The Way of El Cid Route in Valencia

The Way of El Cid: in the footsteps of the legend

From the Castilian steppe to the glory of Balansiya. Follow the trail of Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar on an epic route that unites history, literature and adventure through the landscapes that forged the Campeador.

Valencia: the pinnacle of El Cid’s glory

Beyond the verses of the Lay of El Cid, Rodrigo Diaz was a frontier knight whose eternal fame was forged in Valencia. Taken after a long siege in 1094, the city became the Campeador's ultimate trophy. Today, the Way of El Cid invites us to relive his legend on the back of history through its themed routes.

The Routes of El Cid

With more than 1,400 km of trails and 2,000 km of roads, the Way is divided into sections of between 50 and 300 km. You can travel it however you prefer: on foot, by mountain bike, on secondary roads, or by motor vehicle. In Valencia, there are two themed routes through Valencian lands to explore the castles, landscapes, wetlands, and marshes that were part of the life and legend of Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar in the 11th century.

Routes of El Cid

Route 1: the conquest of Valencia

Follow the strategic advance of El Cid towards the coast. From the walls of Sagunto to El Puig, where he took the fortress of Cebolla in 1092, this route passes through charming villages such as Alboraia or Puzol. It is the path that prepared the final victory and the triumphant entry of the Campeador into the city of Valencia.

Route of the conquest of Valencia

Route 2: the defense of the south

A route based on true history and the second exile of El Cid. Starting from Valencia, it crosses l’Horta and the L’Albufera wetland towards the south. Discover the walls of Alzira, the impressive castle of Xàtiva or the beauty of Bocairent. A path of skirmishes and castles that protected the kingdom from invasions.

Route of the defense of the south

Vestiges of 11th-century Balansiya

You can still touch the history of El Cid in the El Carme neighborhood, where sections of the Arab wall and the Snake Gate still stand. Imagine the mosque that El Cid consecrated as a church where the Cathedral shines today, or visit the Admiral's Baths to understand the hammam culture that surrounded the city that Rodrigo conquered and loved.

El Carmen neighborhood

The Letter of Safe Conduct: collect your deeds

Your free route passport

The Letter of Safe Conduct is a document that you must stamp at more than 500 official points along the Way (such as tourist offices) to certify your journey. Get it for free at the Valencia tourist offices. By stamping it, you will not only obtain a unique souvenir from each town, but you will also access discounts on accommodation and promotions.

Tourist offices