Views of the local coastline
Jalón Valley
Santa Maria Church
Rastro Market
Santo Domingo de Guzman
Honour of the Virgen Pobre
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Casita Tranquila
Local Area
The Bèrnia Sierra runs straight inland from the coast between the town of Callosa d'En Sarrià and La Punta de Toix, with a sharp limestone crest reaching 1,129m. To the south of the summit are the remains of the Bèrnia Fort, built following orders from Felipe II (16th C) to command the area in case of possible rebellions by the Moriscos (Moors converted to Christianity) who populated the area and covered the slopes with terraces and stone walls, until their forcible removal in 1609. One recommendable walking route (typically signposted as a Short-Distance Hiking Route) leaves from Cases de Bèrnia (Jalon/Xaló) along the northern face up to the Forat de Bèrnia, a spectacular natural tunnel through the crest. After crossing the tunnel, the return is made along the southern face, leading past the Fort. The excursion provides privileged panoramas over the bay of Altea. From Cape San Antonio to Cape Blanc Between Cape San Antonio (Jávea) and Cape Blanc (in Teulada) the Alicante coastline presents rugged, inaccessible cliff faces. The Betic or Andalusian mountain chain finally drops off into the sea at this point, creating unique landscapes including sharp cliffs, hidden coves and a few smaller beaches. Cape San Antonio dominates the sea from a height of 160m and its seabed and surrounding area are now listed as a Natural Marine Reserve. South from the bay of Jávea come a row of coastal cliffs with small islands (Portitxol, Descobridor), followed by coves, and the capes of Sant Martín or Prim, Negre and La Nao. Further south is the spectacular Granadella cove and Les Morres de Benitatxell cove, dominated by the peak called Puig de Na Llorença (445m) boasting rich vegetation and numerous species unique to the area. Punta de Moraira, or Moraira point, protects the bay with its picturesque little port. The shoreline along this natural beauty spot has numerous watchtowers from olden days: Cap Prim, Descobridor, or Cape Moraira. The rocky seabed, part of the attractions in the Land of Valencia, is an excellent area for sub-aqua activities. The Jalon Valley Set in the heart of the Cap de Nao peninsula nestles the beautiful Jalon Valley. Excluding the plain on which the town of Jalón rests, the region is characterised by dramatic mountain views with the Sierra de Bernia mountain dominating the landscape in what is one of the most sought after views in the whole of the Costa Blanca. The Jalón Valley is a walker’s paradise and many scenic rambling routes are yours to discover. The valley is famed for the almond, orange and lemon groves that offer spectacular blossom in springtime. Vineyards are well established on the floor of the valley and the wine is sold in the bodegas in the town of Jalón where the grapes are pressed. Famed for its peace and tranquility, breathtaking scenery and the fabulous vineyards, a visit to the valley affords the visitor the opportunity to relax and unwind in the most stunning of surroundings. Jalón/Xaló The town of Jalón (also sometimes spelt Xaló locally and pronounced Shalo) is known locally as the ‘Jewel in the crown’ of the Costa Blanca region, and holds its own in the face of the other popular coastal resorts. The small, picturesque town is surrounded with beautiful countryside, whilst being within easy reach of the beach resorts of Jávea, Dénia, Moraira and Calpe, via pretty drives on local roads. There is also nearby access to the N332 trunk road and the AP-7 motorway at Benissa, making all of the region's resorts, including Altea and Benidorm, only a short trip away. The focal point of Jalón is ‘The Old Square’. The square is home to the beautifully ornate fountain and the silvery-blue domed Santa Maria church. This is an attractive sight in the town and a visit to see its’ neo-classical style is highly recommended. Hidden away in the back streets you will find an assortment of small shops which seem to disappear after 2pm. There you can find locally produced honey, patisserie, cured Spanish hams, and Jalón's famous variety of traditional Spanish sausages. The Jalón Valley is famous for its wine production where the long hot summers produce a full bodied red wine. There is also Moscatel, which is a sweet white fortified wine. The bodegas (cellars), the equivalent of the French Cave, actively encourage the shopper to taste the wine before buying direct from the barrel. A gallon of wine can be purchased for €4! Every Saturday morning there is a ‘Rastro’ - the local antique / flea market. This is set up alongside the river Gorgos and attracts hundreds of visitors and locals in the hope of finding a bargain. It is advisable to get there early as it gets crowded and parking can be difficult. It is a great place to spend a Saturday morning and then get a drink and a meal in the bars opposite to relax and discuss the ‘antiques’ you have found! Local Market Days Market day transforms the quietest of towns with a buzz of excitement and expectation where you can discover a variety of local produced goods.
Festivities A Tourist Information Office can be found situated on the right hand side just past the roundabout as you enter Jalón from Benissa or Llíber. This is open most mornings and can give you further information on the local area and also dates for the festivities. Moors and Christians (July) The visually attractive spectacle of the Moors and Christian decrees invades the streets of the municipality as the principal part of a programme that also includes pyrotechnic spectacles, parades and open air dances. Festivity in Honour of Santo Domingo de Guzman (July/August) A complete festive programme includes verbenas, religious acts and bullfighting spectacles. The 5th is a local bank holiday. Festivity in Honour of the ‘Virgen Pobre’ (October) During these festivities the legend of how the image of the Virgin was found is re-lived in a procession that leads to the place where it appeared. Bulls, paellas, cavalcades, dances and the "morcillada" are some of the acts that also count on high levels of participation.
Annalisa Campbell-Laing © 2005 |
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