The Val de Zafán Greenway with small children

Do you remember when you first started pedalling a bicycle? Would you like to relive those childhood memories with your own family? The Val de Zafán Greenway, in the Terres de l'Ebre, is one of the most family-friendly routes to make it happen and a perfect excuse to enjoy a healthy and safe family adventure.

This old railway line, today converted into a pleasant track for cycling or walking, is ideal for families because it has no significant gradients or vehicle traffic, allows for relaxed cycling at a leisurely pace, and can easily be adapted to suit the age and energy levels of children. It is also a well-signposted route with a smooth, even surface that makes it easy to ride with trailers and child seats.

The Val de Zafán Greenway winds through landscapes of great beauty: Mediterranean woodland, vineyards and olive groves, streams and valleys that invite you to breathe deeply and disconnect from daily routine. Children do not just pedal — they connect with nature, listen to birds, spot insects and discover textures, colours and smells unlike anything at home.

What is more, cycling tourism as a family brings many benefits: healthy physical activity away from screens and routines, quality time together in a natural environment that soothes and refreshes, opportunities to learn about the environment, history and geography first-hand — and above all, pedalling together, taking breaks, watching birds or running among the trees becomes living education for children and an unforgettable memory for the whole family.

So, have you made up your mind to get the family on board? We suggest three routes of different distances, ordered by the age and energy levels of the children, but all designed to be enjoyed together as a family.

Route 1 — From Pinell de Brai to Benifallet (10 km or 20 km)

This is the least demanding route, ideal for keeping the little ones motivated and enjoying a smooth experience. You can do it one way, around 10 kilometres, or, if energy allows, return along the same path and round the experience up to about twenty kilometres.

Start the route at Pinell de Brai and continue towards Benifallet, making short stops every few kilometres to rest or play in shaded areas. We recommend stopping at Bot or Prat de Comte for breakfast or a picnic among the vineyards. You can also rest in shaded areas with trees and let the children stretch and explore a safe environment. Most of the old stations have picnic areas for eating, resting and playing!

When you arrive at the old Benifallet station, you can take another break to rest, enjoy the farmland, stay overnight, or return to Pinell de Brai by retracing the route or arranging a pick-up service.

Things to bear in mind for a safe ride with children

The route passes through several tunnels. Although some have a lighting system, we always recommend bringing extra lighting, especially so the children feel safe.

There are no drinking water sources along this stretch, except at Benifallet station, so we suggest bringing a water bottle.

Benifallet station offers a restaurant service with set menu, à la carte, tapas and sandwiches, open at weekends and public holidays from 8am to 6pm, as well as hostel and guesthouse accommodation.

Rest stops:

• Pinell de Brai station: Start/end point with facilities.
• Pont de Riberola area: Point of interest with the option to stop near the river.
• Benifallet station: Start/end point with a rest area, around 10 km from Pinell.

Route 2 — From Horta de Sant Joan to Pinell de Brai (21 km)

If you are looking for a particularly attractive stretch for children with a bit more stamina, the route between Horta de Sant Joan and Pinell de Brai is a safe bet. You will find it is one of the most spectacular sections of the Greenway and at the same time one of the most comfortable for family cycling.

From Horta de Sant Joan, the route descends gently, making cycling with children much easier. The landscape combines vineyards, olive groves and Mediterranean woodland with shaded stretches that make the route more enjoyable, especially in spring, summer and autumn. Close to the old Horta de Sant Joan station, in the direction of the Convent of Sant Salvador, lies the natural space known as the "Racó de les Olles", a place of great beauty and ideal for a swim in the waters of the Canaleta river.

One of the great attractions for the youngest riders are the railway tunnels. Passing through them becomes a little adventure that sparks the imagination. It is advisable to bring lights for the bikes or head torches, especially if you are travelling with children who enjoy this kind of experience. The tunnels are in good condition and safe, but additional lighting provides extra peace of mind.

Along the route you will find restored old stations ideal for a break, naturally shaded areas to rest and open spaces where children can safely stretch their legs.

As you approach Bot and Prat de Comte, the landscape opens up and offers great opportunities for a picnic stop. If you want to extend the experience a little, the Fontcalda Sanctuary, located very close to the route, is an ideal spot to combine nature and heritage in a safe setting.

Arriving at Pinell de Brai is a good moment to wrap up the day, spend the night, or contact one of the companies that will take you back by vehicle to your starting point.

Things to bear in mind for a safe ride with children

The route passes through several tunnels. Although some have a lighting system, we always recommend bringing extra lighting, especially so the children feel safe.

There are water points at Bot station and at the Fontcalda Sanctuary, but we still recommend carrying plenty of water throughout the route.

The stretch between Bot and Fontcalda is accessible: it has tactile paving with raised dots that warn of approaching tunnels and path crossings. At the entrance to each tunnel you will also find a sign indicating its length, along with rest areas with swings for the youngest children.

There are several swimming spots on the Canaletes river. Access is from Fontcalda.

Rest stops:

• Stop at Bot: Located a few kilometres from Horta de Sant Joan. Bot station is a popular stopping point with nearby facilities. It has a bar area called "Lo Sarmentero", the old railbus where drinks, sandwiches and tapas are served.
• Prat de Comte station: Located between Bot and Pinell de Brai, ideal for a rest. It is situated very close to the Fontcalda Spa Sanctuary and has a children's playground with swings.
• End point: Pinell de Brai station.

Route 3 — From Benifallet to Tortosa (29 km) and the Baix Ebre stretch (31 km)

The third option starts at Benifallet station and heads downhill towards Tortosa — a slightly longer stage with nineteen tunnels requiring a torch, but equally suitable for all ages, combining nature, rural landscapes and the opportunity to explore stretches of the Ebro river.

The first part, from Benifallet, has the most tunnels of the entire Greenway, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes of woodland and rugged terrain. Upon reaching Xerta, the Ebro becomes the true protagonist, flanked by farmland all the way beyond Aldover.

During this stage you will pass through the old railway stations of Xerta and Aldover, with the option to stop for lunch or enjoy outdoor activities. The station, which closed more than half a century ago, offers a bicycle rental service as well as a transport service for cyclists, even those bringing their own bikes. The old station also has a river interpretation centre with information panels and a café-terrace service.

Continuing the route you will head towards Tortosa, the historic capital, where you will cross the photogenic red bridge and can combine cycling with a relaxed visit to the old town.

And if the children still have energy, you can continue along the Greenway from Tortosa to Deltebre for an additional gentle, flat stretch. That is 35 more kilometres along the riverbank to the heart of the Delta, or you can continue along the Val de Zafán Greenway to La Ràpita for a 26-kilometre stretch all the way to the Mediterranean.

Things to bear in mind for a safe ride with children

The route passes through several tunnels. Although some have a lighting system, we always recommend bringing extra lighting, especially so the children feel safe.

Rest stops:

• Old Benifallet station: has a picnic area.
• Xerta station: A strategic point with facilities, water and a recreation area near the village.
• Aldover station: A designated stopping area as you pass through the village.
• Jesús rest area: The last stopping point before entering the city of Tortosa.

There are water points at Benifallet, Xerta and Tortosa stations, but we still recommend carrying water bottles throughout the route.

Practical tips for a comfortable and safe ride with children

Equipment and rental

If you do not have your own bikes, you can hire bicycles with child seats or trailers at places such as Horta de Sant Joan or other specialist rental services. Some companies prepare children's equipment and even arrange transfers of bikes or trailers. Advance booking is recommended, especially during high season or at weekends.

Best times of year

The route is ideal in spring and autumn, when temperatures are milder and more comfortable for children.

In summer, aim for shadier times of day (early morning or late afternoon) and bring plenty of sun protection.

Rest and service areas

Along the CN - Greenway you will find recreational areas, shaded green spaces and restored stations that can serve as stopping points for eating, resting or playing.

Some points (especially in the Baix Ebre area) have picnic zones or children's play areas, ideal for a snack after a few kilometres of cycling.

Hygiene and comfort

Always carry a first aid kit and wet wipes, as not all natural spaces have toilet facilities.

If travelling with babies or very young children, look for points that are easily accessible with a pushchair or pram.