Even if the Greek section of the Iron Curtain Trail is short, cyclists have the opportunity to cycle through the former "ΕπιτηρούμενηΖώνη" ("Surveillance Area"), a highly-militarised area along the Bulgarian-Greek border. During the Cold War, owning land or driving a car in this area was forbidden and passing through this 25 km wide strip of land was only possible upon the presentation of a special military passport. After crossing this former border – where access is of course now allowed – EuroVelo 13 enters Greece near the Roupel fortress, famous for its defence during the German invasion in Greece in April 1941. The route re-enters Greece where Ardas river flows along the Greek - Bulgarian border, passes through the lively village of Petrota, follows along the Evros river and enters Turkey after the town of Kastanies, in the low plains near the confluence of Evros and Ardas rivers.
“Cities for Cycling” is implementing a series of actions with an aim to promote the use of the bicycle and the development of cycling tourism in Greece. Among its priorities is the creation of a platform for exchanging bicycling knowledge and experiences between Greece and European cities.
[email protected] 0030 210 2016500
The national tourism body provides a good overview of the three EuroVelo routes in Greece. It identifies the touristic highlights on each route and provides links to further information.
[email protected] 0030 210 87 07 000
This brochure is ideal for a better understanding of the history of the countries which were separated by the Iron Curtain. The brochure provides overview maps and descriptions of the stages, as well as the history of the countries and a presentation of the major points of interest.
Cycling in Europe? There is an app for that! Our official app is free and designed to help you discover the most developed EuroVelo routes. Thousands of kilometres of cycle routes in the palm of your hand – what are you waiting for? Download the app, get on your bike and start exploring!
Cycling in Europe? There is an app for that! Our official app is free and designed to help you discover the most developed EuroVelo routes. Thousands of kilometres of cycle routes in the palm of your hand – what are you waiting for? Download the app, get on your bike and start exploring!
This guide covers the South-Estern Europe section of the itinerary, along the European "Green Belt": some spectacularly beautiful and varied landscapes and unique habitats that were able to emerge in the former border strip. The maps in the revised edition are scaled at 1:120,000 and the volume describes the 2,100-kilometre-long part of the route from Szeged to Rezovo at the Black Sea.
