Greenways in Spain: network, routes and tips for cycling trips
Spain has a structured network of greenways (Vías Verdes) which today forms a solid basis for the bike tripThis network is part of a national strategy for the development of cycle tourism, with dedicated programs, identified routes and a progressive upgrade of services.
The Vías Verdes network in Spain
Key data
- More than 3,500 km of developed routes
- Around 130 greenways
- Network distributed across the entire territory
When planning a cycling trip in Spain, the Greenways are often the best starting point. These are easy-to-identify, continuous routes, and above all, designed for long, unconstrained rides.
In practical terms, these greenways follow former railway lines. The result: smooth, traffic-free routes where you can travel dozens of kilometers without worrying about the itinerary. This makes them an ideal base, whether you're setting off for a few hours or several days.
With over 3,500 km of developed routesThe network covers a large part of the country. It's possible to choose a single greenway for a local getaway, or link several sections together to create a longer route. In practice, many cycle tourists use the Vías Verdes as a "backbone," supplementing them with secondary roads to connect the different sections.
What immediately stands out is the regularity of the route. You travel on direct lines, punctuated by tunnels, old railway structures, and long continuous sections. This allows you to concentrate on the essentials: moving forward, managing your stage, and planning your stops.
The network is now sufficiently structured to serve as the basis for a genuine travel project. That, in fact, is the entire objective of the program. Pedal Spain which aims to link these routes together and to facilitate the construction of coherent routes across the country.
Main greenways in Spain
The network of greenways is very dense, but some routes stand out due to their length, continuity, or suitability for creating a cycling route. Here is a selection of key greenways, suitable for different types of projects.
Via Verde de Ojos Negros
- Length: about 160 km
- Location: Aragon → Valencian Community
- Destination: near Valence
It's the longest greenway in Spain. It allows for the possibility of a complete multi-day tour, with a continuous progression towards the Mediterranean coast.
The route is particularly useful for structuring a trip: you can travel it in its entirety or select sections, then connect it to other routes or to the sea. It provides a solid foundation for building a linear itinerary with a clear destination.
Green Oil Route
- Length: about 120 km
- Location: Andalusia (provinces of Jaén and Cordoba)
This route follows a structured inner axis, with good continuity along the entire length. It is suitable for a intermediate roaming, with several access points allowing the route to be broken down.
It can also be integrated into a larger route in Andalusia, connecting with other greenways or secondary roads.
Sierra Green Route
- Length: about 36 km
- Location: between Cadiz and Seville
Shorter, this greenway is often used for a local stay or stopover on a longer route. It is distinguished by its density of railway structures, particularly tunnels.
It can be integrated into a route in Andalusia, but also works very well in autonomous use for 1 to 2 days.
Path of the Bear
- Length: 14 to 36 km depending on the sections
- Location: Asturias
This route is structured in several sections, with a logic of out-and-back or loop travel. It is suitable for day trips or to a stay based at a fixed location.
The Senda del Oso is often used as an entry point for discovering the greenways in northern Spain.
Basque Country and Navarre Network
- Total length: more than 100 km
- Typology : several interconnected greenways
In this area, the network is more fragmented, but it allows for the creation of routes by combining different sections. This is an interesting option for creating a route tailor-made, particularly in connection with the French border.
How to reach the Spanish greenways from France?
One of the major advantages of the Spanish network is that it can be connected directly from France, without motorized transport, by combining cycle routes, mountain passes or cross-border routes.
Here are some concrete route planning strategies for organizing a departure from France.
From the southwest: direct access via EuroVelo 1 (Basque Country / Navarre)
Starting point : French Basque coast (Bayonne, Biarritz, Hendaye)
- Follow theEuroVelo 1 along the Atlantic coast
- Border crossing at Irun / San Sebastián
- Access to the cycle networks of the Spanish Basque Country
- Connection to the greenways of the Basque Country and Navarre
Interest :
- direct and progressive access from France
- possibility of building loop routes
- base suitable for a first cross-border trip
This route then allows for extension into the interior of Spain or for combining several sections of greenways.
From the Pyrenees: crossing to Aragon and connection to Ojos Negros
Starting point : Occitanie / Pyrenean foothills (Foix, Saint-Girons, Perpignan along the axis)
- Crossing the Pyrenees via mountain passes or secondary roads
- Descent on the Aragon side
- Connection possible to the Via Verde de Ojos Negros
Interest :
- route construction north → south
- possibility of reaching the Mediterranean (Valencia)
- logic oflong distance roaming
This type of route requires more anticipation (elevation changes, crossings), but allows direct connection from France to one of the country's main greenways.
From the Mediterranean: continuity with EuroVelo 8
Starting point : French Mediterranean coast (Perpignan, Narbonne, Montpellier)
- Follow theEuroVelo 8
- Crossing the border into Catalonia
- Access to Catalan cycle networks
- Possible connections to several routes, including the Via Verde de Ojos Negros (via Valence)
Interest :
- route linear and continuous
- little break in the route
- possibility of traveling several hundred kilometers
This is one of the easiest routes to reach Spain by bike, with steady progress along the coastline.
From the southwest interior: crossing with the EuroVelo 3 (Saint James Way)
Starting point : central/western France (Tours, Bordeaux, Poitiers…) or southwestern France (Bayonne)
- Follow theEuroVelo 3 – The Scandibérique
- Crossing the Pyrenees on the Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
- Crossing northern Spain along the axis of Camino Francés
Connection possible:
- indirect access to certain greenways in northern Spain
- possibility of branching off towards regional networks
- integration into hybrid routes
Interest :
- a structuring and very legible axis
- high density of services and accommodation
- logic of progressive roaming towards Spain
Route under development: EuroVelo 16 (northern-central Spain link)
Planned route: Pamplona → Madrid → Portugal
The EuroVelo 16 is a project currently under development that aims to create a structuring axis within the Iberian Peninsula. Ultimately, it will connect northern Spain to Portugal via Madrid.
Connection possible from France:
- access via theEuroVelo 1 (Atlantic coast) or theEuroVelo 3
- passing through the Basque Country or Navarre
- gradual integration towards the Pamplona → Madrid axis
Interest :
- creation of a structured interior corridor
- better connection between northern and central Spain
- new long-distance roaming possibilities
A structured itinerary :
EuroVelo 16 is not yet a fully developed route, but it already plays an important role in structuring the network.
Concretely :
- It serves as a basis for building hybrid routes.
- It facilitates connections between different greenways.
- It opens up possibilities for longer journeys across the peninsula.