Made up of the old city councils of Pinos del Valle and Ízbor, the municipality of El Pinar extends across both slopes of the Valle de Lecrín. It includes the historical Puente de Tablate and the Castillo de la Venta de la Cebada.
Located in the shadow of Monte Chinchirina, at the top of which stands the chapel of Santo Cristo del Zapato, the town of Pinos del Valle is divided into two distinct cores: the Barrio Alto, where the council is, and the Barrio Bajo, where the parish church is located. There is also the Barriada de Las Eras, from where you can get amazing views over the Embalse de Béznar reservoir and the rest of the region.
El Pinar, in addition to its agricultural wealth and many springs, has one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the region: a narrow bridge, located at kilometre 37 of the old road that leads to the coast, that crosses the deep Barranco de Tablate ravine, the main gate of La Alpujarra.
In addition to the spectacular depth and narrowness of the Barranco de Tablate, the village of Ízbor nearby is also extraordinary. Amid its white houses you can see the silhouette of the church, the Iglesia de la Purísima Concepción. The district of Acebuches is not far from the village and is also well worth a visit.
Although some evidence of a human settlement long before the Muslim occupation has been found in El Pinar, it was only under the Arab rule that it became an important town. The name of one of its neighbouring towns, Ízbor, is also of Arab origin.
El Pinar is located in the middle of the Valle de Lecrín, towards the coast. The quality of the land has ensured that El Pinar has always played an important role in the supply of food to Granada. It also played a key role in the uprising of the Moors in the 16th century. The town was almost fully depopulated after the expulsion of the Moors. Currently, the local town council governs Pinos del Valle and Ízbor together.
Many almond trees are gown here and subsequently almonds are widely used in the local cuisine. The Tortilla de habas, an omelette made with beans, eggs, onions and olive oil, is one of the most famous dishes from El Pinar.
