The best traffic-free bike rides around Ciudad Rodrigo

The Alcázar Gate in Ciudad Rodrigo is one of the historic entrances to the city walls and has great heritage and scenic value. It was opened in 1507 by Antonio del Águila, warden of the Alcázar, when he built the defensive barrier in that area. It is located next to the Castle of Henry II of Trastámara, in the section of the wall facing the Águeda River, known as the Battery, due to the cannons that were once installed there.

It's well worth a visit: it combines history, architecture, and excellent cuisine. It's a beautifully preserved walled city with cobblestone streets and a charming old town. Perfect for exploring on foot in one day, although if you want to enjoy it at a more leisurely pace and explore the surrounding area, two days are ideal.

Ciudad Rodrigo is one of the most beautiful towns in Spain, located in the province of Salamanca, very close to the Portuguese border. Declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1944, it stands out for its impressive heritage, its history linked to battles between Castile and Portugal, and its welcoming atmosphere. It's ideal for a cultural and gastronomic getaway.

Vale da Mula lies in a valley between the Aguiar and Tourões rivers, right next to the Spanish border. The current name comes from the adaptation of the Castilian “Vale de la Mula”, which was used until recently. During the Restoration War, this discreet place played a prominent role and it was also from here that the Portuguese offensive towards Guardão began, the cradle of Spanish attacks on neighbouring lands.

The Puerta del Alcázar is one of the ancient access gates to the walled enclosure of Ciudad Rodrigo. This gate, along with others such as the Puerta del Sol and the Puerta de Santiago, was part of the city's defensive system.

We stopped there for a break during our 2023 Lisbon-Porto-Madrid tour. The historic city with its mighty walls impressed us greatly. Definitely worth a trip. 👌

This old bridge marks the beginning of the ascent to Valverde del Fresno. It is not a long or hard climb, but a steady climb until you reach the center.

Its origin would date back to the twelfth century. Declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1994. During the Civil War it was used as a detention center by the rebels since August 1936. In 2015 it was sold to be converted into a luxury hotel, but due to the falsification of documentation by the of buyers, the transaction did not come to fruition. It is currently included in the Red List of endangered heritage.