Subbética Greenway: among olive groves, mountains and historic viaducts

The Subbética Greenway is, or rather was, a section of the old railway line known as the ‘Linares-Puente Genil Line’, which was inaugurated at the end of the 19th century for the purpose of transporting goods (mainly oil) from the provinces of Jaén and Córdoba to the port.

Over the years, the line was closed (1984), the tracks were removed and, since 2001, the route has been recovered as a cycle and hiking trail in the form of a greenway.

Today, this section forms part of the Vía Verde del Aceite (Oil Greenway), which runs from Jaén to Puente Genil/Córdoba and includes the old Subbética section, passing through one of the most beautiful and unique areas in southern Spain.

The essentials of the route: distance, difficulty and how to plan it

• Distance and format: the Subbética section, one of the most popular, covers about 56–58 km.
• Type of route: ideal for cycling or hiking; the path is signposted, combines paved and compacted gravel sections, and is closed to motor vehicles.
• Difficulty: medium. As the old railway line was relatively flat, this makes it an accessible greenway for a wide range of people (even those who are not expert cyclists).
• Estimated duration: it depends on how many kilometres you cover, your pace and any stops, but it is feasible to do a good part of the section in one day; you can also divide it into stages if you want to take it at a more leisurely pace.

When planning the route, many people start from towns such as Luque or Cabra (towns in the centre of the Subbética region), although there are multiple access points.

What makes it special: nature, heritage and unique sensations

Landscape: endless olive groves, mountains, open skies.

The route passes through traditional olive groves — an icon of the Andalusian landscape — which blend with the diverse terrain of the Sierras Subbéticas. This mixture of mountains, holm oak forests, limestone rock and extensive olive groves makes every kilometre charming.

History and reinvented railway heritage

As a legacy of the old railway, you will find old metal viaducts, tunnels, restored stations and sections of the railway line converted into paths. Among the highlights is the Guadajoz River Viaduct, an old iron structure that spans the Guadajoz River and today lends a nostalgic and imposing air to the landscape.

Historic towns such as Zuheros, Cabra, Lucena and Doña Mencía are dotted along the route, with their local heritage, traditions, architecture and rural charm. This makes the route much more than just a walk or a bike ride: it is a journey through history, culture and the heart of Andalusia.

Living nature: biodiversity, viewpoints and natural contrasts

The area it crosses belongs to the Sierras Subbéticas Natural Park, a territory with karst formations, limestone rocks, caves, gentle mountains, valleys and ecological diversity. This means that in addition to the agricultural landscape (olive trees, vineyards, countryside), there is wilder nature, forests, rock formations and caves, ideal for those who love nature, biodiversity and the outdoors.
There are also wetlands, marshes and even karst lagoons, which add ecological value to the route, perfect for combining sport, landscape and nature.

Useful tips and recommendations for exploring it

• Footwear/means of transport: bicycle (recommended, as the terrain is comfortable), or walking. The surface is asphalt/gravel, suitable for bicycles, hiking or even families.
• Best time of year: spring and autumn usually offer pleasant temperatures and changing landscapes, although the route can be enjoyed for most of the year. If possible, avoid the hottest days of summer, especially during the middle of the day.
• Plan your stops: take time to see villages, heritage sites, stations and viaducts. It’s not just about cycling: part of the charm lies in stopping to contemplate, visit and discover.
• Preserve the environment: as this is a natural area of ecological value, it is important to keep it clean, respect the marked routes, avoid generating waste and promote responsible tourism.