Spain´s vías verdes (greenways) are one of Andalucia´s lesser known rural attractions and a great way to discover the countryside off the sometimes well-beaten track.

In the 1960s the Spanish government drastically reduced its regional railway routes and closed down many train lines. Since the early 1990s, the government has been transforming these former railway lines into over 60 routes nationwide (with 12 located in Andalucia), that can be used by cyclists, walkers, horse riders and wheelchair users.

The routes are usually clearly marked with posts marking the distance in kilometres and there are viewpoints and picnic areas along most vía verdes. Some railway stations have been converted into restaurants and bars or museums. Along these greenways you can also appreciate the many engineering feats used to create the relatively flat surface through an often rugged landscape. Many vías verdes have tunnels, viaducts, cuttings and embankments.

Each vía verde has its own particular and often fascinating history, reflecting broader political, economic and social changes of the time. You can find out more about the background of many routes in museums and visitors' centres along the way, as well as on the information boards that line the vías verdes (although most of this is available in Spanish only).

Contact the local tourist offices for maps and more information. If your Spanish is up to it, you can read more in the two volumes on the vías verdes published by Anaya Touring Club.

Via Verde - Coast		Via Verde - Countryside
This 49km long route links the appealing border town of Ayamonte, and Gibraleón. More >		Spain´s longest vía verde at 91km, this route crosses the countryside between Valchillón, just southwest of Cordoba, and Marchena in Seville province More >
Vía Verde - Hills		Vía Verde - Huéznar River
Starting in Alcalá de Guadaíra 14km south of Seville, this vía verde covers 28km and ends in Carmona. More >		In the Sierra Norte Natural Park is this 18km-long vía verde that follows the Huéznar river and the course of an old mining railway. More >
Vía Verde - Itálica		Vía Verde - Odiel River
The vía verde passes close to the Roman archaeological site of Itálica and continues northwest to Gerena. More >		This 17km vía verde follows the former Buitrón mining railway line that once linked Mina Concepción and Zalamea la Real. More >
Via Verde - Olive Oil		Via Verde - Olvera
This vía verde covers 55km between Jaen and the Guadajoz river, where it joins the Vía Verde of the Subbética. It is suitable for walkers, cyclists and wheelchair users. More >		Possibly the most beautiful vía verde in Andalucia is between Puerto Serrano, west of Algodonales and the former bandit haven Olvera. More >
Via Verde - Rio Tinto		Vía Verde - Sierra Nevada
Starting from the Valverde railway station is this 35km-long route to Riotinto, a historically important mining centre. More >		On the edge of the Sierra Nevada is a 6km-long vía verde that follows an old railway line between Güéjar-Sierra and the Barranco de San Juan to the east. More >
Vía Verde - Subbética		Vía Verde - Watermills
Links a series of beautiful villages, such as Zuheros, Luque and Cabra, crossing several magnificent viaducts and passing through a tunnel. More >		This route starts at San Juan del Puerto northeast of Huelva city and ends 36km further north in Valverde del Camino. More >

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