The Provincial Council of Córdoba is reinforcing its commitment to active, sustainable, and nature-linked tourism with the launch of the BTT Vega del Guadalquivir Cycling Circuit. This new infrastructure features a total route of 230.28 kilometers, spread across 11 stages and two major interconnected loops.
The circuit comprehensively connects nine key municipalities in the Vega region: Palma del Río, Hornachuelos, Posadas, Almodóvar del Río, Guadalcázar, La Victoria, La Carlota, Fuente Palmera, and Fuente Carreteros. It was designed by the provincial institution as part of its strategy to develop the Green Itinerary Network and diversify tourism offerings in Córdoba's rural areas.
The route is structured into two loops. The first, comprising stages 1 to 6, links Posadas and Hornachuelos through the sierra, Palma del Río via the vega (lowlands), and Fuente Carreteros and Fuente Palmera through the campiña (countryside). The second loop, stages 8 to 11, connects the vega and sierra of Almodóvar del Río with the campiña of Guadalcázar, La Carlota, and La Victoria. Stage 7, between Almodóvar del Río and Posadas, links both loops.
Andrés Lorite, delegate for Infrastructure, Sustainability, and Agriculture of the Provincial Council of Córdoba, explained that the circuit aims to enhance the territory through cycling sports, traversing the nine municipalities of the Vega del Guadalquivir region.
Lorite emphasized that this cycling circuit serves as a tool for promoting an exceptional territory with formidable natural and environmental landscapes. Beyond sport, it is conceived as an economic driver, encouraging local commerce, accommodation, and regional gastronomy.
Matilde Esteo, mayor of Palma del Río, noted that the circuit presents a new opportunity for the local economy, helping to combat depopulation and attract tourism. She highlighted the importance of combining sustainability, sport, and biodiversity so that visitors can discover the region's towns, heritage, and architecture.
The circuit, originating from a feasibility study by the Andalusian Cycling Federation and realized through the Rural Employment Promotion Program (PFEA), involved a total investment of 184,301 euros, including 142,919 euros for labor and 41,382 euros for signage and associated furniture.
The development of the circuit has created 81 jobs across the nine municipalities, with teams of supervisors and laborers dedicated to preparing and improving the route, representing a significant socioeconomic impact.
From a landscape perspective, the route traverses the foothills of Sierra Morena and the Hornachuelos Natural Park, runs alongside the Guadalquivir River and its riparian forests, enters the cereal fields of the campiña, and passes through protected areas like the Dehesas de Sierra Morena Biosphere Reserve and Red Natura 2000, habitats for species such as the black vulture and the imperial eagle.
In terms of heritage, the route connects landmarks such as the Palace and Gardens of Moratalla, the Alcazaba and Portocarrero Palace in Palma del Río, the Carolino Hydraulic Complex and Plaza Real in Fuente Palmera, the Castle of La Floresta in Almodóvar del Río, and historic bridges over the Guadalquivir.
A key strategic innovation is its direct link to the Vía Verde de la Campiña Natural Path, extending the route towards the province of Seville and facilitating long-distance cycling tours, thereby strengthening territorial integration between the two provinces.
Municipal officials from the nine involved municipalities, along with representatives from the Andalusian Cycling Federation and other tourism and cycling associations, were present at the launch event.
