Jalon Valley – A Little Piece of Paradise in Spain
Benidorm is – somewhat justifiably in summer at least – known as the lager lout capital of Europe, a stag and hen night utopia for soon-to-be-wed singletons.
But less than half an hour’s drive inland on the Costa Blanca coast lies a part of Spain that is worlds away from the worst excesses of the cheap, alcohol-fuelled holidays parodied by BBC TV’s hit comedy series set in Benidorm’s Solana Hotel.
The Jalon Valley – or Vall de Pop to give this little piece of paradise its traditional Spanish name – is a hikers’ and backpackers’ dream, a land of olive groves and oranges, almond trees that in early spring burst into blossom to become a sea of pink and white, and vineyards that in autumn cloak the landscape in a patchwork quilt of red and gold.
Jalon Valley, Vall de Pop, Spain by Robert5321
Surrounded by mountains, and offering spectacular views in every direction, the Jalon Valley is full of hiking trails and delightful towns and villages – where walkers and backpackers will find a host of bars and restaurants waiting to offer refreshment and traditional Spanish hospitality.
There are literally hundreds of footpaths and trails between the nine villages that make up this beautiful ‘Comunidad’ in the Costa Blanca’s Marina Alta.
What to See and Do
Coll de Rates – Walk from Jalon across the mountains to Marnes, enjoying spectacular panoramic views en route
Sample the local vino in Jalon, where the local Co-operativa bodega is happy to provide plenty of wine-tasting opportunities
Stop off in Lliber, with its three bars around the village plaza offering a summer refuge from the heat of the mid-day sun. From here, stroll around the wooded hillside of the Montanyeta, or tackle the Penya Roja – either on foot or by climbing harness
Alcalali – another delightful, typically Spanish village set amid the sweet-smelling citrus groves
- Benidorm is not all bad!
The old town, dwarfed by towering hotel blocks but even today reminiscent of the original fishermen’s quarter, is still very much in existence, packed with delightful and traditional tapas bars at every turn.
The beaches are renowned for their golden sands, sunshine is pretty much guaranteed for most of the year, and for the kids, the Terra Mitica theme park will keep them entertained for hours – whether they’re tiny tots or moody teenagers!
There’s also Aqualandia, a fun-filled, top-rated water park for all ages, and Terra Natura, for young – and older – nature lovers.
Nicki Williams, for more than 20 years a resident of the Jalon Valley – is a copy writer for Gear-Zone, where you’ll find everything for the intrepid backpacker and hiking enthusiast, including outdoor clothing, footwear and camping equipment.
Check out our range of major brands including Rab, Craghoppers, Berghaus and The North Face.
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