Valley of blossom
I LOVE exploring the numerous towns and villages here on the Costa Blanca, and some are always on my 'must do list' when visitors come – Altea, Villajoyosa, Guadalest, etc. But even without them, I still enjoy jumping into my car and venturing out to experience new scenery, which is poles apart from the concrete skyscrapers of BeniYork!
A firm favourite for many, especially those who live here, is Jalón – or Xaló in Valencian which lies in the Jalón Valley also known as the Vall de Pop.
It is a fertile valley of deepred soil that is full of olive trees, almond and orange groves and vineyards, planted row upon row as far as the eye can see. It is probably one of the area's most characteristic images, alongside the dome and bell tower of the Santa Maria church which was not finished until 1831, although a parish existed as far back as 1318.
The square in front of the church is full of bars and cafes, where you will find many sitting enjoying a drink and, apparently, on a Tuesday there is a weekly market set up around the fountain.
Scattered within the Jalón valley you will also find eight other pretty towns and villages: Alcalalí, Benigembla, Benissa, Castell de Castells, Llíber, Murla, Parcent and Senija. That will make for a few other day trips out I feel.
At this time of the year, the entire valley is covered with pink and white blossom - an incredible picture postcard opportunity that I would encourage you to go and witness.
Jalón is a small village, with a little over 2,500 residents, but I can imagine there must be quite a lot of second homeowners here. There also appears to be plenty of Brits about, looking at the businesses, with many of the signs in English.
The Jalón Valley is most famous for its wines (in particular Moscatel) and the bodegas that are open to the public. PreCovid days you could sample the wines but unfortunately until facemasks indoors are abolished, there is no tasting – which was a firm favourite of visitors.
However, at the prices they charge, you can certainly afford to take a chance and if you bring your own container you can fill it up for just €1.45 a litre! I would imagine most of the local restaurants purchase their wine here and it is this that you will most likely be offered with your ‘menu del día’ - you can understand now how they can offer half a bottle per person for a 10€ or €12 menu! Often you will see the restauranteurs coming in and filling up their own 25 litre containers from the vats - a bit like filling your car up with petrol. However, Jalón is also famous for its delicious sausages – morcilla, bufas and chorizos which all go down exceptionally well with a locally produced full-bodied glass of red.
Saturdays are exceptionally busy as they have a massive rastro along the riverbank, directly opposite the bodegas, which attracts coachloads of day-trippers who then go off to one of the many restaurants afterwards for lunch. My two favourites are Pepe’s in Alcalalí or Verdi Vent heading up into the mountains – understandably only open at lunchtime, as there are no lights on the winding road up, with a sheer drop down. Very rustic and a treat all my guests have thoroughly enjoyed.
The area is also especially popular with cyclists and walking groups, with six signposted routes. The tourist information office has produced a colour guide and downloadable QR code containing distances, elevation and estimated time to complete. I noticed the GR-330 ‘Costa Blanca Interior’ walk covers a distance of 25.08km, and has an estimated time of 8 hours 40 minutes – might give that particular one a miss!
Jalón was under Arab rule for over 500 years, has two castles and many of the houses reflect this Moorish design, built of stone with large wooden doors and decorated walls on the narrow streets.
The Jalón river runs through the heart of the village and is crossed by two bridges. Years back I remember it was a narrow single-track bridge and cars had to wait in turn to pass over – now it has been widened so there is no more waiting impatiently to cross.