The best traffic-free bike rides around Aragon

This guide features 11 carefully selected no traffic touring cycling routes in Aragon. These routes range in difficulty from easy to difficult, ensuring options for various skill levels. You'll find 3 easy routes, 1 moderate route, and 7 difficult routes, all designed to keep you away from vehicle traffic.

Aragon offers a diverse landscape for no traffic touring cycling. You can expect everything from the relatively flat plains and river trails of the Ebro Valley to the more challenging, rugged terrain of the Iberian System in the south. While this guide focuses on routes around the Aragon area, the broader region is known for its varied topography, including the majestic Pyrenees in the north, which offer significant elevation gains and dramatic mountain scenery on other routes.

Yes, Aragon has options suitable for families looking for car-free cycling. This guide includes 3 easy routes, such as the Aragon Village – Circuit 5 aragon loop from Aragon, which is just under 5 km long with minimal elevation gain. The region's Vías Verdes (Greenways), like the Val de Zafán Greenway or Ojos Negros Nature Trail, are also excellent choices for family outings, as they are disused railway lines converted into scenic, often flat paths.

The best times for no traffic touring cycling in Aragon are generally spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). During these seasons, the weather is typically mild and pleasant, avoiding the intense heat of summer, especially in the Ebro Valley and Monegros desert areas. The Pyrenean routes might still have snow in early spring, so checking local conditions is always recommended.

Yes, many of the no traffic touring cycling routes in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the Aragon Village – View of Aragon loop from Aragon offers a challenging 37 km loop, while the View of Aragon – Sainte-Marie Church loop from Aragon is another difficult circular option. For an easier, shorter loop, consider the Aragon Village – Circuit 5 aragon loop from Aragon.

While cycling these no traffic routes, you can explore various points of interest. For example, near some routes, you'll find beautiful lakes like Lake Galaube or the Barrière Dam. The region also boasts historical castles, such as the impressive Carcassonne Citadel and the Count's Castle, which are worth a visit if you're in the vicinity. The wider Aragon region is rich in cultural and natural attractions, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park.

The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience in Aragon, with an average score of 4.6 stars from 165 ratings. Cyclists often praise the region's diverse landscapes, from the quiet river paths to the more challenging mountain ascents, and the extensive network of dedicated cycling paths like the Vías Verdes. The opportunity to explore historical sites and natural wonders away from vehicle traffic is also a frequently highlighted positive aspect.

Yes, Aragon is home to some of Spain's most significant long-distance car-free cycling routes. The Vías Verdes, such as the Val de Zafán Greenway (130 km) and the Ojos Negros Nature Trail (160 km), offer extensive car-free paths, often following old railway lines. Additionally, the EuroVelo "Iberica" route (EuroVelo 8) passes through Aragon, integrating the region into a broader European cycling network, providing opportunities for very long-distance touring away from traffic.

For a no traffic touring cycling trip in Aragon, consider packing layers of clothing suitable for varying temperatures, especially if cycling in spring or autumn. Essential items include a helmet, repair kit, water bottles, snacks, sun protection, and a first-aid kit. Given the diverse terrain, appropriate footwear and comfortable cycling gear are crucial. For longer routes, a GPS device or a fully charged smartphone with offline maps is highly recommended.

While many of the no traffic routes, especially Vías Verdes, pass through or near small towns and villages, amenities like cafes and shops might not be directly on the path at all times. It's advisable to carry sufficient water and snacks, especially on longer stretches. Planning your route to include stops in towns like Zaragoza, which is very bike-friendly, or other villages along the way will ensure access to amenities. Always check opening hours, especially in smaller, more remote areas.

Public transport options for accessing trailheads or returning from routes in Aragon can vary. While major cities like Zaragoza have good public transport links, reaching more remote no traffic cycling trailheads might require a car or a combination of transport. Some regional bus services may accommodate bicycles, but it's essential to check their specific policies and availability in advance, especially for longer routes or Vías Verdes that connect different towns.