The best traffic-free bike rides around Campiña Alta

olive trees

The Laguna del Conde (also known as Laguna del Salobral) is an important wetland that serves as a habitat for numerous bird species such as flamingos, cormorants, and ducks. Along the Vía Verde, there are viewpoints from which visitors can observe the wildlife.

The Zuheros Viaduct crosses the embedded bed of the Bailón River. It has a length of 104 meters resolved into two lateral sections of 31.5 meters and a central section of 41.0 meters. Its structure is metallic and is very similar to that of the Guadajoz River Viaduct. It seems that both projects were drawn up by the same engineers, Alessandri and Delaperrière.

Here you can find everything in the field of catering. Breakfast, lunch, sleep. It seems like this is the place to be in the area.

The Lagoon del Conde or Salobral Lagoon is a temporary lagoon that reaches a maximum flood level in spring and subsides in summer. The lagoon is filled by rainfall that falls directly on the surface of the lagoon and by surface runoff from its catchment area, particularly from the Carrascón stream. The lagoon is on the migratory route that many birds follow towards the African continent in northeastern Europe. Like the rest of the wetland areas south of Córdoba, the Salobral Lagoon is integrated into the European Natura 2000 network.

Zuheros is a small, picturesque village, located at an altitude of around 656 metres and surrounded by the impressive landscape of the Sierras Subbéticas Natural Park. The village has retained its charming, peaceful character. A place that combines history, nature and Andalusian tradition. Whether you stroll through the alleys, visit the castle or explore the impressive landscape of the Sierras Subbéticas, Zuheros is a real gem that delights visitors with its beauty and authenticity. Its proximity to the Vía Verde del Aceite, a popular cycle route, makes it an ideal starting point for outdoor activities.

El Castillo de Zuheros is a historic fortress in the small municipality of Zuheros. The castle sits spectacularly on a rock and has become a landmark in the region. The castle's origins date back to the Moors in the 9th century. It was strategically built on a limestone cliff to control and defend the region. Its location made it almost impregnable. The viaduct is a historic remnant of the old railway line and offers an elevated platform with unobstructed views of the surrounding landscapes. The section near Zuheros is particularly spectacular as the viaduct crosses a gorge through which the Bailón River flows. From here, Zuheros Castle rises majestically above the village, embedded in a rock. The castle seems to be one with the landscape as it is integrated directly into the limestone. The view of Zuheros Castle from the viaduct is a perfect example of the unique combination of nature and history that characterizes the Córdoba region. It is a moment that makes every bike ride along the Vía Verde unforgettable.

The Luque station, part of the original Linares-Puente Genil line, was built by the Compañía de los Ferrocarriles Andaluces and opened along with the entire line in January 1893. In 1941, with the nationalisation of the Iberian railways, the facilities passed into the hands of RENFE. The line remained in service until it was closed in October 1984, when it was dismantled and the tracks removed. After the line was closed, the old station building has been used as a restaurant since 1990. It also houses the Oil Interpretation Centre, a site dedicated to the history of olive oil and olive groves, where you can also taste oil from the region. The site is within the route formerly known as the "Vía Verde de la Subbética". In 2017, those responsible for the Greenway routes agreed to unify all sections of the old route under the same name "Vía Verde del Aceite". For many, however, it is and will remain the "Green Way". Luque station is a popular starting or intermediate point for cycling tours along the Vía Verde del Aceite, the old railway line that is now a great cycle path. The route offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the Córdoba region. The current station also offers a good opportunity to take a break and enjoy food and cool drinks.