Biking on the Olive Oil Greenway

Biking on the Olive Oil Greenway through the landscape of the regions of Córdoba and Jaén is a special adventure. Like the Greenway of the Black Eyes it is a great outdoor activity and a good way to connect with nature. Although the region isn’t pure nature and the landscape is strongly dominated by the cultivation of olive trees, on the old railway track you can hear and spot all kinds of birds. During Spring you will be fascinated by the greenness of the passing hills, the colours of flowers and certainly you'll scare off some rabbits. Greenways are special – offering a different, more sincere way of exploring. On the Olive Oil Greenway you will discover typical Andalusian villages worth discovering - dwelling in their atmosphere and experiencing the friendliness of the inhabitants. Read further to get the details about biking on the Olive Oil Greenway.

The itinerary in the Córdoba region

The 128 km trail for walkers and bikers is called the Olive Oil greenway, because it follows the old ‘Oil Train’ and honestly I’ve never seen cultivation of a specific agricultural plant to such an extent. Going through the heart of the Andalusia Region, it connects the city of Jaén with the village of Puente Genil. There are several highlights on the way, for example an additional 7 km branch leads to the village of Baena. We did the Olive Oil Greenway by bike, starting in Doña Mencia – taking a bus with our bikes from Córdoba. We slept in our tent at the camp site the first night, close to Doña Mencia. Normally the forecast predicts sun for the region of Córdoba and Jaén, but we were a bit unlucky to get a rainy morning, so we found a good place to rest at the Luque station. There is a restaurant, an olive oil museum, a hostel and the branch leading to Baena. And when we went outdoors again, the sun showed up – making the colours of the surrounding trees and the old train wagons shine. Here you will find 104 pages of very detailed tourist information for the Córdoba Province Section with a general map, sights to see and accommodations along the way.

Luque station

14880 Luque, Córdoba, Spain

The itinerary in the Jaén region

Shortly after Luque station up from Guadajoz viaduct the section of the Olive Oil Greenway in the Jaén Province begins. Before, there is a great viewpoint over the Laguna del Salobral and we were told that at certain times of the year one can spot flamingos.

Laguna del Salobral

Laguna del Conde o Salobral, 14880 Luque, Córdoba, Spain

Starting in Doña Mencia we missed out 40 km of the greenway and some sights. Anyway when time is limited, you have to make compromises and the last 80 km were just stunning. While on the trail we really enjoyed biking with the green beautiful landscape passing by, feeling the air in our hair and enjoying the sun on our faces. This experience is special – away from civilization and its noises – enjoying the sounds and the stillness of nature. Chirping birds, rustling grass and creaking trees play a peaceful symphony and old ruins gave the bike trip on the Olive Oil Greenway a special touch.

Our second and last night on the Olive Oil Greenway was spent in an apartment in Martos and we really enjoyed the rest in a real bed. The following picture shows the view out of our window over the rooftops of Martos.

Martos

23600 Martos, Jaén, Spain

Next day we continued to Jaén, where the Olive Oil greenway and our journey on it came to an end.