Spain built an extensive railway network in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, much of which was subsequently abandoned as road transport became dominant. Rather than letting the old trackbeds disappear, the Spanish government began in the 1990s to convert them into cycling and walking paths — the Vías Verdes, or Green Ways.
The network now covers over 3,000 kilometres, spread across most of the country. The routes follow old railway alignments, which means they are almost entirely flat, they pass through tunnels and over viaducts that would be inaccessible to ordinary cyclists, and they connect small towns and villages that are otherwise difficult to reach without a car.
The Best Routes
The Vía Verde de la Sierra, in Cádiz province, is widely considered the most spectacular. It runs for 36 kilometres through the mountains of the Sierra de Grazalema, passing through 30 tunnels and over 14 viaducts. The views from the viaducts are extraordinary, and the tunnels — some of them several hundred metres long — require a good light. The route is entirely traffic-free and suitable for all abilities.
The Vía Verde del Aceite, in Jaén province, runs for 55 kilometres through olive groves and is best in spring, when the landscape is green and the light is soft. The Vía Verde del Carrilet, in Girona, passes through the volcanic landscape of the Garrotxa and connects several small towns in the Pyrenean foothills.
What to Bring
A hybrid or mountain bike is more comfortable than a road bike on most routes, as the surfaces vary. Lights are essential for tunnel sections. Water and food should be carried on longer routes, as services can be sparse. The routes are generally well signposted, but a downloaded map is a sensible precaution.