Cycling in Via Verde, Spain
History of the Via Verde de la Sierra
The Via Verde, ‘Greenway’, is a great place to go riding as there is no traffic. These ‘Greenways’ have been established throughout Spain by converting unused railway lines into recreational areas for leisure cycling, walking and horse riding thus bringing, much needed, jobs into rural areas.
The one local to our home, in Ronda, runs from Puerto Serrano to Olvera covering 36km and has 30 tunnels. The longest tunnel being the “castle tunnel” some 990m and of the 4 viaducts along the Via Verde the one at Coripe is the most impressive at 237m long. There are 5 old railway stations along the route with the stations at Olvera, Coripe and Puerto Serrano being used as restaurants and accommodation, the station at the Peñon Zaframagon is now an information centre dedicated to the colony of Griffon Vultures and the last remaining station at Navalgruilla is still derelict.
The railway line was originally built in the late 1920’s and ran from Jerez de la Frontera to Almargen but was never used. During the Spanish Civil War the tracks were ripped up and used to make weapons of mass destruction!
The Peñon Zaframagon
The Peñon Zaframagon is a large limestone outcrop of rock with a colony of Griffon Vultures, the old railway station here has been converted into a nature centre dedicated to the Griffons, inside the centre you can watch webcam images of these huge birds. This information centre is open Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and on all public holidays. There is an entrance fee of 2 Euros per person, however, the old man running it very rarely asks for the money. Please do pay for your entrance as this helps maintain this important facility.
Via Verde Cycling
We ride on the Via Verde de la Sierra on our family cycling holidays, leisure cycling holidays and White Villages of Andalucia Tour. The route meanders through the valley from Puerto Serrano to Olvera following the Guadelete and Gaudalporcun rivers crossing 4 viaducts and through 30 tunnels along the way. This is a part of Spain that you can only experience by riding or walking as no traffic is allowed.
We can also arrange bike hire and guided day rides along the Via Verde.
Spain
The history, culture and climate of Spain makes it the perfect destination for next your cycling holiday. The local wines and tasty tapas are also superb!
Andalucia
Andalucia a land of stunning countryside and beautiful pueblos blancos. It’s also a mecca for road cycling, mountain biking and leisure cycling
Ronda
This beautiful hilltop town is one on the most enchanting places to visit in Andalucia. Recently voted one of the top 25 most beautiful destinations in Spain.
Grazalema
Grazalema is nestled high up in the mountains of the Cadiz province and one of the most beautiful destinations in Andalucia to visit
Cycling Holidays Spain
Gravel Bike Holiday
Gravel bike riding has taken off massively so you can now take your new found passion for gravel bike riding on holiday to Andalucia Spain.
White Village Gravel Biking Tour
White Villages of Andalucia Tour. Fantastic cycling in the heart of southern Spain , through beautiful white villages with picturesque and dramatic scenery.
Ronda Based Cycling Tours
Cycling holidays Ronda, Andalucia, Spain offering all the cycling experiences you need from a single location without the need to move around.
Winter Training Camp
Winter Cycling Training Camps in Spain, affordable quality cycling training camps in Andalucia Spain
