Navigational traps … read the fine print!

Europe has an impressive network of cycleways known as the EuroVelo routes, so when planning my Croatian tour I created my maps based on the EuroVelo 8 Mediterranean Route which runs along the entire Dalmatian Coast.

I was looking forward to a safe cycle trip on dedicated cycle paths, but after talking to a Croatian friend of mine and investigating further I discovered the following fine print on the web page EuroVelo 8 – Croatia …

“The route takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Croatian Mediterranean coast and hinterland. You will be met by a rich cultural and historical heritage that dates from early ages and enjoy the natural beauties. The route passes through a series of larger and smaller towns and villages in which you will get to know and be able to enjoy the traditional way of life, which was kept for centuries. The route connects the location which has been listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO and don’t forget about blue sea and a sunny sky. The route is currently not realised.”

THE ROUTE IS CURRENTLY NOT REALISED!!! This explains why the routes I had created based on the EuroVelo 8 cycleway showed up on Google Street View as heavy traffic main roads with no sign of any bike paths!

I have therefore now remapped each stage of my Croatia tour to avoid the “Eurovelo-8 cycleway” like the plague. In doing so I have ended up with a few more hills to climb, but a much safer journey with a bit more island hopping … and I get to spend a couple of nights in Pula, the largest city in Istria.

If you have downloaded my Croatian GPX maps already, please discard them and download the new ones.