Vías Verdes is a project run by the Spanish Railways Foundation. Taking advantage of abandoned railway lines in Spain, they decided to create paths that are easy to use so people can enjoy nature. From the very beginning, they realised that it would be necessary to eliminate any barriers and obstacles on the paths so that all types of visitors, including those with physical disabilities, can enjoy a day outdoors without a hitch. In fact, the greenways are so comfortable for wheelchair and handbike users that they can even be a good reason to choose a holiday destination.

One of the things that make the greenways unique is that, as they used to be railway lines, they are quite flat. This makes them perfect for families with children, the elderly and people with reduced mobility including wheelchair users. Plus, they’re fantastic with a handbike! Another thing that sets them apart is their tunnels. Going through them is a delight in many ways: the sensation of coolness or the feeling of going through a mountain to come out into the daylight on the other side. Some of these tunnels have lights inside that you have to switch on but they go off automatically after a time, so we recommend using the light on your handbike because visibility is low. Luckily the light on our handbikes is very powerful. ;-)

Since 2013, there is a website with a Guide to the Accessible Greenways in Spain. It was created through a collaboration between the Spanish Railways Foundation and the Spanish National Platform Representing the Physically Disabled (PREDIF) to make all of the best accessible routes available in one place and make it easier for people with reduced mobility to search them. The accessible greenways were selected by PREDIF from among all the greenways in Spain because they are simple and safe to do in a wheelchair.

Here’s a list of the top ten routes, perfect to do in a wheelchair, with one of our handbikes and/or with the whole family to spend an unforgettable day enveloped in serenity and nature.

• Vía Verde del Tajuña (Madrid)
• Vía Verde de la Jara (Toledo)
• Vía Verde de la Senda del Oso (Asturias)
• Vía Verde del Laciana (León)
• Vía Verde del Plazaola (Navarra-Guipuzcoa)
• Vía Verde de la Terra Alta (Tarragona)
• Vía Verde de Ojos Negros (Castellón-Valencia)
• Vía Verde del Noroeste (Murcia)
• Vía Verde del Aceite (Jaén)
• Vía Verde de la Sierra (Cádiz-Sevilla) 

Some of the greenways have a place to rent bikes that can be very useful for friends or family accompanying you. They also offer pick-up service. So, if you just want to do the downhill part, you can hire a pick-up service for the return. In addition to being a great experience, it means you can cover more kilometres, which in cases like the Vía Verde de la Terra Alta is well worth it given the spectacular landscape.

The Guide to Accessible Greenways and others on accessible tourism are available on the official website of Turismo de España. They have also created a mobile app for accessible tourism “Tur4all”, promoted by PREDIF and the Vodafone España Foundation, that you can use at any time on your phone.