Santander-Mediterranean Green Way and Gallocanta Lagoon

Santander-Mediterranean Greenway by bicycle

We tour the Santander-Mediterranean Greenway by bicycle From the old mines of Ojos Negros to Calatayud, with Daroca as a base and a circular day around the Gallocanta Lagoon.

Three days to cycle through the Jiloca Valley following the route of the railway that was meant to connect Santander with the Mediterranean but was never completed. You can discover the The history and complete route of the Santander-Mediterranean Green Way are described in this publication..

A route through old stations, bridges, rural roads and villages that grew up next to the river and the railway.

We will start at the Sierra Menera mines, in Ojos Negros, at an altitude of over 1.200 meters.

From there we will follow the Santander-Mediterranean Nature Trail towards Monreal del Campo, Caminreal, Calamocha and Daroca. It will be the longest stage of the journey, but also the most favorable: we will gradually lose altitude as we advance through the Jiloca valley.

The second day will be completely different.

We will leave Daroca, cross the mountain range and enter the great plains of the Gallocanta basin.

Gallocanta Lagoon is one of the most important wetlands on the Iberian Peninsula and a prime location for observing common cranes. Late October and early November mark the peak of their migration season. While we can't guarantee a spectacular sight, as it depends on the specific conditions of each season, we will be in one of the best places to witness it.

On the last day, we'll return to the Jiloca Valley to cycle from Daroca to Calatayud. It will be a shorter, easier stage, along rural paths, tracks, quiet roads, and some restored sections of the old railway.

In total we will cover approximately 165 kilometers, divided into three very different stages:

• Ojos Negros–Daroca: 66,4 km and about 210 m of ascent.
• Daroca–Laguna de Gallocanta–Daroca: 56,8 km and about 650 m of ascent.
• Daroca–Calatayud: 41,9 km and about 130 m of ascent.

A unique opportunity for those who have already cycled the well-known Ojos Negros Greenway south, passing through Teruel and reaching the Mediterranean.

On this trip we will cycle north along the The Natural Trail of the old Santander-Mediterranean railway, following the Jiloca corridor from Ojos Negros to Calatayud.

It will be a trip of medium difficulty and low technical difficulty, suitable for mountain bikes, gravel bikes and trekking bikes with tires appropriate for tracks and paths.

Three days of cycling.

Three different landscapes.

The mining heritage of Ojos Negros, the historic city of Daroca, the Jiloca Valley and the great plains of Gallocanta.

A different way to explore Santander-Mediterranean Greenway by bicycle during the November Bridge.

Accommodation in Daroca

Hotel Cienbalcones

daroka

We will be staying both nights at the Hotel Cienbalcones, located in the heart of Daroca's historic center.

Having a fixed base will allow us to rest in the same accommodation at the end of each stage without packing our suitcase every day.

Accommodation will be in double rooms with bathroom and on a half board basis, with two breakfasts and two dinners included.

Daroca is also much more than a place to sleep.

Its walled enclosure, monumental gates, churches and streets allow you to continue discovering the territory after leaving your bicycle.

Because this journey is not just about following an old railway.

It's also an opportunity to cycle together, discover a less-traveled part of Aragon, and enjoy three days of cycling before winter arrives.