Consorci Víes Verdes de Girona

Consorci de les Vies Verdes de Girona is an inter-municipal consortium created in 2003 that brings together local governments to preserve and develop former railway corridors as green infrastructure. The network spans 28 municipalities across the province of Girona.

Among the earliest and most iconic railway-to-trail conversions in Spain is the 160 km network of Greenways Vies Verdes de Girona in Catalonia, which connects the Pyrenees to the Costa Brava. Its origins lie in the historic “carrilets” (narrow-gauge railways). In the late 19th century, private industrial entrepreneurs—supported by engineers and local communities—developed these so-called “cheap trains” to improve the transport of goods and access to ports, marking an important step in regional industrial development. Today, these former railway lines—once vital links between communities—have been beautifully restored and transformed into Greenways.

One of the first major sections to be redeveloped was the Ruta del Carrilet I, running from Olot—a town known for its Baroque, Neoclassical, and Catalan Modernist architecture—to the outstanding medieval city of Girona. This approximately 55 km greenway features a gentle downhill profile and crosses three regions, passing through river valleys, volcanic landscapes, and charming towns. From Girona, the network continues along the Ruta del Carrilet II, which connects the city with the historic coastal town of Sant Feliu de Guíxols. This 41.9 km greenway offers a peaceful journey through a varied patchwork landscape of farmland and forest, with wide views on clear days stretching from the eastern Pyrenees to the Montseny and nearby mountain ranges. Pirinexus is a 340 km circular cycling route that connects the province of Girona with Southern France, creating one of the first large-scale cross-border cycling networks in the Mediterranean region.

The Girona Greenways Consortium and public transport operator TEISA have launched a Bici Bus service along Girona’s popular greenways. Operating on weekends and holidays, the buses are equipped with trailers for transporting bicycles.

Contact data:

Address: Rda. Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 28A, 17002 Girona, Spain

APP – Secrets of Girona Greenways Secrets of the Greenways is an app that brings visitors closer to the cultural and natural heritage around the greenways of Girona through gaming.

The Girona greenways, awarded the 2nd European Greenways Award in 2003, a Special Mention in 2007 and the prize for the best Exemplary European Initiative in 2011, allows you to go from the charming Girona Pyrenees to the warm Costa Brava by bike or on a pleasant walk.