2023-09-26 10:21:20
Spain is a great country for cycling, so great in fact that it even has several dedicated cycling routes across the country called green roads or greenways.
These greenways were built along old disused railway lines and have now become an environmentally friendly way to explore the country (here is a map showing all the greenways).
But there are other cycling routes around Spain that are just as impressive and can be completed by avid low to mid-level cyclists.
Here are ten bike routes in Spain that will take your breath away (at times in both senses of the word).
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The TransAndalus, Andalusia
The TransAndalus trail is a 2,000km (1,240 miles) long circuit specifically designed for mountain bikes. It goes through the eight provinces of Andalusia and gives experienced riders a chance to pass through incredible natural sites, such as the Sierra Nevada, Doñana and Cabo de Gata national parks. There are a total of 23 stages, meaning that you can pick and choose which one or ones you do, without having to complete the entire trail. Less experienced cyclists can choose a specific shorter section. Stage one starts in Seville and is a mostly downhill ride to Chiclana de la Frontera.
The TransAndalus passing through some of the region’s most spectacular scenery. Photo: jbdodane / Wikimedia Commons (CC 2.0)
Ojos Negros Greenway, Aragon and Valencia
Running from the town of Ojos Negros, in the province of Teruel to Sagunto, on the Valencian coast, this is Spain’s longest greenway at 160km. It has been divided into two sections, so you can just choose to do one or the other if the whole route is too long. The first part follows the line of the Sierra Menera mining railway, in the Palancia river valley, while the second part descends towards the Valencian orange groves, on the shores of the Mediterranean.
Cycling along the Black Eyed Green Trail. Photo: Pacopac / Wikimedia Commons
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Don Quixote Route, Castilla-La Mancha
Lovers of literature, Cervantes and Don Quijote will enjoy this route following in the unlikely hero’s footsteps. The whole route covers 2,500km (1553.4 miles) and runs through all five of the region’s provinces, but it’s split up into 10 sections, making it easy to select which one you want to do. Declared a European Cultural Route, it travels through two National Parks, six natural parks and six nature reserves, running along a combination of cattle trails, historic paths, riverbanks and disused railway lines.
See the famous windmills of Consuegra along this cycle route. Photo: JamesHose / Pixabay
Vía Verde del Val del Zafán, Aragon and Catalonia
This spectacular route travels alongside the azure blue channels which eventually end up joining the grand Ebro River. It passes through the regions of Bajo Martín, Bajo Aragón, Matarraña, Terra Alta and Baix Ebre. Punctuated by viaducts, tunnels and protected natural spaces, it’s a pretty straight and easy greenway to follow, with some final twists and turns when you reach the Catalan coast at Tortosa near the Ebro Delta at the end.
This route follows parts of the grand Ebro River. Photo: Future75 / Wikimedia Commons
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Santiago’s road
Pilgrims on foot are not the only ones who can enjoy this world-famous voyage. Cyclists can choose whether to complete the full 800km (500 miles) French Way or do the minimum 200km required to obtain the precious Pilgrimage Certificate.
READ ALSO: Top tips to safely enjoy Spain’s Camino de Santiago on foot or by bike
You can also do the Camino de Santiago by bike. Photo: Burkard Meyendriesch / Pixabay
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Vía Verde del Carrilet, Catalonia
This route runs for 57km (35.4 miles), linking the town of Olot and the Garrotxa Volcanic Naural park with the city of Girona. Following the banks of the Ter, Brugent and Fluvià rivers, it winds its way between fields, forests and bridges, with the towering ancient volcanoes as your backdrop. The route is well signposted and is also suitable for hikers.
This route begins at the otherworldly Garrotxa volcanic natural park. Photo: Peremagria / Wikimedia Commons
Tajuna Greenway, Madrid
This spectacular bike path offers city dwellers the chance to escape the hustle and bustle without planning ahead. Simply get off at the last stop on Metro line 9 (Arganda del Rey) and hop on to your bici. The route runs along the river of the same name and runs for a total of 49km (30.4), passing through the quaint towns of Carabaña, Ambite, Oruco, Tielmes or Perales de Tajuna and Morata. This cycle path is also equipped for hiking and for people with disabilities or reduced mobility.
You can see the ruins of the old station of Tajuna along the way. Photo: Malopez 21 / Wikimedia Commons
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Sierra Greenway, Cádiz, Andalusia
This 37km (22 mile) vía verde runs from the village of Puerto Serrano in the province of Cádiz to Olvera, a small village north-east of Ronda. It passes through no less than 30 tunnels and over four viaducts, as well as valleys and river banks. Free of traffic and a relatively easy ride overall, it’s ideal for a family day trip – and if the little ones are too tired, taxis with bicycle racks are available for the return journey.
The Sierra Greenway is ideal for the whole family. Photo: The Panther / Wikimedia Commons.
Timanfaya National Park, Lanzarote, Canary Islands
Go for a ride through the land of volcanoes in Lanzarote’s Timanfaya National Park. Ideal for mountain bikers, there is even an 8km (5 mile) downhill track through the island’s unique landscapes and lava fields. The archipelago’s mild climate makes it a biking paradise throughout the year.
Ride through the volcanic landscapes of Timanfaya National Park. Photo: Manfred Zajac / Pixabay
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Plazaola Greenway, Navarra and the Basque Country
One of the most beautiful greenways is the 66.5km (41.3 miles) Vía Verde del Plazaola, traversing through the regions of Navarra and the Basque Country, passing through an array of forests and meadows. 41.9km of the route passes through Navarra and 24.6km through Gipuzkoa, so you can choose which section to do. The route also takes you through many tunnels, including the longest tunnel you can cycle through in Spain. The trail takes its name from the abandoned Plazaola mines, you’ll pass along the way.
The Plazaola Greenway takes you through many tunnels. Photo: Cherubino / Wikimedia Commons
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