Jalon Valley: nine towns and various cultures to please the five senses
The beautiful region known as the Vall de Pop is more commonly known nowadays as the Jalon Valley, and comprises of the nine mountain towns and villages of Alcalalí, Benigembla, Benissa, Castell de Castells, Lliber, Murla, Parcent, Senija and Jalon, each with their own particular charm and attractions. The largest town in the region is Benissa with a population of around 12,000 and the smallest village being nearby Lliber with around just 500 inhabitants.
This wonderfully scenic area sits just a few kilometres inland from the fabulous white sandy beaches and warm clear waters of the northern Costa Blanca region of eastern Spain.
Many of the towns and villages in the Vall de Pop have been populated by foreign residents not wishing to live on the coast where the summer months can be particularly busy with the influx of tourists, preferring instead the more tranquil and scenic surroundings of the mountains and valley, where the only traffic jam you are likely to encounter will be a farmer taking his load of ripe grapes to be processed in one of the many Bodegas. The Vall de Pop has long been regarded as one of the most beautiful areas in the whole of Spain, especially in January and February when much of the valley is transformed by the almond blossom into a breathtaking blanket of pink and white. The valley is of course also well known for its vineyards, and the local bodegas that produce the fine sweet white Moscatel, heady flavoursome red and subtle, smooth rose wines.
Each village in the Vall de Pop region has its own tourist information centre where the English-speaking friendly staff can provide you with various guides, brochures and suggested routes for walks, along with lots of local information on forthcoming events such as fiestas etc.
With an average year-round temperature of 18C, and low levels of humidity and air polution, the region is particularly attractive to those suffering from arthritis and respiratory ailments.
Many seasoned travellers consider this truly wonderful region to be “Spain’s best-kept secret”.
See Villas in Jalón and Villas in Jávea