How to reach Velo-city Rimini by bicycle

EuroVelo is a network of 17 long-distance cycle routes connecting all corners of Europe. The EuroVelo trademark is owned by the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF), which oversees and coordinates the network’s development. As a result, only routes officially approved by the ECF may be designated as EuroVelo routes. Rimini, the next Velo-city host, is well connected to it through Bicitalia, the Italian national cycle route network.

This article will guide you through a few possible itineraries and inspire you to design your own. Happy cycling!

Northern & Central Europe

If you are coming from north of Rimini, you might want to choose between EuroVelo 7 – Sun Route, which crosses Europe from the midnight sun in the North to the sunny South, and EuroVelo 5 – Via Romea (Francigena), which traces the path of ancient pilgrims from England to Italy.

On EuroVelo 7, you can enjoy the diversity of landscapes and climates of 8 countries. From Norway, the route rolls down to Sweden and Copenhagen, in Denmark. The Danish capital is known worldwide for its advanced cycling infrastructure, which you can compare with those of Berlin, Prague, and Bolzano as you move southwards across Europe. Pay attention to the differences and rest assured that you will find plenty of passionate riders and urban planners to discuss your findings with at Velo-city!

In Italy, follow the route until Bologna, a cradle of Italian culture and home to the oldest continuously operating university. An extensive network of national cycling routes then connects Bologna to Rimini – pick your favourite stops!

Following EuroVelo 5 instead, you linger among Central Europe’s borders, pedalling from the UK through France, Belgium, Luxembourg, France and Germany. The institutional atmosphere in Brussels is balanced by rural landscapes. You will also pass through the Luxembourgish town of Schengen, where the European system of open borders was officially created.

The rest of the route surely makes travellers appreciate this idea, as national borders fade under the greenery of Saarland state, endless vineyards in Alsace, and idyllic mountain views around Luzern. Crossing the Alps, you pass through the historic fortifications of the Three Castles of Bellinzona, recognised by UNESCO, before reaching Italy for an invigorating swim in Lake Como.

From Piacenza, you make a fresh start by switching to a different EuroVelo route. EuroVelo 8 – Mediterranean Route guides you further to the city of Ferrara. Fitting to Velo-city 2026’s theme #DeliveringTheUrbanDream, Ferrara was the birthplace of the humanist concept of the 'ideal city' in the 15th century, which marked the start of modern urban planning and influenced its developments for centuries to come.

Let this creativity inspire you while you continue along the national routes Bicitalia 5 – Ciclovia Romea Tiberinato Ravenna, and then Bicitalia 6 – Ciclovia Adriatica to Rimini – ready to share your own urban dream.

Mediterranean Coast

The connection between the European Mediterranean coast and Rimini is as smooth and flexible as it gets. EuroVelo 8 – Mediterranean Route runs elegantly from the Iberian Peninsula all the way to Izmir in Turkey and to the island of Cyprus. If you are looking for a sunny and adventurous early-summer escape, this might just be the route for you!

On the western side, the Spanish coast offers cultural highlights like Malaga, Valencia, and Barcelona, while the French section of the route edges natural wonders like the Camargue Regional Nature Park and the famous French Riviera. In Italy, let your eyes look as far as they can over the Po Valley and explore its lesser-known urban centres such as Sabbioneta or Cremona, where the historical craft of luthiers still thrives.

On the eastern side, the buzzing multiculturalism of Izmir and Athens needs little introduction. Enjoy scenic moments along the coasts of Greece, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, and Slovenia but do not miss the myriads of historical sites along the way. EuroVelo 8 brings you to marvels such as Diocletian’s Palace – a UNESCO monument from Roman times hidden inside the modern city of Split, Croatia.

From both ends of EuroVelo 8, once in Ferrara, Bicitalia 5 – Ciclovia Romea Tiberina leads you to Ravenna and Bicitalia 6 – Ciclovia Adriatica covers the last bit to your destination: Rimini.

Pro tip: If you are short on time or need to plan some rest days, ferries are your best friends! Connections operate between many cities along the Adriatic Sea. You could hop on a boat from Zadar in Albania directly to Ancona (around 100 km from Rimini on Bicitalia 6) or take a ferry from Igoumenitsa in Greece to Brindisi in Italy and explore more of the Italian peninsula by heading north along EuroVelo 5. The final stretch to Rimini can also be comfortably covered by travelling from Siena on regional trains, which allow travellers to carry one assembled bike for a small supplement.

Conclusion

To put it simply, the options are endless and can be catered to each cyclist’s needs. Make sure to check the EuroVelo route planner and build a detailed itinerary from your desired starting point. Also, have a look at the dedicated news section for updates on the EuroVelo network, hacks and travel ideas!

Dream big, plan carefully, and ride smoothly to Velo-city. See you in Rimini from 16 to 19 June 2026!