Jalon Valley

An expat community mixes with a regionally characterful Spanish community in Jalon. They come for the tranquillity, the local produce and to escape the heaving summer population of the coast.

The River Gorgos cuts a wide pass between the spines of Sierra de Bernia and Sierra del Forno mountains. This creates a lush micro-climate protected from wind known as the Jalon Valley or Vall de Pop. It flourishes year-round with evergreen pines and crops of almond trees, vineyards and olive groves. Summer visitors miss the January explosion of pink and white almond blossom carpeting the valley and the excitement of the September wine harvests.

Jalon pueblo itself is a charming mix of mudejar and neoclassical architecture and in the central square, there is a remarkable church with a famed blue dome. There are plenty of bodegas selling the region’s ‘denominación de origen‘ Alicante Moscatel and varietal red grape wines and bakeries touting sweets and pastries made with local almonds. The town has a mixture of Spanish and expat influenced bars, restaurants and boutiques.

The mountain paths prove popular with bikers, hikers, ramblers and scramblers and it’s possible to reach either Calpe or Denia by car, bike, or even a manageable trek if you have the stamina! These resorts offer both pristine and urbanised or rugged, out-of-the-way beaches. Near Calpe is the Natural Park of Penyal d’Ifac, a landmark of the Costa Blanca and closer to home, in Gandia, are the Cova de les Meravelles; caves where experts have recently discovered prehistoric remains.