Discover San Isidro: Church, Trails and History

Between Local History and Huerta

San Isidro was established in the mid-20th century as a colonisation settlement within the municipality of Albatera.

Architecture, Art and Living Tradition

A notable building is the parish church of San Isidro Labrador. It dates from 1956 and was built in the modernist style. The church was designed by the architect José Luis Fernández del Amo.

Other noteworthy features include El Santo, a mosaic monument by Manuel Baeza depicting the patron saint San Isidro. Next to El Santo is an agricultural artwork depicting irrigated plots supplied with water by a centralised well system.

A traditional Romería takes place on the first Sunday in May. Residents gather to eat and dance, while dance groups also put on a performance.

Cycling and Hiking Trails Through the Landscape

The former circular El Hondo-San Isidro cycling route was 13 kilometres long and followed rural roads past huertas, traditional urban and rural buildings, former hemp retting ponds, natural springs and palm groves. It ran through flat terrain, was signposted in both directions and was suitable for most people.

The route starts at the railway footbridge. From there, you can freely explore San Isidro, the town park, the town hall square, the church or the schools with their distinctive sculptures, and then cross part of the traditional huerta.

The Senda del Poeta Miguel Hernández hiking route also passes through San Isidro. It is a three-day route of approximately 70 kilometres running from Orihuela to Alicante. On 16 April 2005, the Monolito Senda del Poeta was inaugurated.

Archaeological Traces at Cabezo Pardo

Cabezo Pardo is home to an Argaric settlement dating approximately from 1900 to 1500 BC. There is also a settlement from the Emirate period of the 8th to 9th centuries AD. Based on the archaeological materials found there, the site has been identified with Tall al-Jattab, mentioned by the geographer al-Ê¿Udri.

Campo de Albatera is now located within the municipality of San Isidro. Near San Isidro railway station and just a few metres from the railway tracks stands a memorial to the victims of Campo de Albatera. Archaeological excavations at the site uncovered ceramic, stone and malacological objects, which now belong to the Siret Collection at the Museo Arqueológico Nacional in Madrid.

Useful Information for Your Stay

ALBATERA-CATRAL railway station is located 100 metres from the centre of San Isidro, lies within the municipality and connects Alicante and Murcia on the Cercanías network.

For further orientation, you can also include Benissili, El Mojón, El Chaparral, Orito, La Vall De Gallinera, Beniaia, Benimarfull and Castalla in your plans.

For the broader travel overview: Alicante.