The Vias Verdes in Andalusia are flat and can be enjoyed by everyone -cyclists, joggers, children and even wheelchair users
Le beau vélo de RAVeL – L’échapée belge, is an RTBF – the public television of French-speaking Belgium – a programme that focuses on promoting and bringing to light the network of rail trails -including towpaths and disused railway lines that exist in the Wallonia region. Every week, during the summer season, a different town of Wallonia is featured on the show, plus a yearly trip somewhere in the world.
Vías Verdes in Andalusia – Cycling in the wild
For this 2019, L’échapée belge – the Belgian escapade, has chosen Andalusia, where they have pedalled through some of the region’s Vias Verdes or Green Tracks on six different legs. The Vías Verdes, 30 in Andalusia, were created in 1993 to make the most of former rail-trails that were no longer in use. Thanks to this, the paths are reasonable flat, with little to no slopes, therefore can be enjoyed by everyone – cyclists, joggers, children and even wheelchair users.
Some of the trails the team of the Belgian escapade have gone through are amongst the most popular in Andalusia. The first leg of their journey took them through the Alpujarras in Granada, an area located on the south slopes of Sierra Nevada, pedalling through the towns of Bubión, Capileira and Trevélez, famous for its tasty Serrano ham (also called Spanish ham). On their second day, they crossed the Sierra Nevada mountain range, arriving in Abrucena, on the north slopes on the mountain.
On their third day, the left the mountains to the endless olive groves of Jaen. This leg is one of the most famous greenways in Spain, thanks to its spectacular landscape, with 13 metal viaducts, impressive views of the olive groves and is the longest in Andalusia. Olive oil is an important part of the Andalusian culture and economy – more than 53% of the olive oil production worldwide comes from Jaen and Cordoba.
Cordoba was the fourth leg of their journey, bordering the south side of the Baetic System, where they discovered the town of Moriles, famous not only for its production of olive oil but also the Montilla-Moriles sweet dessert wines, another highlight of the Andalusian gastronomy. Olive oil has been produced in Andalusia for over 3,000 years, while wine was introduced by the Romans and Greeks 2500 years ago.
The following day, the Belgian escapade team rode through the mind-blowing Pueblos Blancos in Cadiz – mainly Olvera and Grazalema, home of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. Grazalema is one of the rainiest places in Spain due to the layout of its mountains, that serve as a barrier for all the clouds coming from the Atlantic ocean. This specific climatology of the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park is ideal for all kinds of adventure and nature activities.
And last, but not least, the team arrived in Malaga, where they discovered the Great Malaga Path, a pioneer route that, through 35 stages, allows the visitor to discover the territorial and environmental variety of the province, promoting both nature and towns and cities. On this occasion, they rode through the towns of Ronda and Estepona, right in the Costa del Sol.
Sports and Nature for your MICE and Corporate Event
If you are keen on nature, big outdoors, hiking, trekking or just nordic walking, Andalusia is the ideal place for you. You could use some of our Vías Verdes, discover our Natural Parks or beach promenades – it’s up to you. We organise your sports getaway or just some physical activity as part of your MICE or Corporate Event in Andalusia.
Meridional Events is your local DMC for all meetings, incentives, team building, golf trips or conferences in Andalusia and the South of Spain. Do not hesitate to contact us for more information.
