Jalon - Costa Blanca Spain

Jalon is approximately 10km inland from Moraira, situated in the Jalon Valley. The towns of Lliber, Parcent, Murla, Benichembla and Alcalali surround Jalon making it a diverse and interesting place to visit.

With fantastic scenery, surrounded by mountains which lead down to the grape vines, orange, almond and olive trees making the fertile valley green even in the hottest summer months.

Jalon village is well worth a visit. You can get almost anything you want, food wise, from the traditional Spanish dishes an Tapas, to Fish and Chips. The narrow streets in the center are home to bars, restaurants and shops and of course the center of town is the church and square.

Running through the valley is the river Gorgos, normally not more than a trickle, became a torrent in October 2007 when the persistent rain gathered in the mountains and decided to flow down the valley all at once. I am told this happens every 10 years or so and it was quite a sight. Quite a lot of damage was caused by the force of the water and a bridge collapsed in Beniarbeig.

From just a Trickle to This!

Saturday, is market day in Jalon. The market (rastro) can be found beside the river and, if you can make it, you wont be sorry. All sorts of stuff can be found from antiques, leather goods, shoes, in fact, you name it, its probably there. The tourist office can be found here.

This area of the Costa Blanca is famous for its wine. In the Jalon Bodega, you can buy wine by the gallon, quite cheaply, but be careful, although it tastes "innocent", it aint! as many have found out! 14% and 15% proof in the norm.

If you are in the area, take a trip up to The Col De Rates. From Jalon, take the road to Alcalali then Parcent from here take the mountain road up to the top. The views are stunning and there is a good restaurant at the top called, you guessed it, The Col De Rates!

I am lucky to live in this area and it never ceases to impress me.

Article: Malcolm Adams