If you’re itching to explore Spain on two wheels, now is the perfect time to discover the Via Verdes de España! These extraordinary cycling routes will guide you through Spain’s most stunning landscapes, offering easy access and a unique riding experience, thanks to their intriguing history as former railway lines. On our extensive journeys across Spain in our camper, we had the pleasure of cycling several of these routes, scattered throughout the country, and we’ve become enthusiastic advocates.
In this blog, we’ll dive deeper into these exceptional cycling paths, providing you with practical tips and highlighting a few must-visit routes. Including a Via Verde Map with all paths in Spain!
What is a Via Verde?
The Vias Verdes de España, or “Greenways”, are a unique initiative that invites nature lovers, cyclists, and hikers to explore the country’s abundant natural beauty and rich cultural tapestry. Born from a project to repurpose old, abandoned railway tracks into recreational trails, this transformation has created a sprawling network of paths that weave through the entire country. Each Via Verde boasts its own distinctive landscapes and points of interest, making every route a unique adventure.
Unlike some of Spain’s more challenging mountain trails, the Vias Verdes are generally more forgiving, offering cyclists a more accessible route. Thanks to the original railway designs, which favored minimal inclines to accommodate trains, these paths are predominantly level. This design provides a perfect alternative for those who prefer to steer clear of steep climbs and fast descents. That said, the routes are not entirely flat; they often feature a long, gradual slope. It requires some effort, but without the daunting challenges associated with mountain biking.
One of the most captivating aspects of many Vias Verdes is their array of tunnels and viaducts, relics of their railway past. Traveling through these historic structures offers a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the architectural and engineering heritage of Spain’s old railway network.
Designed with both cyclists and hikers in mind, the “greenways” cater to all. However, we find cycling to be the best way to experience them. The routes can be quite lengthy, and on foot, you’re limited to seeing only a small fraction. By bike, you may not cover the entire route, but you’ll undoubtedly capture much more of the essence and beauty these paths have to offer.
Via Verdes Spain Map
Want to have all of Spain’s picturesque green cycling paths conveniently marked on your Google Maps? Just click on this Via Verde overview link, and you’ll have them accessible anytime, anywhere!
Getting a Bike for Your Via Verde Adventure?
Embarking on an exploration of Spain’s Vias Verdes brings up an important question: should you bring your own bike or rent one when you get there? Both options come with their own set of advantages and challenges, depending on what you’re looking for and your travel plans.
Renting a bike is the hassle-free choice, sparing you the trouble of transporting your bike to Spain. This option is particularly appealing for the more tourist-frequented Vias Verdes, where you’ll find rental stations. However, not every route has bike rentals available, and securing bikes suitable for children, especially those needing child seats, can sometimes be tricky. The availability of rental bikes can also fluctuate, and you’ll need to work around the operating hours and days of the rental locations.
Alternatively, bringing your own bike, as we did on our camper trip, allows for unparalleled freedom. You can dive into the Vias Verdes from any point without fretting over bike rental availability or opening times. This choice does mean more prep work, as you’ll be transporting your bikes from home. For us, this extra effort was completely worth it, enabling us to tackle numerous Via Verde routes on our Spanish escapade.
It’s also important to think about the most appropriate bike for these paths. Our trips taught us that the terrain on the Vias Verdes can vary widely, from smooth asphalt to dirt roads and even gravel. We tested the routes with an electric mountain bike, an electric city bike, and a road bike. The road bike, in particular, found the going tough on some terrains, and punctures were a common annoyance.
We particularly enjoyed using an e-bike. The electric boost makes covering longer distances and climbing hills much more manageable, a blessing on the sometimes lengthy and steady ascents you’ll find on these routes. We found that the terrain was generally not an issue with an electric city bike; a mountain bike seems only necessary for the few poorly maintained Vias Verdes, which you can easily skip.
In conclusion, if you’re aiming to explore multiple cycling routes, bringing your own bike is a smart move. We strongly advocate for an electric bike. If you haven’t yet joined the e-bike revolution, now’s the perfect time to do so!
De 8 mooiste Vias Verdes van Spanje
#1 Via Verde de la Sierra (Andalusia)
Embark on a breathtaking 36-kilometer journey with the Via Verde de la Sierra, nestled between Puerto Serrano and Olvera in the scenic provinces of Cádiz and Sevilla. This greenway meanders alongside the Guadalete and Guadalporcún rivers, guiding you through stunning landscapes, including the Peñón de Zaframagón nature reserve, home to Europe’s largest colony of vultures, and the ancient Chaparro de la Vega tree.
This route is famous for its multitude of tunnels, carving through the mountains and offering an unforgettable experience. With dozens of tunnels, including some that stretch so long they seem endless, the adventure here is unparalleled. The longest tunnel reaches a kilometer, with many of the extended ones lit to ensure safety and add to the magical experience.
Starting points are in the charming town of Olvera, celebrated for its “white village” status in Andalusia, and Puerto Serrano. Both offer bike rentals, making it easy to set off on this awe-inspiring route. Olvera, in particular, with its stunning vistas from the castle, provides a fantastic starting point for a predominantly downhill journey towards Puerto Serrano. Along the way, the Zaframagón interpretation center and the Coripe station present fascinating stops.
For cyclists, it’s good to know that the terrain here varies, mixing smooth surfaces with rougher gravel paths. Mountain bikes with durable tires are recommended to avoid frequent flats. Bike rentals are available at both Olvera and Puerto Serrano, allowing for a worry-free exploration of either the entire path or just segments of it.
For an in-depth guide, including all viewpoints, rest areas, and rental locations, visit the official Via Verde de la Sierra website.
#2 Via Verde del Zafan (Catalonia)
As one of Spain’s longest Vias Verdes, the Via Verde del Zafan spans an impressive distance and includes a remarkable 44 tunnels! The journey kicks off in Valdealgorfa, perched at 500 meters above sea level, and winds down through dark tunnels and over historic railway bridges. Along the way, abandoned stations have been repurposed into cafes and lodgings.
In the heart of the route lies Horta de San Juan, a village that once inspired Pablo Picasso. The local Picasso Centre showcases reproductions of his work, from his Blue Period to Cubism, all influenced by the village’s pristine natural beauty.
The route concludes in Tortosa, but for those hungry for more, the Delta de l’Ebre Nature Park awaits. This area, known for its flat marshlands, rice fields, and waterfowl, offers additional scenic cycling routes.
To experience only a portion of this expansive route, like we did, head over to the Via Verde del Zafan’s official website. There, you can explore the various segments and find rental locations to plan your adventure.
The enchanting Vía Verde del Plazaola winds through the regions of Navarra and Gipuzkoa, tracing the route of an old railway line that once linked Pamplona with San Sebastián, closely following a picturesque river. In the spring of 2000, this forgotten railway found new life, with the first stretch between Lekunberri and the Uitzi tunnel opening up as a greenway. Today, it extends over 68 kilometers, with ambitious plans to further expand by restoring an additional 12.5 kilometers between Sarasa and Pamplona.
Traversing this Vía Verde, you’ll immerse yourself in beautiful landscapes that seamlessly blend nature with historical railway elements like tunnels, bridges, and old stations. Among these, the Uitzi tunnel stands out as a remarkable feature. Spanning 2.7 kilometers, it’s the longest tunnel in the entire European greenway network. Unfortunately, during our visit, this significant attraction was closed, prompting us to start our journey just beyond it to avoid a lengthy detour.
Considering the full length of the route, selecting a manageable segment is advisable. For a detailed exploration of the route and to make an informed choice on where to begin, the official Via Verde del Plazaola website is an invaluable resource. It also provides information on bike rental locations and features a detailed map indicating water and rest points, ensuring a well-prepared ride.
The Vía Verde del FC Vasco Navarro, affectionately known as “El Trenico”, unveils a scenic journey from Estella/Lizarra to the Puerto de Arlabán, passing through Vitoria/Gasteiz. This path, steeped in railway heritage, escorts you across a varied landscape—from lush forests and expansive grain fields to rugged mountains. Along the way, you’ll encounter delightful towns and villages, interconnected by historical stations, elegant viaducts, quaint footbridges, and mysterious tunnels. Notable among these are the Arquijas tunnel and viaduct.
Our cycling adventure took us from the station at Ancin, renowned for its picturesque free camper spot, to Zúñiga. This route segment allowed us to experience two of the path’s jewels: the 1,415-meter-long Arquijas tunnel and the stunning Arquijas viaduct. The latter gracefully arches over the Ega river with 9 bows, reaching a height of 30 meters, offering spectacular views.
Moreover, the route is dotted with additional tunnels and viaducts, totaling 8 tunnels and 3 viaducts, adding to the adventure. Among them, the Laminoria tunnel, extending 2,250 meters, is particularly famous. However, due to landslides and floods, it’s currently impassable, necessitating a challenging detour. We suggest planning your excursion to either precede or follow this section for a more enjoyable experience. For further practical details and a comprehensive route map, check the Via Verde del FC Vasco-Navarro’s official webpage.
#5 Via Verde del Noroeste (Murcia)
Discover the Via Verde del Noroeste in Murcia, stretching a remarkable 76.8 km, adorned with 9 viaducts, 1 metal bridge, and 6 tunnels. This captivating journey takes you through a rich mosaic of landscapes, from vibrant orchards and surreal moon-like terrains to forests of pine and almond trees that beautifully frame quaint towns. The sheer beauty of this route made us wonder why it isn’t flooded with tourists.
What we didn’t know when we embarked on this route, is that it doubles as a pilgrimage from Murcia to Caravaca de la Cruz. This town is one of Christianity’s five holy cities, as recognized by Pope John Paul II in 1998. Other holy cities include the renowned Rome, Jerusalem, Santiago de Compostela, and the lesser-known Santo Toribio de Liébana monastery we had visited in the Picos de Europa in Northern Spain. Caravaca de la Cruz celebrates a perpetual holy jubilee year every seven years, drawing crowds for this popular regional festival. Throughout the rest of the year, visitors are drawn to the town’s stunning church, atmospheric streets, and historic castle.
For more insights into this route, including a detailed map, visit the official Via Verde del Noroeste website.
#6 Via Verde de Lucainena de las Torres (Andalusia)
Spanning 15.54 kilometers, the Via Verde de Lucainena de las Torres is a gem among Spain’s Vías Verdes. It starts in the quaint village of Lucainena de las Torres.
Recognized as one of Spain’s most beautiful villages, we expected a lot from the village given its status. While it’s certainly picturesque and nestled beautifully against a mountain, it’s the combination with the via verde that makes Lucainena de las Torres truly worthwhile. The route winds through breathtaking landscapes that truly surprised us, especially the section past the tunnel where the path leads through a gorge was an absolute highlight for us.
Interestingly, perhaps because this route is shorter than others, it’s a beloved spot for walkers. This was the first time we encountered more hikers than cyclists, making it a highly recommended route for travelers without a bike. There’s also no bike rental available.
For detailed information, visit the official website of Via Verde de Lucainena de las Torres and viasverdes.com.
#7 Via Verde del Aceite (Andalusia)
Step into the heart of Andalusia with a ride on the Via Verde del Aceite. Once the route of the ‘Tren del Aceite’, loaded with olive oil and other goods, it wove its way through the extensive olive groves of the provinces of Jaén and Córdoba. The name of this greenway still nods to this history.
The Via Verde del Aceite is Andalusia’s longest Via Verde, stretching over 127.38 kilometers. You’ll bike across stunning metal viaducts, through four tunnels, and past some of the most pristine landscapes. Along the route, twelve restored stations await. Amont them are the Doña Mencía Station, now serving as a restaurant and bike center, and the Cabra Station, transformed into a hostel with a restaurant, playground, and camper spot. This route is well-developed with ample amenities and bike rentals available at various points.
For those looking to delve deeper into this beautiful route or seek specific details like maps, bike rental information, stations, and locations, we direct you to the official website of the Via Verde del Aceite.
#8 Via Verde de la Senda del Oso (Asturias)
In the north of Spain, not far from the city of Oviedo, lies the beautiful Via Verde de la Senda del Oso, nestled in the green nature of Asturias. This route is linked to the industrial past of Asturias, where mine carts once carried iron ore and coal through the stunning landscapes of the Oso valleys.
The Senda del Oso extends nearly 30 kilometers, renowned for its low difficulty level and well-marked, fully paved paths. This route meanders through gorgeous scenery. Uniquely, it also offers a rare opportunity to observe one of the last populations of the Cantabrian brown bear in Europe up close. Besides these remarkable valley inhabitants, the route invites you to enjoy green forests, historic railway tunnels, and geological formations.
This via verde has a special Y-shape, making it a good idea to decide beforehand which leg of the Y you’d like to explore. For more information, including the route map, visit the official website of the Via Verde de la Senda del Oso.
