The Greenways are former railway lines which have been adapted for use as hiking trails and bike paths in natural settings. There are over 130, and although their length varies a great deal, they are all suitable for cycling tours. The ones listed below are all over 50 kilometres long, so you can plan to spend a day or two bike touring and enjoying the Spanish countryside.
A route of more than 100 kilometres connecting Vitoria-Gasteiz (Basque Country) with Estella-Lizarra (Navarra). The green landscape changes constantly, from mountainous areas to sweeping plains. The middle stretch is the toughest, especially the climb to the Guereñu mountain pass, in the Basque Country. As you enter Navarra the route becomes easier, taking you alongside the river Ega.Ideally, you would take two days to travel the greenway and use the night to discover one of its charms: a clear and perfect sky to see the stars and for which it has been declared Starlight trail.
Around 60 kilometres to discover the steppe-like landscape where the Iberico pigs of Extremadura graze, the origin of one of the finest hams in Spain. This is the Extremadura pasture and is found mainly between Campo Lugar and Madrigalejo. The greenway also runs along the rivers Ruecas and Guadiana, which is where thousands of cranes spend the winter.The route runs between Villanueva de la Serena (Badajoz) and Logrosán (Cáceres) and includes three viaducts. This is farming country, with grazing land everywhere.
Ojos Negros greenway, between the Region of Valencia and Aragon
At over 150 kilometres, this is Spain’s longest greenway. The route runs from the province of Teruel (Aragon) to Valencia, passing through the province of Castellón (both in the Region of Valencia). The route descends from the Sierra de Javalambre highlands and their pine, oak and juniper woods, through the Jiloca valley, to the market fields of Valencia on the shores of the Mediterranean.Practically the whole route is tarmacked and there are plenty of bridges and viaducts, as well as barracas (the area’s little traditional cottages, often converted to become character accommodation).
The endless sea of olive groves makes this greenway between Jaén and Cordoba unique. Another feature are the thirteen 19th century iron viaducts along the 125-plus kilometres of the route.The greenway starts in the city of Jaén and passes through interesting towns like Baena, Zuheros, Lucena, and Puente Genil, in Córdoba. A good way to enjoy it is to do part of the route over a weekend, alternating it with visits to these villages, and of course taking part in tasting sessions or activities relating to the local extra virgin olive oil, renowned worldwide.
Pedalling along this easy, flat greenway takes you through one of Europe’s largest market garden areas. The route is over 50 kilometres long, passing by lush irrigated fields, traditional dryland farming, and groves of citrus trees. The greenway runs between the city of Cartagena and Totana, a large town, via beautiful spots like Mazarrón and Alhama de Murcia. It is also very close to the edge of the Sierra Espuña Regional Park and the Mediterranean coast.
This route follows the railway line which once connected northern Spain to the Mediterranean. Currently, the section running from Soria to Hontoria del Pinar (Burgos) is fully adapted. This spectacular route is around 60 kilometres long and ideal for cycle tours and enjoying rural tourism. It begins in Soria, where the heritage sites are a must-see, and goes by peaceful little villages boasting fine examples of traditional local architecture, such as Navaleno and Abejar. There are also natural spaces worth seeing in the surrounding area, such as the Lobos river gorge, and Pita beach, which might tempt you to extend your trip for a few more days.
