Spain's Vías Verdes highlight its vibrant cycling culture

Spain boasts cities renowned for their bike-friendly infrastructure, featuring car-free lanes, well-stocked rental shops, and picturesque, shaded routes. Valencia, for instance, showcases an impressive cycling community where both residents and visitors glide through the eco-conscious city.

Beyond the lively urban areas, many cyclists yearn for more tranquil routes. They navigate through fragrant pine forests, past dancing butterflies, and into lesser-known villages on the Vías Verdes, a vast network of verdant paths crafted from former railway lines.

Vías Verdes serve as the unsung champions of Spain's rural landscapes, attracting a broad community of cyclists, walkers, and runners. With over 2,000 miles of trails, they range from rugged roads that meander through charming villages to fragrant paths nestled among blooming orange orchards. The old railway lines offer gentle slopes (around a maximum of 3 percent), making it easy for everyone to enjoy a peaceful ride.

Experience Spain's breathtaking scenery by cycling alongside locals on these cherished paths: the ultimate way to appreciate the country's natural beauty.

Top Vías Verdes in Spain

Vía Verde de Ojos Negros, Valencia Community

Valencia is lined with numerous car-free paths, with the most popular being the 9km trail along the Jardines del Turia. If you’re weary of cycling past baobab trees or have had enough of beachside routes, the Vía Verde de Ojos Negros offers a rejuvenating escape. Starting in Barracas, this route descends through rugged rock formations that once served as a railway for transporting iron ore to the Sagunto port. The trail winds through lush Valencian farmland, featuring shaded picnic spots and exciting old tunnels. One of the easiest ways to explore it is by taking a train from Valencia to Navajas (approximately 1½ hours). From Navajas train station, it’s just a 6-minute walk to Camping Altomira, where bike rentals, a delightful all-day restaurant, and a children’s play area await. Bike rentals are around €15 per day (check hardacho.com for details), which includes a transfer covering either 22km or 42km, leaving you with a gently sloping ride back to Navajas.

Vía Verde del Carillet Olot-Girona, Catalonia

In the northeast region of Catalonia, the Vía Verde del Carillet Olot-Girona stands out for its breathtaking views, charming villages, and lush forests. Start your adventure at Centre Logistic de Bicicletas in Olot (bicicletes.atma.cat, bike rentals from €22 per day), a helpful shop that can assist you in crafting a precise itinerary complete with local maps and transfers. This route departs from Olot along a tranquil, tree-lined path that traces the Fluvià River. The 54km cycleway immerses you in verdant mountains, showcasing the impressive dormant volcanoes of Garrotxa and enchanting towns adorned with vibrant hot pink petunias. As you pass Sant Feliu de Pallerols, take a moment to explore the winding cobblestone streets and colorful homes overlooking the mossy Brugent River. The Vía Verde concludes in the beautiful city of Girona, where ancient streets echo with Roman and medieval history. Before heading back, indulge in local charcuterie on the romantic terrace of Café Le Bistrot and consider an overnight stay at the utterly charming Pensió Bellmirall—if you can tear yourself away from the lovely pink pinstripe bedding and the serene fern-filled courtyard.

Vía Verde de Dénia, Valencia Community

Back in 1864, this track was once traveled by a steam train that transported lemons and oranges from local farms to the bustling port of Dénia. Nowadays, the only ones gliding along the path are cyclists, families with strollers, and children wobbling on their first bikes. Interested in joining? The route begins just north of the stunning city, nestled at the base of Mount Montgó. You can rent well-maintained bikes at My Denia Rent (mydeniarent.com, starting at €12 per day, with free child seats). Set off inland, passing through fragrant pine forests and quaint farmhouses. The round trip is about 6km, easily completed in a morning. Be sure to stop by the old train station about 3km in, where plaques detail its history and showcase photos of the vintage steam train. The Vía Verde ends just shy of El Verger, where a picnic bench awaits for enjoying your sandwiches.

Other highlights

• Vía Verde de la Subbetica in Andalusia immerses you in the region's olive oil heritage, stunning landscapes, and picturesque white villages.

• Vía Verde del Ferro in Asturias guides you through breathtaking mountains, lush forests, and historic mining towns.

• Vía Verde de la Jara in Castilla-La Mancha invites cyclists to discover its rugged terrain, rolling hills, and significant historical sites.

• Vía Verde de la Sierra in Andalusia takes you on a journey filled with tunnels, viaducts, and remarkable scenery.

• Vía Verde de la Terra Alta in Catalonia winds through vineyards, olive groves, and medieval villages, presenting a delightful mix of beauty, culture, and gastronomy.

Plan your adventure

While Vías Verdes may be off the main tourist paths, finding information about them is surprisingly straightforward. Start with the Fundación de los Ferrocarriles Españoles, the organization responsible for this extensive network. They have established more than 100 Vías Verdes, all detailed on their website, viasverdes.com. This site is a treasure trove for cyclists in Spain, offering maps, facility information, and fascinating historical insights. The accessibility of each Vía Verde varies: some are reachable by train from major cities (for example, the Vía Verde de Ojos Negros can be accessed via train from Valencia), while others may necessitate a car for access.

Hop on your bike

You can typically find bike rentals along a Vía Verde, but they can get busy, so it’s wise to reserve in advance. Expect to pay about €15 per day for a standard bike, with electric bikes costing a bit more. Some rental centers also offer transfers, transporting riders a few kilometers up the trail for an easy one-way ride back to the start (some include this service for free). This is a great option for day-trippers. For those with more time, consider extending your adventure with an overnight stay in one of the charming towns along the way—many Vías Verdes feature delightful casas rurales (rural houses for rent) and cozy B&Bs.

What to bring

Always pack a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water, particularly during the peak summer months (July and August) when the sun can be intense. If luck is on your side, you might find a restaurant or two serving delicious local dishes along the way, but it's wise to check their hours and make reservations if you can. A good mountain restaurant is often indicated by the number of bikes parked outside. When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to bring a picnic.