Best Bike Routes Near Madrid

1. Tajuña Greenway (Vía Verde del Tajuña)

A classic. Perfect for beginners or cycling with kids.

• Distance: 49 km (you can do just part of it)
• Start: Arganda del Rey (reachable by metro or Cercanías train)
• Terrain: Asphalt and compact dirt, very flat
• Ideal for: Urban bikes, electric bikes, or gravel

It’s an old railway converted into a bike path. It passes through fields, quiet villages, and rural areas. Very safe, no cars.

2. Green Cycling Ring + Casa de Campo

If you don’t want to leave Madrid completely, this option mixes city and nature.

• Distance: 64 km for the full ring
• Key spot: Casa de Campo area, ideal for short routes
• Terrain: Asphalt and dirt paths
• Ideal for: Urban bikes, gravel, or light MTB

You can do just a section. There are many access points and good signage. Casa de Campo has hills, trails, and areas for all skill levels.

3. Route from Colmenar Viejo to Manzanares El Real

A bit more demanding, but with spectacular views.

• Distance: 25 km
• Start: Colmenar Viejo (reachable by Cercanías train)
• End: Manzanares el Real, at the foot of La Pedriza
• Terrain: Dirt roads and trails
• Ideal for: MTB or gravel

The route crosses open countryside with little shade, so better avoid midday in summer. Manzanares is perfect for stopping to eat and returning by bus.

4. El Atazar Reservoir

One of the most beautiful areas in the Madrid region. More technical.

• Distance: 30-40 km depending on the chosen route
• Start: Patones or El Berrueco
• Terrain: Dirt tracks, climbs, and descents
• Ideal for: MTB or electric bike with a good battery

The landscape changes completely: hills, reservoir, fresh air. It’s a medium-high level route, so better if you have some experience.

5. Southeast Regional Park (Parque Regional del Sureste)

A lesser-known but very interesting option.

• Distance: Varies, between 20 and 50 km
• Start: Rivas, Velilla, or San Fernando
• Terrain: Dirt roads, bike lanes
• Ideal for: Mountain bikes, gravel, or electric bikes

It goes through wetlands, rivers, and open fields. Highly recommended at sunset or in spring.

How to Choose the Best Route for You?

It depends on:

• Your level: If you’re starting out, better choose greenways or flat routes.
• Your bike: Some routes require MTB or gravel, others can be done with urban or electric bikes.
• The weather: In summer, avoid long routes at midday. Better start early.
• Transport: Many routes start in towns accessible by Cercanías.

And if you don’t have your own bike, you can rent one. On this bike rental marketplace in madrid you can find electric, gravel, or MTB bikes, ready for routes outside Madrid. You can even filter by terrain type or battery range.

Conclusion: There Are Routes for Everyone

The best thing about living in Madrid is that in less than an hour you can be in the middle of nature, cycling among mountains, reservoirs, or open fields. From easy routes to technical challenges, you have options for every weekend. And with a good bike (yours or rented), all that’s left is to enjoy the ride.