Green Routes. Following the train tracks

The green routes are old railway infrastructures that are now in disuse and have become cycle-touring and hiking routes. They are legally recognised routes, which ensures accessibility to all users, without age or physical ability limits.

There are five active green routes in Catalonia, three of which are in the Girona region and two in Tarragona.

In Girona, there are two stretches of green route, the Carrilet; the first of which follows the route of the old railway that went from Girona to Olot. This modest railway, which was known as carrilet due to its narrow tracks, was 54 km long, and passes through the extraordinary volcanic region of La Garrotxa. Along this route, you can visit Girona, one of the most admired cities in Catalonia, as well as the impressive Natural Park of the Volcanic Area of Garrotxa. Connected to this route, dividing the city of Girona, is the second green route: the carrilet of Sant Feliu de Guíxols. For decades, this railway was used to travel from the inland area of the region to the beaches of Sant Feliu, whose charm is still intact. This route is ideal to discover the beautiful Mediterranean areas from the Baix Empordà to the charming beaches of the Costa Brava, one of the treasures of the Catalan landscape.

The other green route in Girona is the Ferro i del Carbó route, a route that begins in the village of Ripoll, with the beautiful Santa Maria Monastery, and continues northwards to the mines of Ogassa passing through Sant Joan de les Abadesses.

Meanwhile, Tarragona is home to the green route of the Baix Ebre and the Terra Alta. The latter follows the magnificent scenery surrounding the Serra de Pàndols and the Ports Natural Park. The region of Terra Alta is rugged territory, dotted with almond and pine groves that result in curious slopes, ideal to visit and explore the old railways. Passing through tunnels and crossing elegant viaducts, reminiscent of the Roman aquaducts in nearby imperial Tarragona you will reach the beautiful settings of Fontcalda and Els Estrets de Dalt, where the Canaletes River winds between the mountains.

From here, if you wish, you can continue following the green route of the Baix Ebre, which runs from the gorges of the Canaletes towards the Delta de l'Ebre, along a 25 kilometre route through the historic site of Tortosa.

Pirinexus, a bridge between Girona and France

The Pirinexus route is a new tourist network of 366 km which joins the province of Girona with the French territory. It is a bike route that connects the Costa Brava with the Pyrenees, passing through Ripoll, Girona, l'Estany de Banyoles, the Medes Islands, Els Aiguamolls de l'Empordà, the Fageda d'en Jordà or Empúries.