Pinet: El Surar, Regional Cuisine and Church Architecture

Pinet showcases different facets of the Valencian Community within a small area: nature in the El Surar area, a distinctive village church, rural heritage, designated routes and a cuisine of its own.

Nature among cork oak woodland and river landscapes

The El Surar natural area stretches between Pinet and Llutxent and includes the southernmost cork oak woodland in the Valencian Community. Information panels and marked paths are among its facilities. A humid microclimate with rain and mist preserves the emblematic Balsita del Surar at the recreational area of the natural site. El Surar brings together cork oak woodland, a humid microclimate and the Balsita del Surar within Pinet's natural area.

The water landscape is also part of the character of the area. The Piner River collects the water from the mountains surrounding the circular valley of the municipality of Pinet and flows south into the Vernissa River. The Castellet gorge and spring are among Pinet's sights.

Church, history and rural heritage

The parish church of Saint Peter in Pinet has a nave with a barrel vault reinforced by arches resting on buttresses, with four chapels between them. The façade features a simple portal made with voussoirs, which was restored in 1928. These architectural details give the local history a tangible form and make the church a cultural focal point in its own right. For those interested in culture, the barrel vault, chapels and portal are three specific architectural elements of the parish church.

Historically, after the expulsion of the Moriscos and until the secularisation of 1835, the church of Pinet was under the jurisdiction of the Dominican monastery of Llutxent. Pinet's rural heritage also includes the traditional craft of Llata. The church's historical jurisdiction and the traditional Llata craft enrich Pinet's rural heritage with ecclesiastical and artisanal references.

Regional cuisine from Pinet

The popular dish «arròs amb costra» is prepared in Pinet. The flatbreads typical of Pinet, «coques socarrades», are served with salted sardines, cured meats or tomatoes. Rice with beans is also one of the favourite dishes of Pinet's local cuisine. These dishes combine rice, beans, sardines, cured meats and tomatoes in different combinations.

Routes through Pinet and the surrounding area

The Pinet–El Surar–Barx cycling route is designated as a local visitor route. In addition, a 78-kilometre linear route between Gandia and Alzira passes through Pinet. The linear route runs for 78 kilometres between Gandia and Alzira; the cycling route remains designated as a local visitor route. With a linear connection, the focus is on the route between the two endpoints rather than on returning to the starting point.

More destinations

Tavernes De La Valldigna, Marines, Carlet, Rótova, Gandía, Sinarcas, Utiel, Benissoda

For the higher-level travel overview: Valencia.