Jalón is the largest town in Jalón Valley, which is located in the Marina Alta area of the Costa Blanca. Jalón is best known for it’s wine production, blossoming almond groves, and a Saturday rastro, which is the Spanish name for a flea market.
This lovely town is perfect for those looking to enjoy Spain’s culture while taking in beautiful landscapes. Jalón is an absolute treasure when it comes to rich history and traditions, making this town a quaint and beautiful place to visit for those looking for a real taste of rural Spain.
As you walk through the streets of Jalón, its local treasures will unfold right in front of you. Some of the activities that make a stay in Jalón memorable are tasting its local dishes, hitting the well known bodegas, shopping at the local markets, and hiking the mountains that surround the town and the valley. Jalón has carefully taken steps to blend its history with modern tourism, letting people from every country in the world enjoy the wonderful experience it has to offer without tarnishing the towns authenticity.
Jalón or Xaló?
If you’ve ever wondered whether Jalón and Xaló are two different towns, they are not! They are the same place. Jalón is the towns Spanish name, and Xaló is its Valencian name. Both names are used interchangeably,
You’ll often see road signs with place names written in Valencian as it is the regional language which is spoken alongside Spanish. You’ll see Valencian place names much more predominantly in rural areas of the Valencian community where there is a much stronger regional identity. Valenciana is also very similar to Catalan.
Where Is Jalón?
Jalón is located in the heart of the beautiful Jalón Valley, in the northern half of Alicante province. You’ll find this picturesque little town 10km inland but even though it’s not on the coast it is still within easy reach of most of the much larger Costa Blanca towns and cities. Benidorm, Denía and Calpe are all a short drive away, and even the cities of Alicante and Valencia are within an hours drive!
Jalón is surrounded by rural landscapes and breathtaking mountain ranges and the river Gorgos even passes through the town and its rural location makes it ideal for nature enthusiasts who can enjoy the numerous walking and hiking trails.
There are a number of smaller villages that are all within walking distance of Jalón. Alcalalí, Llíber, and Parcent, are all within a kilometer or two. When you wander between the villages, you’ll discover the unique charm and beauty that each one of them has to offer. You’ll also connect with the friendly locals who make visiting the area so special and so inviting.
Jalón Map
How to Get to Jalón
Most visitors to Jalón will fly into either Alicante or Valencia Airport and then rent a car. If you’re one of them and you’re flying into Alicante Airport, Jalón is about an hour away by car and an hour and fifteen minutes from Valencia Airport.
Car rental is definitely the easiest and best way to get around the Costa Blanca by the way, as public transport is pretty bad outside of the main towns.
Driving to Jalón is relatively straightforward. You need to take the AP-7 motorway and drive north if you are driving from Alicante, and south if you’re coming from Valencia. Leave the motorway at Benissa and follow the signs to Xaló/Jalón. Alternatively, you can take the N-332 coastal road, which might take a bit longer, however, it does offer a much more scenic route.
Now, if you prefer taking public transportation, you can get a bus from Alicante Airport to Benidorm. From Benidorm, head to the Benidorm Intermodal station and take the Line 9 tram to Benissa. From Benissa, a quick taxi ride will get you to Jalón in no time. Travelling by bus and tram may take a little longer, but it gives you a chance to enjoy the lovely views along the way.
If you are driving to Jalón, finding a place to park shouldn’t be too much of a hassle. There’s ample street parking in the town, along with designated parking areas. Although it does get a little more difficult on a Saturday morning due to the extremely popular Jalón Rastro.
As for where to stay, Jalón offers a range of accommodation options, including quaint B&B’s, holiday rentals, and cosy villas which you can read more about further down.
History
In the late 15th century, the Moors residing in Jalón were renowned for their wine-making skills, sending their wines to the Valencian Court. However, the town’s history took a significant turn in 1609, when the Moorish rebellion ultimately led to the displacement of the Arabic population. Afterwards, the region of Valencia’s economy heavily relied on Jalón’s wine production.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, many farmers from Majorca settled in Jalón and focused on cultivating the land. They made a significant impact on the area’s economy by concentrating on grape harvesting and raisin production. The bodegas of Jalón have continued this legacy, producing very fine Moscatel wines and some excellent full-bodied reds.
The town has also faced its fair share of historical challenges, such as the War of Succession, the Peninsular War, and the Civil War. Despite these hardships, the town remained resilient and continued to thrive.
As you stroll through Jalón, you’ll come across several historical monuments and buildings that serve as reminders of the town’s past. The church of Santa María, for example, is a beautiful piece of architecture that stands proudly in the main square. You’ll also find the charming chapel of Santo Domingo, the historic old town hall, and the informative Ethnological Museum.
Things to Do in Jalón
While in Jalón, you’re certainly in for a treat as there are plenty of activities and attractions to keep you entertained.
- Hiking in the mountains: One of the best ways to appreciate Jalón’s scenic beauty is by exploring its numerous hiking trails. The Bernia Ridge Walk, Coll de Rates, and Penya Roja all boast spectacular panoramic views of the valley. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a gentle stroll, the trails cater to all levels of experience.
- Cycling: For those who love cycling, Jalón provides an array of routes and tours to choose from. There’s something for every cyclist, be it mountain biking, road cycling, or electric bike tours. The diverse terrain offers challenges for both beginners and experienced riders alike.
- Horse riding: If you fancy experiencing the picturesque Jalón countryside on horseback, several horse riding centres and excursions are available. With well-trained horses and experienced guides to ensure your safety, this is an activity you won’t want to miss.
- Shopping: Don’t forget to make a stop at some of Jalón’s local shops and boutiques. The town is well-known for its local products, such as wine, honey, pottery, leather goods, and antiques. Not only is shopping here an enjoyable experience, but it also gives you the opportunity to bring back unique souvenirs and support local businesses.
Accommodation in Jalón
There are no hotels as such in Jalón, but there are a number of B&B’s and retreats, which are sometimes signposted as pensión, Spanish for lodgings. There are also a large number of holiday villa rentals in the town and surrounding areas.
Here is a selection of local accommodations that will help:
- El Karmelet €€
- Casa Pla de la séquia €€
- Buena Idea – Adults Only €€
- Sunny Apartment, 18 Pla de la Séquia Pl. 1, Pta. C €€
- Casa Gran Vista, Studio, Adults only €€
- Casa Mistela €€
- Casa Con Destino €€€
- Apartamento El Tassolet €€€
- Cuatre Finques €€€
- Noguera Casa Rural Casa de Poble €€€€
- Marasolana €€€€
- Casa Solvino €€€€
- Caserio del Mirador €€€€
For a more comprehensive view of accommodation in Jalón and the rest of the Jalón Valley click on the button below:
Restaurants in Jalón
Jalón’s cuisine offers a delightful blend of Mediterranean flavours and traditional dishes influenced by its Moorish heritage. When it’s time for a meal or a drink, Jalón has plenty of fantastic options to choose from. Here are a few places you might like to try:
Bistro Selene
The Bistro Selene is a cosy and friendly restaurant that serves high-quality, fresh, and seasonal dishes. They offer a range of vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring there’s something for everyone on the menu.
El Karmelet
El Karmelet is a high-quality tapas and grill restaurant located in the centre of Jalón. You’ll enjoy the traditional Spanish atmosphere while indulging in some scrumptious tapas.
Casa Caty
Casa Caty offers excellent rustic Spanish food with a North African influence. Make sure to try their signature dishes and immerse yourself in the flavours of Jalón’s culinary heritage.
Bar Restaurante Casa Aleluya
Casa Aleluya is a typical Spanish bar that serves a good selection of tapas. You may catch some live music on certain nights of the week.
Bar Rull Plaça
Bar Rull Plaça is another charming Spanish bar located in the main square opposite the Santa Maria Church. Here, you can enjoy tapas surrounded by the hustle and bustle of local life.
In addition to these excellent eateries, you’ll also find some lovely bakeries to satisfy your sweet tooth. So, as you explore Jalón, make sure to take the time to savour the delicious local flavours while you’re here.
Jalón Rastro and the Mercat de la Terra
Since its inception in 1992, the Jalón Rastro has attracted numerous visitors who flock to this large flea market every Saturday morning. It takes place alongside the River Xaló/Gatos and offers an array of unique items, including antiques, furniture, clothes, books, jewellery, and art.
Visiting the Rastro is an enjoyable experience altogether. It’s best to arrive early, ready to not only shop but also to bargain, browse, and have fun immersing yourself in Jalón’s bustling environment. The Rastro isn’t only a shopper’s paradise; it’s also a place to socialize and soak in the lively atmosphere.
Visiting the Bodegas of Jalón
When you visit Jalón, one essential experience you shouldn’t miss is exploring its famous bodegas. Bodegas are wineries that play a vital role in Jalón’s identity and heritage, producing and selling wines made from grapes grown in the picturesque Jalón Valley.
Wines typical of Jalón’s bodegas include:
- Mistela is a sweet fortified wine.
- Moscatel is a delightful white wine made from Muscat grapes.
- Reds are made from Monastrell grapes, also known as tintos.
The unique characteristics of this region’s soil and climate contribute to the distinct flavours of these wines.
There are various bodegas in Jalón that you can visit to taste and learn about their wines. We recommend you pay a visit to these:
Bodega Cooperativa de Xaló
The largest and oldest bodega in Jalón, founded in 1962, offers guided tours, wine tastings, and a wine museum. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in the local wine-making culture and sample a range of exquisite wines made from local grapes.
Bodegas Riko
This smaller, charming bodega crafts artisanal wines using local grapes. Located opposite the Mercat de la Terra, Bodegas Riko offers an intimate winery experience, perfect if you’re looking for a more personalized wine-tasting session.
Jalón Fiestas
Fiestas in Jalón are integral to the local culture and tradition. They are vibrant celebrations honouring various saints, events, and seasons throughout the year. The lively spirit of Jalón can most efficiently be experienced during these celebrations. Let’s take a look at the main fiestas you should attend if you’re visiting this picturesque Valencian town.
Fiesta de San Domènec
Fiesta de San Domènec is the main fiesta of the year, celebrating the patron saint of Jalón, Saint Domingo. Taking place at the beginning of August, it features a week of festivities. You can enjoy live music, parades, paellas, water fights, and much more. What’s even more exciting? There are five days of bull running that follow that action-packed first week!
Fiesta de la Virgen Pobre
Fiesta de la Virgen Pobre is another must-see event. This 5-day fiesta that honours the Virgin Mary takes place in mid-October. You’ll witness the procession of the Virgin’s statue from the chapel to the church, accompanied by live music. And of course, let’s remember the food and drink! Prepare your taste buds for a delicious paella gigante.
Xalónia
Xalónia is a relatively new addition to Jalón’s festival scene, having started in 2012. Occurring every May, Xalónia consists of over 50 hours of continuous programming. With concerts, cultural activities, tastings, and children’s events, there’s something for everyone!
The fiesta is built around three pillars: The Wine Festival and the Picaeta, the Xalónia Music Festival, and the Craft and Trade Fair.
If you’re a fan of traditional elements of Xaló/Jalón and the Valencian culture, this fiesta is perfect for you. You may even be lucky enough to see the traditional Valencian tower builders (Muixeranga) in competition!
Jalón Weather
Jalón enjoys a mild and sunny climate throughout the year. With an average temperature of 18°C (64°F) and an average rainfall of 600 mm (24 inches), you can expect pleasant weather in this charming village. Most of the rainfall occurs in Spring and Autumn, which can add some variety to your stay.
- Spring – Visiting Jalón in Spring is an ideal time to enjoy the beautiful almond blossoms, lush green landscapes, and engaging outdoor activities. However, you may encounter the occasional shower, particularly in early Spring. Don’t let this dampen your spirits, as the region’s natural beauty truly comes alive during this season.
- Summer – Summer in Jalón brings exciting fiestas, bustling markets, and vibrant nightlife. It’s the perfect time to indulge in the area’s lively atmosphere. Be prepared for hot weather, and expect the village to be crowded on Saturday mornings. Remember to stay hydrated and apply sunscreen to make the most of your summer adventures.
- Autumn – Autumn is a fantastic time to savour the wine harvest, sample local cuisine, and immerse yourself in cultural events. However, the weather can be quite unpredictable, with rainy and windy conditions at times. So, pack accordingly, and let the unique experiences offered in Autumn create lasting memories.
- Winter – If peace and tranquillity are what you’re seeking, winter in Jalón is the ideal choice. The village is significantly quieter during the colder months, allowing you to appreciate its charm fully. While it does get chilly, frosty mornings are beneficial for Jalón’s grapevines, which contribute to the region’s rich wine production.
Do you want to Visit Jalón?
Why wouldn’t you? Jalón is a beautiful little village with a fantastic community. There is always something going on but without ruining the peacefulness of daily rural life.
In short, if you want somewhere to holiday that provides a taste of the real Spain but is still only 15 minutes drive away from the beautiful beaches and warm Mediterranean coastline of Calpe, then Jalón certainly fits the bill.
