EuroVelo 8 Mediterranean Route

Illyrian Kingdom Heritage
Durrës to Igoumenitsa

Embark on a captivating cross-border cycling odyssey, starting in the historic port city of Durrës, Albania. Ride along the mesmerizing Albanian coastline, with idyllic beaches and charming towns like Vlorë. Explore ancient wonders in Fier, followed by pristine shores in Himarë. Discover the coastal gem that is Sarandë, boasting sun-drenched beaches and a rich history, before cycling towards Greece. The journey continues to Igoumenitsa, passing through scenic landscapes and embracing the diverse blend of Albanian and Greek cultures. Along the way, explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the ancient city of Gjirokastra, with its imposing castle, and the ruins of Butrint (Buthrotum), a remarkable ancient Greek and Roman city.

Cover picture credits: EuroVelo 8 in Tirana, Albania © Alexandr Bormotin Unsplash

Stages
Countries

Legend

Development status
  • Certified Section of at least 300 km that has successfully undergone the certification process in line with ECF’s European Certification Standard. It is the highest quality level on the EuroVelo network
  • Developed with EuroVelo signs Developed route (see category below) with continuous signing along the route, incorporating EuroVelo route information panels.
  • Developed Route developed for cyclists and signed in line with the respective national standard (i.e. it is part of a local, regional or national cycle network). There must also be a website providing information to users. Developed route can be heterogeneous in terms of infrastructure: type of cycling infrastructure, surface, width, gradients, etc
  • Under development Route containing sections that require further development (e.g. stretches on public highways with high levels of traffic). Cyclists are advised to use public transportation to skip these non-developed stretches.
  • Planning Undeveloped route with no detailed information publicly available on the Internet. The itinerary communicated is a proposal for the best possible option currently available. It may also contain dangerous sections. Cyclists are advised to use public transportation to skip these non-developed stretches.
  • Public transport link

Markers

  • Natural Heritage
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Cultural Heritage
  • Culinary Delights
  • Maritime Heritage / The Rhine / The Meuse
  • Other Point of Interest
  • Bus station
  • Train station
  • Mobility info center