Discover the rural and lively Pinoso
The beautiful and lively Pinoso is located inland from Alicante, about 45 minutes from the city of Alicante and the white beaches of the Costa Blanca. The city of Murcia is also nearby. Pinoso has more than 8,000 inhabitants and is known in Valencian as El Pinos, named after the many pine trees found in and around Pinoso.
In Pinoso, you'll find the real Spanish life. Life here is still influenced by the seasons and agricultural activities. You won't encounter traffic jams and traffic lights, but you'll see many tractors transporting almond, grape, and olive harvests to various wineries and cooperatives.
Pinoso is surrounded by vast vineyards, and the region is renowned for its excellent wineries producing exceptional wines. Many of these wineries are open for visits, allowing you to taste delightful wines accompanied by local tapas. A natural spectacle in the area is the beautiful blooming of almond trees. In late January and early February, the fields turn pink and white with the blossoms, filling the valley with a delightful fragrance.
In terms of healthcare, Pinoso has kept up with the times. A few years ago, a new medical center was built, staffed 24 hours a day. You'll also find several English-speaking dentists in Pinoso.
Aside from numerous pine-filled parks, Pinoso boasts some charming churches. The bell tower of one of these churches has become the symbol of Pinoso. The clock mechanism, originating from Madrid, needs to be wound up every 24 hours. Other interesting places worth visiting include the Monastery of St. Catherine and the Sanctuary of Saint Fatima.
During the first week of August, Pinoso comes alive with festivities. Carnival rides, dance parties, concerts, parades, market stalls, food, and drinks – a variety of events are organized for both young and old. In 1826, Pinoso separated from the neighboring Monovar, and this event is celebrated every year in February with a gastronomic festival.
Pinoso is a relatively prosperous village, thanks to wine production and the revenue from salt and marble mining. The province of Alicante contributes 25% of Spain's marble production, with 95% of it coming from Pinoso's "Monte Coto" mountain.
The hamlets around Pinoso
Pinoso is surrounded by many small and beautiful villages. Each hamlet is part of the municipality of Pinoso and has its own patron saint and associated festivals. Let's delve a bit more into a few of these villages:
Culebron is located on the road from Pinoso to Monovar. It's a small village with an antique chapel.
El Faldar gets its name from its location at the foot of the mountain "Monte Cabezo." In Spanish, "el falda" means "skirt." During the festivities of Faldar in June, a wooden structure is set on fire with a spectacular fireworks display. From Faldar, you can take a beautiful walk to another hamlet, Tres Fuentes.
In the hamlet of El Seque, you'll find interesting structures known as "kievitsnesten." These are igloo-like stone constructions that served as shelters for wandering shepherds and their flocks.
Monte Cabezo is the closest to Pinoso, and here you'll find the Chapel of Saint Fatima.
Rodriguillo, where Casa Rodriguillo is located, is the largest hamlet of Pinoso with approximately 200 residents. The village festivals in May are notorious and famous throughout the region. As the first festivals after winter, people come from far and wide to celebrate this first festivity of the year.
Tres Fuentes is the smallest village in Pinoso and is beautifully nestled in the mountains. A stunning hike lies between Faldar and Tres Fuentes.
The other hamlets include Casas del Pino, Casas de Ibanez, La Caballusa, Paredon, Lel, Ubeda, Venta de Terros, Culebron, and Encebras.
