Vía Verde de la Sierra

Country: Spain, Andalusia

EUROPEAN GREENWAYS AWARD 2017

Vía Verde de la Sierra, a 36.5 km route between Cádiz and Seville, showcases 30 railway tunnels, including the 990 m Castillo tunnel, many of which are illuminated, while others offer a darker, more atmospheric experience where wildlife such as bats can be observed. The Vía Verde de la Sierra follows a never-completed 1926 railway project and showcases over 300 engineering structures along its length, including four remarkable stone viaducts built in the 1930s. A visit to the Interpretation Centre of the Vía Verde de la Sierra, located near Olvera Station, is highly recommended. This interactive visitor centre explains the greenway’s history, landscapes, and biodiversity through exhibitions and multimedia displays. Another key attraction is the Centro de Interpretación y Observatorio Ornitológico del Peñón de Zaframagón, a visitor centre equipped with live video monitoring that allows real-time observation of a large colony of griffon vultures nesting in the surrounding cliffs, alongside educational exhibits about the area’s wildlife and natural environment.

Olvera Station, on the Vía Verde de la Sierra, offers unique accommodation in a natural setting. Guests can stay in one of four bungalows designed to resemble the railway carriages that travelled along the Jerez–Almargen railway in the 19th century.

Each bungalow features two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom. One bungalow has been specially adapted for guests with disabilities. During the summer, visitors can also enjoy the outdoor swimming pool.

The package includes four bicycles for exploring the Via Verde de la Sierra (full-day rental), lunch or dinner at the Green Station Olvera, and a guided visit to the Vía Verde de la Sierra Interpretation Centre.

More information:

www.fundacionviaverdedelasierra.es

Tour operator – Sleep in a train car

Name of the company: SESCA09, SL
Web site: www.sesca.es