Cycling in the Region of Murcia
A Mediterranean Destination Made for Cyclists
The Region of Murcia is an outstanding destination for cycling, thanks to its mild climate, varied landscapes and an extensive network of cycling routes that can be enjoyed throughout most of the year. With more than 300 days of sunshine annually and gentle winter temperatures, Murcia is especially attractive for cyclists looking to ride outside the peak summer season.
The region offers a growing system of urban and interurban cycle lanes, greenways, rural paths and long-distance routes, making it suitable for road cycling, leisure cycling and cycle touring. Murcia is also well connected to other Spanish regions and even to Europe through long-distance cycling corridors, allowing cyclists to combine local routes with multi-day journeys across wider territories.
EuroVelo 8 – Mediterranean Route
EuroVelo 8 crosses the Region of Murcia from north to south along the Mediterranean coast. In Murcia, it passes through coastal municipalities such as San Pedro del Pinatar, San Javier, Cartagena, Mazarrón and Águilas, offering spectacular sea views, beaches, cliffs and coastal wetlands.
Approximate length in Murcia: 170 km (105 miles)
This route is ideal for cycle touring, combining seaside cycling with cultural stops and coastal landscapes.
Greenways (Vías Verdes) in Murcia
The Region of Murcia has developed an extensive and well-connected network of Vías Verdes (Greenways), made up of former railway lines that have been converted into safe, non-motorised routes for cycling, walking and nature-based tourism. These paths preserve the gentle gradients and wide platforms of old railways, making them especially accessible for cyclists of all levels, families, senior travellers and people with reduced mobility.
Today, Murcia’s Greenways add up to more than 170 kilometres (105 miles) of signposted routes that cross highly varied landscapes: fertile orchards, river valleys, vineyards, semi-arid plains, mountain foothills and even coastal environments. In addition to promoting sustainable mobility, Greenways allow travellers to discover local culture, gastronomy and heritage at a relaxed pace, often passing through historic stations, tunnels and viaducts. Many of these routes are also connected to long-distance cycling corridors such as EuroVelo 8, linking Murcia with other regions of Spain and Europe.
1. Vía Verde del Noroeste. This is the longest and most emblematic Greenway in the region, running between Murcia (Espinardo campus) and Caravaca de la Cruz, passing through Alguazas, Campos del Río, Mula, Bullas and Cehegín. It follows the historic railway line that once connected Murcia with the northwest of the region and today functions as both a cycling route and a pilgrimage path to the Jubilee city of Caravaca. Length: 78 km / 48.5 miles
2. Vía Verde del Campo de Cartagena. This Greenway links Cartagena (Los Dolores district) with Totana, crossing the agricultural landscapes of the Campo de Cartagena and the Guadalentín valley. It offers long, flat stretches ideal for cycling, surrounded by traditional crops and open rural scenery, and connects coastal areas with the foothills of Sierra Espuña. Length: 53.2 km / 33.1 miles
3. Vía Verde de Mazarrón. Running between La Pinilla (Fuente Álamo) and Mazarrón, this route follows a former mining railway line. Cyclists enjoy a changing landscape that moves from inland plains to the colourful mining hills near the coast, with clear references to the area’s industrial heritage. Length: 13.7 km / 8.5 miles
4. Vía Verde de Almendricos. This Greenway connects Almendricos (Lorca) with Huércal-Overa (Almería) and forms part of a future long-distance route linking Murcia with eastern Andalusia. It crosses semi-arid landscapes, ramblas and agricultural areas, highlighting the contrast between fertile farmland and dry mountain environments. Length in Murcia: 6.6 km / 4.1 miles (plus 18.15 km / 11.3 miles in Almería)
5. Vía Verde de Cieza. This section of the former narrow-gauge railway known as El Chicharra runs through Cieza, between fruit orchards and irrigated fields. It is a pleasant and accessible route that showcases the agricultural character of the Segura valley and connects easily with urban cycling paths. Length: 13.7 km / 8.5 miles
6. Vía Verde de Yecla. Located in the Altiplano region, this Greenway runs between Yecla and the border with the Valencian Community, continuing towards Villena and Biar. It passes through vineyards and open countryside, offering wide views and a strong connection with wine-producing landscapes. Length: 8.9 km / 5.5 miles
7. Vía Verde Connection: Totana – Caravaca de la Cruz. This route acts as a strategic connection between two major Greenways in the Region of Murcia, linking the Vía Verde del Campo de Cartagena (in Totana) with the Vía Verde del Noroeste (towards Caravaca de la Cruz). The route passes through Totana, Mula, Bullas and Cehegín, crossing the Guadalentín valley and the northwest countryside, with changing landscapes that include orchards, open plains and foothills. Length: approx. 65 km / 40.4 miles
Vía Verde del Noroeste. 📷 turismoregiondemurcia.es
Vía Verde de Yecla. 📷 turismoregiondemurcia.es
Vía de conexión Caravaca - Totana. 📷 carm.es
IMBA Mountain Bike Routes in Mazarrón
Mazarrón is home to one of the official IMBA-certified mountain bike areas in the Region of Murcia, offering two signposted circular routes designed to showcase the municipality’s natural landscapes, coastal scenery and cultural heritage. These routes form part of the Mazarrón BTT Centre, a facility homologated by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), guaranteeing quality standards in design, safety and environmental integration. Both itineraries start and finish at the Municipal Sports Complex of Mazarrón and are suitable for experienced mountain bikers looking for varied terrain, technical sections and scenic rewards.
1. Ruta de la Perdiz. This circular route runs through the foothills of the Sierra del Algarrobo and inland areas of Mazarrón, combining forest tracks, gravel sections and technical descents. It offers wide views over the surrounding countryside and passes through areas of high environmental value, making it ideal for riders seeking a challenging and varied MTB experience. Length: 48.8 km / 30.3 miles. Difficulty: High
2. Ruta de las Calas. Following a more coastal itinerary, this route links inland paths with stretches running parallel to the sea, passing near Bolnuevo, Cañada de Gallego and the Sierra de las Moreras. Riders enjoy Mediterranean landscapes, sea views and demanding climbs, along with technical singletracks and fast descents. Length: 44.7 km / 27.8 miles. Difficulty: High
🚴 More about thsese routes at cycling-friendly.com
Cycling Without Borders
Beyond its local routes, Murcia plays an important role in long-distance cycling networks, linking the Mediterranean coast with inland Spain and neighbouring regions such as Andalusia and Valencia. Whether riding a coastal stage of EuroVelo, enjoying a family-friendly greenway or training on quiet rural roads, the Region of Murcia offers cyclists freedom, sunshine and exceptional variety. Here are some websites where you can find more information about cycle tourism in the Region of Murcia:
🔗 The official tourism website, "Turismo Region de Murcia"
🔗 The best cycling routes in the Region on Wikiloc.
🔗 A selection of routes on "Spain Cycle Touring" (in Spanish).
