In this article, we’ll guide you through the best places to visit in Alcalalí, from its vibrant fiestas to the delightful restaurants. Take a break from the bustling life of the coastal resorts and immerse yourself in a unique Spanish experience you won’t forget.
Where is Alcalalí?
Alcalali is in the Jalón Valley, also known as Vall de Pop, part of the Marina Alta comarca in Alicante Province, Spain. It is situated about 15km inland from the coast along the CV-750. Its close neighbours are Jalon, Parcent, and Benigembla.
Alcalali Map
How to get to Alcalalí?
Getting there is relatively simple if traveling by car, not by bus and train.
If you plan on flying into the region, as most people do, the closest airport is Alicante Airport, roughly 100 kilometres away; Valencia is the other option, but it is a little further away. You can hire a car from either airport, the easiest and best option for getting around Costa Blanca, particularly if you are venturing inland away from the coast, where public transport is infamously poor! The drive is straightforward and typically takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Alicante and about 15 minutes longer from Valencia.
If you don’t drive or don’t want to rent a car, you can book a seat on a shuttle bus or take a taxi; each airport covers both options.
If you prefer to travel by public transport, then things get much trickier even for the hardened traveller! Unlike the larger towns and the busy coastal resorts where public transport is usually quite good, you’ll find the opposite when traveling to and between the smaller inland municipalities.
Public Transport Options from Alicante and Valencia Airport to Alcalalí
By Car
- Taxi – You can easily pick a taxi from the rank outside both airports. It’s the most expensive option, but it takes you straight to your destination, making it the fastest and most stress-free of the options available to you. Be prepared to pay between €140 to €170 from Alicante and €190 upwards from Valencia.
- Private Car and Bus Hire – Many great service providers offer an airport to villa door service that can be a little cheaper than a public taxi but not by much, so still expect to pay upwards of €135 from Alicante and €190 from Valencia.
- Shuttle Bus Service – There have been a few shuttle bus services that have come and gone. One that has remained and gone from strength to strength is Beniconnect. Unfortunately, you can only get the shared shuttle bus from Alicante airport to Calpe now, so a taxi is required for the rest of the journey. When writing, the one-way cost from Alicante airport to Calpe is €21. You must complete your journey by taxi, costing between €20 and €30. There are no shuttle bus link from Valencia Airport to Alcalali.
By Bus
- Bus – You can get an Alsa bus from Alicante airport to Benissa for about €15; this is not a direct service; you will need to change buses at Benidorm bus station. The trip varies between 1hr 45mins and 3hrs, depending on the number of stops. You must also complete your journey by taxi.
From Valencia, you can hop on a Line 150 bus for about €1.50 to take you to the central bus station in the city centre. From there, you can get a bus to Ondara, €11-€12, then there is a bus service operated by Autocares Carrio that runs from Denia, through Ondara and Pedreguer, to Jalón that also stops in Alcalalí, but it only runs four times a day, so you might have to wait a while before it arrives! It may be quicker to finish your journey by taxi.
By Train
- Train Alicante -No Renfe (Spanish Rail Network) train line runs from Alicante airport to Alcalali or north along the coast. There is, however, a very cheap coastal tram service from Alicante to Denia. It only costs €3.90! However, there are a few pitfalls to using the tram.
- You have no choice but to get a taxi or bus from Alicante airport to the nearest tram stop. Which is in Alicante city centre.
- You will need to change trams in Benidorm.
- The closest stop to Alcalali is Benissa, and the station is remotely located away from the main town, which is fine if you have someone who will pick you up; if not, it will be a taxi or bus.
- The entire tram journey, although scenic, will take nearly TWO and a HALF hours.
- Train Valencia – You can get the metro for €5 to the city centre from Valencia airport. Get off at Xativa, where the Valencia-Estaciò Del Nord railway station is located. You can then get a train to Gandia. From Gandia, you can get a taxi or a bus to Ondara, where you can get the bus provided by Autocares Carrio, covered previously.
Summary: The long and short of it is that public transport to small rural areas such as the Jalon Valley is poor. If you intend to have a stress-free journey and travel freely around visiting different places during your stay, renting a car is an absolute no-brainer!
Where to Stay in Alcalalí
Alcalali offers a diverse range of accommodations to suit various preferences and budgets. Travelers can choose from charming bed and breakfasts, and cozy vacation rentals. For instance, Booking.com lists several highly-rated guesthouses, providing both luxury and budget-friendly options.
Vacation rentals are particularly popular in Alcalali, with platforms like Vrbo offering a wide selection of homes, apartments, and villas, perfect for families or groups seeking a home-like stay. Vrbo also cater for those who prefer unique accommodations, featuring a variety of properties, including traditional Spanish houses and modern apartments, ensuring a memorable stay. Additionally, Expedia provides competitive deals on vacation rentals, making it easier for travelers to find suitable lodging.
For a full list of accommodation in and close to Alcalali, click the button below.
History
Over the years, Alcalali has witnessed significant historical events and figures shaping its development. In 1245, Jaume I conquered the town from the Arabs, and it has experienced several changes since then. Notably, the Moorish rebellion occurred there, leading to the Christian conquest.
As you explore this small town, you can see the solid agricultural development that has taken place in the area, with Parcent being one of the supporting poles of this advancement. The landscape is filled with vineyards and almond groves, a testament to the diligent efforts of the locals to cultivate their land. Additionally, a thriving cultural heritage demonstrates the rich history and traditions of the region.
While visiting Alcalali, there are several historical monuments and sites that you should check out. One of these is the medieval tower, which offers insight into the town’s past and its strategic importance in the region. Another must-see landmark is the beautiful church erected in 1577, reflecting the town’s deep-rooted Christian faith. Moreover, venture into the ethnological museum to get a glimpse of the lives and customs of the locals in bygone eras. Finally, a stroll through the charming streets of the old town will give you a true sense of the history that has unfolded in this captivating location.
Things to Do in Alcalalí
Alcalali offers a variety of activities and attractions to cater to different interests. Whether you are a nature lover, a culture enthusiast, or just looking to relax, you will find something to enjoy in this picturesque Spanish village.
Nature
Hiking is a popular activity in Alcalali, with several trails to explore the stunning mountains and valleys. The Ruta Senderista Alcalali – Coll de Rates is a beautiful hiking trail leading you through breathtaking landscapes of almond and orange trees.
If you are a birdwatcher, the mountains and nature reserves in the area are home to diverse bird species for you to observe.
Professional and amateur cycling enthusiasts will enjoy the well-maintained mountain bike routes and road cycling paths around Alcalali. The picturesque countryside offers an ideal setting for a memorable cycling adventure.
Culture
Make sure to visit the Torre Medieval de Alcalali, a medieval tower that is an essential historical landmark in the village. If you are interested in the local history, the Parish Museum of San Juan de la Ribera and the Ethnological Museum are worth visiting to glimpse of the towns rich cultural heritage.
Participating in festivals like Feslalí Alcalalí En Flor can give you an authentic taste of the region’s traditions and customs. In addition, local markets provide ample opportunity to sample regional delicacies and shop for unique souvenirs.
Outdoors
Rock climbing and horse riding are some other outdoor sports activities you can enjoy in the area.
Stroll along the River Gorgos, where you can enjoy this charming waterway’s peaceful atmosphere and picturesque views.
Restaurants in Alcalalí
- La Solana is a traditional restaurant serving local dishes made with fresh ingredients from their garden. While dining, you can enjoy a cosy and rustic atmosphere in a restored farmhouse. They offer a daily menu, a tasting menu, and à la carte options.
- La Torre, located next to the medieval tower, is a casual eatery offering pizza, pasta, burgers, salads, and more. Head over there to experience a lovely terrace with a lively atmosphere. They offer a daily menu, delivery service, and convenient à la carte options.
- Lulahs is a bistro bar that has recently opened. It provides an international menu in a lively and modern setting.
- Apart from these, Restaurante Pepe is another popular place to dine, offering Mediterranean, European, Spanish, and International cuisine with a homely, family-run experience. Take your pick from their varied menu and enjoy Pepe’s.
- There is also the new Alicant-Ibizan fusion tapas bar with a great Ibizan feel called Ses Feixes, where the food looks and tastes fantastic.
Alcalalí Fiestas
Feslalí: Blossom Festival
In February, the Blossom Festival, or Feslalí, is a time to celebrate the blossoming trees. The festival includes guided tours of the orchards, gastronomic events, craft workshops, and musical performances, to name a few. The aim is to promote the almond as a symbol of the landscape, economy, and heritage of Alcalali.
Medieval Market
In June, Alcalali takes you back in time to a Medieval Market. This event features stalls of artisans, food vendors, entertainers, games, shows, and more. It aims to commemorate the historical legacy of Alcalali as a former Arab settlement and its Christian conquest in 1245.
Patron Saint Festivities
Alcalali honours its patron saints, Santísimo Cristo de la Salud (Holy Christ of Health) and San Juan Bautista (Saint John the Baptist), with a series of festivities in June. During this time, you can expect religious ceremonies, processions, fireworks, dances, concerts, bull runs, and competitions, among other activities. The purpose of these celebrations is to express the devotion and gratitude of the people of Alcalali to their patron saints for their protection and blessings.
Alcalali Weather
When considering Alcalali, it’s essential to consider the weather, as it significantly makes your trip enjoyable. This overview of the climate and weather conditions in Alcalali will help you prepare for your visit throughout the year.
In Alcalali, you can expect pleasant temperatures, varying from 21°C to 31°C during the warmest months. These temperatures drop to around 20°C to 28°C throughout the cooler months. As to rainfall, the wettest month is typically September, with an 80% chance of rain and 2.2mm of precipitation. The least rainy month is usually July. Humidity levels can be quite high, especially during summer, making some days feel stifling.
The wind is generally mild in Alcalali, with speeds averaging 10 to 30mph.
