Not everyone who moves to Spain wants to relocate to a busy coastal resort, even if they want to be close to the sea and the Jalon Valley provides the perfect location. The valley runs between the mountains of the Sierra Bernia and Sierra del Forner. The area is also known as the Vall de Pop and runs alongside the River Gorgos, it is a fertile area with olive, almond and pine trees as well as citrus groves and vineyards. Jalon is the capital of the valley and other villages and towns in the valley worth exploring are Benissa, Benigembla, Castell de Castells, Murla, Senija, Alcalali, Lliber, and Parcent. Despite its apparently rural and traditional setting the villages in the valley are only a short drive from the coast and the cities, ports and airports of Alicante and Valencia. The town of Benissa is set on a hill overlooking the Jalon Valley on one side and the coast on the other. The seaside area below the town is known as the Benissa Costa.
The Jalon Valley makes the most of its fertile location cultivating olive oil and wines, Moscatel is a sweet dessert wine, and rich reds are also produced. There are plenty of Bodegas where you can both taste and purchase the local wines and oils. The Muscat grape that makes the Moscatel wine was first produced in the region in 1472 by the Moorish farmers who made the area their home, the other main grape used in the Jalon is the Garnacha. The vineyard owners formed a cooperative in 1962 and with their wealth of knowledge the Bodega Cooperativa Virgen Pobre still leads wine production in the region. The valley was however a popular place to live long before the Moors arrived in Spain and pre-historic cave paintings can be seen in the Cueva de las Maravillas.
Life in the Jalon Valley revolves around producing, harvesting, and making local products from the citrus, olives and grapes grown here and this gives the towns and villages a wonderful sense of community. Each part of the year is a celebration of the wonderful produce and whole villages join in with harvests and production and generally rejoicing in the bounty of their home. The local people enjoy their beautiful location and welcome newcomers to participate in their lifestyle. Anyone who would like to live in a place where Spanish traditions are very much alive would do well to start their search for a property for sale in the Jalon Valley.
The spectacular mountains and pleasant valley of the Jalon offers the opportunity to explore this beautiful environment, and this is possible with the many walks and cycling trails available in the area. For those who enjoy water sports the sea is just a short drive away and there are plenty of these available.
Another wonderful advantage of the Jalon Valley is the cost of living which, with so much freshly produced food available tends to be more reasonable than other areas and, even though it is only a short drive from the coast, you will also find that the prices of villas for sale in Jalon are generally lower. If you are on a budget this is ideal but, also you may be able to get more for your money in terms of living or outdoor space.
The villages and countryside give you options depending upon your lifestyle and preference. There are, of course, villas close to the towns or lovely old country properties known as Fincas but, for those who want to become part of one of these friendly communities pretty, traditional townhouses might be a good choice.
There are lovely local shops, outdoor and indoor markets with larger supermarkets and shopping centres just a short drive away. There is less English spoken in the towns and villages of the Jalon than in the more touristy areas on the coast, so it is worth learning some Spanish. For some the relaxing, slow pace of life might be a challenge and public transport is limited so a car is essential. Some businesses are seasonal and will close or reduce their opening hours in the winter and afternoon closing for siesta is still common.
You can have the best of both worlds when you choose to buy a property in Jalon, proximity to the sea, mountains, and larger cities as well as an excellent climate and healthy lifestyle. Contact our knowledgeable Jalon office team at Hamiltons Real Estate (previously known as Hamiltons of London) and we will be happy to show you around so you can see if a traditional house in Spain will become your new home.
Property prices in the Jalon Valley vary depending on the village, location and type of property. Traditional townhouses generally offer excellent value, while villas and country fincas command higher prices depending on their size, views and land. Buyers can often enjoy more living space and larger plots than they would find in many of the coastal towns.
The Jalon Valley is served by both Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport and Valencia Airport. Depending on where you buy your property, travelling to your new home usually takes between one and one-and-a-half hours from either airport.
Yes. The Jalon Valley is ideal for buyers looking for a traditional Spanish lifestyle, beautiful countryside and a relaxed pace of life whilst remaining within easy reach of the beaches and amenities of the Costa Blanca.
Updated in July 2026 by the Hamiltons Real Estate team.
