A ride through time: discovering artistic and historical sites along EuroVelo 8

There’s a lot to see, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the options. That’s why we’ve selected a few artistic and historical highlights. Think of this as your cultural guide where, during the present, you discover EuroVelo 8's past. So, from west to east, as if you were finding them while cycling the route, let’s dive into the places you can’t miss!

France

After the perfect start to EuroVelo 8 – Mediterranean Route in sunny Spain, with Moorish architecture in Almería, Roman amphitheatres in Tarragona and Dalí’s surreal world in Figueres, you’ll leave the Iberian Peninsula behind and roll into southern France.

Cycling the French Southern lands between Spain and Italy is not just a treat for the senses, but it is also home to some great cultural stops. A few hours after crossing the Pyrenees near Montpellier, tucked between lagoons and dense vegetation, you will find the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul de Maguelone. This Romanesque church and former cathedral feels like a quiet island of calm. Something that you might need after a day of cycling! In 2002, seventeen pale blue and beige-coloured stained-glass windows designed by Robert Morris and produced by Ateliers Duchemin were placed in the restored window lights – a beautiful crossroad of old and new.

In Narbonne, right along the route, sits Narbo Via, a modern museum built to showcase the Roman city of Narbo Martius, founded in 118 BC. With more than 6,000 artefacts, including frescoes and funerary monuments, Narbo Via brings the Roman world to life!

So many artists found their muse in the south of France, like Picasso, who once had a studio in Antibes. Set in a castle overlooking the sea, this studio is now the Picasso museum. He left behind dozens of works, joined by pieces from other modern artists like Nicolas de Staël and Germaine Richier. The building, which was once a Greek acropolis and later a Roman fort, also has its own story. Maybe you will get inspired too!

Continuing your way to the east, Aigues-Mortes is a perfectly preserved medieval town surrounded by 1.6 km of city walls, which once served as France’s gateway to the crusades. You can visit Tour Constance, where King Louis IX lived, as well as the streets filled with artists' workshops and galleries. It’s as lively now as it was 800 years ago and we promise, the French stretch of EuroVelo 8 will not leave you indifferent.

Slovenia

After rolling through more than 700 kilometres of northern Italy, reaching Venice through the Po Valley with its Alpine hills and Renaissance art, you’ll soon arrive in Slovenia, packed with charm and history!

The Koper regional museum is a perfect spot to learn more about the region's cultural roots since it covers the history of Istria from prehistoric times to the 19th century. Afterwards, you can continue the ride to Izola and the nearby San Simon archaeological park, home to the ruins of a Roman villa and ancient port that offers you a glimpse into the region’s Roman past with its restored walls and colourful mosaics.

Before entering Croatia, take a stop in Piran, a coastal town influenced by nearby Venice and the birthplace of Italian composer and violinist Giuseppe Tartini. Get lost in the narrow alleys, but don’t miss the Venetian house on Tartini Square, built by a merchant for his local sweetheart. In the façade of the house, look for the inscription “Lassa pur dir” (“Let them talk”), the secret message the merchant left for his lover.

Slovenia’s stretch might be less than 50 kilometres long, but it is a true cultural gem!

Croatia

Along Croatia’s dazzling coastline, you can find many towns full of stories and knowledge, but we give you a few to explore as you cycle eastwards. First stop: Poreč. Here you will find the Euphrasian basilica, dating back to the 6th century. The Byzantine basilica is a masterpiece of mosaic art and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Step back in time and stop to admire its marble columns and gold details, stunning examples of early Christian architecture.

In Rijeka, see the Torpedo Launch Station, where the world’s first torpedo was tested in 1866. It’s a impressive piece of industrial history right on the sea. Then head inland to Smiljan, where the Nikola Tesla Memorial Centre celebrates the life and work of the great inventor, with his childhood home and interactive exhibits.

Back on the coast in Zadar, the famous Sea Organ plays powerful music with the waves, and the Greeting to the Sun glows at night with solar-powered light. Both are absolute must-sees! When in Šibenik, explore the Šibenik Fortresses. These mighty walls have defended the city for centuries, and the views from the top are truly unforgettable.

Next, take a much-deserved rest day in Split, or explore it from the bike! The city's heart is Diocletian’s Palace, built in the 4th century. But this isn’t just a monument, it's alive! Cafés, shops and homes within its ancient Roman walls make it a place like no other.

In Cavtat, you can find the Bukovac house, the birthplace of Vlaho Bukovac, one of Croatia’s most important painters. Original furniture, personal objects and dozens of his paintings fill the rooms of this beautifully preserved house. History, art and a splash of adventure, Croatia’s got it all!

Türkiye

After riding through the Adriatic and Ionian coasts and mythical landscapes of Greece, EuroVelo 8 brings you to Türkiye, where 500 kilometres of unforgettable coastal riding await. This newest section, added in 2019, is a treasure of Roman ruins and postcard-like views.

Once one of the great cultural centres of the ancient world, Pergamon still stuns today. High on a hill, its steep theatre, temples, and public buildings are remarkably intact. And the views overlooking the Aegean Sea are absolutely epic.

Want something a bit different? In İzmir, the naval museum houses a submarine you can walk through. It’s a fun, hands-on experience for maritime history lovers of all ages.

Tucked in the hills above Ephesus, there is the house of the Virgin Mary. The stone house is believed to be where Mary spent her final years. It's a place of quiet pilgrimage and reflection, visited by Christians and Muslims alike. And then… there's Ephesus itself! One of the world’s most complete Roman cities, with its grand library façade, massive theatre, temples and marble streets. You could spend hours (or days) exploring and still feel like you’ve just scratched the surface.

As you can see, EuroVelo 8 is a journey through time. Roman cities, medieval fortresses, inspiring art museums… The Mediterranean coast is packed with cultural wonders. So next time you cycle on EuroVelo 8 – Mediterranean Route, remember you are riding through history – stop and discover it up close, visiting the stunning sites it has to offer!

Article by Mariona Garcia-Arbós i Mata