Vía Verde de la Sierra: a journey through tunnels, viaducts and birds of prey
In the heart of Andalusia lies one of Spain’s most unique hiking and cycling routes: the Vía Verde de la Sierra.
Stretching over 36 kilometres, this route follows the old railway line that linked Jerez de la Frontera with Almargen, a project that never came into operation but has now become the perfect route for enjoying nature, history and tranquillity.
Declared a Greenway of Excellence and recognised by the Spanish Railway Foundation, this route crosses the provinces of Cadiz and Seville, linking the towns of Puerto Serrano and Olvera. What were once forgotten railway tracks are now a perfectly conditioned path for hikers, cyclists and nature lovers looking for a different experience.
A route full of charm
The Sierra Greenway surprises from the very first section. The route is dotted with 30 tunnels, 4 viaducts and 5 old train stations that have now been converted into interpretation centres, rural accommodation or rest areas.
The tunnels, some of which are up to a kilometre long, are illuminated and give you the feeling of travelling back in time, as if a locomotive could still appear in the darkness. The viaducts, meanwhile, offer spectacular views over valleys and rivers, with the sound of water and the vastness of the Andalusian landscape as your travelling companions.
For all levels
Although its total length is 36 kilometres, the Sierra Greenway is a route accessible to almost everyone. The terrain is practically flat and the surface is well maintained, making it ideal for walkers who want to cover just a section and for cyclists who want to complete the entire route in a day.
The difficulty is low, but the length may require a certain level of physical fitness if you intend to complete it in one go. It is advisable to divide it into two or three stages, enjoying the surroundings at a leisurely pace and taking advantage of the services offered by the old stations that have been converted into rural accommodation.
Nature in its purest form
One of the greatest attractions of the Sierra Greenway is its natural wealth. Along the route are the bird observatories of Peñón de Zaframagón, where one of the largest colonies of griffon vultures in Europe nests. Seeing them glide just a few metres away is an unforgettable experience.
The route also runs through landscapes of great ecological value: pastures, oak groves, olive groves and Mediterranean mountains that change their appearance with each season of the year. In spring, the hillsides are covered with flowers; in autumn, the golden light highlights the stone of the viaducts and tunnels.
History and culture at every turn
In addition to nature, the route is steeped in history. Each station of the old railway retains its nostalgic air, recalling an industrial past that never took hold. Today, these stations are an essential part of the charm of the Greenway: some house restaurants or rural guesthouses, others function as interpretation centres, and all convey that spirit of leisurely travel, where the important thing is to enjoy the journey.
Nearby villages, such as Olvera, offer the chance to complete the experience with cultural visits. Its Moorish castle, neoclassical church and whitewashed streets are the perfect complement to a day of hiking.
Best time to visit
The Sierra Greenway can be enjoyed at any time of year, but spring and autumn are the ideal times, with mild temperatures and landscapes in all their splendour. In summer, the Andalusian heat can make the route more demanding, so it is advisable to set off early or limit yourself to shorter sections.
Tips and equipment
Although the route is well maintained, it never hurts to prepare your equipment carefully:
- Comfortable hiking boots suitable for long walks.
- Sufficient water and some food, especially if you want to do a long stretch.
- A head torch, even though the tunnels are lit, is always useful.
- Sunscreen and a hat, essential in Andalusia.
- Mountain bike or hybrid bike if you want to travel on wheels.
A route to discover at your leisure
The Sierra Greenway is not a high mountain trek or a great alpine crossing. Rather, it is an experience that combines sport, rural tourism, history and nature in a single route. It is the perfect route for those who want to enjoy Andalusia from a different perspective: without rushing, using all five senses and with the feeling of walking in the footsteps of a train that never arrived, but which today takes hikers through one of the most beautiful landscapes in southern Spain.