EuroVelo: the great European cycling network and the routes to discover in Italy

Cycling across Europe, passing through cities of art, mountains, coastlines, and completely different landscapes: this is the spirit of EuroVelo, the great network of European cycling routes.

For those who love cycling tourism, EuroVelo is a point of reference for discovering Europe by bike through long-distance routes connecting numerous countries.

And there is an interesting feature for those starting from Florence: the city is crossed by EuroVelo 7, the Sun Route, one of the most important European cycling routes.

What is EuroVelo?

EuroVelo is a network of major European cycling routes promoted by the European Cyclists' Federation (ECF).

The goal is to create a network of routes that allows people to cross Europe by bike, connecting countries, cities, and regions through routes dedicated to cycling tourism.

The network includes numerous major international routes and, once completed as planned, will extend for more than 70,000 kilometers in total.

The routes cross Europe from north to south and east to west, making it possible to plan trips lasting a few days or genuine long-distance cycling adventures.

Why travel along a EuroVelo route?

The appeal of EuroVelo is not only its distance. The routes allow you to combine:

  • cycling tourism;
  • nature and landscapes;
  • cities of art;
  • history and culture;
  • gastronomy;
  • sustainable tourism;
  • discovering small villages and lesser-known areas.

A cycling holiday can therefore become much more than a simple bike ride: it can turn into a journey through European history and culture.

EuroVelo 7: the Ciclovia del Sole

One of the most interesting routes for Italy is EuroVelo 7 – Sun Route, known as the Ciclovia del Sole

The route crosses Europe from north to south and ideally connects the North Cape with Malta, passing through several European countries.

According to the description provided by ENDU, the route enters Italy from San Candido and passes through numerous Italian cities, including Bolzano, Trento, Mantua, Bologna, Florence, Arezzo, Rome, Naples, and other locations as far as Sicily.

EuroVelo 7 passes through Florence

This makes Florence particularly interesting for international cycling tourism. The city is not only one of Italy's main tourist destinations; it also lies along an important European cycling route.

For a foreign cyclist, Florence can therefore be one stop on a much larger journey through Europe. And for those who live in Tuscany, it can become the starting point for planning a trip to other Italian and European cities.

Florence by bike: why it is a special stop

Florence offers something that few cycling routes can offer at the same time: a remarkable concentration of art, history, and culture. By bike, it is easy to reach iconic places such as:

  • the Duomo;
  • Piazza della Signoria;
  • Ponte Vecchio;
  • Santa Croce;
  • the San Lorenzo district;
  • the banks of the Arno;
  • Piazzale Michelangelo;
  • the hills around the city.

For those arriving in Florence by bicycle, the city can therefore be both a destination and a stop on a longer cycling holiday.

EuroVelo 8: The Mediterranean Route

Another major European route that passes through Italy is EuroVelo 8 – Mediterranean Route. The route crosses the Mediterranean from west to east, connecting very different regions.

In Italy, it enters through the Ventimiglia area, reaches Turin, and crosses the Po Valley before continuing toward Venice and Trieste. From there, the route continues toward the countries of southeastern Europe.

It is a particularly interesting route for anyone who wants to combine cycling, the sea, historic cities, and Mediterranean culture.

Which bicycle should you choose for an EuroVelo trip?

The choice of bicycle depends mainly on the type of itinerary. For a long-distance trip, the following options may be interesting:

Trekking bike

One of the most versatile options for bike touring. It is suitable for those who want to cover many kilometers with panniers and luggage while maintaining a comfortable position.

Gravel bike

An interesting choice for those who want to alternate between asphalt, secondary roads, and some unpaved sections. A gravel bike offers great versatility and is particularly suitable for cyclists who want to travel without limiting themselves to paved roads.

E-bike

Electric assistance can be very useful on long trips, especially when the route includes climbs or when you want to cover many kilometers without becoming excessively tired.

Touring bike

For those planning a real multi-day trip, a bicycle designed for a rear rack, panniers, and bike-touring accessories can be an ideal solution.

What should you bring on an EuroVelo trip?

Before setting off, it is important to prepare your bicycle and equipment. Some of the most useful accessories include:

  • helmet;
  • front and rear lights;
  • puncture repair kit;
  • pump;
  • inner tubes or a tubeless repair kit;
  • water bottles;
  • travel bags;
  • rear rack;
  • lock;
  • power bank;
  • a GPS device or smartphone;
  • technical cycling clothing;
  • a repair kit for minor repairs.

For trips lasting several days, it is also essential to check the brakes, tires, drivetrain, and wheels in advance.

How do you organize an EuroVelo trip?

You do not need to complete an entire itinerary. This is one of the advantages of the EuroVelo network. You can choose:

  • a weekend, covering a small part of the route;
  • a week, organizing a trip between several cities;
  • or a trip lasting several weeks, crossing multiple regions and countries.

Before setting off, it is advisable to check the latest route information, road conditions, available services, accommodation options, and any sections that are not yet fully developed.

EuroVelo and sustainable tourism

One of the goals of the EuroVelo network is to promote cycling as a form of sustainable tourism. Traveling by bicycle means discovering areas at a slower pace and distributing tourism spending among the small towns along the route as well.

Cycle tourism can benefit accommodation providers, restaurants, shops, repair workshops, and local businesses. The bicycle therefore becomes not only a means of transport, but also a tool for discovering and enhancing local areas.

EuroVelo: A Europe to explore by bike

EuroVelo shows just how vast the world of cycle touring can be. From the Mediterranean coasts to the regions of Northern Europe, from major cities to small villages, cycling makes it possible to create completely personalized itineraries.

And Florence holds a particularly interesting place in this network thanks to the passage of EuroVelo 7 – Sun Route. For those who want to discover Europe slowly, one pedal stroke at a time, EuroVelo can be the starting point for planning their next great journey.

Before setting off from Florence

If you are preparing for a cycling trip through Italy or Europe, it is important to set off with a reliable, well-checked bike. At Cicli Sergio Bianchi Firenze, you can find bicycles, accessories, and assistance to prepare your bike for the various demands of cycle touring.

The next adventure could start right here in Florence.

FAQ about EuroVelo

What is EuroVelo?
EuroVelo is the European network of major international cycling routes promoted by the European Cyclists' Federation.

How many kilometers does EuroVelo cover?
Once completed as planned, the network will cover more than 70,000 kilometers in total.

Does EuroVelo pass through Florence?
Yes. EuroVelo 7 – Sun Route passes through Florence along its Italian section.

What is the best bike for EuroVelo?
It depends on the route. Trekking bikes, gravel bikes, touring bikes, and e-bikes may be suitable for different types of routes.

Can I ride only part of a EuroVelo route?
Yes. You do not need to complete the entire route: you can choose just one section.

Is EuroVelo suitable for beginners?
Some sections can also be tackled by less experienced cycle tourists, but the difficulty, distance, elevation gain, and route conditions should be assessed before setting off.

Which EuroVelo routes pass through Italy?
The main routes that pass through Italy include EuroVelo 7 and EuroVelo 8.

How can I prepare my bike before setting off?
It is advisable to carry out a complete check of the brakes, tires, wheels, drivetrain, and lighting, and to bring an emergency repair kit.