Tall Pines Guest House

Ontinyent city is 360 metres above sea level, and is situated in  the south-west of a valley surrounded by mountains, in the province of Valencia.   The town is built around the banks of a winding gorge, where former factories took advantage of the course of the river Clariano as a source of power, dividing the town into two.   A walk around the old town centre allows visitors to see its rich heritage, The Town Hall, from the days of Carlos 3rd.  

The church of Santa Maria, erected over an ancient Moorish mosque that displays an interesting high alter showing paintings by Ribalta, Vicente Lopez.   The church has a bell tower that rises some 68 metres into the air.

Also in the town you will also see the Carmelite Convant; the church of San Miguel; the San Rogue gateway; the old bridge (Pont Vell) and the bridge tower.  The territory forms the region of La Vall d'Albaida, which has Ontinyent as its capital.   At the moment there are around 36,000 people who live there.

There are several signposted itineries for hikers and other environmental footpaths including cycle ways that invite you to discover the area. But, if you really want to just lay on a beach, and don't want the crowds, we have our own local resort with miles of flat golden sand, and only a Thirty/forty minute drive away.   There is also a local beauty spot called Pou clar, a natural site with great recreational and ecological value, where the source of water makes natural swimming pools.   Ideal for a picknick.

La Carina Park:   Is a natural site of 28,500 m2, with spectacular gardens of exceptional beauty.   There are ponds with aquatic species, a hermitage and a small palace that dates back to 1989.   On the ground floor of this little palace there is an exhibition of Valencian Pottery with works of art from the XVth to the X!Xth century.   The activities that are developed in the parkhave an environmental, cultural and leisure character which are grouped in sectors; an area of contact with animals, and area of cages and free flight birds of prey etc.

Moli Descals:   Is a water mill kept in perfect state, Inspite of not functioning since 1974.   It appears in a document dating back to 1415 and has two mill stones, one for wheat and one for barley.   This mill is kept in perfect order by its owners and represents an historical part of Ontinyent.

Museum of Natural Sciences:   The Franciscan convent keeps pieces from  a surprising collection.   On one side the botanical gardens and the Museum of Natural Sciences with collections of Spanish, African and American fauna.   On the other side old samples of pre-Columbian art, and old currencies.   Don't miss the remains of the Egyptian Pharaoh's manuscript and invaluable books..

Still local just a little further out:

The local area around Ontinyent is home to many small towns and villages which have many little treats and surprises for the visitor.

• Canals:   Which is about 15 minutes north of Ontinyent, has an entry in the Guiness Book of Records for building the biggest  bonfire in the world, a tradition that it replicates during their January fiesta.
• Anna:   A picturesque little village that has its own lake which you are allowed to swim in.  It also has a natural waterfall and pools.
• Montessa: is an island village which has the ruins of a garrison castle that at one time housed as many as two thousand soldiers.
• Albaida:   Boasts the impressive Palace of the Marquis of Albaida, which is still standing today but transformed into the International Puppet Museum,containing a beautiful collection of puppets from, Burma, India, Cuba, Turkey and Spain.  
• Moixent:     Here a visit to the Iberian settlement of La Bastida de les Alcuses (5th - 3rd Century BC), a stronghold protected by a wall and flanked by four gateways.   It is here that Spanish/Carthaginian coins, ceramics and bronzes have been found, including the "little bull" of La Bastida.
• Guadalest:  With its famous castle, is a fortified cliff top villiage and is supposed to have been held by the famous "El Cid" for some time.   More tourists visit Guadalest than any other single attraction on the Valencion Peninsula.   An interesting place to visit with many excellent gift shops selling many locally produced and hand made goods, and not at tourist prices.
•  Bocairente, there is a bull ring which was constructed in 1843, and is listed as one of the oldest bull rings and cut from natural rock in the style of the Roman Amphitheatre,  built to hold over four thousand spectators.   Today, it is used for Musical and Cultural events.   Also while you are there, a visit to the Monks Caves, may be worth while.   They are open and free to explore.

One other interesting attraction with a nice drive out into the mountains is "Aitana Safari Park" which is located above the village of Penaguila. Here the animals are well cared for and have  a lot of space to wander to themselves.   There is also a good bar and restaurant there which are open all year.

Cheste, The Motor Cycle Grand Prix circuit is within easy reach for those looking forward to the finale of the racing season in the last weekend of October.

The America's Cup:   Valencia has won their bid to host "The America's Cup" in 2007.   Some of the various events that take place in the lead up to the final will also be hosted here.   So if you are looking for a warm and friendly base for the America's cup, the Tallpines is, the place to be.