Cycling on old railway tracks
The Vías Verdes are quiet witnesses to Spain’s railway past, but by bike they become calm, surprisingly varied routes that lead you through nature, villages and tunnels, far from busy traffic.
In Spain, the so-called Vias Verdes (‘Green Ways’) are becoming increasingly popular. Vias Verdes are old railway tracks that have been converted into cycling and walking paths. They are usually gravel paths that run through natural landscapes. A blessing for the Spanish, who use the quiet, traffic-free paths for cycling, jogging, walking, and teaching their children how to ride a bike.
One of the biggest advantages of the Vías Verdes is that you can cycle through remote mountainous and hilly areas without having to do too much climbing. So with less effort, you still get to enjoy the beautiful Spanish landscape. This is because you ride along former railway lines. Where you would normally have to go around or over a mountain, there is now a neat tunnel that takes you straight through. Some of these tunnels are a unique experience. I’ve cycled through caves with stalactites (see photo further on) and through tunnels as long as 2.7 kilometres (both on the Via Verde de la Plazaola).
Go directly to one of our top Via Verde holidays:
Let’s be honest: we have a love-hate relationship with the Spanish Vias Verdes or “green ways.” We have personally explored many of these converted old railways, now bike/walking paths, with varying degrees of success and enjoyment. There have been times when we have cycled beautifully, and other times when we have thought to ourselves: “what in God’s name are we doing here?”
This sentiment pretty much sums up the Vias Verdes in a nutshell: there are well-kept vias verdes with old train stations converted into lovely meeting points, and there are poorly maintained vias full of dust and loose gravel. Therefore, our advice in this regard is to do your research before you begin cycling the Vias Verdes, by reading others’ experiences with those trails for example. Seeking advice from local Spaniards themselves may not be as valuable in this case, however, as we have noticed that they are a bit overly enthusiastic about the only car-free bike paths in the country.
Below you’ll find our own list of the best Vías Verdes, which will naturally help you get started as well.
The Pros and Cons of cycling Vias Verdes
While cycling the Vias Verdes, we came up with a list of five pros and cons about this experience:
The Pros
- You can cycle through car-free and nature-filled roads
- Always gradual climbing and descending (max 2%)
- Cycling through mountainous areas without intensely steep elevation gains
- Fun and interesting stops along the route (terraces, bike shops, sleep accommodations)
- You bike regularly through tunnels and between railway passages making the ride nice and sheltered
The Cons
- The Vias Verdes do sometimes bypass these nice little spanish towns
- Some vias verdes are very short and stop abruptly
- You cannot ride in a circle while on the vias verdes (just as the train does not drive in circles)
- Some vias verdes are poorly maintained
- If you have to cycle through a town or city, you sometimes lose the route
The maintenance of the Vias Verdes is the responsibility of the local municipalities, therefore, the upkeep of each one varies greatly – some are well kept, and others are quite rough.
Overall, we think the Vias Verdes are a great initiative with a lot of touristic potential. At the same time, however, a lot of work is still necessary to get all of the 2,500 kilometers of the paths up to par and maintain them properly.
The Best Vias Verdes
As you can imagine, not all Vias Verdes are worth the effort. Fortunately, we’ve cycled most of them ourselves and given them our own ‘star’ ratings. These are our favorites!
The Vías Verdes that include a link lead to the inspiration detail page with more information about that particular Via Verde, or to our trip if the information page is not available.
5-star Vias Verdes
- Via Verde de Ojos Negros (Aragon, Valencia) – The longest Via Verde in Spain, stretching over 160 km. It offers a diverse landscape, including rolling hills, valleys, and charming villages. Perfect for a multi-day cycling adventure.
- Via Verde del Aceite (Andalusia) – Famous for its olive groves and historical railway structures, this 120 km route offers stunning views of rural Andalusia and its rich cultural heritage.
- Via Verde de Plazaola (Navarra) – Winding through dense forests and past tranquil rivers, this route is celebrated for its natural beauty and the charming Basque villages along the way.
- Via Verde del Vasco Navarro (Navarra, Basque Country) – A historical route that follows an old railway line through the lush green landscapes of the Basque Country, with views of mountains and rivers.
- Via Verde del Zafán and Ebro delta (Catalonia, Aragon) – This route takes you through the heart of the Terra Alta wine region, into a magnificent gorge and along the Ebro River, combining beautiful vineyards, wild scenery with historical sites.
4-star Vias Verdes
- Via Verde El Carillet (Catalonia) – A scenic route connecting the volcanic region of Garrotxa with the Mediterranean Sea. This path is known for its lush greenery, medieval towns, and easy gradients, making it ideal for all levels.
- Via Verde de la Jara (Castilla-La Mancha, Extremadura) – A remote and peaceful route through rugged terrain, offering solitude and stunning views of the Sierra de Altamira mountains.
- Via Verde de la Sierra de Alcaraz (Castilla la Mancha) – A varied route passing through oak forests, valleys, and ancient ruins, offering a mix of natural beauty and historical interest.
- Via Verde de la Sierra (Andalusia) – Known for its spectacular viaducts and tunnels, this route offers breathtaking views of the Sierra de Cádiz and the chance to spot local wildlife.
- Via Verde del Tajuña y del Tren de los 40 días (Madrid) – A family-friendly route near Madrid, featuring gentle slopes and plenty of rest areas, perfect for a relaxing day trip.
- Via Verde Sierra de la Demanda (Castilla-Leon) – This route takes you through the Sierra de la Demanda mountain range, offering a mix of challenging climbs and scenic landscapes.
- Via Verde Senda del Oso (Asturias) – A popular route known for its beautiful mountain scenery and the chance to see the native bears in the wild, this path is both scenic and adventurous.
