Vía Verde of Almanzora – Serón Section

Amongst mines and ham. The unknown Almería along the Guadix-Almendricos Railway Line.

The strategic location of the Almeria village of Serón, between the Sierra de Filabres mountain and the valley of the Almanzora river, means that it always has a pleasant climate, with fresh mountain air during winter months and mild temperatures in summer, making it an ideal place to cure the Serrano ham that has brought fame to this town.

The Vía Verde del Almanzora, began its transformation into the Vía Verde along the Guadix-Almendricos railway line (Granada-Murcia). This line was built to provide quick access to the mineral in this area. It began operation between 1906 and 1907 by various companies with English capital, until the end of the last century, when it passed into the hands of Spanish capital.

The track used to be known as the Almanzora Railway, and linked the cities of Murcia and Granada. It was opened in 1885. The main merchandise that was transported along the line was straw, iron ore and marble from the nearby quarries of Macael.

The mineral was transported from the mines using the overhead cable lines that took the iron ore to the Los Zoilos and El Canos loading bays . On the 1st of January 1985, it was closed to traffic between the Granada village of Guadix and the Murcia village of Almendricos (Lorca), whilst the rest of the line remained in use.

The town halls of Serón, Fines, Cantoria and Olula del Río have carried out reconditioning projects along the sections of this line, that run through their towns. By doing this, they aim to complete a large vía verde in the Almanzora valley, looking to create an ideal route for cycling and walking, suitable for all kinds of users, including those with reduced mobility.

This section of the Vía Verde de Serón is an easy-going route of almost 12 kilometres from the Los Canos Loading Bay to the El Ramil Alto neighbourhood: a lovely walk with views of the village and its district.

Points of Interest: At the start of this route are the Mineral Loading Bays of Los Zoilos and the Los Cano Loading Bay.

Points of Interest: Centro de Interpretación Aire (Air Interpretation Centre)