Many of the towns in the Jalon Valley have been populated by foreign residents who don't wish to live on the coast. Many of them prefer the tranquil surroundings of the valley. The Jalon Valley is known as one of the most beautiful areas in Spain. In January and February much of the valley is illuminated by the almond blossom that forms a blanket of colour. The valley is known for its wine and the local bodegas that produce fine Moscatel wine.

Jalon (Xalo in Valencian)

At the heart of the Jalon Valley is the town of Jalon, the capital of the valley. During a 500 year Arabic rule, Jalon had two castles and the houses were all of Moorish design. Much of this remains in Jalon today and typical Moorish houses can be found on the narrow streets. The Christian church (Santa Maria) in Jalon is of considerable size and of Neo-classical style. Its blue dome dominates the skyline. The Tuesday market is held in the square here, around the fountain.

The Jalon River runs through the heart of Jalon and is crossed by two town bridges. The tourist office is located alongside the river as you drive into Jalon.

Parcent

Parcent has a Moorish feel to it but history proves that the towns' origins are likely to be Roman. Parcent has a somewhat small but beautiful church that dates from 1535. It was originally constructed as a Mosque but was converted in around 1638. The church is dedicated to Purisima Concepcion.

Parcent relies heavily on almond and orange production as well as rural tourism. The best views of Parcent can be had from the summit of Coll de Rates and one of the nicest places to see is the reservoir, surrounded by a pine forest.

Alcalali

This Arabic village only covers around 14km2 and much of the village life centres around the 15th century tower which houses the church and the Grape Museum (Museu de la Pansa). The tower was built as a lookout for frequent invasions by bandits and pirates. The top floor of the tower is open as a mirador with superb views. There's also a museum located in the old oil press that shows the history of oil and wine production.

The River Gorgos crosses the municipality of Alcalali and has always been important to local agriculture. It has kept the land fertile and fed the many riverside allotments. The Arabic influence is still very much in evidence in Alcalali with narrow, steep streets. many of the houses have wrought iron windows.

According to historical records, the first Catholic church in Alcalalí was built in 1577. A second church followed in 1582, and the current Parish Church of the Nativity of Our Lady was built between 1768 and 1808. The church contains images of great historical and artistic value, such as the image of Cristo de la Salud. One can also visit the parish museum which contains antique priests' robes and costumes from the Lihori family and, amongst other things of interest, a library of the history of the church.

Orba

Located 18km from Denia, Orba is situated at the head of the fertile valley at an altitude of 160m above sea level. Most of the residents are employed within agcriculture, predominantly with citrus fruits and almonds. In Orba you will find a quaint church built in the plaza on the site of a former mosque. Over recent years Orba has grown, mainly due to the influx of foreign residents. There's a small satellite village of Orbeta just a short walk away.

Benigembla

This wonderful Moorish town built its Parish church in 1536. The church dominates the town skyline. The town consists of very narrow streets with Moorish houses on both sides. Wrought iron features heavily on the windows and balconies. The local cooperative sells some of the best olive oil in the area, something that Benigembla has become famous for.

The Town Hall in Benigembla is located close to the church.

See also

Benissa | Pedreguer

Castell de Castells

Dating back to prehistoric times, this town has much of its origins in the time of the Moors. There's remnants of a Moorish castle. Within Castell de Castells, there is lots to see. The narrow, white-washed streets of the San Vicente area have real character and the Santa Ana Church stands proud in the main square. The oldest house in the town can be found at 17 San Antonio Street. It dates from 1667. The town hall is based within a former stately home and there are two museums to visit.

Shopping in the Jalon Valley

Each small town in the Jalon Valley has its own street market and these are the best place to sample local produce and specialities. There are Spanish supermarkets and a few foreign owned shops that sell international items.

Good buys from the Jalon Valley include local olive oil, fresh citrus fruit and almonds.

Fiestas in the Jalon Valley - for more fiestas in this region see here. For national holidays in Spain, see here.

As well as the national fiestas of Spain, the towns of the Jalon Valley all have their own special celebrations.

Parcent

August 10th - Celebrations for San Lorenzo

Alcalali

24th/25th June - St John the Baptist (San Juan)

26th June - Mass in honour of Blessed Francisco Tomás Serer

August - St.Michael

Orba

July - Fiesta in honour of Santisimo Cristo, Patron Saint

Jalon

April - On the last Saturday the whole village will take part in the Fiesta del Romero

May 1st/2nd - Medieval market and fayre

July - Moors and Christians

August - Bull running

Castell de Castells

April - Folk fayre

July 24th-26th - Santa Ana and San Jaime celebrations

August 14th - 18th - Patron Saint festivities

December - Santa Cecilia festival