San Isidro is particularly interesting if you want to combine a rural cycling loop with architecture and local history. The El Hondo-San Isidro route passes huertas, water sources, palm groves and buildings. It also takes in the modernist parish church and archaeological settlements on Cabezo Pardo. The Senda del Poeta Miguel Hernández also passes through the town. When planning your visit, it is worth distinguishing between the cycling loop, the cultural themes and the longer walking route.
El Hondo-San Isidro by Bike
The El Hondo-San Isidro cycling route is 13 kilometres long, circular and runs along rural paths. Along the way are huertas, traditional urban and rural buildings, former hemp-drying ovens, natural water outlets and palm groves. The terrain is flat, the route is signposted in both directions and it is suitable for most people. A loop therefore brings together different landscape and architectural features rather than focusing on just one theme.
The route begins at the railway footbridge. From there, you can explore the town at your own pace, visiting places such as the town park, the Town Hall Square, the church or the schools with their distinctive sculptures; afterwards, you can cross part of the traditional huerta. This lets you combine the cycling section with exploring the town. Check the signposting and route conditions before setting off.
Modernist Church and Works of Art
The parish church of San Isidro Labrador dates from 1956 and was built in the modernist style. It was designed by architect José Luis Fernández del Amo. El Santo, a mosaic monument by Manuel Baeza depicting the patron saint San Isidro, is another notable work. The agricultural artwork beside El Santo shows irrigated plots supplied with water through a centralised well system. The church and works of art offer different ways into local history: architecture, religious imagery and the importance of irrigation sit side by side.
Archaeological Traces and Walking Route
Cabezo Pardo is home to an Argaric settlement dating approximately from 1900 to 1500 BC. There was also a settlement there during the Emirate period, in the 8th to 9th centuries AD. Based on the archaeological materials found there, the site has been identified as Tall al-Jattab, mentioned by the geographer al-ĘżUdri. These widely separated periods offer a different perspective from the more recent history of the town.
San Isidro emerged in the mid-20th century as a colonisation settlement in what was then the municipality of Albatera. The Monolito Senda del Poeta was inaugurated on 16 April 2005. The Senda del Poeta Miguel Hernández is a three-day walking route of about 70 kilometres, running from Orihuela to Alicante and passing through San Isidro. In contrast, the 13-kilometre cycling route is a loop; the Senda del Poeta is part of a longer link between two cities. So plan your section in San Isidro as part of the overall route.
Memorial Site and RomerĂa
Campo de Albatera is now within the municipality of San Isidro. Near San Isidro railway station and a few metres from the tracks stands a memorial to the victims of Campo de Albatera. It adds a distinct memorial site to the history of the town.
The traditional RomerĂa takes place on the first Sunday in May. Residents gather to eat and dance, and dance groups give a performance. If you want to plan your trip around it, check the specific programme, as event details may vary.
Plan Your Journey and Stay
ALBATERA-CATRAL railway station is within the municipality of San Isidro, 100 metres from the town centre. It connects Alicante and Murcia on the CercanĂas network. Check the operator’s timetable to choose a service for your travel dates. San Isidro is a particularly good destination if you want to combine a rural cycling loop with architecture, art or local history; for the Senda del Poeta, however, the focus is on the full three-day walking route.
Discover more destinations: BenijĂłfar, BahĂa de Jávea, Guadalest, El RĂ fol d'AlmĂşnia, La Vall d'Ebo, La Vall De Laguar, Elche, Santa Pola.
For the main travel overview: Alicante.
