Cycling the Via Verde de la Jara (Toledo province, Spain)

Via Verde de la Jara (jara = rock rose)

• Where: Toledo province between Colera y Chozas (near Talavera de la Reina) and Santa Quiteria
• Length:  52 kilometers
• Surface: partly asphalt, partly tamped gravel
• Six viaducts and 18 tunnels

Why should you cycle the via verde de la Jara?
A Dutchman who recently completed the ride claimed that it was one of the most beautiful cycling routes in Europe!

The VV de la Jara is located in one of the least populated areas of Spain. It is large and empty and there is only one town along the way within reach of the route. The route has a striking number of tunnels, the longest of which is an entire kilometer long. The most special part of the route, however, are the endless fields of flowers along the way in early spring that give this Via Verde its name. The best times to cycle the route are spring and fall as the summer months (especially July and August) are too hot. To get there you can take the train from Madrid to Talavera de la Reina (Tren Regional, with the option of bringing your bike) or you can take the bus.

Although the VV de la Jara passes through very remote areas, it is one of the most visited in Spain. This VV attracts a lot of people from Madrid and Toledo, especially during the weekends. The starting point is Colera y Chozas. After passing through Aldeanueva, the only village you will encounter along the way, you will ride through a landscape of great but austere beauty. The landscape is dominated by granite and slate formations. The station Campillo-Sevilleja has been set up as a visitor center. In the last stretch of the route, after crossing the Tagus, the Sierra de Altamira appears before you. The tunnel that once passed through these mountains has unfortunately collapsed, however, so the route ends at the old station of Santa Quiteria.

In the town of Mohedas de la Jara you will find a small hotel, the favorite place for many cyclists on the Via Verde de la Jara. The pleasant and stylish hotel El Escudo de la Calatrava is run by Anna and is highly recommended. 

Bicycles parked on the patio of hotel El Escudo de la Calatrava in Mohedas de la Jara

As with other vias verdes, overdue maintenance is an issue on the VV de la Jara. The lighting in the tunnels and the road surface are of particular concern. They are currently working on a solution.

Links:
You can find more information (in Spanish) HERE
Click HERE or below for a nice video showing the route.

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