Jalón Valley, Costa Blanca, Spain
For those of you that are thinking that Spain’s Costa Blanca is all about sun, sea, and sand, a rethink is in order! If you travel just a few kilometres inland from the popular coastal resort of Calpe, you will enter the relatively unspoilt and beautiful Jalón Valley which is simply too good not to visit!
The Jalón Valley, or “Vall de Pop” as it’s called in the regional Valenciano language, is a picture-perfect postcard destination, with lush vineyards, fragrant citrus groves, almond trees, and quaint Spanish villages.
The Jalon Valley is an unmissable slice of rural Spain and also, as it happens, is precisely where my wife and I chose to settle down back in 2008!
Where is Jalón Valley?
Jalón Valley is located in the Marina Alta, which is an area in the province of Alicante, a few kilometres inland from the southeastern coastal town of Calpe. The valley nestles between two mountain ranges: the Sierra de Bernia and the Sierra del Forner. The result? It is an absolutely stunning valley bursting with natural beauty, a Mediterranean climate, and bags of traditional Spanish charm.
The valley contains eight small villages, nine if you include the bigger, more provincial town of Benissa. Jalón, or Xaló in Valencian, is the biggest village and the valley’s namesake. The other seven villages are Senija, Lliber, Alcalali, Parcent, Benigembla, Murla, and Castell de Castells.
Map of Jalón Valley
How to Get to Jalón Valley
You’ve got a few options here. If you’re coming from afar, the airports of Alicante/Elche and Valencia are your best bet. It’s about an hour’s drive from Alicante airport to the Jalón Valley and 15 to 20 minutes longer from Valencia. Between the two airports, you’ll find that most major airlines will grace their runways, so finding a flight shouldn’t be that difficult, depending on where you’re flying from, obviously.
From the airport, you can rent a car – the most popular option – because why would you not want the freedom to stop and gawk at every scenic vista at your own leisure? For great deals on car rental that will not only save you money but a lot of time and anguish also, check out Discover Car.
Alternatively, there are public transportation options like buses and trains. Still, they can be a bit hit-and-miss – you never quite know what you’re going to get!
Reaching smaller towns and villages in Spain by public transport is often troublesome; links can be limited or non-existent in many cases. Jalón Valley is one such case.
There are buses and a coastal tram/train that run to Benissa from Alicante, which is about 6 kilometres from Jalon. Unfortunately, local taxi services in Benissa are few and far between, so getting to the valley from Benissa can be problematic.
The easiest solution, as I’ve already suggested, is to rent a car, yes it will cost more than public transport. Still, you will be grateful for the freedom it gives you, especially if you are planning on visiting a lot of places, especially those that are away from the coast.
Where to Stay in the Valley
There is a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets in the valley. In Jalón itself, travelers can choose from charming bed and breakfasts like Casa Mistela and retreats like Cuatre Finques, both known for their personalized service and atmosphere. For a more luxurious stay, Casa Con Destino is a private villa with a pool and stunning views of the valley.
In Alcalalí, there is Casa Del Maco, a boutique hotel with an on-site restaurant, and in Parcent, Hotel Restaurante Casa Julia, which combines traditional charm with modern amenities.
For travelers looking for a unique experience, the village of Llíber offers Casa Rural, which is a stunning village guesthouse in the heart of this small village, and Finca Lliber, a more rural retreat with excellent hosting.
For a more comprehensive list of accommodation in the villages of the Jalón Valley click on the link below.
Things to Do in the Vall de Pop: From Wine Tasting to Hiking Trails
Jalón Valley is known as the wine country of the Costa Blanca, so tasting the local vino is a must.
You will find that there are some delicious wines made in the Bodegas of Jalón; sweet whites certainly stand out with the local Mistela and Muscatel, but if sweet wines aren’t your thing, there are some pretty robust reds to try out, too.
There are a number of bodegas in the valley that offer tours where you’ll not only get a chance to sample the rich variety of wine on offer but also learn all about the wine-making process. There is a pretty good chance that you may well leave slightly tipsier than when you arrived, but you’ll definitely be wiser, at least when it comes to wine-making!
For those who like to pursue outdoor activities, the Jalón Valley offers an abundance of hiking and cycling trails; don’t try any of them immediately after a tour of one of the bodegas! The Sierra de Bernia, with its stunning panoramic views of the valley, is a particular favourite among the hiking community.
And let’s not forget the famous Jalón Rastro. This Saturday flea market is a paradise for treasure hunters where you’ll find traditional Spanish ceramics, leather goods, and a bewildering array of local produce and antiques; there’s something for everyone. A visit to the Rastro is like stepping into Alibaba’s cave, albeit without the 40 thieves.
Jalon Valley Fiestas & Events
There is never a shortage of fiestas to go to or events to attend in the Jalón Valley; it almost seems as if every village takes its turn to ensure there is something for visitors to enjoy every week! The frequent fiestas and events mean that the air is always filled with the sound of music, and the extremely loud but entrancing drum bands can never be unheard once heard.
Festival of Flowers
In February, the almond blossom paints the valley in vibrant hues; this is when the arrival of Spring is celebrated. The Feslalí Alcalalíto (Festival of Flowers) celebrates the nature, culture, history, and gastronomy of the local area, Alcalali in particular. It’s not your typical Spanish fiesta this one as it is a relatively quiet affair! But suppose country walks and artisan gastronomy are your thing. In that case, a visit to the Feslalí Alcalalíto might be right up your street.
Wine Harvest Festival
Come the end of August and the start of September, the Wine harvest festival rolls into town or, should I say, the valley. As with wine-producing regions all over the world, each of the valley’s wine-producing villages celebrates the end of harvesting. There are grape stomping competitions, wine tastings, music and parades, creating a merry atmosphere that is as intoxicating as the wines themselves.
These are just two of the many festivals and fiestas that take part in the valley annually, and you can get a much more detailed insight into each village’s annual schedule by visiting the respective village page below:
When it comes to fiestas and festivals, Jalón Valley is no different to any other part of Spain; fiestas are as noisy here as those experienced in Madrid, only on a much smaller scale. No matter where in Spain you find yourself, the streets are always full of the aroma of local food, and a palpable sense of community is always present.
In short, the Spanish know how to enjoy themselves, especially when it’s time for fiesta.
Weather Jalón Valley
On the Costa Blanca, the summer temperatures average around 30°C (86°F), which is perfect for beach visits but a bit hot for hiking and other energetic outdoor pursuits; ideal for a siesta, though. If a beach holiday is not what you’re seeking, then Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit the region. Beautifully warm sunny days on the whole, with the occasional shower to freshen things up a little…perfect! Winters are relatively mild, with temperatures averaging around 17°C (63°F), but you will also get the odd shower.
What may surprise many visitors to the Jalón Valley is its microclimate. Although, in general, it follows the seasonal weather trends of the region, it does fluctuate temperature-wise from the coast. A mere 15 kilometres away. Temperatures can be up to 5 degrees hotter in the valley than those on the nearby coast in the summer. And it’s 5 degrees cooler in the winter! A morning frost is a regular occurrence during the winter months, especially on the valley floor.
The best time to visit? It depends on what you are after. If you want beautiful warm days and comfortably cool nights, then late Spring and early autumn are the perfect times for you to visit. Suppose you want to work on your tan whilst lazing by the pool with a Mojito. In that case, summer should be your choice, but if the thought of walking through the almond trees when they are in full bloom as if you are in a painting by Monet, then come late winter!
Food & Drink in the Valley
Spanish cuisine is a love letter to your taste buds, and Jalón Valley gastronomy does not let the side down. The Valencian region is famous for its traditional Spanish dishes, with a particular emphasis on locally sourced ingredients.
You will find several excellent restaurants dotted around the valley. All of them offer traditional or international menus. You will also find that almost every bar you come across will serve tapas, with some offering a wider choice than others.
Strange but true! Monday is the only day of the week when you might have an issue finding an open restaurant. Those restaurants that do open on a Monday will only sometimes have free tables, so making a reservation is key. Monday closing is normal for many inland towns and villages, so plan a visit to the coast for your dining arrangements on this particular day of the week!
One thing to keep an eye open for is any fiestas where they are planning a paella gigante cooked outdoors by a team of professional paella chefs. You have to see paella cooking in a 10 to 12-foot wide pan to believe it. It is something that you will never forget. It’s simply amazing and always tastes great, too!
I have attended quite a few of these paella cookouts in the 15 years I have lived here. They are a proper cultural experience. I’ve always found that these rural paella fiestas stick to cooking the authentic paella Valenciana. A paella containing rabbit, chicken, green beans, and very often small white snails (don’t knock it till you try it!) If authenticity is what you want, you’ve definitely got to try one of these paella cookouts.
Tourist Information Office
The tourist information office for the Jalón Valley can be found in Jalón opposite Bar restaurante Casa Aleluya, next to the river. The office provides a lot of information about what is going on in the valley and surrounding areas, what to see, and where to go.
Opening Hours are:
- Monday: 09:00 to 18:30 h
- Tuesday to Friday: 08.00 to 18:30 h
- Saturday: 08.00 to 15.00 h
- Closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Closing Thoughts: Why Should You Visit the Jalón Valley?
Jalón Valley, where every turn is a new discovery, every sip a celebration, and every moment a memory. It’s more than just a destination; it’s a feeling, a taste, a melody that lingers long after you’ve left.
Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or just looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Jalón Valley is a place you will definitely not regret visiting!
