With the beauty of 55 Biosphere reserves and well 16 national parksSpain is a cycling tourism paradise, to be experienced all year round, thanks to its Mediterranean climate.
If we consider that in addition to the suggestive side Greenways – more than 3,400 kilometers of old railway lines transformed into 120 cycle tourism routes – there are, throughout the territory, more than 10,300 kilometers of natural trails accessible by bike, all you have to do is organize yourself as best as possible and set off.
Even with the aim, for the most trained, of traveling cross-border routes, given that Spain crosses 3 of the 17 routes EuroVelo long distance: EuroVelo 1, along the Atlantic coast; EuroVelo 3, the pilgrims' route; finally, EuroVelo 8, the Mediterranean route.
Where to start? Here are some ideas.
Greenways: cycling in the greenest Spain
In 1993, there were more than 7,600 kilometers of out-of-service rail lines in Spain. A heritage that would have been lost if these paths had not been transformed into cycle paths. Since then, more than 3,400 kilometers were once occupied by railway lines and have now been reclaimed as non-motorized cycle paths. These are the so-called Greenways (in Spanish, Vias Verdes, since 1994 quality mark registered and protected by Foundation of Spanish Railways), a network of routes of varying length and much more universal accessibility – this means that they can also be practiced by children, the elderly and people with disabilities –, perfect for a holiday dedicated to outdoor activities and sustainability.
Without forgetting convenience: in addition to the adaptation of the railway route, the project provided for the renovation of more than 100 stations, transformed into service centers used for catering, accommodation, bicycle rental and information requests. This is an aspect not to be underestimated for those who want to leave in complete peace of mind.
The wonders of Navarre on two wheels
In the north of Spain, two regions are particularly suitable for cycling holidays: Navarre And Aragonlands of great charm on the border with France. The first currently boasts well five greenways accessible by bike, for a total of 125 kilometers.
One is the Bidasoa Green Routealong the route once taken by the train “Txikito» which circulated between Elizondo and Irun until 1956. A path spectacular among lush forests and town of great beauty near Bidasoa, the small and Bucolic Basque-Navarrean river which gives its name to the entire region. Unavoidable also the Green Street Plazaolabetween the Larraun and Leitzaran valleys. Pedaling through ancient villages and woods beech and oak trees, following the route of the small narrow-gauge railway “Plazaola”, active between Pamplona and Donostia-San Sebastian until the middle of the 20th century. Today, its route includes restored stations and numerous tunnels. One of them, Uitzi, with its 2.7 kilometers, is the longest greenway in Europe.
There Via Verde del Irati instead, it runs along a section of the old narrow gauge train that connected Pamplona with Sangüesa and crosses the Lumbier gorges, the most evocative canyons of the Pyrenees. And its future is growing: Work has already started to recover an additional 50 kilometers from the original plant.
And again, among the essential itineraries, the Via Verde by Ferrocarril Vasco NavarroThat brings to life the route of the train which, between 1927 and 1967, linked Estella- Lizarra with Mekolalde/Bergara (Gipuzkoa) via Vitoria-Gasteiz, the Arquijas Viaduct and the Acedo Tunnel. And finally, the Via Verde del Tarazonicaa circular route along the old railway line that connected Tudela to Tarazona, in Aragon. Here, pedal stroke after pedal stroke, the gaze is lost in the landscape dominated by the plains of the Queiles River, where the tasty and famous Navarrese vegetables grow.
A region which is a succession of natural wonders. One above all, the Bardenas Realessoutheast of the autonomous community. A semi-desert landscape, shaped by water, wind and sun, accessible by bike along the Great Bardenaa route of almost 70 kilometers, suitable for those who are already trained. Alternatively, the route of Landazurieonly 14 kilometers long, another wonderful opportunity to get to know the region without leaving the pedals.
Aragon: cycling holidays
On the border with Navarra is Aragon, another region of Spain rich in treasures, many of which can be visited on two wheels. There is the Ordesa National Parkwith its enchanting canyons and gorges, an ideal destination for canyoning, mountaineering or hiking and mountain biking. But also Lake Mequinenza, nicknamed “Sea of Aragon” because of its 500 kilometers of fresh water: it's impossible to resist the idea of going around the basin on foot or by bike. Bike which, among other things, also constitutes an excellent alternative for visiting the Cinco Villasa region rich in natural wonders such as Moncayuelo Lagoon with its important bird reserve, and the very original Aguarales de Valpalmasa tubular clay formation shaped by water. Two unmissable wonders, just like the paths Prépyr 365ideal for those who want to go mountain biking in total immersion with nature.
Greenways in Aragon
To all this are added the seven Greenways which cross Aragon. The first is the Via Verde del Canfraneroa 4.6 km route that follows the old Huesca-Canfranc railway line, disused since 2007. Surrounded by agricultural fields and almond plantations, it is ideal for traveling with the family at any time of the year. Then there is the Val de Zafán Greenwaybuilt on the railway line of the same name, which has now disappeared. An 83 km route that runs along crystal clear canals and large rivers like the Ebro, crossing spectacular landscapes full of viaducts and tunnels.
The green path of black eyes (via Teruel), is the route between Teruel and the Valencian coast (currently the longest Greenway in Spain). Due to its length of 183 km, it was divided into two sections. The first, along the old Sierra Menera mining railway, starts from the Ojos Negros mines and crosses the Jiloca valley, the area at the foot of the Javalambre and Gúdar sierras until reaching the Palancia valley in Castellón and the surroundings of the city of Teruel.
And again: the Aragonese road of Via Verde FC. Santander – Mediterraneanabout seventy kilometers to travel by bike between Murero and Zaragoza, following one of the most emblematic railway routes of the past, the Santander-Mediterráneo (alternatively, there is the Via Verde route that crosses Calatayud). And the one already mentioned above Via Verde del Tarazonicaonce crossed by a very slow train, theEscachamatas which linked Tarazona to Tudela, in Navarre. Finally, the Via Verde Corredor Oliver-Valdefierrobuilt on the old railway line that led to Teruel and crossed the city of Zaragoza, now a magnificent urban promenade surrounded by greenery.
Do you want to stay up to date on the world of travel?
A cycle touring experience in the area is also worth considering Hoya de Huescathe area located in the interior of northern Spain, between the pre-Pyrenean mountain ranges and the Ebro valley. Here I am more than 130 kilometers can be covered on foot and by mountain bikebetween plains and mountains. Natural trails and thematic trails that pass through real gems such as the Sierra Natural Park, the Guara Gorges and the Reino de los Mallos.
