Salinas. Costa Blanca

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02 MUNICIPAL SPORTS CENTRE Avenida Villena, s/n.

Tel. 965 479 001 03 PHARMACY Plaza de España, 14.

Tel. 965 479 448

SAX & SALINAS HEALTH CENTRE Carretera de Sax, s/n.

Tel. 966 967 076 04

05 SIERRA DE SALINAS SPORTS CLUB MOUNTAIN ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION OF SALINAS Calle Antonio Machado, at Casa de Cultura.

Tel. 965 479 001 06 CASA CALPENA Paraje Calpena, s,n.

07 MUNICIPAL CONCERT HALL Calle Comparsa Moros Laguner, s/n.

Tel. 965 479 001

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EL PUNTAL

SAINT ISIDORE’S NEW CHAPEL 09

10

THE LAKE

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THE OLD PLACE

12 LA TÉRMICA NATURE RESERVE

SALINAS CITY COUNCIL

ESCAPE TO NATURE Salinas City Council Plaza de España, 8 03638 Salinas (Alicante) Tel. +34 965479001 www.salinas.es

salinas.es

01 SALINAS CITY COUNCIL Plaza de España, 8.

Tel. 965 479 001

ENGLISH

SALINAS CITY COUNCIL

remnants of the phoenician, arabic and roman civilizations. an unspoilt landscape in the vinalopó river basinen el vinalopó.

EN El Puntal: This Iberian village located on Monte del Puntal, a hill very close to the road connecting the towns of Salinas and Monóvar, dates back to the years 375-350 BC and was a strategic spot in the communication of the Alto Vinalopó and Medio Vinalopó regions with the inland areas of the Peninsula and the Mediterranean. Located three kilometres from Salinas, this ancient village is considered to be the first historical settlement in this town. It was discovered

by José María Soler in 1952.

The numerous remains found in this site are on exhibit at the Archaeological Museum of Villena.

La Molineta: This Iberian village located on a plain a kilometre away from El Puntal was established around the 5th century BC with the aim of exploiting the natural resources offered by a salt lake known as Laguna de Salinas. Although no remains of buildings can be seen there nowadays, several objects

were found –some of them from the Roman era– which can now be seen in the Archaeological Museums of Elda and Villena.

The Aqueduct of La Molineta House: Built with irregular-shaped stone blocks and mortar, it was used to carry water from La Molineta to the farmhouse called Casa Plaza, the aqueduct shows that Salinas has always been a water-rich town. The aqueduct starts in Calle La Molineta.

Country Houses: Los Castillejos, Casa Soler, Casa Biar, La Molineta, Casa Calpena, La Umbría, Casa Garrincho… These are just a few of the many country houses which can be found within the boundaries of the town of Salinas and are the proof of how wealthy the town was in the past.

Saint Isidore’s New Chapel: The wonderful view that this spot offers to visitors, and the fact that it is the last stop in the traditional pilgrimage in honour of Saint

Isidore –held on 15th May– have turned this chapel, built at the end of the 90s, into a popular sight for visitors. The ruins of Saint Isidore’s Old Chapel can be seen two kilometres away from the town, next to the foothills of Sierra de Salinas.

The Castle: Aunque no hay mucha inforAlthough there is not much information about the history of this fortress, some data are known: the fortress dates back to the 14th century and visitors can see the remains of the castle’s towers and a rainwater tank. The castle is located on a hill within the area known as Los Castillos, 1.5 kilometres away from the town’s urban area.

Lugar Viejo (The Old Place): This was the original location of the town of Salinas, which dates back to the 11th century. The town remained there until the flooding of October 30th 1751, which led to the relocation of the town to the place where it is

salinas’s lake

now. The ancient town consisted of a fortified farmstead with an Arabian-style tower, which housed an agricultural and livestock farming community.

As from the 14th century the town development was based on the exploitation of the mineral resources found around the salt lake, which allowed the development of the glass industry. There are still some remains from the wall that surrounded the ancient town.

Iglesia de San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony the Abbot’s Church): Its construction began after the 1751 flooding. The building has a single nave with a central dome and side chapels.

Inside there is a unique sculpture in Spain which represents Saint John the Evangelist inside a container on fire; according to the legend, Saint John was immersed into a pot of boiling oil and did not burn. Next to the Communion Chapel, there is an area which still has the original flooring.

food & drink and festivals

EN The cuisine of Salinas features arroz caldoso con magro (creamy rice with lean), arroz con conejo (rice with rabbit), chickpeas, fandango (a cod soup with vegetables), gachamiga (a kind of pancake made with flour, water, olive oil and garlic), gazpacho

manchego (a flat and round bread made with wheat flour cut into small pieces and mixed with a liquid stew) and chickpeas sauce. Virgin olive oil, lamb meat, pork and vegetables are the most common ingredients.

As for desserts, the specialties are toñas (sweet buns), rollos

fritos (fried pastries), almendrados (almond biscuits) and sequillos (dry doughnuts).

The wines from Alicante are very popular and are one of the main products in the Alto Vinalopó and Medio Vinalopó area. The so-called “wine route” includes the towns of Villena,

Novelda, Hondón de los Frailes, La Algueña, Pinoso, Monóvar and Petrer, among others that are close to Salinas. There are two wineries: Sierra Cabrera and Finca Collado, where both technology and tradition are combined to manufacture products of superior quality.

EN San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony the Abbot): The patron saint festival is held in January and includes the blessing of some animals, traditional dances, bonfires, pork tasting and blessed biscuits.

Medio año festero: It is the halfway point of Moros y Cristianos (the Moors and Christians festival) and features parades, entraetas and embajadas (processions) and several events that take place in

the headquarters of the different comparsas (companies).

Procession to Saint Isidore’s Chapel: The procession takes place on the closest Sunday to 15th May and leaves from Plaza de España square.

Moors and Christians: The comparsas (companies) Contrabandistas (smugglers), Piratas (pirates) and Moros Laguneros take part in this festival that is held in the last weekend of May and lasts for 4 days.

salinas’s lake, panoramic view.

EN Historically, it has been the main source of wealth for the settlers of Salinas. Due to the flooding in 1751, they went through a process of drainage that

eventually finished at the beginning of the 20th century.

In 1994 the government of Spain transferred this 300-hectare area to the Salinas City Council so that

they could improve its condition. They are currently carrying out several projects to regenerate part of the lake thanks to which new flora and fauna inhabit the area.

mountain sports

EN Hiking (PR-CV 25 Salinas-Elda). This route illustrates the contrasts of the Vinalopó landscapes. The salt deposits left by the seas more than 200 million years ago have resulted in geographical features like the Salinas mountains and the lake. The lake is the starting point of this route and it is the flat and dry section before the mountain range formed around the town of Elda consisting of the Umbría mountains, the Cámara mountains and Mount Bolón.

After taking the Camino de la Cámara path heading south and hiking through the Umbria mountains, which goes all the way to the town of Elda, we start our way back at La Melva Vocational Training School heading to Mount Bolón through the Senda de la Patada path, which goes as far as Pocico Alonso. From there, we can trek up Altos de Cámara, where we can find a deep forest with Aleppo pines and holm oaks.

Once we reach the summit, we will have a breathtaking view of the Salinas lake and the mountains in the background.

EN Bicycle touring. Salinas mountains and the richness of its flora and fauna are the main attractions of this route, which goes through one of the most unknown areas in the province of Alicante and in which the cyclists will have the opportunity to enjoy a virtually virgin landscape. We head for the town of Pinoso from Salinas through a 65-kilometer route. At an average speed of 15 km/h, we go across areas with gypsum vegetation, rocky hills, dunes and pine forests. As for the fauna, visitors will be able to observe four species of eagles as well as falcons and owls.

This is an outstanding opportunity to live a unique experience in the nature which can even be better if you dare to explore any of the many caves in which the bats that live in the Alicante area rest. This route is 1,050 meters high and previous experience is required.

EN Alto Don Pedro es una de las zonas más jóvenes para la escis one of the youngest areas in Alto Vinalopó and Medio Vinalopó to go climbing, as they started to adapt the area in 1991. Climbing activities are available throughout the year, in autumn and winter in the morning and in spring and summer in the afternoon since most of it is headed southeast. Only the sections “continuo”, “norte” and “desplome” are headed northeast. The rock in Alto de Don Pedro is greyish limestone. There are currently 80 open routes from 4 to 8b+. The variations in the slope, the good equipment and the easy access make this area very interesting for climbers. This area is closed from March to May due to the nesting season.

For further information, please contact: Juan Pedro Verdú, Manuel Amat, José Fco. Hernández (Escaladas en Alicante: Medio y Alto Vinalopó-Foia de Castalla-Ontinyent.

Spain), the Salinas City Council and Centro Montañista Salinas.

remnants of the phoenician, arabic and roman civilizations. an unspoilt landscape in the vinalopó river basinen el vinalopó.

EN El Puntal: This Iberian village located on Monte del Puntal, a hill very close to the road connecting the towns of Salinas and Monóvar, dates back to the years 375-350 BC and was a strategic spot in the communication of the Alto Vinalopó and Medio Vinalopó regions with the inland areas of the Peninsula and the Mediterranean. Located three kilometres from Salinas, this ancient village is considered to be the first historical settlement in this town. It was discovered

by José María Soler in 1952.

The numerous remains found in this site are on exhibit at the Archaeological Museum of Villena.

La Molineta: This Iberian village located on a plain a kilometre away from El Puntal was established around the 5th century BC with the aim of exploiting the natural resources offered by a salt lake known as Laguna de Salinas. Although no remains of buildings can be seen there nowadays, several objects

were found –some of them from the Roman era– which can now be seen in the Archaeological Museums of Elda and Villena.

The Aqueduct of La Molineta House: Built with irregular-shaped stone blocks and mortar, it was used to carry water from La Molineta to the farmhouse called Casa Plaza, the aqueduct shows that Salinas has always been a water-rich town. The aqueduct starts in Calle La Molineta.

Country Houses: Los Castillejos, Casa Soler, Casa Biar, La Molineta, Casa Calpena, La Umbría, Casa Garrincho… These are just a few of the many country houses which can be found within the boundaries of the town of Salinas and are the proof of how wealthy the town was in the past.

Saint Isidore’s New Chapel: The wonderful view that this spot offers to visitors, and the fact that it is the last stop in the traditional pilgrimage in honour of Saint

Isidore –held on 15th May– have turned this chapel, built at the end of the 90s, into a popular sight for visitors. The ruins of Saint Isidore’s Old Chapel can be seen two kilometres away from the town, next to the foothills of Sierra de Salinas.

The Castle: Aunque no hay mucha inforAlthough there is not much information about the history of this fortress, some data are known: the fortress dates back to the 14th century and visitors can see the remains of the castle’s towers and a rainwater tank. The castle is located on a hill within the area known as Los Castillos, 1.5 kilometres away from the town’s urban area.

Lugar Viejo (The Old Place): This was the original location of the town of Salinas, which dates back to the 11th century. The town remained there until the flooding of October 30th 1751, which led to the relocation of the town to the place where it is

salinas’s lake

now. The ancient town consisted of a fortified farmstead with an Arabian-style tower, which housed an agricultural and livestock farming community.

As from the 14th century the town development was based on the exploitation of the mineral resources found around the salt lake, which allowed the development of the glass industry. There are still some remains from the wall that surrounded the ancient town.

Iglesia de San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony the Abbot’s Church): Its construction began after the 1751 flooding. The building has a single nave with a central dome and side chapels.

Inside there is a unique sculpture in Spain which represents Saint John the Evangelist inside a container on fire; according to the legend, Saint John was immersed into a pot of boiling oil and did not burn. Next to the Communion Chapel, there is an area which still has the original flooring.

food & drink and festivals

EN The cuisine of Salinas features arroz caldoso con magro (creamy rice with lean), arroz con conejo (rice with rabbit), chickpeas, fandango (a cod soup with vegetables), gachamiga (a kind of pancake made with flour, water, olive oil and garlic), gazpacho

manchego (a flat and round bread made with wheat flour cut into small pieces and mixed with a liquid stew) and chickpeas sauce. Virgin olive oil, lamb meat, pork and vegetables are the most common ingredients.

As for desserts, the specialties are toñas (sweet buns), rollos

fritos (fried pastries), almendrados (almond biscuits) and sequillos (dry doughnuts).

The wines from Alicante are very popular and are one of the main products in the Alto Vinalopó and Medio Vinalopó area. The so-called “wine route” includes the towns of Villena,

Novelda, Hondón de los Frailes, La Algueña, Pinoso, Monóvar and Petrer, among others that are close to Salinas. There are two wineries: Sierra Cabrera and Finca Collado, where both technology and tradition are combined to manufacture products of superior quality.

EN San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony the Abbot): The patron saint festival is held in January and includes the blessing of some animals, traditional dances, bonfires, pork tasting and blessed biscuits.

Medio año festero: It is the halfway point of Moros y Cristianos (the Moors and Christians festival) and features parades, entraetas and embajadas (processions) and several events that take place in

the headquarters of the different comparsas (companies).

Procession to Saint Isidore’s Chapel: The procession takes place on the closest Sunday to 15th May and leaves from Plaza de España square.

Moors and Christians: The comparsas (companies) Contrabandistas (smugglers), Piratas (pirates) and Moros Laguneros take part in this festival that is held in the last weekend of May and lasts for 4 days.

salinas’s lake, panoramic view.

EN Historically, it has been the main source of wealth for the settlers of Salinas. Due to the flooding in 1751, they went through a process of drainage that

eventually finished at the beginning of the 20th century.

In 1994 the government of Spain transferred this 300-hectare area to the Salinas City Council so that

they could improve its condition. They are currently carrying out several projects to regenerate part of the lake thanks to which new flora and fauna inhabit the area.

mountain sports

EN Hiking (PR-CV 25 Salinas-Elda). This route illustrates the contrasts of the Vinalopó landscapes. The salt deposits left by the seas more than 200 million years ago have resulted in geographical features like the Salinas mountains and the lake. The lake is the starting point of this route and it is the flat and dry section before the mountain range formed around the town of Elda consisting of the Umbría mountains, the Cámara mountains and Mount Bolón.

After taking the Camino de la Cámara path heading south and hiking through the Umbria mountains, which goes all the way to the town of Elda, we start our way back at La Melva Vocational Training School heading to Mount Bolón through the Senda de la Patada path, which goes as far as Pocico Alonso. From there, we can trek up Altos de Cámara, where we can find a deep forest with Aleppo pines and holm oaks.

Once we reach the summit, we will have a breathtaking view of the Salinas lake and the mountains in the background.

EN Bicycle touring. Salinas mountains and the richness of its flora and fauna are the main attractions of this route, which goes through one of the most unknown areas in the province of Alicante and in which the cyclists will have the opportunity to enjoy a virtually virgin landscape. We head for the town of Pinoso from Salinas through a 65-kilometer route. At an average speed of 15 km/h, we go across areas with gypsum vegetation, rocky hills, dunes and pine forests. As for the fauna, visitors will be able to observe four species of eagles as well as falcons and owls.

This is an outstanding opportunity to live a unique experience in the nature which can even be better if you dare to explore any of the many caves in which the bats that live in the Alicante area rest. This route is 1,050 meters high and previous experience is required.

EN Alto Don Pedro es una de las zonas más jóvenes para la escis one of the youngest areas in Alto Vinalopó and Medio Vinalopó to go climbing, as they started to adapt the area in 1991. Climbing activities are available throughout the year, in autumn and winter in the morning and in spring and summer in the afternoon since most of it is headed southeast. Only the sections “continuo”, “norte” and “desplome” are headed northeast. The rock in Alto de Don Pedro is greyish limestone. There are currently 80 open routes from 4 to 8b+. The variations in the slope, the good equipment and the easy access make this area very interesting for climbers. This area is closed from March to May due to the nesting season.

For further information, please contact: Juan Pedro Verdú, Manuel Amat, José Fco. Hernández (Escaladas en Alicante: Medio y Alto Vinalopó-Foia de Castalla-Ontinyent.

Spain), the Salinas City Council and Centro Montañista Salinas.

remnants of the phoenician, arabic and roman civilizations. an unspoilt landscape in the vinalopó river basinen el vinalopó.

EN El Puntal: This Iberian village located on Monte del Puntal, a hill very close to the road connecting the towns of Salinas and Monóvar, dates back to the years 375-350 BC and was a strategic spot in the communication of the Alto Vinalopó and Medio Vinalopó regions with the inland areas of the Peninsula and the Mediterranean. Located three kilometres from Salinas, this ancient village is considered to be the first historical settlement in this town. It was discovered

by José María Soler in 1952.

The numerous remains found in this site are on exhibit at the Archaeological Museum of Villena.

La Molineta: This Iberian village located on a plain a kilometre away from El Puntal was established around the 5th century BC with the aim of exploiting the natural resources offered by a salt lake known as Laguna de Salinas. Although no remains of buildings can be seen there nowadays, several objects

were found –some of them from the Roman era– which can now be seen in the Archaeological Museums of Elda and Villena.

The Aqueduct of La Molineta House: Built with irregular-shaped stone blocks and mortar, it was used to carry water from La Molineta to the farmhouse called Casa Plaza, the aqueduct shows that Salinas has always been a water-rich town. The aqueduct starts in Calle La Molineta.

Country Houses: Los Castillejos, Casa Soler, Casa Biar, La Molineta, Casa Calpena, La Umbría, Casa Garrincho… These are just a few of the many country houses which can be found within the boundaries of the town of Salinas and are the proof of how wealthy the town was in the past.

Saint Isidore’s New Chapel: The wonderful view that this spot offers to visitors, and the fact that it is the last stop in the traditional pilgrimage in honour of Saint

Isidore –held on 15th May– have turned this chapel, built at the end of the 90s, into a popular sight for visitors. The ruins of Saint Isidore’s Old Chapel can be seen two kilometres away from the town, next to the foothills of Sierra de Salinas.

The Castle: Aunque no hay mucha inforAlthough there is not much information about the history of this fortress, some data are known: the fortress dates back to the 14th century and visitors can see the remains of the castle’s towers and a rainwater tank. The castle is located on a hill within the area known as Los Castillos, 1.5 kilometres away from the town’s urban area.

Lugar Viejo (The Old Place): This was the original location of the town of Salinas, which dates back to the 11th century. The town remained there until the flooding of October 30th 1751, which led to the relocation of the town to the place where it is

salinas’s lake

now. The ancient town consisted of a fortified farmstead with an Arabian-style tower, which housed an agricultural and livestock farming community.

As from the 14th century the town development was based on the exploitation of the mineral resources found around the salt lake, which allowed the development of the glass industry. There are still some remains from the wall that surrounded the ancient town.

Iglesia de San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony the Abbot’s Church): Its construction began after the 1751 flooding. The building has a single nave with a central dome and side chapels.

Inside there is a unique sculpture in Spain which represents Saint John the Evangelist inside a container on fire; according to the legend, Saint John was immersed into a pot of boiling oil and did not burn. Next to the Communion Chapel, there is an area which still has the original flooring.

food & drink and festivals

EN The cuisine of Salinas features arroz caldoso con magro (creamy rice with lean), arroz con conejo (rice with rabbit), chickpeas, fandango (a cod soup with vegetables), gachamiga (a kind of pancake made with flour, water, olive oil and garlic), gazpacho

manchego (a flat and round bread made with wheat flour cut into small pieces and mixed with a liquid stew) and chickpeas sauce. Virgin olive oil, lamb meat, pork and vegetables are the most common ingredients.

As for desserts, the specialties are toñas (sweet buns), rollos

fritos (fried pastries), almendrados (almond biscuits) and sequillos (dry doughnuts).

The wines from Alicante are very popular and are one of the main products in the Alto Vinalopó and Medio Vinalopó area. The so-called “wine route” includes the towns of Villena,

Novelda, Hondón de los Frailes, La Algueña, Pinoso, Monóvar and Petrer, among others that are close to Salinas. There are two wineries: Sierra Cabrera and Finca Collado, where both technology and tradition are combined to manufacture products of superior quality.

EN San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony the Abbot): The patron saint festival is held in January and includes the blessing of some animals, traditional dances, bonfires, pork tasting and blessed biscuits.

Medio año festero: It is the halfway point of Moros y Cristianos (the Moors and Christians festival) and features parades, entraetas and embajadas (processions) and several events that take place in

the headquarters of the different comparsas (companies).

Procession to Saint Isidore’s Chapel: The procession takes place on the closest Sunday to 15th May and leaves from Plaza de España square.

Moors and Christians: The comparsas (companies) Contrabandistas (smugglers), Piratas (pirates) and Moros Laguneros take part in this festival that is held in the last weekend of May and lasts for 4 days.

salinas’s lake, panoramic view.

EN Historically, it has been the main source of wealth for the settlers of Salinas. Due to the flooding in 1751, they went through a process of drainage that

eventually finished at the beginning of the 20th century.

In 1994 the government of Spain transferred this 300-hectare area to the Salinas City Council so that

they could improve its condition. They are currently carrying out several projects to regenerate part of the lake thanks to which new flora and fauna inhabit the area.

mountain sports

EN Hiking (PR-CV 25 Salinas-Elda). This route illustrates the contrasts of the Vinalopó landscapes. The salt deposits left by the seas more than 200 million years ago have resulted in geographical features like the Salinas mountains and the lake. The lake is the starting point of this route and it is the flat and dry section before the mountain range formed around the town of Elda consisting of the Umbría mountains, the Cámara mountains and Mount Bolón.

After taking the Camino de la Cámara path heading south and hiking through the Umbria mountains, which goes all the way to the town of Elda, we start our way back at La Melva Vocational Training School heading to Mount Bolón through the Senda de la Patada path, which goes as far as Pocico Alonso. From there, we can trek up Altos de Cámara, where we can find a deep forest with Aleppo pines and holm oaks.

Once we reach the summit, we will have a breathtaking view of the Salinas lake and the mountains in the background.

EN Bicycle touring. Salinas mountains and the richness of its flora and fauna are the main attractions of this route, which goes through one of the most unknown areas in the province of Alicante and in which the cyclists will have the opportunity to enjoy a virtually virgin landscape. We head for the town of Pinoso from Salinas through a 65-kilometer route. At an average speed of 15 km/h, we go across areas with gypsum vegetation, rocky hills, dunes and pine forests. As for the fauna, visitors will be able to observe four species of eagles as well as falcons and owls.

This is an outstanding opportunity to live a unique experience in the nature which can even be better if you dare to explore any of the many caves in which the bats that live in the Alicante area rest. This route is 1,050 meters high and previous experience is required.

EN Alto Don Pedro es una de las zonas más jóvenes para la escis one of the youngest areas in Alto Vinalopó and Medio Vinalopó to go climbing, as they started to adapt the area in 1991. Climbing activities are available throughout the year, in autumn and winter in the morning and in spring and summer in the afternoon since most of it is headed southeast. Only the sections “continuo”, “norte” and “desplome” are headed northeast. The rock in Alto de Don Pedro is greyish limestone. There are currently 80 open routes from 4 to 8b+. The variations in the slope, the good equipment and the easy access make this area very interesting for climbers. This area is closed from March to May due to the nesting season.

For further information, please contact: Juan Pedro Verdú, Manuel Amat, José Fco. Hernández (Escaladas en Alicante: Medio y Alto Vinalopó-Foia de Castalla-Ontinyent.

Spain), the Salinas City Council and Centro Montañista Salinas.

remnants of the phoenician, arabic and roman civilizations. an unspoilt landscape in the vinalopó river basinen el vinalopó.

EN El Puntal: This Iberian village located on Monte del Puntal, a hill very close to the road connecting the towns of Salinas and Monóvar, dates back to the years 375-350 BC and was a strategic spot in the communication of the Alto Vinalopó and Medio Vinalopó regions with the inland areas of the Peninsula and the Mediterranean. Located three kilometres from Salinas, this ancient village is considered to be the first historical settlement in this town. It was discovered

by José María Soler in 1952.

The numerous remains found in this site are on exhibit at the Archaeological Museum of Villena.

La Molineta: This Iberian village located on a plain a kilometre away from El Puntal was established around the 5th century BC with the aim of exploiting the natural resources offered by a salt lake known as Laguna de Salinas. Although no remains of buildings can be seen there nowadays, several objects

were found –some of them from the Roman era– which can now be seen in the Archaeological Museums of Elda and Villena.

The Aqueduct of La Molineta House: Built with irregular-shaped stone blocks and mortar, it was used to carry water from La Molineta to the farmhouse called Casa Plaza, the aqueduct shows that Salinas has always been a water-rich town. The aqueduct starts in Calle La Molineta.

Country Houses: Los Castillejos, Casa Soler, Casa Biar, La Molineta, Casa Calpena, La Umbría, Casa Garrincho… These are just a few of the many country houses which can be found within the boundaries of the town of Salinas and are the proof of how wealthy the town was in the past.

Saint Isidore’s New Chapel: The wonderful view that this spot offers to visitors, and the fact that it is the last stop in the traditional pilgrimage in honour of Saint

Isidore –held on 15th May– have turned this chapel, built at the end of the 90s, into a popular sight for visitors. The ruins of Saint Isidore’s Old Chapel can be seen two kilometres away from the town, next to the foothills of Sierra de Salinas.

The Castle: Aunque no hay mucha inforAlthough there is not much information about the history of this fortress, some data are known: the fortress dates back to the 14th century and visitors can see the remains of the castle’s towers and a rainwater tank. The castle is located on a hill within the area known as Los Castillos, 1.5 kilometres away from the town’s urban area.

Lugar Viejo (The Old Place): This was the original location of the town of Salinas, which dates back to the 11th century. The town remained there until the flooding of October 30th 1751, which led to the relocation of the town to the place where it is

salinas’s lake

now. The ancient town consisted of a fortified farmstead with an Arabian-style tower, which housed an agricultural and livestock farming community.

As from the 14th century the town development was based on the exploitation of the mineral resources found around the salt lake, which allowed the development of the glass industry. There are still some remains from the wall that surrounded the ancient town.

Iglesia de San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony the Abbot’s Church): Its construction began after the 1751 flooding. The building has a single nave with a central dome and side chapels.

Inside there is a unique sculpture in Spain which represents Saint John the Evangelist inside a container on fire; according to the legend, Saint John was immersed into a pot of boiling oil and did not burn. Next to the Communion Chapel, there is an area which still has the original flooring.

food & drink and festivals

EN The cuisine of Salinas features arroz caldoso con magro (creamy rice with lean), arroz con conejo (rice with rabbit), chickpeas, fandango (a cod soup with vegetables), gachamiga (a kind of pancake made with flour, water, olive oil and garlic), gazpacho

manchego (a flat and round bread made with wheat flour cut into small pieces and mixed with a liquid stew) and chickpeas sauce. Virgin olive oil, lamb meat, pork and vegetables are the most common ingredients.

As for desserts, the specialties are toñas (sweet buns), rollos

fritos (fried pastries), almendrados (almond biscuits) and sequillos (dry doughnuts).

The wines from Alicante are very popular and are one of the main products in the Alto Vinalopó and Medio Vinalopó area. The so-called “wine route” includes the towns of Villena,

Novelda, Hondón de los Frailes, La Algueña, Pinoso, Monóvar and Petrer, among others that are close to Salinas. There are two wineries: Sierra Cabrera and Finca Collado, where both technology and tradition are combined to manufacture products of superior quality.

EN San Antonio Abad (Saint Anthony the Abbot): The patron saint festival is held in January and includes the blessing of some animals, traditional dances, bonfires, pork tasting and blessed biscuits.

Medio año festero: It is the halfway point of Moros y Cristianos (the Moors and Christians festival) and features parades, entraetas and embajadas (processions) and several events that take place in

the headquarters of the different comparsas (companies).

Procession to Saint Isidore’s Chapel: The procession takes place on the closest Sunday to 15th May and leaves from Plaza de España square.

Moors and Christians: The comparsas (companies) Contrabandistas (smugglers), Piratas (pirates) and Moros Laguneros take part in this festival that is held in the last weekend of May and lasts for 4 days.

salinas’s lake, panoramic view.

EN Historically, it has been the main source of wealth for the settlers of Salinas. Due to the flooding in 1751, they went through a process of drainage that

eventually finished at the beginning of the 20th century.

In 1994 the government of Spain transferred this 300-hectare area to the Salinas City Council so that

they could improve its condition. They are currently carrying out several projects to regenerate part of the lake thanks to which new flora and fauna inhabit the area.

mountain sports

EN Hiking (PR-CV 25 Salinas-Elda). This route illustrates the contrasts of the Vinalopó landscapes. The salt deposits left by the seas more than 200 million years ago have resulted in geographical features like the Salinas mountains and the lake. The lake is the starting point of this route and it is the flat and dry section before the mountain range formed around the town of Elda consisting of the Umbría mountains, the Cámara mountains and Mount Bolón.

After taking the Camino de la Cámara path heading south and hiking through the Umbria mountains, which goes all the way to the town of Elda, we start our way back at La Melva Vocational Training School heading to Mount Bolón through the Senda de la Patada path, which goes as far as Pocico Alonso. From there, we can trek up Altos de Cámara, where we can find a deep forest with Aleppo pines and holm oaks.

Once we reach the summit, we will have a breathtaking view of the Salinas lake and the mountains in the background.

EN Bicycle touring. Salinas mountains and the richness of its flora and fauna are the main attractions of this route, which goes through one of the most unknown areas in the province of Alicante and in which the cyclists will have the opportunity to enjoy a virtually virgin landscape. We head for the town of Pinoso from Salinas through a 65-kilometer route. At an average speed of 15 km/h, we go across areas with gypsum vegetation, rocky hills, dunes and pine forests. As for the fauna, visitors will be able to observe four species of eagles as well as falcons and owls.

This is an outstanding opportunity to live a unique experience in the nature which can even be better if you dare to explore any of the many caves in which the bats that live in the Alicante area rest. This route is 1,050 meters high and previous experience is required.

EN Alto Don Pedro es una de las zonas más jóvenes para la escis one of the youngest areas in Alto Vinalopó and Medio Vinalopó to go climbing, as they started to adapt the area in 1991. Climbing activities are available throughout the year, in autumn and winter in the morning and in spring and summer in the afternoon since most of it is headed southeast. Only the sections “continuo”, “norte” and “desplome” are headed northeast. The rock in Alto de Don Pedro is greyish limestone. There are currently 80 open routes from 4 to 8b+. The variations in the slope, the good equipment and the easy access make this area very interesting for climbers. This area is closed from March to May due to the nesting season.

For further information, please contact: Juan Pedro Verdú, Manuel Amat, José Fco. Hernández (Escaladas en Alicante: Medio y Alto Vinalopó-Foia de Castalla-Ontinyent.

Spain), the Salinas City Council and Centro Montañista Salinas.

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02 MUNICIPAL SPORTS CENTRE Avenida Villena, s/n.

Tel. 965 479 001 03 PHARMACY Plaza de España, 14.

Tel. 965 479 448

SAX & SALINAS HEALTH CENTRE Carretera de Sax, s/n.

Tel. 966 967 076 04

05 SIERRA DE SALINAS SPORTS CLUB MOUNTAIN ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION OF SALINAS Calle Antonio Machado, at Casa de Cultura.

Tel. 965 479 001 06 CASA CALPENA Paraje Calpena, s,n.

07 MUNICIPAL CONCERT HALL Calle Comparsa Moros Laguner, s/n.

Tel. 965 479 001

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EL PUNTAL

SAINT ISIDORE’S NEW CHAPEL 09

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THE LAKE

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THE OLD PLACE

12 LA TÉRMICA NATURE RESERVE

SALINAS CITY COUNCIL

ESCAPE TO NATURE Salinas City Council Plaza de España, 8 03638 Salinas (Alicante) Tel. +34 965479001 www.salinas.es

salinas.es

01 SALINAS CITY COUNCIL Plaza de España, 8.

Tel. 965 479 001

ENGLISH

SALINAS CITY COUNCIL

salinas 12

02

05 01

11

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salinas

04

07

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09

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02 MUNICIPAL SPORTS CENTRE Avenida Villena, s/n.

Tel. 965 479 001 03 PHARMACY Plaza de España, 14.

Tel. 965 479 448

SAX & SALINAS HEALTH CENTRE Carretera de Sax, s/n.

Tel. 966 967 076 04

05 SIERRA DE SALINAS SPORTS CLUB MOUNTAIN ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION OF SALINAS Calle Antonio Machado, at Casa de Cultura.

Tel. 965 479 001 06 CASA CALPENA Paraje Calpena, s,n.

07 MUNICIPAL CONCERT HALL Calle Comparsa Moros Laguner, s/n.

Tel. 965 479 001

08

EL PUNTAL

SAINT ISIDORE’S NEW CHAPEL 09

10

THE LAKE

11

THE OLD PLACE

12 LA TÉRMICA NATURE RESERVE

SALINAS CITY COUNCIL

ESCAPE TO NATURE Salinas City Council Plaza de España, 8 03638 Salinas (Alicante) Tel. +34 965479001 www.salinas.es

salinas.es

01 SALINAS CITY COUNCIL Plaza de España, 8.

Tel. 965 479 001

ENGLISH

SALINAS CITY COUNCIL

salinas 12

02

05 01

11

03

salinas

04

07

06

09

10

08

02 MUNICIPAL SPORTS CENTRE Avenida Villena, s/n.

Tel. 965 479 001 03 PHARMACY Plaza de España, 14.

Tel. 965 479 448

SAX & SALINAS HEALTH CENTRE Carretera de Sax, s/n.

Tel. 966 967 076 04

05 SIERRA DE SALINAS SPORTS CLUB MOUNTAIN ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION OF SALINAS Calle Antonio Machado, at Casa de Cultura.

Tel. 965 479 001 06 CASA CALPENA Paraje Calpena, s,n.

07 MUNICIPAL CONCERT HALL Calle Comparsa Moros Laguner, s/n.

Tel. 965 479 001

08

EL PUNTAL

SAINT ISIDORE’S NEW CHAPEL 09

10

THE LAKE

11

THE OLD PLACE

12 LA TÉRMICA NATURE RESERVE

SALINAS CITY COUNCIL

ESCAPE TO NATURE Salinas City Council Plaza de España, 8 03638 Salinas (Alicante) Tel. +34 965479001 www.salinas.es

salinas.es

01 SALINAS CITY COUNCIL Plaza de España, 8.

Tel. 965 479 001

ENGLISH

SALINAS CITY COUNCIL