Vía Verde del Aceite follows a former railway through the olive-growing landscapes of southern Spain. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food describes the nature trail from Jaén to Campo Real station in Puente Genil, with a branch towards Baena. Old stations and metal viaducts recall the railway that once carried olive oil towards Málaga.
From Jaén into the olive country
The greenway begins near Las Fuentezuelas sports complex in Jaén, where a cycle lane connects with the route. The old railway corridor heads towards Torredelcampo, Torredonjimeno and Martos through a landscape dominated by olive groves and scattered farmhouses. The provincial tourism guide describes short alternative paths around major roads as part of the journey.
Beyond Martos, the setting becomes more rugged towards the Sierra Sur. Former railway structures make distinctive landmarks: the route passes Vado-Jaén station and crosses the metal viaduct over the Víboras River on its way towards Alcaudete.
Across the provincial boundary
Near Alcaudete, the greenway runs beside Laguna Honda Natural Reserve, where the Jaén tourism authority describes a variety of waterbirds. Farther on, views open towards the Vadomojón reservoir before the iron bridge over the Guadajoz marks the connection with the Córdoba section known as the Vía Verde de la Subbética.
The wider itinerary continues through the area of Luque, Zuheros, Doña Mencía, Cabra and Lucena. The route website highlights the Sierras Subbéticas landscape, lagoons and vineyards as contrasts to the olive groves. At around the middle of the route, a separate branch leads towards Baena.
Railway heritage and route character
The greenway reuses part of the Linares–Puente Genil railway, popularly called the Olive Oil Train. Alongside olive oil, the line carried minerals from the Linares mining area. It closed to passenger and goods traffic in 1985.
The Spanish Railways Foundation lists asphalt and compacted earth on the greenway. Its route description identifies former stations and metal viaducts along the corridor. Walkers share the itinerary with cyclists, so the railway setting remains part of a broader nature trail.
Planning a ride
The ministry divides the approximately 127 km nature trail into nine stages, making its guide a useful starting point for choosing a shorter section or a longer journey. Its stage list follows the former stations from Jaén to Campo Real; the Baena branch is an additional option.
Campo Real station is the end of the greenway, while Puente Genil is about 5 km farther along the road. For the Jaén section, the provincial tourism authority recommends carrying plenty of water and advises against riding in the height of summer because of the heat. Check local information before travelling, particularly if your plans depend on a particular section or service.