Jalon
Jalon is the capital of the Jalon Valley, also known as the Vall de Pop (Pop Valley), situated beside the River Gorgos, in a plain, surrounded by the Sierra de Bernia and the Sierra del Forner mountains.
Jalon boasts some of the most magnificent scenery in Spain, with its landscape of olive and pine trees, intermingled with orange groves and vineyards and its remote villages of Jalon, Alcalali, Lliber and Parcent.
The town is located around 1 hour 15 minutes drive to the north east of Alicante airport, some 14 kilometres or about 20 minutes drive from the northern Costa Blanca town of Calpe.
History & Culture
The Jalon Valley is famous for its wines, the bodegas of Jalon produce a very fine Moscatel, as well as some excellent full bodied reds; there are several bodegas in the region that are worth a visit to sample the delicious wines.
In 1472 the Moors living in Jalón sent wines to the Valencian Court and this wine for many centuries was the base of region of Valencia’s economy: Jalón's wines belong to the 'denominación de origen' of Alicante.
Leisure and recreation
Hiking and rambling on footpaths to the Sierra de Bernia, to Penyo de la Mica, the Sierra del Forner and the Castellet (little castle) are all beautiful routes for the keen walker.
Visitors can go horse riding or quad biking in Benissa, which is 6 kilometres away.
Jalon Town
Just off the main square of Jalon there is the beautiful church of Jalon, built in a neo-classic style with its remarkable altar and blue dome. In the same square a market is held every Tuesday around the square’s fountain.
Jalon offers great shopping and some fantastic bars and bodegas to enjoy a nice glass of Jalon wine and watch the local world go by.
Excursions
For those who want to take in the natural surroundings or historical sites, excursions can be booked to the Cave of “les Maravelles” where prehistoric remains have been found; to the Bernia mountain, where the remains of the castle Forat and Font de Cabanyes fountain can be found and where you can enjoy panoramic views to the coast of Alicante.
Shopping & Markets
Jalon is a charming town with its handicraft shops, wine cellars, restaurants and places and is a great holiday spot for those who wish to lap up local culture.
The Rastro of Jalon is held each Saturday beside the river. Here you will be able to find, antique furniture amongst the wide variety of offerings. The weekly open produce market is held every Tuesday in the main square.
Cuisine
Jalon has an interesting and exciting local gastronomy. Famous for its sweets and pastries made with local almonds. Try the pastissets, mantecaos, carquinyols, mostachos and their famous bollos (pastry made with green peas).
Jalon is also famous for its sausages, still created using ancient recipes; delicious examples of Morcilla, Bufas, Longanizas, and Chorizos all go down well with a drop of local full bodied red. Jalon is rightly renowned for its robust red wines, and sweet whites, the Mistela and Moscatel.
Fiestas
There are a number of fiestas dedicated to various saints throughout the year; the fiesta of the Romero (last Saturday of April), the Moors and Christians (last Sunday of July), the fiestas of Santo Domingo (the 4th of August) and the fiestas of the Virgin Pobre (third Monday of October).
Leisure Trips
Approximately 45 minutes by car you can visit the Water Parks of Benidorm (Aqualandia, Mundomar, Terra Mítica) and a 30 minute drive will take you to the Safari Park Vergel, you can also visit the coves of Benidoleig and the Valley of Ebo.
Golf
There is a wide choice of golf courses to suit every ability within an hours drive of Jalon.
Climate
The Jalon Valley enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate, it can get very hot during the summer and in the winter the area is protected against the cold north winds by the surrounding mountains.
The area averages nearly 3,000 hours of sunshine each year and the average temperature easily exceeds 20 degrees. In 1986 the World Health Organisation recommended the climate of the area as one of the most equitable in the world - neither too hot in the summer nor too cold in the winter. On average it can boast 325 sunny days each year making it an ideal all year round destination.