Spain’s Vías Verdes network was created in 1993 through a collaboration between the Spanish Railway Foundation (FFE) and the Ministry of Agriculture. The programme repurposes abandoned railway corridors — lines that were decommissioned following the restructuring of Spain’s rail network during the second half of the twentieth century — as multi-use greenways accessible to cyclists, walkers and wheelchair users.
As of 2024, the network encompasses over 130 Vías Verdes routes across 34 of Spain’s 50 provinces. The combined distance exceeds 3,000 kilometres. Routes are free to use and open year-round, with the exception of temporary closures for maintenance.
Why Former Railway Lines?
Railway alignments have specific engineering characteristics that make them well-suited for cycling:
- Maximum gradient of 2–3%, compared to 8–15% on mountain roads
- Wide, cleared right-of-way with consistent width
- Infrastructure such as tunnels, viaducts and station buildings already in place
- Separation from road traffic throughout the route
These properties make Vías Verdes accessible to a broad range of cyclists, including families with children and those on e-bikes. The low gradient requirement eliminates the technical demands associated with mountain cycling.
Surface Types and Conditions
Surface quality varies significantly across the network. The FFE publishes condition reports for individual routes. Three main surface categories apply:
| Surface | Bike Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt | Any | Fully paved sections on high-use urban routes |
| Compacted gravel (zahorra) | Hybrid, mountain, gravel | Most common surface; may be muddy in rain |
| Natural track | Mountain bike recommended | Found on less-used or rural sections |
Notable Routes
Vía Verde de la Sierra (Andalusia)
Running 36 kilometres through the Sierra Norte de Sevilla, this is one of the most visited Vías Verdes in Spain. The route follows a former mineral railway built to transport manganese ore and passes through 30 tunnels and over 5 viaducts. The highest viaduct, at Coripe, spans a river gorge at a height of approximately 80 metres.
The route connects Olvera (Cádiz) with Puerto Serrano (Cádiz) and passes through the municipality of Coripe (Sevilla). Bike hire is available at both terminal stations and at intermediate points. The tunnels are lit and accessible year-round.
The FFE maintains an interactive map and technical data for each Vía Verde at viasverdes.com/en/itineraries. Each route page includes surface type, distance, services and downloadable GPS track.
Vía Verde del Tajuna (Community of Madrid)
Extending 35 kilometres along the Tajuna river valley, this route connects Ambite and Loranca de Tajuna. The surface is predominantly compacted gravel, with paved sections near urban areas. The route forms part of the wider Madrid cycling network and can be combined with Renfe Cercanías services at terminal stations.
Vía Verde de Ojos Negros (Teruel – Valencia)
At 160 kilometres, this is the longest Vía Verde in Spain. It follows the route of a former iron ore railway from Ojos Negros (Teruel) to Sagunto (Valencia). The eastern section descends 1,100 metres over approximately 50 kilometres, making it an accessible and visually varied route. The Teruel section passes through classic Iberian plateau landscape; the Valencia section descends through the Palancia valley.
Bike Hire and Services
Many Vías Verdes have established bike hire points at main entry locations. Services differ by route but typically include:
- Standard adult bikes (hybrid and mountain)
- Children’s bikes and trailing units
- Adapted bikes for wheelchair users
- E-bikes at selected locations
- Basic tool kits and helmets
Not all routes have formal hire services. On routes without on-site hire, cyclists must bring their own equipment. The FFE website lists hire operators and their contact details for each route.
Access and Entry Points
Vías Verdes are linear routes. Most have parking areas at both terminal stations and at intermediate access points. Public transport connections exist at some terminals; the FFE website provides transport access notes per route. There is no admission charge and no booking requirement for use of the routes themselves.
| Route | Province | Length | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vía Verde de la Sierra | Cádiz / Sevilla | 36 km | 30 tunnels, 5 viaducts |
| Vía Verde de Ojos Negros | Teruel / Valencia | 160 km | Longest route in Spain |
| Vía Verde del Tajuna | Madrid | 35 km | River valley, urban access |
| Vía Verde del Noroeste | Murcia | 39 km | Connects Murcia and Caravaca |
| Vía Verde de la Subbética | Córdoba | 59 km | Olive grove landscape |
Legal and Safety Notes
Vías Verdes are public rights-of-way managed under the Spanish Railways Law (Ley del Sector Ferroviario). Cyclists share the path with walkers. The FFE publishes usage guidelines recommending:
- Maximum speed: 20 km/h on shared sections
- Helmets are recommended; not legally mandatory on greenways for adults
- Lights required in tunnels
- Priority to pedestrians at narrow points
Cycling clubs and touring groups should contact the relevant route administrator for permission for large group use, as some routes have capacity limits.
