Enter the valley from either end and the spectacular scenery will take your breath away.  The mountains rise on either side of the town and form an intimidating but stunning sight.  Drive through the valley at sunset or during February when the almond blossom is out and you’ll be amazed at this beautiful corner of Spain.  As the day passes the clouds top and swirl around the mountain peaks and when a storm is brewing you can’t see from one side of the valley to the other.  The Jalón Valley is truly an area of extremes.

Yet only 20 minutes drive away is the busy resort of Calpe; full of tourists in the summer and where the Spanish spend their Sunday afternoons relaxing whilst strolling along the promenade.

Jalón is an agricultural town, with its roots buried in farming.  Today you’ll still see the farmers tending the famous vineyards where the grapes are gathered each year and taken to the local cooperative (the bodega), to be turned into mistela or muscatel wine.  Sadly this is an industry that no longer makes much money for the families that carry on the tradition.  There are also orange and lemon groves and in orange season (November – May) you’ll find the fruit being sold everywhere for only a euro a bag.

The town is also famous for the almonds produced after the blossom and the raisins that come from the grapes.

The town is a mix of old and young, Spanish and many other international cultures such as English, German, Dutch, South African and Moroccan.  Take a stroll through Jalón and you’re likely to hear many different languages being spoken.

During the summer months the older generation take to the streets and sit happily discussing the ways of the world on the streets.  In contrast there’s a lively mix of bars and restaurants where you can have a great night out.  Whether you’re looking for something modern and trendy or typically Spanish Jalón has it all.

Visit Jalón on a Tuesday for its bustling street market selling all kinds of fruit and vegetables.  And on a Saturday what better way to while away a morning than at the rastro (flea market), held along the river bank.

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the town you can take a pleasant walk within minutes of leaving the town.  Whether you’re only up to a gentle stroll or want something a bit more challenging there are plenty of walks here that will show you some of the most spectacular scenery in the region.

Jalón is famous for its church with the blue domed roof.  It can be seen from the outlying villages of Alcalalí, Llíber and Parcent and is firmly embedded in the town’s history.  The church is open for mass if you want to take a peak inside.  Sadly its upkeep is slightly lacking, but this helps retain its charm.

Amble around the narrow streets and you’ll find a mix of shops selling everything you could possibly need.  There’s the local butcher, a couple of bakeries, internet cafés, estate agents, book and card shops, clothes shops, hairdressers, a newsagents, tabacconists, gift shops and many more hidden delights.  And if you’re in a hurry for something for dinner there’s always the Mas y Mas supermarket.