The Mediterranean Route
1. Main theme of the Route − an incredibly high number of remains of the ancient era (Greek cities, Roman The Mediterranean sea is commonly regarded empires); as a unit, even if landscapes, human − an extraordinary offer of seaside resorts settlements, cultures, are very different from ant tourist facilities. one coast to another, between two neighbouring countries, and even within the Part of the Italian stretch of the Mediterranean same country. Route runs through the plane of Po river, quite Indeed the Mediterranean sea features some far from the sea; main theme of this stretch is distinctive characters, depending on the therefore the river, more then the sea. special relationships that all peoples have with 1 sea and nature . 2. Cycle tourism along the Mediterranean Sea has been since ever a powerful means of subsistence: commercial way and production Mediterranean countries offer very little means. cycling facilities, in comparison with northern Harbours and markets are spread all around: and central Europe. The Mediterranean coast trading, sailing, building ships, fishing are offers, if possible, even less facilities. One common businesses - or at least common reason is that planes along the coast are few traditions - almost in every town. and generally narrow, whereas land uses are This may explain why Mediterranean coasts very intensive: there are just a few roads - or are so inhabited, why cities are - or have been even one single main road - in many sectors - so rich and beautiful, why so many of them of the Mediterranean coast. attained self government and preserved it for long time, amongst, and within, kingdoms and The design of the EuroVelo Route has empires. therefore to face one chief problem: the lack of cycling facilities together with the lack of Climate is particularly mild and brings warm quiet minor roads, suitable for cycling. winters and fresh summers. Such conditions explain the spreading of One second basic problem is the relief. All cluster-pines, olives, figs, citrus fruits, palms, along the northern coast mountains follows and herbs like lavender, myrtle, origan, which the shoreline at a very short distance. are so familiar all around the Mediterranean. Avoiding busy coast roads means necessarily Olives groves in particular are typical of these climbing mountains. In many cases even main lands: they were already important in the roads go up-downhill, since mountains dive ancient era (the Greek cities), and have been directly into the sea. Cycle tourists will grown for centuries and centuries, so they are discover - maybe with some surprise - how a distinctive element of the landscape. mountainous are famous tourist seaside Trees, flowers, aromatic herbs have a special regions (Provence, Côt d'Azur, Liguria, meaning to people living around the Croatia, Greece ...). Mediterranean - and to tourists too! -since here it is usual spending a lot of time in the One more problem are international borders open air. on the eastern Adriatic coast. The biggest problem is the border between Croatia and The above elements are the main themes of Yugoslavia (Montenegro): at present there is the Mediterranean route. It is however worth no open border on the coast: in fact, the only saying that the Mediterranean sea features available border is Vukovar, about 150 km other very important tourist attractions: west from Belgrade! As for international borders - Italy and
1 An attractive investigation into the spirit of the Slovenia, Slovenia and Croatia, Yugoslavia Mediterranean has been proposed by Predrag (Montenegro) and Albania, Albania and Matvejeviş. See Predrag Matvejeviş, Mediteranski Greece - all of them are main roads borders. Brevijar, GZH Zagreb, 1987, which has been This means that cycle tourists have to ride in translated - as far as we know - in English (University most cases on roads with much traffic. There of California Press), French (Fayard, Payot et Rivages), Italian (Garzanti, Hefti). are minor roads crossing borders, but they are
1 not open at present, or can be used only by people living near the border. The present report deals with the eastern stretch of EuroVelo Route n. 2, from the Pyrénées (Spanish-French border) to Athens. 3. The present report This part of Route n. 2 concerns seven countries: France, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, The Route we are going to describe is to be Yugoslavia (Montenegro), Albania and regarded as a very preliminary proposal. But Greece. The report is divided into seven parts, for a few cases, Mediterranean regions are one for each country. just starting thinking about long distance cycling routes. Route n. 2 comes out mainly of suggestions by local cycling groups. This 4. The proposed Route means that the proposed Route needs more detailed studies and has to be assessed and The proposed Route, not considering the approved by local authorities. For all these Spanish stretch, is about 3.800 km long. reasons the final Route might be quite different from the present proposal. It reaches the most important harbours and railways stations. This facilitates transport The Route we illustrate consists mainly of modes interchange, and allows avoiding minor roads. Local cycling groups or cyclists mountainous sections and difficult borders: for with direct experience on the field told us instance, the closed border between Croatia these roads do not have too much traffic. and Montenegro may be by-passed by ferry Unfortunately it was not possible to collect (but this means crossing the Adriatic twice, data on traffic volumes, so we are not able to first from Dubrovnik to Bari and then from Bari confirm the information we got. For some to Durrës). roads we even do not have any kind of information; we just found them on the map Because of some links with harbours and and thought traffic levels "should" be low, main railways stations, and because of some since these roads are narrow and winding, do detours avoiding high mountain passes, the not connect important destinations or are Mediterranean Route is somehow a winding parallel to more direct or more important route. roads.
Mediterranean Route n. 2 - Part 2 from the Pyrénées to Athens
Country Total length Signposted stretches Stretches with (alternatives not km probably included) medium/heavy traffic km km France 670 70 120 Italy 1.270 100 120 Slovenia 70 15 Croatia 550 60 Yugoslavia 180 25 (Montenegro) Albania 460 180 Greece 580 40 Total 3780 170 560
2 France
1. Cycling in the South from Vence to Menton, which goes through a very inhabited and hilly corridor. Long distance cycling is increasingly popular in France. New cycling facilities are being The route we are going to describe, in built, and cycle tourism is developing, taking particular the eastern stretch, is anyway to advantage of France leading position on the intend as a work in progress, which needs tourist market. further investigations and assessments, both by cycling groups and public administrations. Both Mediterranean regions, Languedoc- Roussillon and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, offer interesting cycling facilities. 3. Main points of interest
In Languedoc-Roussillon a leading role is The route reaches some of the most important played by towpaths along major channels: sea side resorts of the French coast: Côte Canal du Midi and Canal Rhône-Sète. Cycling Vermeille (close to Costa Brava), Port paths linking the major cities (Bézier, Barcarès, Port Leucate, Cap d'Agde, Sète, Narbonne, Montpellier, etc.) to these channels Golfe d'Aigues-Mortes (Palavas, Carnon, la and to the sea have been built or are under Grand-Motte), Nice, Monaco, Cap Martin, construction. Menton ...
In Provence attractive minor roads with little In addition to it the route features a lot of traffic have been signposted for cycling like cultural and environmental attractions; we the one crossing Luberon Regional Park (100 mention just a few: km). Many mountain roads in Provence and − Perpignan, Roussillon capital; Alpes Maritimes do not have many cars and − Montpellier, which has been the first are very attractive for cyclists. Most of them, medical school in Europe; however, require strong legs! − Aigues Mortes, fascinating medieval town surrounded with high walls; − Arles, attractive historical town, with 2. About the proposed route ancient traditions and very lively; − Camargue Regional Park, well known for We looked for a possible route keeping in its ponds and channels, birds and horses; mind that it would consist of two main − Avignon, historical city surrounded with stretches very different from one another: high walls, ancient Holy See (Pope − the western stretch (Languedoc- Clemente V moved here from Rome); Roussillon) quite close to the sea and − Luberon Regional Park, attractive mainly consisting of level roads; mountain district to the east of Avignon, − the eastern stretch (Provence-Alpes-Côte bordered by Durance river; d'Azur) typically mountainous and quite far − Verdon Canyon, impressive gorge from the sea, since the few coast roads excavated by a Durance tributary, where have a lot of traffic. the road runs at more than 300 m above
the river; Our chief referent for the western stretch is a − Nice, main city and long tradition seaside cycling association based in Toulouse resort; (Association VÉLO), which is working on − cycling routes and which pointed out a the Principality of Monaco. possible cycling route using towpaths and minor roads. A member of Association VÉLO A wide range of quality tourist facilities are tested personally the route. available all along the route.
The chief referent for the eastern stretch is the Main railway lines link all important cities and Department of Alpes Maritimes, which gave tourist resorts along the coast and some us information and suggestions about the centres along the Durance river (Manosque). most complicate part of the route, the stretch
3 4. Route description From Béziers to Agde (28 km) the route follows cycling paths. The first stretch We agreed with the Spanish experts working (Béziers-Portiragnes, 13 km) is already on the cycling route through Spain, that it is existing; the second one (Portiragnes-St. necessary to climb the Pyrénées (border Marie d'Agde) will be built within a short time. between Spain and France) since the route going along the shoreline is not suitable to From Agde to Sète there are two possibilities: cycle tourism. − the national road - RN112 - running along We therefore agreed that the cycling route the shoreline (20 km), which is the more crosses the Pyrénées through Col de Banyuls, direct way but has quite heavy traffic; which is not high (357 m) and has no traffic. − Département roads bordering Thau lagoon (57 km). These roads too, however, have From Col de Banyuls the route follows a small many stretches with heavy and fast traffic. hilly road, partly non asphalted, down to the Our suggestion is to build a cycling path along seaside resort of Banyuls-sur-Mer. the national road (RN112). Investigations on From Banyuls-sur-Mer to Port-Vendres (6 km) the field made by Association VÉLO pointed cyclists have to run on a national road with out that the national road is quite large and heavy traffic (RN114) or on a scenic minor that there is enough space for a cycling path road through the mountains, which (most part of the road already has large unfortunately is quite long and very hilly. A asphalted or gravelled banks, partly used for third (suggested) possibility is to take the train parking). We would like to notice that the from Banyuls-sur-Mer to Port-Vendres. national road, running between the sea and From Port Vendres to Argelès-Plage the route the lagoon, is very scenic. follows a Département road with medium traffic. From Sète to Aigues-Mortes (49 km), and The whole stretch from Col de Banyuls to from Aigues-Mortes to Beaucaire (50 km), the Argelès-Plage is 36 km long. proposed route follows the towpath along Canal du Rhône à Sète. From Argelès-Plage to Leucate (55 km) the We notice that the city of Montpellier is directly route runs close to the shoreline, partly on linked to the above channel by means of a minor roads with low traffic, partly on large cycling path (10 km long). pavements for pedestrians and cyclists just behind the beaches, partly on reserved From Beaucaire to Cavaillon (36 km) the route cycling paths. From the seaside resort of follows minor level roads. From Cavaillon, it is Barcarès it is possible to reach Perpignan possible to reach Avignon following low traffic following minor roads with low traffic (14 km). roads (27 km).
From Port-la-Nouvelle to Narbonne (20 km) Cavaillon lies on the bank of the Durance, at the route follows a new cycling path (finished the border of Luberon Regional Park. The in June 1998) along Canal de la Robine. park is crossed lengthways by a cycling route recently signposted by the Park authority, From Narbonne, cyclists might reach Béziers running from Cavaillon to Forcalquier (about just following towpaths along Canal de la 100 km). Our route follows the first 70 km, up Robine (up to Sallèles-d'Aude) and Canal du to the village of Reillanne. Midi (from Sallèles-d'Aude to Argeliers, Capestang, Colombiers and Béziers). The first stretch inside Luberon Regional Park Choosing towpaths, however, would mean goes from Cavaillon to Apt (42 km). It is a making a long detour from the direct way mountain road, but slopes are neither too long Narbonne-Béziers. nor too steep. We propose therefore to follow minor roads, The second stretch goes from Apt to mostly level and with low traffic, touching the Reillanne; then the route points to Manosque villages of Coursan, Salles-d'Aude, Nissan- climbing the Luberon mountain (Villemus lez-Ensérune and Colombiers. In Colombiers pass, 655 m). The stretch Apt-Manosque (41 the route joins the towpath along Canal du km) features some longer slopes, but not too Midi and follows it up to Béziers. hard. The suggested route Narbonne-Béziers is 34 km long. The following stretches of the cycling route need further investigations, in order to assess
4 to which extent they are really suitable to level roads. On the contrary, the stretch cycle tourism and whether better opportunities through Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur is mainly are available (even if quite far from the hilly. proposed route). We introduce them briefly: − Manosque - Moustiers St. Marie (48 km), As for road authorities, all towpaths are in the along minor roads with little gradients and charge of Voies Navigables de France, probably low traffic; whereas most minor roads belong to the − Moustiers-St. Marie - Comps-s.-Artuby (49 Départements. km), along the famous Corniche Sublime (Gorges du Verdon), with many slopes As for cycling signpost, the only information (not too hard) and - probably - we got concern signals installed by Luberon medium/heavy traffic; Park authority. These are small rectangular − Comps-s.-Artuby - Vence (71 km), mostly plates made of metal, containing a big arrow along minor roads, with hard slopes and over two different backgrounds: white medium/low traffic, featuring the attractive background for signals pointing to Forcalquier, Gorges du Loup, which are already orange ochre for signals pointing to Cavaillon. appreciated by cyclists. From Pont-du- Inside the arrow there is a white logo of a Loup it is possible to reach Grasse cyclist riding his bike. (famous because of its scent production) following minor roads (13 km); − Vence - Nice (32 km), following the scenic 6. Contacts balcony road pointing down to Carros, on the bank of river Var, and then the road on (*) indicates entities contacted for this report the right side of Var, up to the urban area of Nice. These roads probably do not have Cycling associations too much traffic; − Nice - Menton (35 km), following minor Mr. Nicolas MERCAT (*) roads behind the mountains which border (member Association Française Véloroutes the coast (through the valley of Laghet Voies Vertes - AF3V) river) and then running not far from the counsulting bureau ALTERMODAL coast through Montecarlo, Cap Martin and 1, av. de la Houille Blanche Menton. Some cycle paths or cycle ZI de Bissy friendly roads, close to the shoreline, are 73000 CHAMBERY available in Cap-Martin and Menton. But tel. +33-4 79 68 87 19 (04 79 68 87 19 from for these facilities the proposed route has within France) probably to follow high traffic roads. fax +33-4 79 69 89 60 (04 79 69 89 60 from within France) e-mail: [email protected] 5. Technical facts Mr. Julien SAVARY (*) The suggested route is about 670 km long. Association VÉLO (member Association Française Véloroutes Near 200 km (30% of the whole route) follow Voies Vertes - AF3V) towpaths and cycling paths, that is routes that 9, rue Bourdon are car-free or reserved to cyclists. 31200 TOULOUSE tel. +33-5 61118709 (05 61118709 from within About 300 km (45% of the route) follow minor France) shared roads with little traffic. fax +33-5 61128708 (05 61128708 from within France) The remaining stretches, about 170 km, are not enough known or follow roads which may have too much traffic. More investigations and better proposals are therefore needed.
Almost all roads are asphalted.
The stretch from the Spanish border to Cavaillon (about 400 km) consists mainly of
5 Road authorities Voies Navigables de France 175, rue Ludovic Botleux Mr. André AIMAR 62408 BETHUNE Cedex Direction Générale des Services tel. +33-3 21 63 24 24 (03 21 63 24 24 from Département du Var within France) Hôtel du Département fax +33-3 21 63 24 42 (03 21 63 24 42 from 390 avenue des Lices within France) B.P. 1303 83076 TOULON Cedex Département des Alpes-de-Haute-Provence DIGNE Mr. Frédéric DELHOUME DARE - Service Environnement Département de l'Aude Département du Gard CARCASSONNE 30044 NIMES Cedex fax +33-4 66 76 77 11 (04 66 76 77 11 from Département des Pyrénées-Orientales within France) PERPIGNAN
Mrs. Véronique FRANCK Département de Vaucluse Département d'Hérault AVIGNON 1000, rue d'Alco 34087 MONTPELLIER Cedex 4 tel. +33-4 67 67 62 76 (04 67 67 62 76 from Regional governments within France) fax +33-4 67 67 72 66 (04 67 67 72 66 from Région Languedoc-Roussillon within France) MONTPELLIER
Mrs. Mirelle LIEDTS Région Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Mr. José Aveline MARSEILLE Direction des routes, des transports et des équipements Département des Bouches du Rhône Natural parks Hôtel du Département 52, av de St. Just Parc Naturel Régional du Luberon 13256 MARSEILLE Cedex 20 Maison du Parc tel. +33-4 91 21 36 42 (04 91 21 36 42 from APT within France) tel. +33-4 90 04 42 00 (04 90 04 42 00 from fax +33-4 91 21 37 96 (04 91 21 37 96 from within France) within France)
Mr. Marc REYNAUD (*) Directeur Général des Services Départementaux Département des Alpes Maritimes BP n. 3007 06201 NICE Cedex 3 tel. +33-4 93 18 63 10 (04 9318 63 10 from within France) tel. +33-4 93 10 62 02, secrétaire. Mrs Luvesque (04 93 10 62 02 from within France) fax +33-4 93 18 66 66 (04 93 18 66 66 from within France)
6 1 - From Pyrenees (Spanish border) to Cavaillon (Avignon) - Technical facts Stretch length starting max type of road present traffic level Km height height m above m above s. l. s. l. Col de Banyuls - Banyuls-sur- 36 357 357 minor roads; natonal road low from Col de Banyuls to Mer - Port Vendres - Argelès- (from Banyuls-sur-Mer to Banyuls-sur-Mer; high from Plage Port Vendres) Banyuls-sur-Mer to Port Vendres; medium (?) from Port Vendres to Argelès- Plage Argelès-Plage - St. Cyprien- 10 20 minor roads (60%), cycling low; car-free (cycling Plage - Canet-Plage - le paths (40%) paths) Barcarés - Port Leucate - Leucate Leucate - Port-La-Nouvelle - 20 20 cycling path car-free Narbonne Narbonne - Coursan - Nissan - 34 20 30 minor roads, towpath low, car-free (towpath) Béziers (Canal du Midi, about 10 km) Béziers - Agde - Sète 48 20 20 towpath (28 km), national car-free (towpath), high road (national road) Sète - Maguelon - Palavas-les- 49 3 3 towpath car-free Flots - la-Grande-Motte - Aigues- Mortes Aigues Mortes - St. Gilles - 50 5 10 towpath car-free Beaucaire Beaucaire - Tarascon - Maillane 36 10 100 minor roads low - Eyragues - St. Andiol - Cavaillon Total
1.1 - From Pyrenees (Spanish border) to Cavaillon (Avignon) - Tourist features Stretch Main environmental Main tourist attractions Main tourist facilities features Col de Banyuls - Banyuls-sur- Pyrenees, Côte Vermeille bathing facilities (Côte Mer - Port Vendres - Argelès- Vermeille); main railway Plage station in Argelès-Plage Argelès-Plage - St. Cyprien- ponds and lagoons Perpignan (14 km from bathing facilities; main Plage - Canet-Plage - le Barcarès, following minor railway station in Perpignan Barcarés - Port Leucate - roads) Leucate Leucate - Port-La-Nouvelle - ponds and lagoons Narbonne bathing facilities; main Narbonne railway stations in Port-La- Nouvelle and Narbonne Narbonne - Coursan - Nissan - Béziers main railway station in Béziers Béziers Béziers - Agde - Sète Thau basin Sète bathing facilities; main railway stations in Agde and Sète Sète - Maguelon - Palavas-les- ponds and lagoons, Aigues Mortes, Montpellier bathing facilities; main Flots - la-Grande-Motte - Aigues- Camargue Regional Park (10 km from Palavas-les- railway station in Mortes Flots, following a cycling Montpellier path) Aigues Mortes - St. Gilles - Camargue Regional Park Arles (17 km from St. main railway station in Beaucaire Gilles, following car-free Beaucaire minor roads) Beaucaire - Tarascon - Maillane Avignon (27 km from main railway stations in - Eyragues - St. Andiol - Cavaillon, following minor Cavallion and Avignon Cavaillon roads)
7 2 - From Cavaillon (Avignon) to Menton - Technical facts Stretch length starting max type of road present traffic level Km height height m above m above s. l. s. l. Cavaillon - Maubec - Ménerbes - 42 73 348 minor roads (signposted by low Bonnieux - Apt Park authority) Apt - Saignon - Céreste - 41 256 655 minor roads (signposted by low Reillanne - Manosque Park authority up to Reillanne) Manosque - Pont de Manaosque 48 400 566 minor roads low - Valensole - Puimpisson - Moustiers-S.te Marie Moustiers-S.te Marie - Comps- 49 566 1032 minor roads medium s.-Artuby Comps-s.-Artuby - la Bastide - 71 891 1120 minor roads low/medium Thorenc - Gréolières - Vence Vence - Carros - St. Laurent-du- 32 324 324 minor roads medium Var - Nice Nice - la Trinité - N.D. de Laghet 35 20 461 minor roads (60%), main medium/high - Monte-Carlo - Roquebrune - roads (30%), cycling paths Cap-Martin - Menton - Pont St. (10%) Louis (Italian border) Total) 318
2.1 - From Cavaillon (Avignon) to Menton - Tourist features Stretch Main environmental Main tourist attractions Main tourist facilities features Cavaillon - Maubec - Ménerbes - Luberon Regional Park railway station in Apt Bonnieux - Apt Apt - Saignon - Céreste - Luberon Regional Park Main railway station in Reillanne - Manosque Manosque Manosque - Pont de Manaosque - Valensole - Puimpisson - Moustiers-S.te Marie Moustiers-S.te Marie - Comps- Grand Canyon du Verdon s.-Artuby Comps-s.-Artuby - la Bastide - Montagne de Thorenc; Vence, Grasse (13 km from railway station in Grasse Thorenc - Gréolières - Vence Gorges du Loup Pont-du-Loup, following minor roads) Vence - Carros - St. Laurent-du- Baie des Anges Nice bathing facilities and main Var - Nice railway station in Nice Nice - la Trinité - N.D. de Laghet Côte d'Azur Montecarlo, Cap-Martin, bathing facilities; main - Monte-Carlo - Roquebrune - Menton railway stations Cap-Martin - Menton - Pont St. Louis (Italian border)
8 Italy
1. Cycling in the North working on a project of main regional cycling routes, one of which will follow the Po. The Mediterranean route through Italy links Province Administrations of Parma, Piacenza the Ligurian Sea (Gulf of Genoa) with the and Reggio Emilia are also working on long Adriatic Sea (Gulf of Venice), following almost distance cycling route, both along the Po and the whole course of Po, the main Italian river. from north to south. City and Province of Ferrara are involved with construction- The route has therefore two main themes: the signposting of cycling routes in the area. sea and the river. It however features one more attraction: the Alps. Crossing the Alps is Natural park authorities along the Po, like in indeed expected to catch cyclists' attention: it Piedmont and in the delta region, made and/or is a very interesting stretch and has signposted cycling paths near the river. something of a challenge! At present, however, a continuous, well down, It is of course possible to cross the Alps by safe, mapped and signposted route along the train, thanks to three different railway lines: Po river doesn’t really exist. Ventimiglia - Cuneo, Albenga - Savona - Ceva We do hope the EuroVelo network will be the and Genoa - Tortona. key for the definitive development in Italy of a long distance bicycle route The stretch along the Po is really easy cycling. The river flows meandering between two high banks in a low-land very rich and fertile, but 2. About the proposed route with a record of recurrent floods (see the last disastrous one in 1951). The route we introduce comes out of projects, ideas and suggestions that cycling groups - The last stretch of the route, along the most of which members of FIAB, the Italian northern Adriatic shoreline, is somehow Federation of Bike Friends - and several complicate, due to the impressive network of public administrations have put out in recent crossing canals, rivers and ponds, that years in order to promote cycle tourism. creates a unique environment, good for boats but not so much for bicycles. The suggested route, however, is to be In the wide coast area from Ravenna to intended as a first proposal, which has to be Grado, hundreds square kms of land covered discussed and studied in more details with the with water form a huge system of canals, associations and public administrations marshes, lagoons, with Venice as a beautiful involved. example of coexistence between man and a wet tough environment. 3. Main points of interest In the plane of Po river and in Veneto (the region of Venice) most cities and towns are Here is just a short list of the greatest features bike friendly. Bike is an all day transport of the route: mode, both in town centres and in the country − Liguria western inland, with small uphill side. Among these cities we would like to villages surrounded with olives groves mention Ferrara, with its large (and beautiful) terraces medieval and Renaissance centre crowded − Genoa with bikes. − Po river natural park (Piedmont) − Torino Many Province Administrations bordering Po − cities of art along the Po: Pavia, Cremona, river are working on projects about greenways Mantova, Ferrara... along the Po. − Po delta natural park (Emilia-Romagna) In the last few years the Province − Venice and its Laguna Administration of Torino has developed a − Aquileia, Grado and its Laguna large network of cycling routes using shared − Karst (future international natural park) minor roads, which have been signposted for − Trieste cyclists. Piedmont Regional Administration is
9 4. Route description route starting from Pigna (about 30 km from Ventimiglia), which follows the mountain ridge The Mediterranean route through Italy attains marking the border between France and Italy: a total length (alternative routes not included) it is a long fascinating ride at 2.000 m above of about 1.270 km. sea level, on an absolutely scenic military road (not asphalted). There is a penalty, It may be divided into four main stretches: however: while going down to Cuneo, bikers − western Liguria and Cuneo Alps (about have to ride 27 km of high traffic national road 270 km) (which anyway may be substituted by train). − link Genoa - Po river (110 km) − Po river plane (about 640 km) The proposed link Genoa - Po river starts from − upper Adriatic coast (about 250 km). the ferry harbour in Genoa, climbs the mountains behind Genoa following minor Coast roads in Liguria have very heavy traffic roads and reaches the village of Casella (a and therefore are not suitable to cycle tourists, minor scenic railway also links Genoa with who have to find their way in the inland Casella). This stretch features a col across the (entroterra ligure). Apennines (466 m) but is not too hard. We suggest an inland route linking Ventimiglia From Casella to Arquata Scrivia the route with Albenga; Albenga and its plane are a follows main roads with little slopes down the good access to the western Ligurian coast. valley of river Scrivia. Some stretches have From Albenga the route may cross the Alps medium/high traffic, but may be covered by quite easily and reach Piedmont and the plane train; we also notice that this road is quite of Po. large and therefore might allow the The above route unfortunately cuts off a big construction of some kind of cycling paths- portion of Liguria, and most of all Genoa, lanes. which is a major harbour and has been one of From Arquata Scrivia to Cornale, close to the the most important marine republic in the Po, the route follows minor country roads, Mediterranean, that is a hub of all sailing most of which are part of the European path routes and all trades. E1. We therefore suggest a cycling link from The Province of Genoa expressed high Genoa to the plane of Po (near Valenza Po), interest in joining EuroVelo and will do its best crossing the Alps along the valley of river efforts in raising the quality of the future Scrivia. We think this link may be very cycling route. interesting and useful, since Genoa harbour provides easy access to all major ports and to Let us come back to Piedmont. all tourist destinations within the Mediterranean. From Cuneo to Saluzzo the route follows minor roads with little traffic. Some of them Let us start describing the route. are already signposted.
In Ventimiglia the suggested route points In Saluzzo the route meets the Po. It follows immediately to the mountains. It climbs some the river up to Villafranca. hard passes (but gradients are never too high) and reaches once again the sea in Albenga. From Villafranca to Torino the route may A main railway line - with a single rail - links continue close to the Po, following minor Ventimiglia with Albenga. A new line, with two roads and trails (signposting already planned rails, is under construction behind the old one, by park authorities), or else leave the river which will be abandoned within some years; pointing to Airasca, where it meets the cycling we do hope it may be recycled for cycling! route Pinerolo-Torino. The route to Airasca, like as the route Pinerolo-Torino, have already The route leaves Albenga climbing the Alps been signposted by the Province of Torino. and finally reaches Cuneo. It seems to be a long detour, but it is the only way to avoid both From Torino to Chivasso, Casale and main roads and steep mountain passes. Valenza, the route goes close to the river, following cycling paths, towpaths, trails (non In alternative to the long route Ventimiglia- asphalted) and minor roads. Most of them Albenga-Cuneo, strong bikers (mountain bike have already been signposted by park is compulsory) might choose a more direct authorities (but signposts are scarce).
10 From Torino onwards, and mostly in From Monfalcone to Trieste we pointed out Lombardia, Emilia and Veneto, the route two alternatives: follows the Po mainly on the big dike-bank − a coastal route following minor roads and (Argine Maestro), on a road that normally is pieces of cycle lanes; not closed to the motorised traffic but which − an inland route following moderately hilly anyway may be considered a low traffic road roads through the environmentally unique (or even a car-free road). Karst area. Both banks are suitable to cycling. In some cases the distance between the banks is Here are some final notes about cycling about some kilometres; it means that the two facilities all along the route: sides of the Po may be quite different worlds, − almost in every city with more than 10.000 both very rich in culture and attractions. We inhabitants there is a bicycle shop, that is chose only one way: the one we think is the normally closed on Sunday; best for cycling (which means some crossings − at present the concept of bicycle friendly of the river on busy bridges); however, hotel, or business or whatever else related choosing one side means loosing something to cycle tourism is not enough developed. on the other.
Leaving Valenza, the route crosses the Po 5. Problems and suggestions and points to Pavia (Lombardia). Soon after Pavia it crosses the river again, entering Sometimes the route along the Po follows the Emilia. Near Bosco Tosca it crosses once low-level towpath near the water. This seat is again the Po, coming back to Lombardia. very interesting and pleasant, seldom with a green canopy of poplars and willows, but due Following the northern side of the river the to the frequent (yearly) flooding there are route approaches the city of Piacenza problems in utilising the towpath as a (Emilia). From Piacenza onwards, it follows permanent cycle route. mainly the southern side of the river, reaching Cremona, Guastalla, Mantova and Ferrara. In the wetlands along the Adriatic coast the route might be improved with some small From Ferrara the route continues toward the bridges and maybe some small ferries in order sea, partly on the southern side of the Po to follow trails deeply into this beautiful area, (Emilia), partly on the northern side (Veneto). with the possibility to pedal between the sea However, it does not reach the end of the and the lagoon. delta: in Contarina it turns to the north, pointing to Chioggia. One more problem is the property of the lane on the Po banks. In principle the owner of the From Chioggia to Venice the route follows thin bank is the River Po Water Authority islands bordering the Venetian Laguna, (Magistrato del Po) and although this body is connected to the mainland and to one another not “anti-bicycle”, it is reluctant to take any by short ferry lines. responsibility in terms of maintenance and road safety. It is therefore necessary that the After Venice the route continues close to the local road authority (we think it should be the sea, reaching Jesolo and Caorle. Province) applies for a road concession to the Magistrato del Po and then assumes the From Caorle onwards, the route leaves the management (surface, bridges, signs, safety) sea and runs behind the complex systems of of the route. Fortunately there are some rivers, channels, ponds and lagoons bordering Provinces (Parma, Modena, Mantova, Reggio the coast. Emilia, Cremona) that are eager to take the We tried to choose the best cycling task. The ultimate shape of the Po cycle route opportunities following minor roads; however, will result from the outcome of this process. some long stretches follow national roads with no provisions for the two wheels. 6. Technical facts The route touches Portogruaro, Latisana, Cervignano (inland centres) and finally points The proposed route follows mainly minor to the sea, reaching Aquileia, Grado and roads with little traffic. Monfalcone.
11 Stretches with heavy traffic may be estimated 7. Contacts in about 10% of the whole route (120 km). (*) indicates entities contacted for this report Two kinds of authorities are in charge of most roads concerned with the proposed route: Cycling associations − Province Administrations, which are in charge of most non-urban roads else than Mr. Antonio DALLA VENEZIA (*) highways and main roads (national roads); Amici della Bicicletta − Magistrato del Po (Po Water Authority), Viale Venezia 7 which is in charge of all towpaths and trails 30171 MESTRE (VE) close to the river. tel. +39-041 935619 e-mail: [email protected] Signposts for cyclists are available on near 100 km of the route (140 km if we include Mr. Claudio PEDRONI (*) alternative routes), mainly in Piedmont. Most FIAB - Federazione Italiana Amici della signposted stretches are within Po river park. Bicicletta Signals along signposted routes in the Park, Via Cesariano 11 however, are quite scarce. 20154 MILANO tel. +39-02 3313664 Signposts within Po park are complex tourist fax +39-02 3313664 signals, which consists mainly in square metal (and) plates, with yellow background, containing TUTTINBICI different symbols on the same plate: c.p. 1132 − a logo referring to the river 42100 REGGIO EMILIA − a logo with a cyclist and a pedestrian tel. +39-0522 303247 − (sometimes) a number or a letter referring tel. (home C. Pedroni) +39-0522 560838 to the route fax (office C. Pedroni) +39-0522 330546 e-mail: [email protected] − one or two opposite arrows with the
destination names. Mr. Pino PRETTO (*)
Gruppo Ulisse A different kind of signals have bee set up by Via S. Lazzaro 10 Province Administrations, first of all by 34122 TRIESTE Province of Torino2. These signals are very tel. (home) +39-040632847 similar to the ones applying to car drivers: fax (Mrs. Sabina BREGO) +39-0403794357 same shape and dimensions, same background (blue, white or brown). The chief Mr. Romolo SOLARI (*) difference is that cycling signposts contain the Amici della Bicicletta logo of the bike (standard logo fixed by Via Caffa 3/5b national laws). 16129 GENOVA Two main types of signals have been used by tel. +39-010 362 13 57 Province of Torino: fax +39-010 31 91 68 − big plates containing an arrow, the tel. (home) +39-010 3990894 destination name and the distance; − e-mail: [email protected] small plates containing an arrow and no destination name. Mr. Vanni TISSINO (*) ARUOTALIBERA The municipality of Saluzzo (CN) installed a Via Pola 5 different kind of signposts, consisting in a 33080 PORCIA (PN) small metal plate, with brown background, tel. (home) +39-0434 366729 containing the logo of a squirrel riding his bike, 3 fax (Mr. Loris TISSINO) +39-0434 520235 an arrow and the number of the cycling route . Mr. Antenore VICARI (*) Bici & Dintorni Via Andorno 35/b 2 Up to now the Province Administration of Torino 10153 TORINO signposted about 350 km of cycling routes in the tel. +39-011 888981 whole province. 3 The Municipality of Saluzzo signposted about 130 fax +39-011 888981 km of country cycle routes around Saluzzo.
12 Road authorities Provincia di Udine UDINE Mr. G. LEONI Provincia di Mantova Provincia di Venezia via P. Amedeo 30 VENEZIA 46100 MANTOVA tel. +39-0376 204317/6/5 Provincia di Vercelli fax +39-0376 321712 VERCELLI
Mr. Luigi SPINA Provincia di Torino Tourism authorities Corso Lanza 75 10131 TORINO Mrs. BEDANI tel. +39-011 8612 3082 Consulta delle Province del Po e-mail: [email protected] Provincia di Piacenza PIACENZA Magistrato del Po tel. +39-0523 795310 PARMA Mr. Mario BURGAY Provincia di Alessandria Servizio Turismo e Sport ALESSANDRIA Provincia di Torino Via Maria Vittoria 12 Provincia di Cuneo 10123 TORINO CUNEO tel. +39-011 861 2687
Provincia di Ferrara Mrs. Mariella CANTARELLI FERRARA Mrs. Mirca BOLOGNESI Assessorato al Turismo Provincia di Genova Provincia di Parma GENOVA Piazzale C. Battisti 15 43100 Parma Provincia di Gorizia tel. +39-0521 210833 GORIZIA Mr. Andrea CHIARI Provincia di Imperia Settore Attività Produttive IMPERIA Provincia di Reggio Emilia Via Mazzini 6 Provincia di Parma 42100 REGGIO EMILIA PARMA tel. +39-0522 459102 fax +39-0522 452343 Provincia di Pavia PAVIA Mr. Gualtiero SCHIAFFINO Assessorato allo Sport Provincia di Piacenza Provincia di Genova PIACENZA Piazzale Mazzini 2 16122 GENOVA Provincia di Reggio Emilia tel. +39-010 5499 236 REGGIO EMILIA fax +39-010 5499 582
Provincia di Rovigo ROVIGO Regional governments
Provincia di Savona Mr. Giuseppe FASIOL SAVONA Direzione Viabilità e Trasporti Regione del Veneto Provincia di Trieste VENEZIA TRIESTE tel. +39-041 295761
13 Mr. Enzo GINO Parco del Po - tratto Cuneese Regione Piemonte Via Griselda 8 Corso Bolzano 44 12037 SALUZZO (CN) 10121 Torino tel. +39-0175 46505 tel. +39-011 432 4630 fax +39-0175 248821 e-mail: [email protected] Mr. Stefano GRANDI Assessorato Mobilità U.O. Sicurezza Regione Emilia Romagna Viale Aldo Moro 30 40127 BOLOGNA
Regione Autonoma Friuli Venezia Giulia TRIESTE
Regione Liguria GENOVA
Regione Lombardia MILANO
Municipalities
Mr. Gianni STEFANATI Assessorato Ambiente Comune di Ferrara Via Oroboni 42 44100 FERRARA tel. +39-0532 56767 fax +39-0532 55035 e-mail: [email protected]
Natural Parks
Mr. Gianni ABBONA Parco del Po - tratto Torinese Cascina Le Vallere C.so Trieste 98 10024 MONCALIERI (TO) tel. +39-011 642831 fax +39-011 643218 e-mail: [email protected]
Mr. Carlo CARBONERO Parco del Po - tratto Vercellese/Alessandrino Piazza Giovanni XXIII 6 15048 VALENZA (AL) tel. +39-0384 84676 fax +39-0384 84754 e-mail: [email protected]
14 1. Ventimiglia - Albenga - Cuneo. Technical facts Stretch Km start max Type of roads Surface Traffic height height m ab. m ab. s.l. s.l. Ventimiglia - Dolceacqua - 33 10 280 minor roads asphalt medium Isolabona - Pigna Pigna - Baiardo -. Ghimbegna 36 280 900 minor roads asphalt low pass - Badalucco - Montalto Ligure Montalto Ligure - Carpasio - Col 54 315 1.167 minor roads asphalt low d'Oggia - S. Bernardo di Conio - Colla S. Bartolomeo - Ginestro pass Casanova Lerrone - Garlenda - Albenga Albenga -Zuccarello - Erli - 34 5 820 main road (14 asphalt medium (main Calizzano km), minor roads road), low (minor roads) Calizzano - Caragna - Murialdo 67 647 739 minor roads; asphalt, gravel (8 low; medium Piano - Montezémolo - Murazzano main roads (18 km) (main roads) km) Murazzano - Clavesana - Carrù - 50 739 739 main roads (28 asphalt medium Morozzo - Riforano - Cuneo km); minor roads (22 km) Total 274
1.1. Ventimiglia - Albenga - Cuneo. Tourist features Stretch Main Main tourist Trains Notes environmental attractions attractions Ventimiglia - Dolceacqua - bathing facilities in main railway hilly Isolabona - Pigna Ventimiglia; station in Menton, Ventimiglia, Ventimiglia Dolceacqua Pigna - Baiardo -. Ghimbegna olive groves, hilly pass - Badalucco - Montalto landscapes Ligure Montalto Ligure - Carpasio - Col olive groves, batghing facilities main railway hilly d'Oggia - S. Bernardo di Conio - landscapes in Albenga station in Albenga Colla S. Bartolomeo - Ginestro pass Casanova Lerrone - Garlenda - Albenga Albenga -Zuccarello - Erli - landscapes hilly Calizzano Calizzano - Caragna - Murialdo landscape; Alta railway station in hilly Piano - Montezémolo - Murazzano Langa Ceva (9 km from the route) Murazzano - Clavesana - Carrù - main railway hilly (18 km); flat Morozzo - Riforano - Cuneo station in Cuneo (32 km)
15 2. Alternative route Ventimiglia - Cuneo (mountain bikes only). Technical facts Stretch Km start max Type of roads Surface Traffic height height m ab. m ab. s.l. s.l. Ventimiglia - Dolceacqua - 33 10 280 minor roads asphalt medium Isolabona - Pigna Pigna - Madonna del Carmine - 42 280 2.042 minor roads asphalt 50%; low (50% car- Colla di Langan - Colla Belenda - 50%; old military gravel, earth free) Passo di Colladente - Passo di roads 50% 50% Tanarello - Monesi Monesi - Colle del Lago dei 47 1.310 2.111 old military roads gravel, earth low (80% car- Signori - Col della Boaria - Colle di 70%; main roads 70%; asphalt free) Tenda - Limone Piemonte 20%; minor 30% roads 10% Limone Piemonte - Vernante - 37 1009 1009 main road 80%; high 80%; low Borgo S. Dalmazzo - Cuneo - minor roads 20% 20% Total 159
2.1. Alternative route Ventimiglia - Cuneo (mountain bikes only). Tourist features Stretch Main Tourist facilities Trains Notes environmental attractions Ventimiglia - Dolceacqua - bathing facilities in main railway hilly Isolabona - Pigna Ventimiglia; station in Menton, Ventimiglia, Ventimiglia Dolceacqua Pigna - Madonna del Carmine - landscapes, alpine refuges very hilly Colla di Langan - Colla Belenda - mountain pastures available; tourist Passo di Colladente - Passo di facilities in Monesi Tanarello - Monesi Monesi - Colle del Lago dei landscapes, alpine refuges railway station in very hilly Signori - Col della Boaria - Colle di mountain available; tourist Limone Piemonte Tenda - Limone Piemonte pastures; Regional facilities in Limone Park Valle Pesio e Piemonte Alta Valle Tanaro Limone Piemonte - Vernante - landscapes, Cuneo railway station in hilly Borgo S. Dalmazzo - Cuneo - mountain pastures Cuneo
16 3. Cuneo - Torino - Casale - Valenza Po. Technical facts Stretch Km start max Type of roads Surface Traffic height height m ab. m ab. s.l. s.l. Cuneo - Borghetto - Busca - 32 534 553 minor roads asphalt 90%; low Verzuolo - Saluzzo (signposted from gravel 10% Busca to Saluzzo) Saluzzo - Villafranca Piemonte - 66 395 395 minor roads asphalt low Pancalieri - Carignano - Vinovo - (signposted from Tagliaferro - Torino Saluzzo to Villafranca) Alternative Saluzzo - Torino: 70 395 395 minor roads asphalt 90%; low, medium Saluzzo - Villafranca - Vigone - (almost all gravel 10% (10%) Scalenghe - Airasca - Volvera - signposted) Stupinigi - Torino Torino - S. Mauro - Gàssino - S. 32 210 230 cycling paths car-free 80%; Raffaele Cimena - Chivasso 30%; towpaths low 10%, 30%, trails, other medium-high roads. 10% Partially signposted Chivasso (bridge) - Verolengo - 55 183 183 minor roads asphalt 70%; low 90%; Crescentino - Palazzolo 90%; main roads gravel 30% medium-high Vercellese - Trino - Pobletto - 10%. Signposted 10% Morano sul Po - Casale from Crescentino to Casale Casale - Frassineto Po - 28 116 161 minor roads, all asphalt low Valmacca - Pomaro Monferrato - signposted Valenza Total (alternative not included) 283
3.1. Cuneo - Torino - Casale - Valenza Po. Tourist features Stretch Main Main tourist Trains Notes environmental attractions attractions Cuneo - Borghetto - Busca - Saluzzo railway station in nearly flat; cycle Verzuolo - Saluzzo Savigliano (13 km map available for from Saluzzo) 50% of the route Saluzzo - Villafranca Piemonte - Po River Regional Staffarda abbey, main railway flat; cycle map Pancalieri - Carignano - Vinovo - Park Torino station in Torino available for 30% Tagliaferro - Torino of the route Alternative Saluzzo - Torino: Po River Regional Staffarda abbey, railway station in flat; cycle map Saluzzo - Villafranca - Vigone - Park Stupinigi Royal Airasca; main available Scalenghe - Airasca - Volvera - Palace, Torino railway station in Stupinigi - Torino Torino Torino - S. Mauro - Gàssino - S. Po River Regional main railway flat; cycle map Raffaele Cimena - Chivasso Park station in Chivasso available (only for Turin)t Chivasso (bridge) - Verolengo - Po River Regional Casale railway station in flat; cycle map Crescentino - Palazzolo Park Casale available Vercellese - Trino - Pobletto - Morano sul Po - Casale Casale - Frassineto Po - Po River Regional railway station in nearly flat; cycle Valmacca - Pomaro Monferrato - Park Valenza map available Valenza
17 4. Link Genoa - Po river. Technical facts Stretch Km start max Type of roads Surface Traffic height height m ab. m ab. s.l. s.l. Genoa - Begato - Torrazza - S. 25 10 466 minor roads mostly asphalt low Olcese - Casella Casella - Busalla - Ronco Scrivia - 30 410 410 main roads asphalt medium/ Arquata Scrivia high Arquata Scrivia - Serravalle 55 248 248 mostly minor mostly asphalt low Scrivia - Castellar Ponzano - roads Rivalta Scrivia - Tortona - Castelnuovo Scrivia - Casei Gerola - Cornale Total 110
4.1. Link Genoa - Po river. Tourist features Stretch Main Main tourist Trains Notes environmental attractions attractions Genoa - Begato - Torrazza - S. Genoa; Walls park main railway Olcese - Casella (ancient defence station in Genoa; system behind railway link Genoa) Genoa-Casella Casella - Busalla - Ronco Scrivia - railway stations all Arquata Scrivia along the route from Busalla to Arquata Scrivia Arquata Scrivia - Serravalle railway stations Scrivia - Castellar Ponzano - along the whole Rivalta Scrivia - Tortona - route Castelnuovo Scrivia - Casei Gerola - Cornale
18 5. Valenza Po - Pavia - Cremona - Ferrara - Venice. Technical facts Stretch Km m Type of roads Surface ab. s. l. (start) (Valenza bridge), Pieve del Cairo, 60 90 Minor roads asphalt Sannazzaro dei Burgondi, (except bridges) Mezzana, Siccomario, Pavia Alternative: (Valenza bridge), 44 90 Minor roads asphalt (some gravel) Valenza, Bassignana, Isola (except bridges) S.Antonio, Cornale, (bridge), Sannazzaro Pavia, (Becca bridge), Albaredo, 61 77 First 15 km high traffic, then asphalt Bosco Tosca, (bridge), Monticelli minor roads (except bridges) Pavese, Orio Litta, Guardamiglio, S. Rocco, (bridge), Piacenza Piacenza, Caorso, Castelvetro, 60 50 Minor roads (cycle path planned asphalt 50% (Cremona), Soarza, Villanova from Piacenza to Caorso) macadam 50% d’Arda Villanova d’Arda, Zibello, 65 42 Minor roads (cycle path planned asphalt 40% Roccabianca, Mezzani, Brescello, for the whole stretch) macadam 40% Gualtieri, Guastalla gravel 20% Guastalla, (bridge), Dosolo, S. 60 25 Minor roads asphalt 40% Matteo, Borgoforte, (Governolo macadam 40% Bridge), S. Benedetto Po, gravel 20% Quingentole, Revere Revere, Sermide, Felonica, 60 16 Minor roads (cycle path asphalt Stellata, Bondeno, Ferrara planned) Ferrara, Ro, (Berra ferry), 60 8 Minor roads (cycle path planned asphalt Papozze, Bottrighe, Contarina from Ferrara to Ro) Contarina, Rosolina, Cavanella, 50 6 Minor roads asphalt Chioggia, (ferry to Pellestrina), (ferry to Alberoni), Lido, Venezia Total (alternatives not included) 520
5.1. Valenza Po - Pavia - Cremona - Ferrara - Venice. Tourist features Stretch Cycle tourism Environment Other attractions Notes facilities (Valenza bridge), Pieve del Cairo, Camping: Pavia, Bird Sanctuary in Pavia flat Sannazzaro dei Burgondi, Alessandria. Frascarolo Mezzana, Siccomario, Pavia Train: Valenza, Pavia Alternative: (Valenza bridge), Camping: moderately hilly; Valenza, Bassignana, Isola Alessandria. cycle map S.Antonio, Cornale, (bridge), Train: Valenza, available Sannazzaro Voghera Pavia, (Becca bridge), Albaredo, Train: Stradella, Ticino river flat Bosco Tosca, (bridge), Monticelli Piacenza Regional Park Pavese, Orio Litta, Guardamiglio, S. Rocco, (bridge), Piacenza Piacenza, Caorso, Castelvetro, Camping: Cremona Cremona, flat (Cremona), Soarza, Villanova Train: Cremona, Piacenza d’Arda Busseto, Colorno Villanova d’Arda, Zibello, Youth Hostel: flat Roccabianca, Mezzani, Brescello, Guastalla Gualtieri, Guastalla Guastalla, (bridge), Dosolo, S. Train: Borgoforte, Mincio and Oglio Sabbioneta, flat Matteo, Borgoforte, (Governolo S. Benedetto Po, rivers Guastalla, Bridge), S. Benedetto Po, Revere Mantova (12 km Quingentole, Revere from the route) Revere, Sermide, Felonica, Camping and Ferrara flat Stellata, Bondeno, Ferrara Youth Hostel in Ferrara Train: Revere, Bondeno Ferrara Ferrara, Ro, (Berra ferry), Train: Ferrara, Po delta Natural flat Papozze, Bottrighe, Contarina Loréo Park Contarina, Rosolina, Cavanella, Campings avail. Venice laguna Chioggia, Venice flat; cycle map Chioggia, (ferry to Pellestrina), Train: Chioggia, available (ferry to Alberoni), Lido, Venezia Venice
19 6. Venice - Trieste. Technical facts Stretch Km m Type of roads Surface ab. s. l. (start) Venezia, (ferry to Punta Sabbioni), 45 2 Minor roads asphalt (some gravel) Cavallino, Lido di Jesolo, Caorle Caorle, Portogruaro, Alvisopoli, 40 4 Minor roads (some stretch with asphalt S.Giorgio, Latisana high traffic) Latisana, Precenicco, Carlino, 45 4 Minor roads; high traffic stretch asphalt (some gravel) Cervignano, Aquileia, Grado from Cervignano to Grado (18 km) Grado Monfalcone, Sistiana, 70 4 Minor roads; some high traffic asphalt (some gravel) Trieste stretch from Monfalcone to (Slovenian border) Sistiana (11 km) Alternative from Monfalcone to 34 4 Minor roads asphalt (some gravel) Trieste via Karst: Monfalcone, Medeazza, Visogliano, S. Pelagio, Gabrovizza, Villa Opicina, Trieste Total (alternatives not included) 234
4. Venice - Trieste. Tourist features Stretch Cycle tourism Environment Other attractions Notes facilities Venezia, (ferry to Punta Sabbioni), Campings Venice laguna Jesolo, Caorle flat; cycle map Cavallino, Lido di Jesolo, Caorle available (seaside resorts) available Caorle, Portogruaro, Alvisopoli, Campings Concordia flat S.Giorgio, Latisana available Sagittaria- Train: Portogruaro, Latisana Latisana, Precenicco, Carlino, Campings Marano laguna Aquileia (basilica, flat Cervignano, Aquileia, Grado available archaeological Train: Latisana, excavations, Cervignano archaeological museum), Grado (basilica, bathing facilities) Grado Monfalcone, Sistiana, Campings close to Karst Trieste moderately hilly Trieste available (Slovenian border) Train: Monfalcone, Trieste Alternative from Monfalcone to Campings inside Karst; hilly Trieste via Karst: Monfalcone, available. Grotta Gigante Medeazza, Visogliano, S. Pelagio, Train: Monfalcone, (tourist cavern) Gabrovizza, Villa Opicina, Trieste Trieste
20 Slovenia
1. About the proposed route Trieste-Rijeka. To fully evaluate the Slovenian stretch it would be necessary The Mediterranean Route will interest considering the whole route. Slovenia just for a short stretch, since Slovenian coast is quite short. The longer route - Škoćianske jame - We thought of two possible routes, depending features: both on the future status of international − Škoćianske jame, famous tourist cavern; borders in the area, and on the availability of − Reka river; a new cycling path from Trieste to the Italian- − Ilirska Bistrica, small town on the road Slovenian border of Pesek, passing through Ljubliana-Rijeka and railway station on Val Rosandra, a Natural Park near the the line Ljubljana-Rijeka. border. The project of the above cycling path, which will go partly through Italy, partly The shorter route – Val Rosandra - features: through Slovenia, is supported by local − Val Rosandra, small but very interesting cycling groups and is now under discussion; Natural Park, appreciated by climbers and we hope it may be implemented soon. wanderers;
− a pleasant area in the Karst (Ćićarija). As for borders, the only international borders in the area are along main roads; therefore they are not very safe for cycle tourists. 3. Route description Some small Italian-Slovenian borders are indeed open, but they may be used only by The longer route starts from the Italian- people living in the area. This will no longer Slovenian border of Basovizza and follows be a problem within a few years, since minor roads up to Škoćianske jame. Then it Slovenia is going to enter the European continues along a minor road parallel to the Union. On the contrary, minor borders river Reka up to the village of Ribnica. From between Slovenia and Croatia are now Ribnica to Ilirska Bistrica (13 m) the route completely closed. We hope that in the future keeps along the river but follows the national they will be opened, but it might take time. road Ljubljana-Rijeka. Leaving Ilirska Bistrica, the route continues along Reka river, The alternative cycling routes we are thinking following minor roads; finally it reaches the of are a long route, via Škoćianske jame, and Slovenian-Croatian border of Rupa. a short one, via Val Rosandra. The whole stretch is 69 km long and does not The route via Škoćianske jame uses feature big gradients. international borders but is quite long and follows 13 km of national busy road. The shorter route, trough Val Rosandra, The route through Val Rosandra will take starts near the Italian-Slovenian border of advantage of the future cycling path and is Pesek, and follows minor roads leading to the more direct. However, it goes through a small village of Podgorje, just 2 km from the Slovenian-Croatian border (Podgorje) which border between Slovenia and Croatia. As we is closed at present. already said, this border is closed at present. Both alternatives have been put out on the The whole stretch is about 16 km long, and map with the help of cycling experts living in has little gradients. the area. The routes we draw, however, are to be intended as first proposals, which have A comparison between the length of the two to be assessed by cycling groups and public stretches ought to consider the whole route administrations in Slovenia; an agreement is Trieste-Rijeka. If we include the Croatian also needed between public administrations stretch, the route Trieste-Rijeka via in Slovenia, Croatia and Italy. Škoćianske jame attains a total length of near 90 km (69+20,5 km). The alternative route through Val Rosandra has a total length of 2. Introducing the route about 65 km (16+48,5 km).
The following notes describe the stretch through Slovenia, which is part of the route
21 4. Contacts
(*) indicates entities contacted for this report
Municipalities
Mrs. Breda PECAN Mayor of Izola
Obcina Izola Soncno nabrezje 8 6310 Izola
Slovenia tel. +386-66-480-100 fax. +386-66-480-110
1 –Proposed route (Škoćianske jame) Stretch length starting max present environmental tourist tourist Km height height traffic level features attractions facilities m m above above s. l. s. l. Basovizza (Italian 34 407 450 low Karst; Reka Škoćianske border) - Lokev- river jame (tourist Vremski Britof - Ribnica cavern)
Ribnica - Ilirska Bistrica 13 350? 400? high Small town of Ilirska Bistrica
Ilirska Bistrica - 22 400? 460? low Jablanica -Sušak - Novokraćine - Rupa (Croatian border) Total 69
2 – Possible future route (Val Rosandra) Stretch length starting max present environmental tourist tourist Km height height traffic level features attractions facilities m above m above s. l. s. l. Pesek (Italian border) - 450 507 low Val Rosandra Kozina- Prešnica - (natural park), Podgorje (Croatian Karst border)
22 Croatia
1. About the proposed route The route we are proposing has been defined in co-operation with the Croatian National Croatian coast consists of several mountain Tourist Board, on the basis of suggestions chains parallel to the shoreline, with a coming from cycling experts with a good multitude of narrow islands facing the shore. knowledge of the Croatian coast (in A unique main road - the so called Magistrala particularly Kvarner Gulf and upper Dalmatia). - borders the coast: it is a narrow road with The route, however, is to be considered as a quite a lot of traffic, particularly in summer. first proposal, which has to be put down in Highlands behind the mountains features more details after farther investigations and some minor roads with little traffic. However, which has to be assessed by public links from the highlands to the coast are administrations and cycling associations generally very hard and therefore would keep involved. cyclists away from the sea and its attractions (beaches, seaside resorts, historical towns, islands). Moreover some highland roads are 3. Main points of interest wiped out by strong winds and may be quite difficult to cycle. Main natural features and tourist attractions of the proposed route are: The cycling route we are introducing tries to − Rijeka, main city and main harbour, with avoid high mountains and keeps as close as ferry links to major Croatian ports; possible to the sea. In many cases it goes − Krk and Rab islands, appreciated tourist through the islands facing the coast, which is destinations in Kvarner Gulf; the easiest way to avoid the Magistrala. − Zadar, attractive historical town and tourist Islands are not only cycle-friendly: they are resort, with ferry links to major Croatian real Mediterranean and main tourist ports and to Italy (Ancona); attractions! − Šibenik, historical town and tourist resort, Most ferry links from the islands to the coast at the edge of Krka National Park (famous are permanent; however, some of them are because of its cascades); scheduled only in summer and must therefore − Split, main city and main harbour, with be substituted by alternative routes in the ferry links to major Croatian ports and to other seasons. Italy (Ancona). Split is also appreciated as historical city and seaside resort; − Brać island, attractive tourist destination; 2. Introducing the route − Makarska and its coast, with very appreciated bathing facilities; The proposed route attains a total length of − 540-560 km, depending on two possible Dubrovnik, world famous art city and starting points, that is two alternative borders appreciated sea side resort, with between Slovenia and Croatia. international airport and ferry links to major The routes includes 6 ferry connections, two Croatian ports, to Italy (Ancona, Bari) and of which (Baška-Lopar, from Krk island to Rab to Greece (Igoumenítsa). island; Sumartin-Makarska, from Brać island to the dry land) are scheduled only from the A wide range of tourist facilities are available end of May to the end of September. all along the cycling route.
The route through Croatia has mainly to be Regular ferry lines connecting all major regarded as a hilly route. As we already said, Croatian ports (Rijeka, Zadar, Šibenik, Split, mountains are very closed to the sea. We just Dubrovnik) allow cyclists to substitute one or notice that islands too (which are the remains more stretches with ferries. of former mountain chains) are very hilly! Most roads consist of an endless series of slopes; 4. Route description in most cases, however, slopes are neither very long nor very steep. As we already said, the border between
Slovenia and Croatia may be crossed near
23 Rupa, on the mountains behind Rijeka, or (14 km). Unfortunately no alternatives are near Podgorje, in upper Istria. available, neither in winter nor in summer. Both connections Jablanac - Magistrala and The route Rupa - Rijeka (20 km) follows minor Magistrala - Prizna features significant slopes, roads going down directly to Rijeka. but not very long. The route Podgorje - Rijeka (38 km) follows minor roads in upper Istria (Ćićarija), with very In Prizna a permanent ferry link connects the little traffic. Then it goes down to the sea, not dry land with Žigljen, on the peninsula of Pag. far from Opatija (famous seaside resort), and finally reaches Rijeka. From Žigljen to Zadar (79) the route follows Both alternatives are to be regarded as hilly the minor road along the thin Pag peninsula, routes. touching the seaside resorts of Novalja and Pag. At the bottom of the peninsula (Ražanac) From Rijeka to Malinska (34 km) the proposed the route turns right along minor roads leading route finds its way in the urban area of Rijeka, directly to Zadar. touching the village of Bakar, following the The route Žigljen - Zadar consists mainly of scenic route bordering Bakar bay and finally level roads, but for the first stretches Žigljen- reaching Kraljevica, appreciated seaside Novalja and Novalja-Pag. resort at the entry of the bay. In Kraljevica the route leaves the dry land following the From Zadar to Šibenik (66 km) the route impressive bridge (with a very narrow cycling keeps behind the hills bordering the coast, path) that links the coast with the island of along minor roads with gentle slopes. Some Krk. Then it reaches the seaside resort of stretches (10-15 km) are not asphalted. A few Malinska, on the western coast of the island. kilometres before Šibenik the route crosses The stretch Rijeka-Malinska consists partly of the scenic Krka fiord, and follows the main minor roads, partly of main roads, with road (Magistrala) leading to the city. The final medium/high traffic; it features many slopes, stretch (about 6 km) features high traffic but gradients are not very high. roads.
From Malinska to Baska (34 km) the route From Šibenik to Split (69 km) the route leaves follows minor roads with little traffic through once again the coast, following minor hilly Krk island. It features several slopes, none of roads on the highlands, with little traffic; some which is too hard. short stretches (about 10 km) are not A seasonal ferry, sailing from the end of May asphalted. Near Trogir, very attractive to the end of September, connects the small historical town, the route comes down to the seaside resort of Baska, at the southern end sea. From Trogir to Split the route follows of Krk, to the village of Lopar, at the northern minor roads (with medium traffic) all along the end of the island of Rab. shoreline (the Magistrala runs a little bit A minor road, with some slopes (particularly in higher). the first stretch) links Lopar to Mišnjak, at the southern end of Rab. From Split to Ploće two alternatives are A ferry line, sailing all year long, connects available: a summer route, through the island Mišnjak with Jablanac, on the dry land. of Brać and a winter route through the dry land. Since the ferry link Krk - Rab is scheduled only in summer, from October to May cyclists The summer route leaves the dry land in Split. must necessarily find their way on the dry A permanent ferry link connects Split to land: this means following minor roads behind Supetar, on the island of Brać. From Supetar the shoreline from Kraljevica to Novi to Sumartin, at the eastern end of Brać, Vinodolski (about 28 km) and then cycling on cyclists follow minor roads, partly bordering the main road - the Magistrala - from Novi the sea, partly climbing the mountains; most Vinodolski to Jablanac (about 40 km). We roads have little traffic and are quite hilly. The must however say that traffic in winter is much stretch through Brać is 40 km long. less than in summer, since tourist flows are Sumartin has ferry link with Makarska, chief little. tourist resort of the coast with the same name. This ferry, however, sails only from the end of From Jablanac to Prizna (19 km) the route May to the end of September. follows a relatively short stretch of Magistrala
24 From Makarska to Ploće (55 km) the route Almost all roads are asphalted: not asphalted keeps far from the coast, behind the stretches are probably less than 30 km. mountains bordering the shoreline. The route follows minor roads featuring very hilly stretches (Hrastovac pass, 601 m). 6. Contacts
The dry-land route from Split to Ploće follows (*) indicates entities contacted for this report minor roads behind the coast: the first stretch goes from Split to Omis (valley of river Vilar); Cycling associations the second one from Omis to Katuni, along the beautiful canyon of river Cetina; the last Croatian Cycling Federation stretch runs on the highlands behind Hrvatski Biciklistićki Savez Makarska coast. In Ravća the winter route Trg sportova 11, soba 14 joins the summer route coming from 10000 ZAGREB Makarska, reaches Vrgorac and finally goes tel. +385-1-350 526, 350 555, 350 502 (01 down to Ploće. The dry-land route from Split instead of 1 when calling from within Croatia) to Ploće is about 120 km long and features fax +385-1-350 502, 391 119, 391 128 (01 very hilly stretches (Turija pass, 715 m, half instead of 1 when calling from within Croatia) way from Grabovaş to Vrgorac). e-mail: [email protected] http://public.srce.hr/cycle/ In Ploće the route points once more to the sea: a permanent ferry link leads to Trpanj, on the peninsula of Peljesac. Tourism boards From Trpanj to Ston (55 km), at the bottom of the peninsula, the route follows minor roads, Mr. KENDA (*) mainly hilly, with little traffic. Croatian National Tourist BoardIlica 1a, 10000 ZAGREBtel. +385-1-4556 455, 431 015 (01 From Ston to Dubrovnik (52 km) the route instead of 1 when calling from within Croatia) keeps close to the coast, partly on minor fax +385-1-428 674 (01 instead of 1 when roads, partly on the Magistrala. About 50% of calling from within Croatia) the route has heavy traffic. But for some stretches the route follows level roads, or roads with little gradients.
In Dubrovnik, unfortunately, the route stops. As we already said, the land border between Croatia and Yugoslavia (Montenegro) is closed at present. The only way to go on is taking the ferry to Greece (Igoumenítsa) passing through Bari (Italy). From Bari it is also possible to reach Albania (Durrës).
5. Technical facts
The proposed route is about 550 km long. Near 20% of the route (110 km) runs through islands facing the coast: Krk, Rab and Brać. The route through the island of Rab and Brać, however, may be cycled only in Summer, since in the other seasons ferries do not sail. Dry land alternatives are available but features some stretches with heavy traffic (Magistrala).
The summer route follows mainly minor roads with little traffic; high traffic stretches may be estimated in about 60 km (11% of the route).
25 1. - Rupa (Slovenian border) - Rijeka. Proposed route - Technical facts Stretch length starting height max height present traffic level Km m above s. l. m above s. l. Rupa (Slovenian border) - Škalnica - 460 460 low Marćelji - Viškovo - Rijeka
1.1 - Rupa (Slovenian border) - Rijeka. Proposed route - Tourist features Stretch environmental tourist attractions tourist facilities features Rupa (Slovenian border) - Škalnica - Rijeka historical town ferry connections from Marćelji - Viškovo - Rijeka centre, Rijeka National Rijeka to Zadar, Split, museum Dubrovnik, and other croatian ports
2 - Podgorje (Slovenian border) - Rijeka. Possible future route - Technical facts Stretch length starting height max height present traffic level Km m above s. l. m above s. l. Podgorje (Slovenian border) - Jelovice - 600 660 low Vodice - Mune - Zvoneşe - Matulji (Opatjia) - Diracje - Rijeka
2.1 - Podgorje (Slovenian border) - Rijeka. Possible future route - Tourist features Stretch environmental tourist attractions tourist facilities features Podgorje (Slovenian border) - Jelovice - Karst landscape, Rijeka historical town Opatija famous seaside Vodice - Mune - Zvoneşe - Matulji Kvarner gulf (beautiful centre, Rijeka National resort, ferry connections (Opatjia) - Diracje - Rijeka landscape) museum from Rijeka to Zadar, Split, Dubrovnik, and other croatian ports
26 3 - Rijeka - Zadar. Technical facts Stretch length starting height max height present traffic level Km m above s. l. m above s. l. Rijeka - Draga - Vitoševo (Bakar) - 10 280 low/medium Škrljevo - Meja-Gaj - Križišşe - Bakarac - Krajlevica - Omišalj - Malinska Malinska - Dobrinj - Vrbnik - Baška 10 316 low Baska - Lopar (by ferry) - Supetarska 22 10 120? low Draga - Rab - Mišnjak Alternative (winter) route Rijeka - 10 307 low (40%); Jablanak: medium/high (60%) Rijeka - Draga - Vitoševo (Bakar) - Škrljevo - Meja-Gaj - Križišşe -Kostelj - Bribir - Novi Vinodolski - Senj - Lokva - Jablanac Mišnjak - Jablanac (by ferry) - Prizna 10 300? medium/high Prizna - Žigljen (by ferry) - Novalja - 28 10 250? low Kolan - Pag Pag - Dinjiška - Ražanac - Poljica - Zadar 11 95 low Total (alternative route not included)
3.1 - Rijeka - Zadar. Tourist features Stretch environmental tourist attractions tourist facilities features Rijeka - Draga - Vitoševo (Bakar) - Bakar bay; Krk island Kralijevica (picturesque Kralijevica and Malinska Škrljevo - Meja-Gaj - Križišşe - Bakarac - village); Ostro beaches seaside resorts Krajlevica - Omišalj - Malinska (Kralijevica); Malinska beaches
Malinska - Dobrinj - Vrbnik - Baška Krk island Baška beaches
Baska - Lopar (by ferry) - Supetarska Rab island Rab (ancient Rab seaside resort Draga - Rab - Mišnjak picturesque village); Rab beaches Alternative (winter) route Rijeka - Bakar bay; Vinodol Novi Vinodolski and Novi Vinodolsky seaside Jablanak: (wineyards) Senj historical town resort Rijeka - Draga - Vitoševo (Bakar) - centers Škrljevo - Meja-Gaj - Križišşe -Kostelj - Bribir - Novi Vinodolski - Senj - Lokva - Jablanac Mišnjak - Jablanac (by ferry) - Prizna Jablanac (picturesque Jablanac seaside resort village) Prizna - Žigljen (by ferry) - Novalja - Pag island Novalja and Pag Novalja and Pag Kolan - Pag beaches seaside resorts
Pag - Dinjiška - Ražanac - Poljica - Zadar Pag island Zadar historical town Zadar tourist resort; center; Zadar ferry lines from Zadar to archaeological musemu Italy, to Rijeka, to Split, to Dubrovnik and other croatian ports
27 4 - Zadar - Split. Technical facts Stretch length starting height max height present traffic level Km m above s. l. m above s. l. Zadar - Galovac - Gorica - Kakma - Vrana 8 156 low - Banjevci - Putićanje - Zaton - Šibenik Šibenik - Dubrava - Danilo Gornje - Slivno 34 385 low/medium - Sitno - Prgomet - Labin - Sv. Oštak (Trogir) - Kaštela - Split Total
4.1 - Zadar - Split. Tourist features Stretch environmental tourist attractions tourist facilities features Zadar - Galovac - Gorica - Kakma - Vrana Vrana lagoon; Krka Krka fiord; Šibenik Šibenik tourist resort; - Banjevci - Putićanje - Zaton - Šibenik National Park (Šibenik) historical town center ferry lines to Italy, to Zadar and other croatian ports Šibenik - Dubrava - Danilo Gornje - Slivno Trogir historical town; Trogir seaside resort; - Sitno - Prgomet - Labin - Sv. Oštak Split historical town Split tourist resort; ferry (Trogir) - Kaštela - Split centre; Diocletian lines to Italy, Rijeka, Palace in Split; Split Zadar, Dubrovnik and archaeological Museum other croatian ports
5 - Split - Dubrovnik. Technical facts Stretch length starting height max height present traffic level Km m above s. l. m above s. l. Split - Supetar (by ferry) - Postira - 9 391 low Pućisşa - Selca - Sumartin - Makarska (by ferry) Makarska - Tućepi - Hrastovac pass - 55 14 601 low Kljenak - Ravća - Vrgorac - Umćani - Staševica - Ploće Alternative (winter) route Split - Ploće: 9 715 low Split - Mravince Srinjine - Gata - Zvećanje - Blato na Cetini - Katuni - Sestanovac - Grabovaş - Zagvozd - Kozica - Vrgorac - Umćani - Staševica - Ploće Ploće - Trpanj (by ferry) - Županje Selo - 10 278 low Potomje - Popova Luka - Dubrava - Sparagovic - Ston Ston - Doli - Banişi - Majkovi - Trsteno - 10 100 low/high Zaton - Mokošica - Dubrovnik Total (alternative route non included)
5.1 - Split - Dubrovnik. Tourist features Stretch environmental tourist attractions tourist facilities features Split - Supetar (by ferry) - Postira - Brać island, Makarska Supetar beach, Makarska main seaside Pućisşa - Selca - Sumartin - Makarska coast Makarska beaches, resort (by ferry) Makarska historical town Makarska - Tućepi - Hrastovac pass - Neretva delta Kljenak - Ravća - Vrgorac - Umćani - Staševica - Ploće Alternative (winter) route Split - Ploće: Cetina river; Neretva Omis beaches (6 km Omis seaside resort (6 Split - Mravince Srinjine - Gata - Zvećanje delta from the route) km from the route) - Blato na Cetini - Katuni - Sestanovac - Grabovaş - Zagvozd - Kozica - Vrgorac - Umćani - Staševica - Ploće Ploće - Trpanj (by ferry) - Županje Selo - Peljesac island Peljesac beaches Ston little seaside resort Potomje - Popova Luka - Dubrava - Sparagovic - Ston Ston - Doli - Banişi - Majkovi - Trsteno - Koloćep channel Slano (attractive village); Slano small seaside Zaton - Mokošica - Dubrovnik Slano beaches resort; Dubrovnik historical city and main seaside resort; Dubrovnik international airport; ferry links to Italy, Greece and other Croatian harbours
28 Yugoslavia (Montenegro)
1. About the proposed route The national railway Bar-Podgorica allows avoiding one of the hardest stretches of the As we already told the coast border between whole route (Sutoran pass, from Budva to Croatia and Montenegro (near Herceg Novi) is Virpazar). closed at present. Some sport groups recently succeeded in passing it, but they had to reach special agreements with border authorities. 2. Main stops of the route
The only open border is the one with Albania The proposed route starts in Bar, both main (Hani i Hotit), which however is quite far from harbour and appreciated sea side resort. the coast (about 75 km, if one follows main The route climbs Rumija mountain, just behind roads). Bar, and reaches the village of Virpazar, on the south-western bank of the beautiful At present, the main door to Montenegro Shkodër lake. coast is Bar. In Virpazar the cycling route forks: one branch Bar, Montenegro and Yugoslavia chief points to Podgorica and Hani i Hotit; the other harbour, has regular ferry links with Italy one to Budva and Herceg Novi. (Bari). Another ferry line connects Bar with Greece (Igoumenítsa), but the ferry has to sail Main stops of the stretch from Virpazar to through Bari. In times of lower international Hani i Hotit are: tensions a ferry line connects Bar to Albania − Rijeka, picturesque village at the very end (Durrës) and to Igoumenítsa (Greece). of a small fjord diving into Shkodër lake; − Podgorica, Montenegro capital, main We worked therefore on a possible cycling railway station on the line Bar-Belgrade. route through Montenegro which allows cycle tourist to go from Bar to Hani i Hotit, on one Chief stops on the stretch from Bar to Herceg side, and from Bar to Herceg Novi, on the Novi are: other side, hoping that in the next future the − Budva, picturesque centre and well known border near Herceg Novi me be opened seaside resort; again. − Tivat, small town and seaside resort on We must also notice that Bar is not far form a the bank of Tivat bay; minor border with Albania (Murigan), which − Boka Kotorska, one of most attractive fjord might lead directly to Shkodër and to the in southern Europe; Albanian coast. − Herceg Novi, nice town at the beginning of Boka Kotorska. We looked for minor roads suitable to cycle tourism on a good map at the scale 1 to 200.000. Then we submitted our proposal to 3. Route description the Cycling Union of Montenegro, which expressed a great interest in joining the From Bar to Virpazar (31,5 km) the route project. The Cycling Union has links with follows a minor road up to Sutoran pass (884 many cycling groups all over the world, and m), featuring a very long slope (13 km with an organises in Montenegro training and tourist average gradient of 6,5%). The route offers trips for foreign cyclists. beautiful views both on the Adriatic sea and on Shkodër lake (on the other side of the The cycling route we introduce is to be pass). intended as a first proposal, which still needs Instead of climbing Sutoran pass, Virpazar to be validated by local experts and public may be reached with a long detour on the authorities. hillside of Rumija mountain, following a minor road which does not avoid slopes, but which is The proposed route attains a total length of indeed less hard. The alternative road, with a 184 km and follows mostly mountain roads total length of 74 km, features long and (please notice that Montenegro means "black impressing views on Shkodër lake. mountain"!).
29 From Virpazar to Podgorica (48,5 km), the route follows minor roads, in a land of hills and Cycling associations waters, among which the attractive Rijeka fjord. Slopes are present but mostly soft. From Branko Hajdukovic (*) Podgorica to Hani i Hotit (24,5 km) it is difficult Cycling Union of Montenegro to find a route other than the national road. Biciklistićki Savez Crne Gore Further investigations should assess whether 84000 Bijelo Polie cycle-friendly alternatives are available or not. M. Kućevişa b.b. p.o. box 130 From Virpazar to Budva (31,5 km) the route tel. +381 84 21 838 follows minor country roads (mostly not fax +381 84 27 910 asphalted) going up the valley of Oranouska e-mail: [email protected] river and reaching the main road Cetinje- Budva, very close to Seoštik pass (876 m). After the pass the route points down to the sea, following the main road or preferably a parallel not asphalted trail. Near the village of Martinovişi (5 km from the pass), the route turns right on a minor (asphalted) road, winding down to Budva. The above stretch is very hilly; detailed investigations in the field should assess whether gradients and country roads are suitable to cycle tourists.
From Budva to Tivat (31 km) the route follows a minor roads parallel to the national road (Magistrala) going to Tivat. After 5 km it crosses the Magistrala and follows the minor road climbing Grbalj mountain, which separates the main road from the sea; then the route follows minor hilly roads, parallel to the coast, up to the town of Tivat, on the eastern bank of Tivat bay.
A ferry line links Tivat with Kamenari, on the opposite side of the narrow Verige fjord which separates Tivat bay from Kotor bay. The route continues on the other side of bay, following a minor road close to the shoreline, up to the city of Herceg Novi. The whole stretch is 17 km long.
4. Technical facts
All roads considered in the above proposal are minor roads, but for the stretch Podgorica - Hani i Hotit, which is a national road and is 25 km long (14% of the whole route).
Non-asphalted roads may be estimated in about 20 km (near 11% of the whole route).
5. Contacts
(*) indicates entities contacted for this report
30 1. Stretch Bar - Virpazar. Technical facts Stretch length starting max height present traffic level Km height m above s. l. m above s. l. Bar - TuČemili - Sutorman pass - Limljani - 10 884 low Virpazar (mountain route) Bar - Dobra Voda - Krute - Brajše - Rastiš - 10 500? low Arbnes - Kostanica - Donja Briska - Dorji Murişi - Šestani - Seoca - Virpazar (longer alternative route)
1.1. Stretch Bar - Virpazar. Tourist features Stretch environmental tourist attractions tourist facilities features Bar - TuČemili - Sutorman pass - Limljani - Stari Bar (old Bar seaside resort; Virpazar picturesque village); ferry lines from Bar to (mountain route) Bar beaches; Shkodër Italy and Albania; rail lake (beautiful view) links from Bar to Podgorica and Belgrade Bar - Dobra Voda - Krute - Brajše - Rastiš - Stari Bar (old Bar seaside resort; Arbnes - Kostanica - Donja Briska - Dorji picturesque village); ferry lines from Bar to Murişi - Šestani - Seoca - Virpazar Bar beaches; Shkodër Italy and Albania (longer alternative route) lake (beautiful view)
2. Stretch Virpazar - Podgorica - Hani i Hotit (Albanian border). Technical facts Stretch length starting max height present traffic level Km height m above s. l. m above s. l. Virpazar - Komarno - Rijećani - Rijeka 10 250? low Crnojevića - Rvaši - Gornji Kokoti - Farmaci - Donja Gorica - Gornja Gorica - Podgorica Podgorica - Tuzi - Hani i Hotit (Albanian 30 65 medium? border) Total 0
2.1. Stretch Virpazar - Podgorica - Hani i Hotit (Albanian border). Tourist features Stretch environmental tourist attractions tourist facilities features Virpazar - Komarno - Rijećani - Rijeka Shkodër lake; Rijeka Podgorica Podgorica (medium Crnojevića - Rvaši - Gornji Kokoti - Farmaci - Crnojevica (fiord) (Montenegro capital) city); rail links from Donja Gorica - Gornja Gorica - Podgorica Podgorica to Bar and Belgrade Podgorica - Tuzi - Hani i Hotit (Albanian Shkodër lake border)
31 3. Stretch Virpazar - Herceg-Novi. Technical facts Stretch length starting max height present traffic level Km height m above s. l. m above s. l. Virpazar - Dupilo - Optoćişi - Seoštik pass - 10 876 low/medium? Martinovişi - Budva Budva - Prijevor - Glavati - PobrČe - 10 300? low Vranovişi - uraševişi - Mrćevac - Tivat Tivat - Donja Lastva - (ferry) - Baniş - 10 50? low/medium? enovişi - Meljine - Herceg-Novi Total
3.1. Stretch Virpazar - Herceg-Novi. Tourist features Stretch environmental tourist attractions tourist facilities features Virpazar - Dupilo - Optoćişi - Seoštik pass - Budva (picturesque Budva seaside resort; Martinovişi - Budva village) Budva beaches Sv. Stefan seaside resort (7 km from Budva) Budva - Prijevor - Glavati - PobrČe - Tivat bay Tivat beaches Tivat seaside resort Vranovişi - uraševişi - Mrćevac - Tivat Tivat - Donja Lastva - (ferry) - Baniş - Tivat bay, Boka Herceg Novi historical Herceg Novi (little enovişi - Meljine - Herceg-Novi Kotorska (beautiful centre town) fjord)
32 Albania
1. About cycling in Albania Rome and reached Ancona, Durrës, Fier, Vlorë, Sarandë and Butrint5. It is not easy to speak about cycle tourism in In Spring 1998 Bikeabout, a no profit Albania. organisation based in the USA, which Bikes are very popular in Albania, but long promotes peace and co-operative distance cycling is mainly a matter of selected understanding through bicycling and the sport groups. Roads conditions are generally increased use of technology in education, did very bad, due to a long-time lack of a cycling trip in Albania, with the support of maintenance; even the most important roads - the Albanian Cycling Union. The trip, due to like Tirana-Durrës - are filled with big political tensions at the time the Bikeabouters potholes. Some roads leading to the borders - came to Albania, was limited to the stretch for instance the one leading to the Greek Tirana-Durrës6. border going to Ioannina - are in much worse conditions, since up to 1991 borders where closed and completely neglected. 2. About the proposed route
As for foreign tourism, it concerns mainly the The Albanian Cycling Union suggested us an most important cities, with direct international ideal cycling tour all along the Albanian connections: Tirana and Durrës. An increasing coastline, from Yugoslavia (Montenegro) to number of day trippers reach by ferry from Greece. The proposed tour follows main Greece (Corfu and Igoumenítsa) the southern roads, the same roads that would be used to port of Sarandë, a pleasant seaside resort cross Albania by car, but for the southern very close to Greece. stretch (car drivers would certainly prefer the inner route Vlorë-Gijrokaster instead of the Unfortunately, due to political tensions, the coast route Vlorë-Sarandë). difficult economic situation and fightings in The proposed route meets some important Kosovo, travelling in Albania may be unsafe at EuroVelo requirements: it reaches major cities present. and ports, leads to attractive tourist destinations (beaches, seaside resorts, But let us look to the future. A general natural parks, lakes and lagoons) and has program for roads maintenance and mainly small gradients. The problem is that construction has been launched, supported by traffic conditions seem in most cases European funds and partners. The national incompatible with cycle tourism. In many government, in co-operation with the cases traffic is neither very high nor very fast European Bank for Reconstruction and (due to the small width of the roads and to the Development made a tourism development bad maintenance), but we have to expect that plan which should affect, among other in the next future, along with the economic regions, the coastline. The World Bank growth and a better road maintenance, the recently agreed to support quality tourism and number of cars and lorries will considerably development in Albanian Ionian coast (from increase. Vlorë to Sarandë), included the rehabilitation of the coast road from Butrint (near Sarandë) For these reasons we looked for alternative to Llogarait pass (half-way from Sarandë to routes linking the same urban and tourist Vlorë)4. destinations but using minor roads. We did it at the desk on the base of a detailed road As for cycle tourism, interesting contacts have map, at the scale 1 to 300.000. Unfortunately been recently set up between foreign cycling we did not succeed in discussing in detail our groups and Albanian groups. In 1997 the job with the Albanian Cycling Union. Albanian Cycling Union together with others foreign cycling and pacifist groups took part to Our suggestions must therefore be intended a "Friendship Tour" promoted by the Soros as a first proposal, which need to be validated Foundation in Albania. The tour started from 5 More information may be found in the Internet Web site of the Soros Foundation in Albania: 4 Albanian Daily News n. 853, August 6 1998 http://www.soros.al/tour (http://web.albaniannews.com). 6 More information at http://www.bikeabout.org.
33 by local experts and by investigations in the Yugoslavia (Montenegro). A small road, field. It is also very important that the final passing by Muriqan, might cross the Albanian- route is directly suggested by Albanian cycling Yugoslavian border on the southern side of groups and Albanian public authorities. Shkodër lake, but is closed at present. This We must however say that looking for bike- road would be an interesting cycling route, friendly roads, with little traffic, might be a very since it keeps closer to the coast and avoids hard bet, since - as we hope - Albania might main roads. develop quite fast, and traffic conditions might be very difficult to foresee. From Hani i Hotit to Shkodër (hotel accommodation) the route goes along the plane on the eastern bank of the beautiful 3. Main stops of the route Shkodër lake. The main road - 35 km long - might partially be substituted by minor roads, The most important stops of the route, as for but the maps we have do not show a clear tourist attractions and for travel services alternative. (international and inland connections, tourist accommodation, etc.), may be described as From Shkodër to Lezhë - 50 km - the route follows: goes through a cultivated plane, pointed with − Shkodër in the north, very ancient and small villages and bordered with hills with very picturesque city, both for its urban terraces. Hotel accommodation is available in characters and for its environmental Lezhë. To the east of the main road, some features (Shkodër lake); minor roads going in the same direction seem − Lezhë, not many kilometres south from to be quite suitable to cycle tourism. Shkodër, good access to beaches and bathing facilities; From Lezhë to Fushë-Krujë - 48 km - the main − Krujë, 30 km north from Tirana, small roads goes on the foot of the mountains, historical town, very close to all Albanians' touching villages and industrial plants, like the harts (castle belonging to Skanderbeg, ones near Laç. From Fishe-Krujë a side road - Albanian national hero); 10 km - leads to the historical town of Krujë − Tirana, Albanian capital city and unique (hotel accommodation); this roads features international airport (29 km - 30 minutes some hard slopes. from the city); As an alternative to the main road from Lezhë − Durrës, the most important Albanian city in to Laç, cycle tourists might follow minor roads ancient times and the main Albanian port, through the plane that has been reclaimed with ferry connections to Italy (Bari). after the second world war (like most planes Durrës is also an attractive sea side resort; along the coast). As for the stretch from Laç − Karavastar lagoon (some 20 km west from onwards, the best cycling alternative might be Lushnië), with high potential tourist interest the mountain road linking directly Laç to Krujë. both for its environmental features This road seems to have steep and long (national park) and for its beaches; slopes and might not be suitable to all cycle − Fier, medium size city near the important tourists. archaeological excavations in Apollonia; − Vlorë, second Albanian port and attractive From Fushë-Fruje to Tirana - 21 km - the natural environment (sweet hills, Narte route goes along the plane. There are two lagoon, Vlorë bay); main roads, and a third one passing by Tirana − Sarandë, third Albanian port and very airport. Probably all roads have too much attractive seaside resort, which in normal traffic. Therefore it seems necessary to find a times has ferry links to Greece (Corfu and better alternative. Igoumenítsa). Not far from Sarandë are the famous archaeological excavations of Tirana is linked to Durrës - about 40 km from Butrint (UNESCO World Heritage Site). the capital - by means of two roads; neither of them has significant slopes. The one more on the north is faster and has partially been 4. Route description converted into a highway. The other road, following the river Erzen, is more narrow and As we already said Hani i Hotit, on the winding, but anyway seems to have much northern side of Shkodër lake, is the only traffic. Better alternatives may probably be international border between Albania and
34 found not far from the road on the north, but coast road Sarandë - Butrint - Konispol need further investigations. (Albania) - Skála (Greece) - Kestríni - Igoumenítsa. However, this border is closed at The stretch Durrës - Fier (hotel present, and the road - not asphalted and accommodation) is quite long: 79 km along neglected since long - is in very bad the main road, 100 km using minor roads. We conditions. Its cyclist and tourist interest is hope that in the next future new hotels will be anyway high: it goes parallel to the island of available both in the town of Lushnië and Corfu, very close to the coast, borders Butrint along the coast (Divjakë beaches; Karavastar lake, touches Butrint archaeological national park). excavations, avoids significant slopes and is From Durrës to Kavajë it seems quite difficult - indeed the quickest link between Albania and at a first glance - to find alternatives to the Greece (60 km from Sarandë to Igoumenítsa). main road. From Kavajë to Fier minor roads suitable to cyclists - and indeed more Waiting for the opening of this border, the best interesting - might be found close to the link to Greece is the ferry Sarandë- shoreline. Igoumenítsa or Sarandë-Corfu-Igoumenítsa. The above roads are mainly level and The only road border open at present is introduce to the wonderful landscapes of Kakavi, a mountain border 46 km from southern Albania: olive groves, orchards, Sarandë and about 150 km from Igoumenítsa! vineyards, terracings.
Fier is linked to Vlorë (hotel accommodation) 5. Technical facts by a level main road, 37 km long. The landscape - a mix of waters, hills, orchards - is The proposed route is about 460 km long. beautiful. Minor alternative roads may probably be found, but need further Main roads linking Hani i Hotit, Shkodër, investigations. Lezhë, Fushë-Krujë, Tirana, Durrës, Kavajë, Lushnië, Fier, Vlorë and Sarandë are national The stretch Vlorë-Sarandë (hotel roads. accommodation) is the longest one. The main road following the shoreline is 138 km long, The main roads from Hani i Hotit to Vlorë are and climbs a high mountain pass (Llogarait widely damaged with potholes (even the main pass, 1.027 m). The traffic is low at present, road Tirana - Durrës). The coast road Vlorë- and the landscape is extremely beautiful: Sarandë is very narrow and even more forests covering the northern side of Llogarait damaged. pass (national park), amazing views on the sea, picturesque villages, terraces, orchards, As for present maintenance conditions almost real Mediterranean flavours. Because of high all roads are not suitable to cycle tourists. gradients, this road is suitable only to a minority of cycle tourist. Even for them, the As for traffic conditions, we estimate that 70% stretch Vlorë-Sarandë might be too long. of main roads (330 km on a total length of 460 However, cyclist groups may probably find km) have too much traffic. accommodation in the little town of Himarë (74 km from Vlorë); as for the future, the predicted Following alternative minor roads would tourist development of the coast might bring reduce the stretches with too much traffic to more tourist facilities. about 180 km (40% of the whole route). An alternative to the hilly coast road might be the minor road Vlorë-Borsh (85 km), passing behind the mountains facing the coastline. This road follows Shushices river and reaches the sea through a lower pass, touching small villages, with no tourist accommodation. From Borsh to Vlorë (35 km) the route should follow the national route or - preferably - minor roads to be find upon detailed investigations.
The most interesting cycling connection between Albania and Greece would be the
35 6. Contacts
(*) indicates entities contacted for this report
Cycling associations
Mr. Burhan BERISHA (*) Mr. Ilirjan ÇULE (*) Albanian Cycling Federation Rruga: Dervish Hima 31 TIRANA tel. +335-42-28196 fax +335-42-27963 tel. (home B. BERISHA) +335-42-44661
Non-governmental organisations
Open Society Foundation of Albania - OSFA Main Office Rr. Mihal Duri, 15 TIRANA tel./fax +355-42-346 21; 358 56; 358 55
36 1. Shkodër - Tirana. Technical facts Main route Km starting max traffic level Alkternative route Km max height height m following minor roads height m above above m above s. l. s. l. s. l. Hani i Hotit - Shkodër 35 16 50? low/medium ? apparently difficult to find 35 (*) Shkodër - Bushat - 50 16 16 medium ? Shkodër - Qyrsaç - 51 150 Balldren - Lezhë Trashan - Kallmeti i Madh - Lezhë Lezhë - Tresh - Zejmen 10 10 10 medium ? Lezhë - Ishull i Lezhës - 14 10 Shënkoll - Zejmen Zejmen - Milot - Laç 14 10 30 medium ? apparently difficult to find 14 (*) Laç - Mamurras - 24 30 35 medium ? Laç - Krujë (Kurbin 40 600? Thumanë - Borizanë - mountain) Fushë-Krujë Fushë-Krujë - Krujë 10 30 300? medium ? (see above) Krujë - Fushë-Krujë 10 300? 300? medium ? apparently difficult to find 10 (*) Fushë-Krujë - Kamez - 21 30 110 high ? apparently difficult to find 21 Instituti Bujqesor - Tirana (*) Total 174 185 (*) We assume, for the moment, to use main roads
1.1. Shkodër - Tirana. Tourist features Main route environmental features tourist attractions tourist facilities
Hani i Hotit - Shkodër Shkodër lake (very Shkodër, historical town (very hotel accommodation in picturesque) picturesque); Rozafat Shkodër fortress, near Shkodër; Folk Museum Shkodër - Bushat - Lezhë beaches hotel accommodation in Balldren - Lezhë Lezhë; seaside resort in Shengijn (10 km from Lezhë) Lezhë - Tresh - Zejmen Zejmen - Milot - Laç Laç - Mamurras - Krujë, historical town; hotel accommodation in Thumanë - Borizanë - Skanderbeg's castle in Krujë Krujë Fushë-Krujë Fushë-Krujë - Krujë Krujë, historical town; hotel accommodation in Skanderbeg's castle in Krujë Krujë Krujë - Fushë-Krujë Fushë-Krujë - Kamez - Tirana historical museum; hotel accommodation in Instituti Bujqesor - Tirana Tirana archaeological Tirana museum; Tirana Park
37 2. Tirana - Vlorë. Technical facts Main route Km starting max traffic level Alkternative route Km max height height m following minor roads height m above above m above s. l. s. l. s. l. Tirana-Durrës 41 110 110 very high ? apparently difficult to find 41 (*) Durrës - Kryqëzim-Plëpat - 20 5 25 high ? apparently difficult to find 20 Kavajë (*) Kavajë - Lekaj - Gosë - 17 25 25 high ? Kavajë - Hajdaraj - Kalush 30 50? Rrogozhinë - Rrogozhinë Rrogozhinë - Lushnië - 42 20 20 medium ? Rrogozhinë - Divjakë - 50 50? Fier Kryekuq - Libofshë - Mbrostar - Fier Fier - Koshovicë - Levan - 37 15 95 medium ? apparently difficult to find 37 Ura e Mifolit - Vlorë (*) Total 157 178 (*) We assume, for the moment, to use main roads
2.1. Tirana - Vlorë. Tourist features Main route environmental features tourist attractions tourist facilities
Tirana-Durrës Durrës beaches Durrës historical town; hotel accommodation and Durrës roman ruins; Durrës seaside resort in Durrës; archaeological museum ferry connections from Durrës to Italy, Yugoslavia (Montenegro), Greece and other Albanian ports Durrës - Kryqëzim-Plëpat - Kavajë Kavajë - Lekaj - Gosë - Rrogozhinë Rrogozhinë - Lushnië - Karavastar lagoon (national hotel accommodation in Fier Fier park); Divjakë beaches; Apollonia archaeological excavations (12 km from Fier) Fier - Koshovicë - Levan - Narte lagoon; Vlorë bay (very hotel accommodation in Ura e Mifolit - Vlorë picturesque) Vlorë; ferry connections from Vlorë to Italy and other Albanian ports
38 3. Vlorë - Sarandë. Technical facts Main route Km starting max traffic level Alkternative route Km max height height m following minor roads height m above above m above s. l. s. l. s. l. Vlorë - Orikum - Llogarajt 103 10 1027 low ? Vlorë - Drashovicë - Kotë - 85 700? pass - Himarë - Borsh Brataj - Kallarat - Kuç - Fterë - Borsh Borsh - Lukovë - Sarandë 35 150? 300? low ? apparently difficult to find 35 (*) Total 138 120 (*) We assume, for the moment, to use main roads
3.1. Vlorë - Sarandë. Tourist features Main route environmental features tourist attractions tourist facilities
Vlorë - Orikum - Llogarajt Llogarajt forest (national hotel accommodation in pass - Himarë - Borsh park); beautiful views over Vlorë; accommodation for the sea (coast road); groups in Himarë picturesque villages (coast road) Borsh - Lukovë - Sarandë picturesque terracing hotel accommodation in (orchards in Lukovë and Sarandë; ferry connections Sarandë); Sarandë bay; from Sarandë to Greece Butrint archaeological (Corfu and Igoumenítsa) and excavations (16 km from other Albanian ports Sarandë)
39 40 Greece
1. About the proposed route − Igoumenítsa, most northern Ionian harbour, with ferry lines to Italy, Croatia Population has a relatively low density in and Albania (Sarandë). Igoumenítsa is just Greece (less than 80 inhabitants per sq. km); in front of Kérkira (Corfu) island, one of the moreover, near 30% of the population lives in oldest and most appreciated Greek Athens and its surroundings. seaside resorts, with international airport Greece offers therefore a good number of and regular ferry lines to Italy, Croatia and minor roads with little traffic, most of which are Albania (Sarandë); suitable for cycle tourism. The main problem − Ípiros coast, with nice beaches and nice is that Greece is really a mountainous land! seaside resorts (Párga), widespread ancient remains (among which Nikopolis) With the help of the Friends of the Bicycle in and non-intensive tourism; Athens we tried to find a cycling route from − Préveza, main town of Ípiros coast, and Igoumenítsa (very close to the Albanian main access to the Ionian island of border) to Athens, going whenever possible Lefkáda, well known seaside resort; along the coast (Ionian coast, northern sides − Akarnanía coast, highly scenic shoreline, of Pátra and Corinth gulfs). The proposed with small seaside resorts (Mytikas, route has a total length of about 580 km. Astakós), facing Ionian islands at a very Our working tool was a good geographical short distance. The small port of Astakós map at the scale 1 to 250.000. has ferry links to Ionian islands and other The route we are introducing is a first proposal Greek harbours; that has to be defined in more details upon − Náfpaktos, attractive town at the western farther investigations, with the agreement of end of Corinth gulf. Náfpaktos is not very public authorities and cycling associations far from Pátra, offering international ferry involved; the Friends of the Bicycle have just links to Italy, Croatia and Turkey; started working on it. − Itéa, small centre on Corinth gulf, basis for
the ascent to Delphi; The proposed route meets almost all − Delphi sanctuary, chief Greek EuroVelo requirements, reaching major cities and ports and leading to highly attractive archaeological park, navel of the ancient era and fixed destination for every destinations, like beaches and seaside traveller; resorts, lagoons, lakes and very important − archaeological parks (among which Delphi Elikón mountain, scenic relief all along the sanctuary). The only problem are gradients: Corinth gulf, fixed cycling alternative to tourists cycling through Greece must expect high traffic roads from Delphi to Thíva; − slopes and descents behind every corner. The Thíva (Thebes), main town on the way route we propose has indeed some steep from Delphi to Athens. Thíva and Athens slopes; most of them, however, are neither too are linked to one another by train; − long nor too hard. Párnitha mountain, fixed cycling Some difficult stretches may be substituted alternative to main roads from Thíva to with ferry links, from-to the coast harbours of Athens; Igoumenítsa, Astakós (small harbour with − Athens, chief tourist destination, with all ferry connections with the Ionian islands), kind of international and inland links, by Pátra and Piraeus (Athens). The stretch Thíva air, sea and rail. (Thebes) - Athens, which features some hard Refreshment and accommodation (hotels and slopes, may be substituted by train. other kind of facilities) are available at quite short intervals all along the route. However, some mountain stretches (Astakós-Náfpaktos; 2. Main stops of the route Náfpaktos-Itéa; Delphi-Thíva) need further investigations about present services The most important stops of the proposed availability. route, both in terms of tourist attractions and of travel services (international ferry lines, tourist accommodation, etc.), may be described as follows:
41 3. Route description features many slopes; however, none of them is very long, even if some are steep. Igoumenítsa harbour is indeed the easiest The whole stretch Préveza-Astakós is 56 km access to Greece coming from Albania. Bur long. for times of high political tension, ferry lines connect Sarandë (Albanian most southern From Astakós to Matarága (65 km) the route harbour) with Igoumenítsa. Another leaves the sea, following a minor road. The international ferry connection links Sarandë first stretch is really mountainous, with a quite with the Ionian island of Kérkira (Corfu), just in steep slope; then the route turns into a level front of Igoumenítsa (Igoumenítsa and Kérkira road, bordering Aheloós river and the planes too are linked by ferry). behind Messolónghi lagoon. As we already told a very bad (and not The coast road Messolónghi-Náfpaktos is a asphalted) road connects Konispol, the most national road with quite a lot of traffic; the southern Albanian village (35 km south from cycling route has therefore to leave the sea Sarandë and very close to the border) with the and pass behind the mountains bordering the Greek village of Skála (20 km north from coast. So the route points to Matarága, with Igoumenítsa). some (easy) slopes through a land of hills and Unfortunately the border is not open at waters. Matarága lies to the southern bank of present, even if frontier authorities may, in Trichonis lake. A short stretch of the route some cases, allow tourist group to pass (less than 10 km) is not asphalted. through it. We must notice that also the road from Sarandë to Konispol is in bad conditions. From Matarága to Náfpaktos (48 km), the route goes along the southern bank of the From Igoumenítsa to Párga (49 km) we lake; then it leaves the lake and points to the propose a minor road along the coast, which coast, climbing two passes, which however passes by Sívota and Pérdika. It is a scenic are not very hard. route, touching a pleasant seaside resort All roads from Astakós to Náfpaktos are minor (Sívota) and nice beaches, which however roads with little traffic. features many slopes (Párga mountain); moreover, the first stretch of the route (about From Náfpaktos to Lidoríki (58 km) the route 10 km) is a national road (though not with very follows minor inner roads. The first stretch high traffic). climbs up the mountains bordering the Further investigations should assess real northern side of Corinth gulf. The second conditions and gradients of the coast road, stretch follows Mornos river, up to Mornos and the possibility to avoid the national road. It lake. Lidoríki is a small centre on the eastern seems also necessary to check traffic bank of the lake. The whole road is very conditions of the access to Párga, which is a scenic but also very hilly: a real pleasure, but highly attractive seaside resort, even if small. mainly for experienced cyclists!
From Párga to Préveza (61 km) the route From Lidoríki to Itéa (50 km) the route follows follows a first stretch of inner minor roads, with a minor mountain road bordering the southern some slopes, and then the level road along and eastern sides of Lidoríki mountain. It is a the coast, which generally has not high traffic, scenic but hilly route offering nice views on even if it is a national road. Main Corinth gulf. A few kilometres before Ámfissa environmental features are the many rivers the route points to the coast, following a minor and Ambrákia lagoon (near Préveza). The road going down to Itéa. route touches some archaeological parks. As an alternative to the mountain roads From Préveza to Aktio, just in front of Préveza Náfpaktos-Lidoríki-Itéa (108 km), cyclists (on the opposite site of Préveza Straits) it is might choose the national road from necessary to take a ferry: the planned bridge Náfpaktos to Itéa (77 km). This road has much will non be ready before several years. more traffic, but is easier and much shorter From Aktio to Vónitsa (15 km) the route than the other ones, which might prove to be follows a national road with high traffic. difficult for medium cyclists. After Vónitsa it follows a minor road all along the shoreline, with absolutely beautiful views From Itéa to Delphi (17 km) the route follows a on the close islands of Lefkáda, Itháki and major road bordering the beautiful olive other smaller ones. Traffic is little, but the road groves leading to Delphi; finally, with some
42 hard slopes, it climbs up to Delphi, on the 5. Contacts hillside of Mount Parnassus. The route is asphalted and very steep; unfortunately in (*) indicates entities contacted for this report certain seasons it may have a quite heavy traffic. However, Delphi is absolutely worth Cycling associations seeing! Mr. Petros VALTAZANOS (*) From Delphi to Dístomo (32 km) the route Friends of the Bicycle follows minor mountain roads, featuring some 23 E. Karavia & Patmou hard slopes and some non-asphalted Kato Patissia stretches (about 5 km). This route too offers 11254 ATHENS nice views on Corinth gulf. e-mail: [email protected] tel. (office P. VALTAZANOS) +30-1-7273801 The route from Dístomo to Thíva (Thebes) is fax (office P. VALTAZANOS) +30-1-7273794 77 km long. The first stretch, from Dístomo to tel. (home P. VALTAZANOS) +30-1-8048310 Thísbi (40 km), follows a mountain road, with e-mail (P. VALTAZANOS): [email protected] continuous slopes and descents. The following stretch Thísbi-Thíva (37 km) is also a minor road, mostly level. Tourism boards
From Thíva to Athens (69 km), the route Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) follows minor roads, climbing up - with some Ellinikos Organismos Tourismou (EOT) hard slopes - the relief leading to Párnitha PO Box 1017, Odos Amerikis 2b mountain. Then it crosses the regional border 10564 ATHENS with Atikí and goes down with steep descents tel. +30-1-322 3111 towards Filí and Athens. fax +30-1-322 4148 Some stretches (maybe 10 km) are not asphalted.
4. Technical facts
The proposed route through Greece attains a total length of about 580 km. It uses only shared roads. Most of them are minor roads, but some are national roads (about 150 km). The longest stretches of national roads is the road Náfpaktos-Lidoríki-Ámfissa and the road Párga-Préveza; however, both do not seem to have high traffic. Stretches on national roads with heavy traffic may be estimated in about 30-40 km, that is 6% of the whole route.
Some mountain roads are not asphalted: they attain in total about 25-30 km, that is 5% of the whole route. The longest non-asphalted stretches are from Angelókastro to Lisimáchia, in the Elikón mountain (from Delphi to Desfína) and on the way from Thíva to Athens (Pástra mountain, Párnitha mountain).
43 1. Igoumenítsa - Náfpaktos (and Pátra). Technical facts Stretch length starting height max height present traffic level Km m above s. l. m above s. l. Igoumenítsa - Platariá - Sívota - Pérdika - 49 10 300? low/medium? Agiá - Párga Párga - Mesopótamo - Lygia - Kanáli - 61 10 100? low/medium? Nikópoli - Préveza Préveza - Vónitsa - Páleros - Mytikas - 56 10 200? low/medium Astakós Astakos - Lesini - Gouria - Angelokastro - 65 10 300? low Klisorevmata - Mataraga Matarága - Káto Makrinou - Vlahomndra - 48 100? 300? low Náfpaktos Total 279
1.1. Igoumenítsa - Náfpaktos (and Pátra). Tourist features Stretch environmental tourist attractions tourist facilities features Igoumenítsa - Platariá - Sívota - Pérdika - Kérkira (Corfu) island beaches (Sívota, Hotel accommodation Agiá - Párga (beautiful view on Karavostasi, Párga); in Sívota and Párga Kérkira) Parga (picturesque (sea side resorts) village) Párga - Mesopótamo - Lygia - Kanáli - Ambrákia lagoon Nekromanteion oracle; hotel accommodation Nikópoli - Préveza Nikópolis in Préveza; archaeological international airport excavations (with (mainly summer) in museum); Préveza and Préveza Nikópolis beaches Préveza - Vónitsa - Páleros - Mytikas - Ionian islands Páleros, Mytikas hotel accommodation Astakós (beautiful view on (picturesque small in Vónitsa and in the Lefkáda, Itháki, villages) small seaside resort of Cephalonia) Mytikas and Astakós; ferry connections from Astakós to Itháki and Cephalonia Astakos - Lesini - Gouria - Angelokastro - Ionian islands hotel accommodation Klisorevmata - Mataraga (beautiful view on in Etolikó and Itháki, Cephalonia, Messolónghi (12 km Zákintos); Messolónghi from Etolikó) lagoon Matarága - Káto Makrinou - Vlahomndra - Trichonis lake Velvina archaeological Hotel accommodation Náfpaktos excavations; Náfpaktos in Náfpaktos (seaside (picturesque little resort); ferry town); Náfpaktos connections from beaches Pátra (20 km from Náfpaktos) to Italy, Croatia, Turkey and other Greek ports.
44 2. Náfpaktos (and Pátra) - Delphi. Technical facts Stretch length starting height max height present traffic level Km m above s. l. m above s. l. Náfpaktos - Chiropígado - Filothéi - Lidoríki 58 10 400? low? Lidoríki - Malandríno - Vouníhora - Agía 50 100? 200? low? Evthimía - Itéa Itéa - Delphi 17 10 400? low/high Total 125
2.1. Náfpaktos (and Pátra) - Delphi. Tourist features Stretch environmental tourist attractions tourist facilities features Náfpaktos - Chiropígado - Filothéi - Lidoríki Mórnos river; Mornos Hotel accommodation lake in Lidiríki Lidoríki - Malandríno - Vouníhora - Agía Lidoríki mountain Physkeis Hotel accommodation Evthimía - Itéa (beautiful view over archaeological in Itéa Corinth gulf) excavations; Itéa beach Itéa - Delphi Hrissó olive groves; Delphi sanctuary Hotel accommodation Parnassus national (archaeological in Kírra, Hrissó and park excavations; museum) Delphi
3. Delphi - Athens. Technical facts Stretch length starting height max height present traffic level Km m above s. l. m above s. l. Delphi - Desfína - Dístomo 32 400? 600? low Dístomo - Stíri - Kiriáki - Agía Ána - Thísbi - 77 600? 700? low Eloría - Léfktra - Melissohóri - Thíva (Thebes) Thíva - Neohoráki - Dafnoúla - Píli - Filí - Néa 69 218 800? low/medium Liósia - Athens Total 178
3.1. Delphi - Athens. Tourist features Stretch environmental tourist attractions tourist facilities features Delphi - Desfína - Dístomo Elikó mountain hotel accommodation in Desfína and Dístomo Dístomo - Stíri - Kiriáki - Agía Ána - Thísbi - Elikó mountain Ossios Loukas hotel accommodation Eloría - Léfktra - Melissohóri - Thíva (Thebes) monastery; Thíva in Thíva (Thebes); rail (Thebes) connection Thíva - archaeological Thebes (min rail link) museum Thíva - Neohoráki - Dafnoúla - Píli - Filí - Néa Párnitha mountain Párnitha national park; hotel accommodation Liósia - Athens Kleistón monastery; in Athens and other Athens (Acropolis; neighbour centres; ancient agorá; roman international airport in agorá; Pláka quarter; Athens; ferry archaeological connection from museum; Cyclades art Piraeus (Athens museum; Byzantine harbour) to Italy, museum; etc.) Turkey, other Mediterranean countries and most Greek ports
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Mediterranean Route...... 1 1. Main theme of the Route...... 1 2. Cycle tourism along the Mediterranean ...... 1 3. The present report...... 2 4. The proposed Route ...... 2 France...... 3 1. Cycling in the South ...... 3 2. About the proposed route...... 3 3. Main points of interest ...... 3 4. Route description ...... 4 5. Technical facts ...... 5 6. Contacts...... 5 Italy ...... 9 1. Cycling in the North...... 9 2. About the proposed route...... 9 3. Main points of interest ...... 9 4. Route description ...... 10 5. Problems and suggestions ...... 11 6. Technical facts ...... 11 7. Contacts...... 12 Slovenia ...... 21 1. About the proposed route...... 21 2. Introducing the route ...... 21 3. Route description ...... 21 4. Contacts...... 22 Croatia ...... 23 1. About the proposed route...... 23 2. Introducing the route ...... 23 3. Main points of interest ...... 23 4. Route description ...... 23 5. Technical facts ...... 25 6. Contacts...... 25 Yugoslavia (Montenegro) ...... 29 1. About the proposed route...... 29 2. Main stops of the route...... 29 3. Route description ...... 29 4. Technical facts ...... 30 5. Contacts...... 30 Albania ...... 33 1. About cycling in Albania ...... 33 2. About the proposed route...... 33 3. Main stops of the route...... 34 4. Route description ...... 34 5. Technical facts ...... 35 6. Contacts...... 36 Greece ...... 41 1. About the proposed route...... 41 2. Main stops of the route...... 41 3. Route description ...... 42 4. Technical facts ...... 43 5. Contacts...... 43 Overview maps
A N N E X E
Overview maps