Greek Motorway Concessions

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Greek Motorway Concessions GENERAL SECRETARIAT FOR CONCESSIONS GREEK MOTORWAY CONCESSIONS SEPTEMBER 2011 Preface This Report presents in summary the problems that were encountered during the implementation of the five Greek Motorway Concessions Projects that are under construction, the actions taken by the General Secretariat for Concessions of the Hellenic Ministry of Infrastructure, Transport and Networks (MITN) and the progress of negotiations with the Concessionaires and the lending Banks to this day. The technical and financial analysis for every project is reported and a solution to the problems is investigated. The basic elements of the New Toll Policy which should be followed after the completion of the negotiations are also presented. This report aims to assist in improving the understanding and coordination of the jointly responsible Ministries of Infrastructure, Transport and Networks and Finance and their Consultants in the next phase of negotiations with the Concessionaires and Lending Banks. Responsibility for the contents of this report lies with the undersigned. The views and proposals included in this report by no means bind the Greek State. Contributors to the compilation of this report:: Stefania Trezou, Dr. Civil Engineer NTUA, Technical Consultant in the General Secretariat for Concessions. Kleopatra Petroutsatou, Dr. Civil Engineer NTUA, Administrator in the General Secretariat for Concessions. Georgios P. Smyrnioudis, Partner, Ernst & Young, who had the responsibility of the financial calculations, and his associates. Additional participants in the Working Groups during negotiations: Antonios Markezinis, Legal Advisor for Concessions of Ministry of Infrastructure, Transport and Networks. Dimitrios Anagnostopoulos, Civil Engineer NTUA, Technical Consultant in the General Secretariat for Concessions. The responsible Directors of the MITN and their teams. Sergios Lambropoulos General Secretary for Concessions ii TABLE OF CONTENTS Synopsis ............................................................................................................. 1 1 The problems of Motorways Concession Contracts ................................. 1 2 The Framework of Understanding and its application .............................. 2 3 Proposals ..................................................................................................... 3 3.1 Facing the toll revenues decline ................................................................................ 3 3.2 Redesign of technical scope ...................................................................................... 4 3.3 Claims and compensations evaluation ...................................................................... 5 3.4 Negotiation with the Lenders ..................................................................................... 6 3.5 Negotiations with Concessionaires ............................................................................ 7 4 Legal basis for the reestablishment of the CC equilibrium....................... 7 5 Search for alternative financial sources .................................................... 7 6 New toll policy .............................................................................................. 8 CHAPTER 1 ......................................................................................................... 9 Summary Presentation of Motorway Concession Projects ............................. 9 2.1 The Program of Concession Motorways ................................................................... 9 2.2 CCs with disbursement suspension by Banks ........................................................ 10 2.3 The funding of Egnatia Odos ................................................................................... 11 CHAPTER 2 ....................................................................................................... 34 Problems of Motorway CCs ............................................................................. 34 2.1 The CC logic ............................................................................................................ 34 2.2 Inherent problems of CCs ........................................................................................ 34 2.3 Dealing with inherent problems ............................................................................... 35 2.4 Problems due to the financial crisis ......................................................................... 36 2.5 Impact of problems on CCs ..................................................................................... 36 iii CHAPTER 3 ....................................................................................................... 38 Investigation of Problems ................................................................................ 38 3.1 Forecasts for traffic loads and revenues by Concessionaires ................................. 38 3.2 Contracts’ termination .............................................................................................. 40 3.3 Other country practices ........................................................................................... 42 3.4 The problems investigation framework .................................................................... 44 3.5 The Framework of Understanding ........................................................................... 45 CHAPTER 4 ....................................................................................................... 47 The Tolls Problematic ...................................................................................... 47 4.1 The role of tolls and social reactions ....................................................................... 47 4.2 Contractual arrangements for toll collection ............................................................ 47 4.3 Framework of Understanding: Proposed restructuring of toll policy ........................ 49 4.4 Proposed measures at the State’s cost ................................................................... 49 4.5 Proposed measures to be examined by the Concessionaires ................................ 50 4.6 Alternative Concessionaire Proposals ..................................................................... 53 4.7 Specific provisions per Concession Contract .......................................................... 56 4.8 Necessary next steps .............................................................................................. 57 4.9 Long-term toll policy................................................................................................. 57 CHAPTER 5 ....................................................................................................... 59 Aegean Motorway Concession Contract......................................................... 59 5.1 Project Identity ......................................................................................................... 59 5.2 Problems .................................................................................................................. 61 5.3 Compensation, Penalties, Technical Differences and Arbitration ........................... 62 5.4 The Banks' position ................................................................................................. 63 5.5 Updated FM for the Concessionaire and Sensitivity Analyses ................................ 64 5.6 Scenario assessment .............................................................................................. 68 5.7 Adjustment in the operation of toll stations .............................................................. 69 iv CHAPTER 6 ....................................................................................................... 82 Olympia Odos Motorway Concession Contract ............................................. 82 6.1 Project Identity ......................................................................................................... 82 6.2 Financing of the Project ........................................................................................... 82 6.3 Traffic and Income Problems ................................................................................... 84 6.4 Technical Issues / Problems – Deadlines................................................................ 87 6.5 Compensation, Penalties, Technical Disputes, and Arbitration Procedures .......... 88 6.6 The Position of the Banks and Negotiable Elements .............................................. 90 6.7 Results of the Updated Financing Model and Sensitivity Analyses ........................ 90 6.8 Evaluation of the Scenarios ..................................................................................... 97 CHAPTER 7 ..................................................................................................... 100 Ionia Odos Concession Contract .................................................................. 100 7.1 Project Identity ....................................................................................................... 100 7.2 The problems ......................................................................................................... 102 7.3 Technical issues / Problems – Deadlines .............................................................. 109 7.4 Compensation, Penalties, Technical Disputes and Arbitration ............................. 111 7.5 The position of the Banks .....................................................................................
Recommended publications
  • September 2014
    Issue 06 | Autumn 2014 We are stepping on the gas to complete the Project! The bridge of Ancient Korinthos Current traffic opened to traffic arrangements OLYMPIA PASS page 3 page 4-5 page 7 www.olympiaodos.gr 2 Welcome Olympia Odos Issue 06 | Autumn 2014 Update 3 Olympia Odos turned the page. The Korinthos – Patras NNR construction We are stepping on the gas The first section of the Motorway opened to traffic works are already in progress and they are developing quickly day by day The first 7km section of the new branch from Ancient Korinthos along its entire length. The drivers may to complete the Project! Interchange to Zevgolatio was opened to traffic in early August, now see the earthworks, the widening in the presence of the Minister ITN Mr. M. Chryssochoides. works, the construction of overpasses More than 20 worksite zones and 2,000 employees and underpasses, the lane covers, in the second quarter of 2014 In the future, this section will constitute the right traffic branch of the tunnels, the retaining walls, the the Motorway (direction to Patras). Provisionally, this section will significantly boosted by the indirectly culverts, the interchanges, the bridges The construction works in the new serve both traffic directions (to Patras and to Korinthos), until the employed population (local suppliers, and the other important structures that sections of the Korinthos – Patras completion of the construction of the branch to Athens, in about staff of small-sized subcontractors and are being constructed on either side of Motorway are fully developing and 10 months. the road.
    [Show full text]
  • How to Reach Airotel Patras Smart Hotel
    HOW TO REACH AIROTEL PATRAS SMART HOTEL Patras Smart Hotel is accessible by private vehicle or public transportation, from the Athens International Airport "El. Venizelos", Kifissos bus station, and through the National Road Athens - Lamia and Athens - Corinth, in the following ways: FROM ATHENS From Athens to Patras. To get to Patras by car from Athens, coming from the capital, select the new National Road Athens - Corinth. After Corinth continue on the right traffic stream to enter the National Highway Corinth - Patras. The total route Athens - Patras is part of the great Olympia Odos motorway. Because of the construction project on track Corinth - Patras traffic speeds are low. The distance from Athens to Patras is about 216 km. FROM ATHENS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT "EL. VENIZELOS" TO PATRA Starting from the airport enter Attiki Odos and drive to the end of it (at Eleusis). After you exit Attiki Odos, you will automatically enter National Highway Corinth / Patras. If you wish to travel by bus to Patras from Athens International Airport, you can take the bus E93, which leaves from main building of the airport (ports 4-5) and get off Kifissos bus station from where you change bus heading to Patras. From Athens International Airport "El. Venizelos" you can reach Patras by bus and train of OSE (public Greek railways) as well. Take the Athens Suburban Railway to Kiato and then take the bus that leaves every 1 hour from Kiato heading to Patras. FROM PYRGOS, ANCIENT OLYMPIA, KYLLINI, ARAXOS TO PATRAS Access to Patras from these areas is carried out by the National Road Patras - Pyrgos.
    [Show full text]
  • Verification of Vulnerable Zones Identified Under the Nitrate Directive \ and Sensitive Areas Identified Under the Urban Waste W
    CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 THE URBAN WASTEWATER TREATMENT DIRECTIVE (91/271/EEC) 1 1.2 THE NITRATES DIRECTIVE (91/676/EEC) 3 1.3 APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY 4 2 THE OFFICIAL GREEK DESIGNATION PROCESS 9 2.1 OVERVIEW OF THE CURRENT SITUATION IN GREECE 9 2.2 OFFICIAL DESIGNATION OF SENSITIVE AREAS 10 2.3 OFFICIAL DESIGNATION OF VULNERABLE ZONES 14 1 INTRODUCTION This report is a review of the areas designated as Sensitive Areas in conformity with the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC and Vulnerable Zones in conformity with the Nitrates Directive 91/676/EEC in Greece. The review also includes suggestions for further areas that should be designated within the scope of these two Directives. Although the two Directives have different objectives, the areas designated as sensitive or vulnerable are reviewed simultaneously because of the similarities in the designation process. The investigations will focus upon: • Checking that those waters that should be identified according to either Directive have been; • in the case of the Nitrates Directive, assessing whether vulnerable zones have been designated correctly and comprehensively. The identification of vulnerable zones and sensitive areas in relation to the Nitrates Directive and Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive is carried out according to both common and specific criteria, as these are specified in the two Directives. 1.1 THE URBAN WASTEWATER TREATMENT DIRECTIVE (91/271/EEC) The Directive concerns the collection, treatment and discharge of urban wastewater as well as biodegradable wastewater from certain industrial sectors. The designation of sensitive areas is required by the Directive since, depending on the sensitivity of the receptor, treatment of a different level is necessary prior to discharge.
    [Show full text]
  • TUBERCULOSIS in GREECE an Experiment in the Relief and Rehabilitation of a Country by J
    TUBERCULOSIS IN GREECE An Experiment in the Relief and Rehabilitation of a Country By J. B. McDOUGALL, C.B.E., M.D., F.R.C.P. (Ed.), F.R.S.E.; Late Consultant in Tuberculosis, Greece, UNRRA INTRODUCTION In Greece, we follow the traditions of truly great men in all branches of science, and in none more than in the science of medicine. Charles Singer has rightly said - "Without Herophilus, we should have had no Harvey, and the rise of physiology might have been delayed for centuries. Had Galen's works not survived, Vesalius would have never reconstructed anatomy, and surgery too might have stayed behind with her laggard sister, Medicine. The Hippo- cratic collection was the necessary and acknowledged basis for the work of the greatest of modern clinical observers, Sydenham, and the teaching of Hippocrates and his school is still the substantial basis of instruction in the wards of a modern hospital." When we consider the paucity of the raw material with which the Father of Medicine had to work-the absence of the precise scientific method, a population no larger than that of a small town in England, the opposition of religious doctrines and dogma which concerned themselves largely with the healing art, and a natural tendency to speculate on theory rather than to face the practical problems involved-it is indeed remarkable that we have been left a heritage in clinical medicine which has never been excelled. Nearly 2,000 years elapsed before any really vital advances were made on the fundamentals as laid down by the Hippocratic School.
    [Show full text]
  • Early Mycenaean Arkadia: Space and Place(S) of an Inland and Mountainous Region
    Early Mycenaean Arkadia: Space and Place(s) of an Inland and Mountainous Region Eleni Salavoura1 Abstract: The concept of space is an abstract and sometimes a conventional term, but places – where people dwell, (inter)act and gain experiences – contribute decisively to the formation of the main characteristics and the identity of its residents. Arkadia, in the heart of the Peloponnese, is a landlocked country with small valleys and basins surrounded by high mountains, which, according to the ancient literature, offered to its inhabitants a hard and laborious life. Its rough terrain made Arkadia always a less attractive area for archaeological investigation. However, due to its position in the centre of the Peloponnese, Arkadia is an inevitable passage for anyone moving along or across the peninsula. The long life of small and medium-sized agrarian communities undoubtedly owes more to their foundation at crossroads connecting the inland with the Peloponnesian coast, than to their potential for economic growth based on the resources of the land. However, sites such as Analipsis, on its east-southeastern borders, the cemetery at Palaiokastro and the ash altar on Mount Lykaion, both in the southwest part of Arkadia, indicate that the area had a Bronze Age past, and raise many new questions. In this paper, I discuss the role of Arkadia in early Mycenaean times based on settlement patterns and excavation data, and I investigate the relation of these inland communities with high-ranking central places. In other words, this is an attempt to set place(s) into space, supporting the idea that the central region of the Peloponnese was a separated, but not isolated part of it, comprising regions that are also diversified among themselves.
    [Show full text]
  • SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 1 1 2 at a Glance Message 06 07 from the CEO
    The best travel companion 2018 ANNUAL www.neaodos.gr SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 1 1 2 Message from the CEO 06 07At a glance Nea Odos11 21Awards Road Safety 25 37 Corporate Responsibility 51 High Quality Service Provision 3 69Human Resources Caring for the Enviment81 Collaboration with Local Communities 93 and Social Contribution 4 Sustainable Development Goals in103 our operation 107Report Profile GRI Content Index109 5 Message from the CEO Dear stakeholders, The publication of the 5th annual Nea Odos Corporate Responsibility Report constitutes a substantial, fully documented proof that the goal we set several years ago as regards integrating the principles, values and commitments of Corporate Responsibility into every aspect of our daily operations has now become a reality. The 2018 Report is extremely important to us, as 2018 signals the operational completion of our project, and during this year: A) Both the construction and the full operation of the Ionia Odos motorway have been completed, a project linking 2 Regions, 4 prefectures and 10 Municipalities, giving a boost to development not only in Western Greece and Epirus, but in the whole country, B) Significant infrastructure upgrade projects have also been designed, implemented and completed at the A.TH.E Motorway section from Metamorphosis in Attica to Scarfia, a section we operate, maintain and manage. During the first year of the full operation of the motorways - with 500 employees in management and operation, with more than 350 kilometres of modern, safe motorways in 7 prefectures of our country with a multitude of local communities - we incorporated in our daily operations actions, activities and programs we had designed, aiming at supporting and implementing the key strategic and development pillars of our company for the upcoming years.
    [Show full text]
  • With Samos & Kuşadası
    GREECE with Samos & Kuşadası Tour Hosts: Prof. Douglas Henry & MAY 27 - JUNE 23, 2018 Prof. Scott Moore organized by Baylor University in GREECE with Samos & Kuşadası / MAY 27 - JUNE 23, 2018 Corinth June 1 Fri Athens - Eleusis - Corinth Canal - Corinth - Nafplion (B,D) June 2 Sat Nafplion - Mycenaean Palace and the Tomb of King Agamemnon - Epidaurus - Nafplion (B, D) June 3 Sun Nafplion -Church of Agia Fotini in Mantinea- Tripolisand Megalopolis-Mystras-Kalamata (B,D) BAYLOR IN GREECE June 4 Mon Kalamata - Drive by Methoni or Koroni to see the Venetian fortresses - Nestor’s Palace in Pylos (B,D) Program Directors: Douglas Henry and Scott Moore June 5 Tue Pylos - Tours in the surrounding area - more details will follow by Nick! (B,D) MAY 27 - JUNE 23, 2018 June 6 Wed Pylos - Gortynia - Dimitsana - Olympia (B, D) June 7 Thu Olympia - Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera, Museum - Free afternoon. Overnight Olympia (B,D) Acropolis, Athens June 8 Fri Olympia - Morning drive to the modern city of Corinth. Overnight Corinth. (B,D) June 9 Sat Depart Corinth for Athens airport. Fly to Samos. Transfer to hotel. Free afternoon, overnight in Samos (B,D) June 10 Sun Tour of Samos; Eupalinos Tunnel, Samos Archaeological Museum, walk in Vathi port. (B,D) June 11 Mon Day trip by ferry to Patmos. Visit the Cave of Revelation and the Basilica of John. Return Samos. (B,D) June 12 Tue Depart Samos by ferry to Kusadasi. Visit Miletus- Prienne-Didyma, overnight in Kusadasi (B,D) Tour Itinerary: May 27 Sun Depart USA - Fly Athens May 28 Mon Arrive Athens Airport - Private transfer to Hotel.
    [Show full text]
  • Kleonai, the Corinth-Argos Road, And
    HESPERIA 78 (2OO9) KLEONAI, THE CORINTH- Pages ioj-163 ARGOS ROAD, AND THE "AXIS OF HISTORY" ABSTRACT The ancient roadfrom Corinth to Argos via the Longopotamos passwas one of the most important and longest-used natural routes through the north- eastern Peloponnese. The author proposes to identity the exact route of the road as it passed through Kleonaian territoryby combining the evidence of ancient testimonia, the identification of ancient roadside features, the ac- counts of early travelers,and autopsy.The act of tracing the road serves to emphasizethe prominentposition of the city Kleonaion this interstateroute, which had significant consequences both for its own history and for that of neighboring states. INTRODUCTION Much of the historyof the polis of Kleonaiwas shapedby its location on a numberof majorroutes from the Isthmus and Corinth into the Peloponnese.1The most importantof thesewas a majorartery for north- south travel;from the city of Kleonai,the immediatedestinations of this roadwere Corinthto the north and Argos to the south.It is in connec- tion with its roadsthat Kleonaiis most often mentionedin the ancient sources,and likewise,modern topographical studies of the areahave fo- cusedon definingthe coursesof these routes,particularly that of the main 1. The initial fieldworkfor this Culturefor grantingit. In particular, anonymousreaders and the editors studywas primarilyconducted as I thank prior ephors Elisavet Spathari of Hesperia,were of invaluableassis- part of a one-person surveyof visible and AlexanderMantis for their in- tance. I owe particulargratitude to remainsin Kleonaianterritory under terest in the projectat Kleonai,and Bruce Stiver and John Luchin for their the auspicesof the American School the guardsand residentsof Archaia assistancewith the illustrations.
    [Show full text]
  • Archaeology, Hydrogeology and Geomythology in the Stymphalos Valley
    This is a repository copy of Archaeology, Hydrogeology and Geomythology in the Stymphalos Valley. White Rose Research Online URL for this paper: https://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/116010/ Version: Accepted Version Article: Walsh, Kevin James orcid.org/0000-0003-1621-2625, Brown, A.G., Gourley, Robert Benjamin et al. (1 more author) (2017) Archaeology, Hydrogeology and Geomythology in the Stymphalos Valley. Journal of Archaeological Science Reports. ISSN 2352-409X https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2017.03.058 Reuse This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (CC BY-NC-ND) licence. This licence only allows you to download this work and share it with others as long as you credit the authors, but you can’t change the article in any way or use it commercially. More information and the full terms of the licence here: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/ Takedown If you consider content in White Rose Research Online to be in breach of UK law, please notify us by emailing [email protected] including the URL of the record and the reason for the withdrawal request. [email protected] https://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/ Elsevier Editorial System(tm) for Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports Manuscript Draft Manuscript Number: JASREP-D-16-00231R1 Title: Archaeology, Hydrogeology and Geomythology in the Stymphalos Valley Article Type: SI: Human-Env interfaces Keywords: Mediterranean palaeoenvironment, greece, Geoarchaeology, Hydrogeology, mythology, Greek & Roman Archaeology Corresponding Author: Dr Kevin James Walsh, Dr Corresponding Author's Institution: University of York First Author: Kevin James Walsh, Dr Order of Authors: Kevin James Walsh, Dr; Anthony G Brown, PhD; Rob Scaife, PhD; Ben Gourley, MA Abstract: This paper uses the results of recent excavations of the city of Stymphalos and environmental studies on the floor of the Stymphalos polje to examine the role of both the lake and springs in the history of the classical city.
    [Show full text]
  • EUROPEAN SOCIAL CHARTER the GOVERNMENT of GREECE • Follow up to Collective Complaints • Complementary Information on Article
    28/08/2015 RAP/Cha/GRC/25(2015) EUROPEAN SOCIAL CHARTER 25th National Report on the implementation of the European Social Charter submitted by THE GOVERNMENT OF GREECE Follow up to Collective Complaints Complementary information on Articles 11§2 and 13§4 (Conclusions 2013) __________ Report registered by the Secretariat on 28 August 2015 CYCLE XX-4 (2015) 25th Greek Report on the European Social Charter Follow-up to the decisions of the European Committee of Social Rights relating to Collective Complaints (2000 – 2012) Ministry of Labour, Social Security & Social Solidarity May 2015 25th Greek Report on the European Social Charter TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Collective Complaint 8/2000 “Quaker Council for European Affairs v. Greece” .......... 4 2. Collective Complaints (a) 15/2003, “European Roma Rights Centre [ERRC] v. Greece” & (b) 49/2008, “International Centre for the Legal Protection for Human Rights – [INTERIGHTS] v. Greece” ........................................................................................................ 8 3. Collective Complaint 17/2003 “World Organisation against Torture [OMCT] v. Greece” ................................................................................................................................. 12 4. Collective Complaint 30/2005 “Marangopoulos Foundation for Human Rights v. Greece” ................................................................................................................................. 19 5. Collective Complaint “General Federation of Employees of the National Electric
    [Show full text]
  • Greece Is 2.133,2 Kms, Increased by 15,8% Compared to the Length of 1.842,8 Kms of 2016
    HELLASTRON NATIONAL REPORT TO BE PRESENTED DURING THE ASECAP STUDY AND INFORMATION DAYS LJUBLJANA, 6-8 JUNE 2018 Network length The total length for the entire toll infrastructure network in Greece is 2.133,2 kms, increased by 15,8% compared to the length of 1.842,8 kms of 2016. This length includes tunnels and bridges as well as open highway sections. On this network there are 122 tunnels with a length above 500m (the threshold defined by the tunnel directive 2004/54/EC). The total length of these tunnels is 163 kms (sum of both directions). Openings in 2018 It is anticipated that about 2 more additional kms of toll road sections will become operational in 2018 (at the Rio intersection of Olympia Odos) Near Future Evolution There are still another 105,5 kms under design and construction in order to complete the total network. These sections are the north and south ends of the Central Greece Motorway (“Kentriki Odos” - 94,5 kms) and also the Schimatari – Chalkida link (11 kms) of the “Nea Odos” Concession Motorway. Investments The financial crisis in Greece, which started in 2010, found all five (5) Interurban Motorway Projects under construction. Given that the rehabilitation, upgrading and construction were executed on the basis of Concession contracts, the Lending Institutions discontinued funding and construction slowed down and/or was suspended for about three (3) years. The reset of 4 out of 5 projects, which was initiated in late 2013, was impacted in early 1 2015 by the financial standoff with Greece’s lenders and the banking controls enacted by the new Greek Government, actions that resulted in limiting funding again.
    [Show full text]
  • Mediterranean Route!
    8 EuroVelo 8 Welcome to the Mediterranean Route! FROM ANDALUSIA TO CYPRUS: 7,500 KILOMETRES OF CYCLING THROUGH WORLD FAMOUS DESTINATIONS, WILD NATURE & HIDDEN BEACHES www.eurovelo8.com Welcome to EuroVelo 8 8 Mediterranean Route! AQUILEIA, FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA, ITALY GACKA RIVER, CROATIA Photo: Giulia Cortesi Photo: Ivan Šardi/CNTB Venice Turin Monaco Béziers Barcelona Elche Cádiz 2 EUROVELO 8 | MEDITERRANEAN ROUTE MAP Dear cyclists, FOREWORD Discovering Europe on a bicycle – the Mediterranean Route makes it possible! It runs from the beaches in Andalusia to the beautiful island of Cyprus, and on its way links Spain, France, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Turkey and Cyprus. This handy guide will point the way! Within the framework of the EU-funded “MEDCYCLETOUR” project, the Mediterranean Route is being transformed into a top tourism product. By the end of the project, a good portion of the route will be signposted along the Mediterranean Sea. You will be able to cycle most of it simply following the EuroVelo 8 symbol! This guide is also a result of the European cooperation along the Mediterranean Route. We have broken up the 7,500 kilometres into 15 sections and put together cycle-friendly accommodations, bike stations, tourist information and sightseeing attractions – the basic package for an unforgettable cycle touring holiday. All the information you need for your journey can be found via the transnational website – www.eurovelo8.com. You have decided to tackle a section? Or you would like to ride the whole route? Further information and maps, up-to-date event tips along the route and several day packages can also be found on the website.
    [Show full text]