Tips for cycling the EuroVelo 8 from Nice to Izmir

Hi there, I’m planning to cycle the EuroVelo 8 route from Nice to Izmir in Turkey (about 2,500 km), but I’m not finding much info or tips for this itinerary.

I’d like to leave at the end of September and complete the route in a max of 2 months, as self-sufficiently as possible (I have a tent, sleeping bag, and camping cookware).

Is this a good idea (will it be too cold starting in October)?

Are there any precautions I should take? Any areas to avoid? Since multiple countries are involved.

And are there any places worth visiting that aren’t on the main route?

I’m used to cycle touring in France but not abroad, so I’d appreciate any tips!

Thanks in advance.

Hi Karim, First off, you should know that the EV8 as a whole is more of a project than a reality on the ground. Signage is almost nonexistent, and unless you have the GPX file, the route is hard to follow. Also, how do you plan to reach Izmir? By ferry? From where?

Alright, thanks. I was thinking of taking the ferry from Athens to Izmir.

Okay, thanks. I was thinking of going to Izmir by ferry from Athens.

There’s no longer a ferry from Athens, but you can reach one of the many Greek islands near the Turkish coast and board a ferry to a Turkish port from there.

Hi

you can start from MARSEILLE, either along the coast—it’s stunning and easy—with a mix of road and bike paths by the roadside or deep in the forest like after La Croix Valmer, or take the inland route, which is also nice via Cabasse, the Étang de Vins, Lac de Carcès. After Nice, the coastal road is really beautiful too. Personally, I avoid Monaco and its tunnels. At Cap d’Ail, at a small flat roundabout, I take the middle corniche and rejoin the coastal road at Monaco’s exit. Further on, you’ve got the lovely Ospedaletti/San Lorenzo al Mare bike path, often right by the sea—it’s gorgeous. Beyond that, I don’t know, have a great trip!

Serge from MARSEILLE too

Hi Karim!

I think you must already be on your way and not far from your destination? Where are you right now? Which route did you take? We’re in Patras and will take a boat from Athens to Chios, then another ferry from Chios to Çeşme before cycling to Izmir.

Safe travels! !

Hi, since I didn’t have time to prepare properly for the trip, I’ve postponed it until spring! But I’m still open to any tips 🙂

Oh, bummer. We did Italy—from France, we went to Sardinia, Sicily, then took a train to Puglia (in the "boot" of Italy) before heading to Greece and then Turkey. It’s not *too* long compared to going overland through Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Albania, Greece... Plus, the elevation changes weren’t too bad, which made it easier with the kids. Anyway, safe travels, and don’t hesitate if you’ve got any specific questions!