/ finish
Nantes, France to Constanta, Romania
Countries visited
France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria
Our view
The EuroVelo 6, is also known as the Atlantic to Black Sea route. This is easily the most popular EuroVelo route, thanks in large part to excellent signposting and many amenities along the way.
The route starts on the coast, but you quickly head inland along some of Europe’s most scenic river valleys. After leaving the Atlantic you explore the legendary Loire Valley, home to many chateaux and world-famous vineyards.
Other stand out highlights include riding through beautiful Bavarian landscapes in Germany and charming old towns in Austria. That’s all before you reach the gorgeous stretch between two of Europe’s most famous cities, Vienna and Budapest. This section of the EuroVelo 6 follows Europe’s second largest river, the Danube.
After Hungary, you can choose to cycle through Croatia or Serbia, and before heading into Romania you’ll experience the awe-inspiring ‘Iron Gates’ gorges, which the Danube River weaves through.
The epic EuroVelo 6 journey finally finishes at the Black Sea in the port city of Constanta, the gateway to Romania’s beach resorts.
More information
- Looking to break up the EuroVelo 6 journey? Take a look at these guide books on the Loire section, the Danube from source to Budapest, and Budapest to the Black Sea
- Our guide to cycling the Loire
- Easy cycling routes in France
- Our guide to cycling Romania
- Most bike friendly cities in the world
- Best long distance cycling routes in France
EuroVelo 8: Mediterranean Route
Nice harbour
Distance
7,350 kilometres
Summary
Soaking up the alluring coastal landscapes of the Med by bike
Start/ finish
Cadiz, Spain to Cyprus
Countries visited
Spain, France, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Turkey and Cyprus
Our view
Also known as the Mediterranean Route, the EuroVelo 8 stretches from the historic city of Cadiz in the far south of Spain, all the way to the southeastern edge of Europe, on the beautiful island of Cyprus.
Fun fact! According to the EuroVelo Usage Monitoring Report (2023), the EuroVelo 8 was the most popular route in 2023, followed by the EuroVelo 17 and EuroVelo 5.
From Cadiz, the route largely follows the scenic Mediterranean coastline, connecting some of Med’s best loved cities. Cultural pit stops include: Barcelona, the glamorous cities of Nice and Cannes on the French Riviera, the iconic floating city of Venice, and ancient sea walls of Dubrovnik.
Never far from the saddle are the gorgeous blue hues of the Mediterranean Sea, or a nice beach for a refreshing dip! In Croatia the crystal clear water of the Dalmatian coast is particularly alluring and you can also admire many stunning islands.
Montenegro and Albania feel a little more off the beaten track and in fact some of these sections of the EuroVelo are still under development! Experienced riders will love these parts though and the vast freshwater Lake Skadar is a natural hidden gem.
More ancient cities await in Greece, including its capital Athens, before a ferry ride takes you across the Aegean Sea and on to Turkey. The final section of the route is a stunning tour of the island of Cyprus.
Be aware! This EuroVelo 8’s location in southern Europe can mean conditions can be really hot in the summer months. The big cities are also extremely busy at this time of year. We suggest taking it on in the cooler spring and autumn seasons instead.
More information
- Take a look at this guidebook for the French section of the route here
- Guide to cycling Nice
- Guide to cycling Croatia
- Guide to cycling in Cyprus
- Don’t miss our roadies alternative to the EuroVelo 8 from Venice to Corfu
- Spain long distance cycling routes
- France long distance cycling routes
EuroVelo 15: The Rhine Route
Vineyards and characterful buildings on the Rhine Valley in Germany
Distance
1,450 kilometres long
Start/ finish
Andermatt, Switzerland to the North Sea (Hook Van Holland), the Netherlands
Countries visited
Switzerland, Germany, France, the Netherlands
Summary
A journey along one of Europe’s longest rivers, from source to sea
Our view
This journey begins at 1,437 metres of altitude in the mountains. The Swiss village of Andermatt is located close to the source of the River Rhine and is surrounded by spellbinding Alpine scenery. En route to Lake Constance, the EuroVelo 15 passes through Switzerland’s oldest town Cher.
One of the Rhine route’s highlights is its journey along the popular Lake Constance. Central Europe’s third largest lake was formed by the Rhine Glacier in the Ice Age and is so large it borders multiple European countries, including Germany and Austria.
After leaving Lake Constance and Switzerland, the route then follows the Rhine River path into Germany. For a large stretch, the Rhine River forms a natural border between both France and Germany and there are several points you can hop across the river to cycle a variant of the route in either country.
Arguably the standout section of the whole EuroVelo 15 is from Bingen in Germany, when the route explores the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is a beautiful section that is beloved for its countless fairytale-like medieval castles, world class vineyards and many quaint villages, all found dotted either side of the steep banks of the river.
After a visit to the major cities of Cologne, the route continues to follow the river as it heads towards the German Dutch border and the city of Arnhem. En route to the North Sea the journey passes the pretty village of Kinderdijk, home to several iconic traditional Dutch windmills. This last stretch also includes the buzzing city of Rotterdam.
The final stop of the EuroVelo is a golden stretch of sand on the shores of the North Sea just outside of Hook of Holland village.
More information
- See this guidebook for the Rhine Cycle Route
- Guide to cycling Switzerland
Looking for more long distance cycling routes in Europe? Don’t miss these articles:
- Cycling Europe
- Cycling in France
- Cycling in Spain
- Tips for long distance cycling
- Preparing for a long distance cycling trip
- Most beautiful cycling routes
Please support Epic Road Rides
A huge amount of time and effort goes into the article you’ve just read, all with the aim of helping you!
If you found what you’ve read useful, I’d really appreciate it if you dropped something in the tip jar here.
It’s a way you can say thank you and help us carry on creating top quality content with no annoying ads and no pay wall.
Looking for an organised cycling trip?
If you want someone to help you plan and book your cycling holiday, fill out this form. We aren’t a tour operator/agent but we work with lots of people who are and will do our best to put you in touch with someone that can help (within 24 hours wherever possible)!
Fran is a North East based cyclist with a particular passion for cycle touring. Her love for cycling has seen her take on some of the UK and Europe’s best-known multi-day cycle routes, including the Hebridean Way, Camino de Santiago and the Via Francigena. Beyond exploring on two wheels, Fran is a key member of the Epic Road Rides team and is usually found writing travel guides for other cyclists who also want to explore the world by bike.
The contents of this website are provided for general information purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on it. You should carry out your own due diligence and risk assessments and take professional advice. Views expressed by interviewees or other users of this website do not necessarily represent our views. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that the content on our website is accurate, complete or up to date. If you use any information or content on this website, download from, or otherwise obtain content or services through our website, it is entirely at your own discretion and risk. Epic Road Rides Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on the information and content on this website. Find out more here.