Embedded Files
🌸 Spring Special: 20% Off our Ronda to Setenil Tour! Use code: MARCH20 at checkout
The Best Cycling Day Trip from Ronda: Vía Verde de la Sierra. Enjoy a 36km downhill ride through 30 tunnels and over 4 viaducts. We provide full transport from Ronda, high-quality bikes, and logistics for an effortless adventure.
Highlights:
Highlights:
Self-Guided Cycling Experience with Support
Gradual, Easy Downhill Route
Traffic-Free Cycling
Transport Included
The Via Verde de las Sierras is a dedicated cycle and walkway on the foundations of an old disused railway line.
After pick-up from Ronda, we travel to Olvera, where the cycling route starts.
It weaves between the Mountains of South Sevilla and Cádiz, following the steady descent designed for a train until you reach the town of Puerto Serrano, 36.5km away.
The Via Verde is a beautiful, well-maintained cycleway suitable for all levels of cyclists. Not only are you blessed with stunning landscapes and picturesque bridges, but you also have the cool addition of 30 tunnels and 4 viaducts, providing a reminder of its history.
That's not all; you'll pass the Zaframagón Nature Reserve, home to nesting sites of Griffon Vultures.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions and Exclusions
What's included
What's included
Transportation from Ronda (contact us directly for an alternative location).
Bicycle rental (excluding e-bikes), helmets, lights and a bottle of water.
Support (the driver will remain close to the route with the vehicle).
What's excluded
What's excluded
Food and Snacks
Itinerary
Itinerary
09:15 - Meet at the confirmed meeting point
10:00 - Arrive at the start point (Olvera Station) for debrief and preparation
10:25 - Start cycling
13:55 - Arrive at the finish point (Puerto Serrano Station)
14:10 - Leave Puerto Serrano
15:00 - Arrive back at the meeting point
Gallery
Gallery
What to Expect
What to Expect
This is a self-guided bicycle ride and doesn't require any navigation due to it being a dedicated cycle path.
Our van is a Ford Tourneo Courier with air con and 5 seats, including the driver. The three seats in the rear can be a little snug with 3 big people, so bear that in mind when booking for a group of 4 people.
Once you meet your guide at the pre-selected pick-up point, they will drive you to the start and set you up with all the equipment you need. Once you are ready to go, you will cycle 36km from the Old Station at Olvera to the Old Station at Puerto Serrano.
Once you complete your ride, your guide will be waiting for you at the endpoint and will drive you back to the original pick-up point.
37km/23miles - Ascent/Descent 80 m / 380 m - 5.5 hours (incl transport)
Classification
Classification
Terrain
Terrain
As a dedicated cycle path the terrain is usually in good condition, however some sections require a little caution. The route is traffic-free (except for service and authorised vehicles) but there are some crossing sights which are well signposted.
Distance and Grade
Distance and Grade
The route is only 36km (22 miles) but naturally follows the slow and steady descent of a train line so there are very few uphill sections.
Easy
What to Bring
What to Bring
Any cycling excursion, easy or challenging, should still be treated the same regarding preparation.
For you all the difficult stuff like maintaining the bicycles and planning the routes have been done, so all you need to do is come prepared with suitable clothing for cycling (padded shorts are not necessary but recommended), hydrated and fuelled (have breakfast and drink water), bring suncream/sunscreen and most importantly expect to have an awesome day.
What our customers say
What our customers say
★★★★★ "Excellent experience... Loved the 30 tunnels and vultures!" "Cycled the Via Verde de la Sierra on Oct 31, 2025. Great bikes, good communication re meeting place in Ronda and van ride to and from cycle. The vulture Observation Centre was a highlight!" — M. McIntyre (Google Review)
★★★★★ "Highly recommend this activity while in Ronda!" "The trail was downhill but relatively flat with beautiful views! We stopped and had drinks at the vulture sanctuary about half way. Lee has a great business with excellent bikes." — Emily (Google Review)
★★★★★ "I don’t think the smile vanished from my face all day." "Being essentially all gently downhill, the ride is pleasurable from start to finish. The bikes are well maintained and perfect for the ride. It’s fabulous!" — Richard (TripAdvisor)
The Bicycle
The Bicycle
Our Focus Whistler 3.6 bikes are a reliable and comfortable hardtail mountain bike, perfect for both casual rides and those looking to explore trails around Ronda. With front suspension, powerful hydraulic disc brakes, and a lightweight aluminium frame, it handles everything from scenic countryside roads to light off-road adventures with ease. Quality Shimano components make it a smooth and confidence-inspiring choice for riders of all levels.
Via Verde de la Sierra - FAQs
Via Verde de la Sierra - FAQs
Will we see the Griffon Vultures at Zaframagón?
Will we see the Griffon Vultures at Zaframagón?
Yes, the route passes directly beneath the Peñón de Zaframagón, one of Europe's largest nesting colonies of Griffon Vultures. We stop at the old station, which now houses a visitor center with a live "Vulture Cam" so you can see the nests up close.
Are the tunnels on the Vía Verde dark?
Are the tunnels on the Vía Verde dark?
There are 30 tunnels in total! Most are equipped with automatic lights that trigger as you enter. However, we provide all our cyclists with powerful bike lights to ensure a fun and safe experience through the longer galleries.
Is the route entirely downhill?
Is the route entirely downhill?
Almost! The Vía Verde follows a disused railway line, which was designed for steam trains that couldn't handle steep climbs. The 36km route from Olvera to Puerto Serrano is a very gentle, consistent downhill gradient (about 1-2%). There is only one short hill with 2km to the end, but that is it.
What should I wear and bring?
What should I wear and bring?
We recommend comfortable sportswear and closed-toe shoes (trainers are perfect; no flip-flops). Don't forget sunscreen and a hat! We provide a bottle of water and a helmet, but you may want to bring a small snack or pocket money for a coffee at one of the repurposed station cafes along the way. Make sure you check the weather the night before or the morning of, so you know what to expect and what layers you may need.
How do we get back to Ronda after the ride?
How do we get back to Ronda after the ride?
We handle all the logistics! We pick you up in Ronda and drive you to the start point in Olvera. Once you finish your 36km ride at the Puerto Serrano station, our support vehicle will be waiting there to bring you and the bikes directly back to Ronda. You don't have to worry about bus schedules or expensive taxis.
Not what you're looking for?
Not what you're looking for?
Customised routes and itineraries can be created, so we encourage you to contact us with any requests you may have. We can create customised itineraries including but not limited to: shorter/longer rides, different towns, different start and end points as well as multi-day tours from one base town.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse