The Way of El Cid, inland and coast 8 days

We’ve selected for you, places where you can immerse yourself in culture and history, learn about festivities, religious and secular, have the opportunity to experience a multitude of artesanal traditions, music and customs, explore small rural settlements, enjoy diversity of landscape and, of course, get to know the local people who’ll make your adventure a memorable and fulfilling  experience. The journey starts in the Vinalopó River valley, taking in castles and mediaeval towns such as Biar and Bocairent. It’ll guide you through scenic valleys and the foothills of imposing mountains. You’ll be led into the district known as Terres dels Alforins, renowned for its vineyards, and will be able to marvel at the grand homes built by the aristocracy in the 18th Century.  Here, you’ll be overwhelmed by stunning landscapes, sometimes referred to as “the Tuscany of Valencia”.  And, last but not least, you can savour award-winning local wines and wholesome, traditional foods, many of which are particular to their village, town or district.

Proceed through the fertile plains of the Vall d’Albaida, on the banks of its rivers, and you can take the stunning gorge road in order to reach  the historic and imposing town  of Xàtiva.

Enter the lush plain of orange groves and market gardens known as la huerta valenciana.  Pedal along the River Xúquer and make your way towards the natural reserve known as the Parque Natural de la Albufera, which is of great ecological importance. Finish your journey in the vibrant city of València and explore the impressive old quarter, with its cathedral and central market – indeed, a cathedral of a market! Not to be missed are the narrow streets and squares that offer a wide variety of cafés, bars and restaurants.  Lovers of good food will be delighted by the local fare on offer.

Day 1: Arrival in Biar

You arrive in Biar, a town rich in history and heritage, crowned by its impressive 12th-century castle, which has witnessed many important historical events. Take some time to wander through the old quarter, with its maze of narrow streets, charming squares and churches.

You can also enjoy some local cuisine in one of the town’s many bars and restaurants.

Day 2: Biar – Bocairent | 30 / 44 km

Today, you follow a former railway route running parallel to the River Vinalopó. Along the way, you’ll pass fruit orchards and several small villages before reaching Banyeres de Mariola.

From here, you can choose between two routes:

Route 1: Continue along relatively flat terrain, skirting the natural area of the Serra de Mariola. After just a few kilometres, you’ll reach Bocairent.

Route 2: Venture into the Serra de Mariola Natural Park and climb to higher ground, where you can enjoy spectacular views and discover the area’s rich flora and fauna.

You then continue towards the impressive medieval town of Bocairent, where you’ll spend the night. A walk through its historic old quarter is highly recommended.

Day 3: Bocairent – Ontinyent | 15–30 km

After a healthy and hearty breakfast, you’ll set off towards Ontinyent, the capital of the district and a town with an interesting historic centre and notable architecture.

You’ll find plenty of cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy a variety of local gastronomic specialities.

There are two options:

Route 1: Take the shorter route directly to Ontinyent. This option allows you to spend more time enjoying the beautiful medieval town of Bocairent before setting off.

Route 2: Follow the scenic route towards La Valleta d’Agres, cycling past fruit orchards at the foothills of the impressive Serra de Mariola. Along the way, you’ll pass through picturesque villages such as Alfafara and Agres, each with its own distinctive character.

Day 4: Ontinyent | 0–40 km

Today, you cycle along quiet country roads through peaceful fields of grain, olive groves and vineyards.

You’ll pass stately country houses that blend perfectly into the landscape as you make your way towards Fontanars dels Alforins.

Here, you can visit former noble estates that have been converted into wineries, as well as specialist shops offering locally produced delicacies and handcrafted products.

Wine tasting is also available.

Day 5: Ontinyent – Xàtiva | 35 km

You’ll begin the day cycling through green fields and fertile groves of almond, olive and apricot trees, interspersed with persimmon plantations and old vineyards.

You’ll pass through Albaida, with its impressive fortified palace overlooking the historic centre, before continuing through small villages and hamlets towards the Bellús reservoir.

The area surrounding the reservoir is of great scenic and ecological value. Along the route, you’ll also come across traditional watermills, azuts (water diversion dams) and historic irrigation infrastructure.

These lands are among the most fertile in the region, so market gardens are plentiful.

You’ll then follow a path alongside the gorge of the River Albaida. During spring and summer, there may even be an opportunity to take a refreshing dip in its waters.

From here, you continue towards the historic town of Xàtiva, crowned by its imposing castle.

Day 6: Xàtiva – Cullera | 55 km

You leave Xàtiva and head deep into the Valencian countryside, surrounded by fertile market gardens and orange groves.

The area is particularly renowned for the quality of its oranges, which thrive thanks to the Mediterranean climate and the region’s abundant sunshine.

You’ll then enter a picturesque valley and follow part of an old pilgrimage route that once connected several monasteries. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the impressive Monastery of Simat de la Valldigna.

Continuing through rice fields, you eventually reach Cullera, a coastal town with beautiful sea views and an excellent reputation for its rice dishes.

Cullera also offers several beaches that can be enjoyed throughout much of the year, even during the winter months when the weather is mild and sunny.

Day 7: Cullera – València | 46 / 56 km

If you choose the longer option, you’ll begin by cycling along the banks of the River Xúquer, whose waters irrigate the fertile fields and groves of the surrounding area.

You’ll then enter the Albufera Natural Park, one of the most valuable ecosystems in the Mediterranean.

Here, you’ll discover a variety of natural environments, including lagoons, marshes, sand dunes and pine forests along the coastline, each with its own distinctive flora and fauna.

It is well worth stopping to enjoy one of the traditional dishes for which this area is famous.

You can also take a stroll by the harbour and see local fishermen at work before continuing through the picturesque surroundings of El Palmar.

On arrival in València, you can explore the impressive old quarter, including the cathedral and the Central Market — a true cathedral of gastronomy in its own right.

Don’t miss the narrow streets and lively squares filled with cafés, bars and restaurants. Food lovers will find plenty to enjoy, and the city is also well known for its vibrant nightlife.

Day 8: València

After a good breakfast, your trip officially comes to an end.

This includes

• 7 nights accommodation.
• 7 Breakfasts buffet style or substantial.
• Detailed tour documentation: maps of the tour, route description, points of interest (English, Italian, German, French and Spanish).
• Welcome meeting.
• Local assistance on call.
• Transfer from Villena railway station to Biar.
• Luggage transfer service between your accommodations.
• Travel insurance.
• GPS with the tracks or App for navigation.

PRICES (per person)       

These include 3***  and 4**** hotels, charming rural houses or farmsteads and  high-grade B&Bs.

DATES

The tour is available all year round from 17.01.2027 (except from 19.07 till 28.08 and from 19 till 31.12), with departures on Sunday. 

Departures any day from 17.01.27 – 17.04.27 |20.06.27– 18.07.27 |07.11.27– 18.12.27  

Season 1: 17.01.27 – 13.03.27 | 05.12.27 – 18.12.27
Season 2: 04.04.27 – 19.07.27 | 29.08.27 – 04.12.27
Season 3: 14.03.27 – 03.04.27

Discounts:

- Children under 5 sharing a room with 2 adults have a discount of 80%.
- Children under 12 sharing a room with 2 adults have a discount of 40%.
- Children under 15 sharing a room with 2 adults have a discount of 25%.

How to fly into València or Alicante

• Countries and cities with flights to Alicante: Click here
• Countries and cities with flights to València: Click here

How to get to Biar (starting point)

We recommend a private taxi transfer from Alicante-Elche Airport (40 minutes).

• If you fly to Alicante:

By train: By train: from Alicante Railway  Station to Villena  Railway   Station (45mins. and 10 € per person), where we will pick you up. You can check the timetables and prices in here.

• If you fly to València:

By train: from València Railway Station (Estació del Nord) to Villena Railway  Station, where we  will pick you up. (1hr. 15mins. and 15€ per person). You can check the timetables and prices in here.