Solana del Pino: Rock Art, Gorges and Sierra Madrona

Solana del Pino offers panoramic views of the Sierra Madrona and the Valle de Alcudia from every point in the town, with mountains, gorges and valleys covered by holm oaks and cork oaks. Between volcanic relief, rock art, historic traces and rural paths, the town presents a varied landscape.

Nature and Landscape

The Volcán del Alhorín is a volcano with a Strombolian eruption and a broad, gently shaped relief. It is freely accessible; sturdy or comfortable footwear, water and sun protection are recommended.

The Hoz de Valdoro is a large gorge that cuts through the quartzite ridge of the Sierra de la Umbría de Alcudia and was formed by intense headward erosion by the Río Montoro. Solana del Pino is also home to a visitor reception centre for the nature park.

Paths and Hikes

The Camino de la Ermita de la Antigua trail begins in the built-up area of Solana del Pino and ends at the Ermita de la Antigua. From the Puerto de la Antigua at an altitude of 968 metres, this trail offers panoramic views of the Sierra Madrona.

Route 17 Peñón Amarillo is an easy, semi-urban trail from the centre of Solana del Pino to the Peñón Amarillo rock art shelter; it is listed as 0.60 kilometres and 40 minutes. Route 18 Collado del Águila begins at the Puerto de Los Rehoyos, where there is a car park and an information sign about the rock paintings of Collado del Águila.

Route 19 Estrecho de Valdoro, Mirador is a moderate 6.9-kilometre circular trail that can be shortened if necessary. Route 21 Del Cerro Membrillejo is a moderately difficult hike of approximately 5 kilometres along rural paths and through holm oak and Portuguese oak forests, with panoramic views of the landscape and surrounding mountains.

Route 22 Del arroyo del Corchuelo is an 8.80-kilometre circular trail of moderate difficulty, with little shade for most of its length. The Three Caves route in the Hoz de Valdoro takes approximately 5 hours and 35 minutes; after travelling there by vehicle, the route continues on foot. You can compare the trails by route type, difficulty level and time required.

Rock Art and History

The prehistoric rock art of Solana del Pino includes numerous schematic rock shelters scattered across the steep slopes of the municipality's mountains. The Peñón Amarillo site contains a rock art panel with approximately 16 figures distributed across the entire rock face.

Several quartzite rock art panels help ensure that the rock shelters of Solana del Pino and neighbouring towns are relatively well preserved. On the slopes of two hills along the path between Mina Diógenes and the Montoro II reservoir, there are at least fourteen significant sites with rock engravings.

The Phoenician tombs can be visited freely; because of their difficult-to-find location, it is recommended to visit them with a local guide. The cult of the Virgen de la Antigua in Solana del Pino dates back to the 16th century.

The Minas Diógenes mining complex was already being exploited in Roman times. The washing area known as Lavadero del Chorro consists of several water basins that were formerly used for washing clothes.

Other Places

Other places for trip planning: Almadén, Porzuna, Daimiel, Campo De Criptana, Villanueva de la Fuente, Alcázar De San Juan, Malagón, Tomelloso.

Traditions and Cuisine

The Romería de la Virgen de la Antigua pilgrimage takes place on the second weekend of May. Traditions involving bobbin lace and crochet continue to be practised in Solana del Pino.

Typical dishes and sweets from Solana del Pino include goat stew, gachas de pito, migas de pastor, sausage made from game and wild boar, honey-prepared rosetas, flores, rosquillos, rebanás and hornazos.

For the higher-level travel overview: Ciudad Real.