Cycling – Via Verde de la Sierra – 36km – Easy Level

Experience the gentle thrill of cycling through Spain’s stunning landscape along the Via Verde de la Sierra with this 36 km, easy-level route. For $160.40 per person, you’ll spend about five hours enjoying a mostly downhill ride that’s ideal for families, beginners, or anyone who wants a relaxed day out. The journey from Olvera to Puerto Serrano is filled with charming tunnels, scenic viaducts, and views of olive groves and rivers. The small-group format ensures personalized attention, and all necessary cycling gear is included, making this a straightforward, enjoyable adventure.

What we love most about this tour is the accessibility — it’s designed to be downhill and smooth, making it suitable for all ages and experience levels. Secondly, the variety of scenery and points of interest, like tunnels and vulture colonies, keeps the ride visually engaging. A potential drawback, however, is that it’s a self-guided tour, so if you prefer a fully guided experience, this might not be the best fit. Still, the organized pickup and drop-off from Ronda make logistics seamless.

This tour works best for families with children, beginners, or travelers who want a relaxed, scenic ride that doesn’t require advanced biking skills. It’s also ideal if you’re looking to enjoy the outdoors without the stress of navigating yourself — the transfer service and well-maintained bikes make it straightforward and comfortable.

This experience made our article of 12 Best Bike Tours In Malaga (With Reviews & Prices).

Key Points

• Easy and accessible route suitable for all ages and skill levels.
• Includes transportation from Ronda to the start in Olvera and back from Puerto Serrano.
• Scenic highlights include tunnels, viaducts, and local wildlife such as vultures.
• All gear provided, including safety equipment, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
• Small group size enhances personal attention and safety.
• Ideal for families, beginners, or those seeking a peaceful outdoor activity.

Discovering the Via Verde de la Sierra: A Scenic 36km Bicycle Ride in Spain

If you’re visiting the Malaga region and enjoy cycling, this tour offers a fantastic way to explore Spain’s beautiful countryside without the physical challenge of a steep climb. For around four hours, you’ll glide along the former railway line that has been transformed into the Via Verde de la Sierra, a scenic trail that takes you through tunnels, over viaducts, and past abundant wildlife.

The experience begins with a convenient pickup from your hotel in Ronda, where Heather or Wayne will drive you approximately 45 minutes to the charming old station in Olvera. From there, you’ll hop on a well-maintained bike, fully equipped with safety gear, ready to coast downhill along the track. The route is designed to be mostly downhill, making it perfect for newcomers or families with younger children. After the ride, you’ll be driven back from Puerto Serrano to Ronda, making the whole day smooth and fuss-free.

The scenery is quite varied—olive groves, rivers, and the occasional bird of prey soaring overhead. You’ll pass through 30 tunnels that add a dash of adventure and fun, especially for kids who love exploring tunnels, and cross 4 viaducts with stunning views. The route also passes a vulture colony, giving a glimpse of local wildlife that many travelers appreciate.

Two former railway stations along the way serve as excellent spots for a quick refreshment break, which is particularly appreciated if you’re traveling with children or prefer a more leisurely pace. The bikes are described as well suited for the ride, with helpful features like bike lights for the longer tunnels, ensuring safety and comfort.

Itinerary and Highlights in Detail

Starting Point: Olvera Station

Your adventure kicks off at the parking area near the historic station in Olvera. Heather or Wayne will meet you here and provide a brief overview of the route, safety instructions, and some background about the old railway. The stations themselves carry a nostalgic charm, adding a touch of history to your journey.

The Ride: Scenic and Safe

Once on the bikes, you’ll begin your mostly downhill ride along the old railway track. The gentle descent means you won’t be exerting yourself too much, making this suitable for various fitness levels. The track’s surface is largely unpaved but manageable, and the route is well-marked.

Tunnel Exploration

You’ll pass through 30 tunnels—some short, some longer—and the bike lights provided are a real plus, allowing you to enjoy the mysterious, cool atmosphere inside. Reviewers mention that the tunnels are particularly fun for kids, and if you’re a fan of engineering, you’ll appreciate the viaducts that span river valleys.

Wildlife and Scenery

One highlight is observing a nesting site of vultures, a sight many reviewers have raved about. The ride is peaceful, with occasional stops for photos and to take in the panoramic views of olive groves and surrounding hills. The route’s gradual descent makes the journey very relaxed, with no worries about climbing.

Rest Stops and Refreshments

There are two old railway stations along the track where you can grab a drink or snack. These stops are great for a break, especially if you’re traveling with children or not used to biking for several hours. Some reviews note that the cafes are charming and provide a welcome chance to rest and soak in the scenery.

End Point and Return Trip

The ride concludes in Puerto Serrano, where your minibus will pick you up and transfer you back to Ronda. The seamless logistics are a major plus—no need to worry about navigation or returning the bikes. As a small group (max 8 riders), guides can adapt to your pace and answer questions along the way, adding a personal touch.

What to Expect on the Day

Since this is a self-guided tour, your guides or drivers will set you up at the start and meet you at the end, ensuring smooth logistics. You’ll be provided with all gear, including helmets and bike lights, and the route is designed to be straightforward and mostly downhill. Expect approximately 5 hours total, but the pace is flexible—many reviewers mention that even less experienced riders found it comfortable.

Weather can influence the experience—rain might delay the ride, but the tour provider is flexible and will reschedule or refund if necessary. The ride’s gentle profile ensures you’re not battling steep inclines, making it accessible and enjoyable.

Review Highlights from Past Participants

Many travelers comment on the well-maintained bikes and the helpfulness of guides like Heather and Wayne. One reviewer happily noted that “the bikes were ideally suited for the ride and were very well maintained,” which speaks to the value of quality equipment for a smooth experience.

Others appreciated the informative local commentary provided during pickup and at the start, adding a layer of context that enriches the ride. As one traveler said, “Santi provided a lot of useful information about the route and the surrounding area,” which made the day more engaging.

The scenery received unanimous praise, with comments like “stunning 36 km bike ride,” and “beautiful countryside,” along with mentions of vultures soaring overhead. Reviewers also appreciated the peacefulness—away from city noise and traffic—making it a perfect escape into nature.

Suitability for Types of Travelers

This tour is particularly popular among families and casual cyclists due to its gentle terrain and scenic stops. Several reviews highlight how children loved the tunnels and the relaxed pace. It’s also great for those wanting a break from sightseeing without the physical strain of a mountain climb.

However, some reviews mention the importance of proper sizing of bikes for smaller or taller riders—most groups found suitable bikes provided, but if you’re particularly short or tall, it’s worth confirming in advance.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re after a low-stress, scenic cycling experience that offers great value for the price, this Via Verde de la Sierra tour hits the mark. The combination of beautiful natural scenery, historical railway remnants, and the well-organized logistics makes it a compelling choice. The small-group format and friendly guides add to the experience, making it feel personal and safe.

This tour is best for families, beginners, or anyone wanting to enjoy Spain’s countryside without strenuous climbs. It’s also suited for those interested in wildlife spotting, thanks to the vultures and rural landscapes. If you’re looking for a relaxed but memorable outdoor activity, this ride will leave you with plenty of stories and photos.

FAQs

How long is the bike ride?
The ride is approximately 36 km and takes about five hours, including stops and breaks.

Is the route suitable for children?
Yes, the route’s gentle downhill profile and interesting tunnels make it ideal for families and children.

What is included in the price?
All cycling and safety equipment are provided, along with round-trip transfers from your hotel in Ronda.

Do I need to bring my own gear?
No, all necessary gear, including helmets and bike lights, are included.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour provider will cancel or reschedule if weather conditions are poor, offering a full refund or alternative date.

Can I do this ride if I’m not an experienced cyclist?
Absolutely. The route is designed to be easy and downhill, making it manageable for most skill levels.

How many people are in a group?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes suitable for cycling and weather conditions; light layers are recommended.

In all, this cycling tour along the Via Verde de la Sierra offers a well-balanced mix of gentle adventure, scenic beauty, and outdoor fun. Perfect for those seeking a relaxed day out that still delivers memorable views and a touch of Spain’s railway history.