shutterstock 1017956782 - Jalon Valley

Välkommen till 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.


Plats


Community

Jalon Valley attracts international residents searching for countryside existence. In recent years, Jalon has become very popular with UK nationals looking to relocate to a more tranquil, unpopulated Spain in order to be conveniently near to the coast yet escape the hustle and bustle of tourist season.

Property

There is a mix of hideaway homes in the valley proper plus traditional townhouses and modern apartments or villas in the pueblo and surrounding villages.

Amenities

The town centre has characterful local arts and crafts shops, bakeries, butchers and numerous bodegas, as well as practical banks and chemists. The Rastro of Jalon flea market pulls in visitors from all over to rummage in its medley of antique furniture, household items, local crafts and vintage clothes. The weekly produce market is held every Tuesday in the main square.

Transport

Jalon is to the North of Alicante Airport, which is about an hour’s drive. There is also a bus from Denia to Jalon which stops at points of interest along the way. The L9 tram connects all the coastal resorts from Denia towards Benidorm and Alicante.

Health

A GP is based in the pueblo of Jalon but the nearest 24-hour medical centre is the Centro de Salud de Benissa in neighbouring Benissa. The closest general hospital is Hospital de Denia-Marina on the Av. Marina Alta in Denia.

Cost of Living

In general, the house prices in Jalon are less than the equivalent on the coast. The cost of eating well, household bills and public transport are considerably lower than in northern Europe.