Jalón, also known by its Spanish name Xaló, is a small town located in the heart of the Marina Alta region in the province of Alicante, Spain.
Known for its incredible local wines, thriving market, and being a top destination for cyclists, Jalón offers a unique and authentic slice of Spanish life.
Where is Jalón?
Jalón is located about 15 kilometres inland from Calpe and Benissa, and around 80 kilometres north of Alicante.
If you’re coming from Alicante Airport, it’s roughly a 1-hour drive by car. If you’re coming from Valencia, the drive takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Main Attractions in Jalón
Jalón may be small, but it’s brimming with history, culture, and natural beauty. Let me walk you through some of my favorite spots and experiences that you simply can’t miss.
Jalón’s town centre is a wonderful place to wander and take in the traditional Spanish atmosphere. The narrow cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings, and charming squares such as Santo Domingo are worth a visit and have a few bars and restaurants to visit.
You’ll find small shops selling local crafts, cosy cafés, and tapas bars that beckon you to stop for a drink or a bite.
One of the standout landmarks in the old town is the Iglesia de Santa María. This beautiful church dates back to the 18th century and is the heart of the community. The town also has a weekly market in the central plaza every Tuesday, where you can browse for local produce, handmade goods, and fresh flowers.
Jalón Rastro Market
Perhaps one of Jalón’s most famous attractions is the Rastro Market, an open-air flea market that draws visitors from all over the region. The market starts from 09:00 until 14:00 on Saturdays.
Held along the riverbed near Masymas and the Bodega Xalo, this lively market is full of antiques, vintage clothing, ornaments, and all sorts of quirky finds. The market is definitely a fantastic experience to visit if you’re staying in Jalon or nearby.
My personal tip? Arrive early in the morning and get the first pick of the displayed items. Don’t forget to haggle — it’s all part of the fun!
Wine Tasting in Jalón
One of the absolute must-do activities in Jalón is wine tasting. The town is at the heart of the Marina Alta’s wine region, and its bodegas (Spanish word for wineries) are famous for producing some of the finest wines in the area, particularly Moscatel and Mistela.
I highly recommend visiting Bodegas Xaló, one of the most renowned wineries in the region.
They offer tours and tastings that allow you to sample a variety of local wines (with sausages!) including the sweet Mistela and the robust red wines made from Garnacha grapes.
You can even buy a few bottles to take home — a perfect souvenir!
Things to Do in Jalón
Aside from wandering the Old Town and indulging in local wine, Jalón offers plenty of activities for travelers of all interests.
Hiking in the Jalon Valley
Jalon is a gateway to some of the region’s most scenic hikes in the region. I’ve added a dedicated article about hiking in Jalon.
One of the most popular routes is the Ruta de los Riu-Raus, a rural trail that takes you through vineyards and almond orchards, with many traditional riu-rau houses along the way.
‘Riu Raus’ are Spanish barns where grapes are dried to raisins and are unique to the region.
Cycling in Jalón
Jalón and the surrounding Jalón Valley should be on your radar if you’re a cyclist. The majority of professional (Vuelta) teams train in the area
Jalón and the surrounding area have many routes to choose from, whether you’re an amateur or a professional. There are leisurely rides through vineyards, all the way to challenging mountain routes with breathtaking views where professional teams train.
The town is well-equipped for cyclists, with bike rental shops, repair services, and the main bike cafés and restaurant called Velosol Cycling Bar where you can take a well-deserved break and meet other cyclists!
Plus, the roads are generally quiet, especially outside of peak tourist seasons, making it a safe and pleasant place to ride.
Dining in Jalón
The town has several restaurants and tapas bars where you can enjoy traditional Spanish dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.
For a casual meal, I love Casa Caty, located right in the heart of town. Their daily menu selection is fantastic, and I highly recommend trying the lamb in honey, prunes and almonds.
Also check out El Karmelet, a steakhouse in the centre of Jalon. Everything is homemade and delicious, especially the grilled octopus, and their homemade meatballs.
Practical Information
How to Get Around Jalón
Jalón itself is small and easy to explore on foot. There is no bus service around the town as it is walkable.
If you’re planning to visit the surrounding towns, you’ll really need to consider renting a car. Jalón is further inland and will take more time to drive to the coast. Taxis will be expensive but they’re available.
Public transport is limited around the area, although there are around 4 buses a day travelling directly from Jalón to Denia on Mondays to Saturdays.
Buses are run by Auto Carrios and the bus stop address is Avenido Santo Domingo, showed below on the map.
Here is the schedule for Mon-Fri, and Saturday.
Best Time to Visit Jalón
The best time to visit Jalón is during the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild, and the valley is in full bloom. Summers can get quite hot, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C, but if you love the heat, it’s still a wonderful time to enjoy the area’s outdoor activities.
Where to Stay
Jalón offers a variety of accommodations, from charming rural houses (casas rurales) to small boutique hotels. If you’re looking for something more unique, consider staying in a finca (traditional farmhouse) on the outskirts of town, surrounded by nature.