The Green Spirit of El Pino Retreat
August 2025
From anywhere in the Sierra de Albuñuelas, a green crown rises above the horizon — our pine. Tall, ancient, majestic. It does more than cast its shade over the house: it guides walkers, draws the gaze, and offers its energy to all who come near.
Over 260 years old , officially listed as a Singular Tree of Andalusia, it is a proud survivor of the great Andalusian earthquake of 1884, which devastated the surrounding area. It is a Pinus halepensis — also known as a Carrasco or Aleppo Pine — a typically Mediterranean species… with the soul of a titan.
Did you know the Aleppo Pine is a champion at capturing CO₂?
According to studies by Andalusian universities, a single tree can absorb up to 50 tons of CO₂ per year, making it one of the Mediterranean’s most effective natural air purifiers. To put it into perspective, that’s the annual emissions of several cars or more than 100 domestic flights. Our pine — with its centuries-twisted trunk, wide-reaching canopy, and protective spirit — is not only beautiful, but also a true lung for the land.
The True Host . This tree has witnessed generations come and go, endured droughts, storms, earthquakes… and still stands, steady and welcoming. It reminds us that we are not its owners — we are its guests. It offers shade, shelter, and perspective.
When you visit, don’t forget to greet it. You’ll see it upon arrival, leaning gently toward the south. It stands where it always has, watching patiently. It is our guardian, our emblem… perhaps even the first sage to inhabit this place. And if you step closer, it will invite you to share its energy, to rest beneath its branches, and to soak in the peace that radiates from its timeless, positive spirit.