Jalon Valley
Jalón Valley, a treasure in the interior of Alicante
The Jalón Valley or the Vall del Pop, as it is actually called, is protected by the mountains of the Sierra Bernia and Sierra del Forner, offering one of the most inspiring landscapes of the interior of the Costa Blanca. This place has become increasingly popular to live not only for its nature, but also for its excellent Mediterranean climate and quality of life.
The abundance of vineyards, olive and almond groves ensures stunning scenery in this increasingly popular area. The valley is particularly striking in February when it is swathed in the pink and white blossom of almond trees. If you like the sea, within a short drive you can reach the fantastic beaches and coves of Moraira and Jávea, famous for their turquoise waters, beautiful vegetation and quality of services.
Around Jalon Valley you can find several charming villages in Alicante that you will like to discover and perhaps stay for a while. We invite you to visit them one by one:
Lliber
It is the smallest town in the valley, with picturesque side streets and a landscape dominated by vineyards. Its economy is based on agriculture, particularly grapes, oranges and almonds. You can still see the traditional "riu-raus", used in ancient times to dry raisins. Wine is also produced by the wine cooperative, with the Moscatel wines being the specialty of the area.
Wine is also produced by the wine cooperative, with the Moscatel wines being the specialty of the area.
The properties in Llíber tend to be detached villas or fincas on large plots of land, suitable for growing your own crops and tending your own vegetable garden.
Jalón / Xaló
The town of Jalón is the largest town in the Jalón Valley and is home to the region's wine cooperative. More than 2 million liters of wine are produced annually and sold throughout Spain. Visitors wine lovers come from all over the area to buy their wine and taste its authentic flavor. On Saturdays the town is packed with people who come to the popular street marketestablished along the banks of the Xaló River.
The town is a thriving community of stores, restaurants and cafes. There are several clubs, including a hunting club with shooting range, a cycling club and several futsal teams. The town council organizes various cultural activities and, as with every Spanish town or village, has its own festivals at different times of the year.
Alcalali
Only 2 km from Jalón, Alcalalí is another small town that was originally a Moorish village. Alcalalí is traditionally dedicated to agriculture, especially grapes and oranges. There are many excellent restaurants and visitors come from all over the region to sample the wonderful variety of food found here. As in Jalon, the residential complexes of villas are located on the outskirts of the town, in absolute tranquility and gaining one of the best views of the valley and natural surroundings.
Parcent
2 km from Alcalalí is Parcent, a charming and quiet village with only basic stores, but very pretty with houses with traditional flower pots and windows full of flowers. The village is situated in a green valley in which almond trees, orange trees and vineyards abound, basing its economy on the cultivation of fruit and grapes.
In the words of the writer Gabriel Miró, who lived in the village and whose house still remembers his presence, Parcent is a "paradise between mountains".
Murla
The village of Murla is even smaller, yet it is only 10 minutes drive from Jalon and 30 minutes from the coast. It's a perfect place for those who want a slow, leisurely pace of life. On weekends, the village's narrow streets host the ball game known as "pelota valenciana".
The villagers take it so seriously that a square in Murla is named after one of their best players. Murla is a village with very limited facilities, a store and a bar. A weekly market comes to town so that locals can buy their fresh produce at good prices.
Benichembla / Benigembla
Benichembla has one of the lowest altitudes of the towns in the province of Alicante. It is located on a flat terrain at the foot of Sierra Cavall Verd, next to the river Xaló / Gorgos. Agriculture predominates here, as vines and citrus fruits are grown and grapes are left to dry in the ancient 'riu-raus'.
Castell de Castells
It is the last village in the Jalon valley, it is surrounded by mountains and its access is a bit more complicated. Agriculture is its main economic activity, especially almonds, olives and carobs.
Just a 10-minute drive away is the Pla de Petracos, an ancient site with rock paintings designated by UNESCO as a site of great historical and artistic importance and well worth a visit.
The rural tourism has increased in this area in recent years, which has forced the town to improve its facilities and offer visitors a wider range of services.
