If you would like to begin a new and relaxing way of life in a beautiful, traditionally Spanish, rural part of the Costa Blanca, buying a Villa in Jalon could be the answer. If you like to be close to the sea but, prefer to live away from the busy tourist resorts then this is the place for you and at Hamiltons of London we would love to help you settle in this idyllic spot.
The Jalon Valley is set amidst mountains and hills and filled with pretty villages with cobbled, stone houses and interesting shops. Surrounding these lovely towns are lovely routes to explore on foot of by bike, some harder than others but, for those seeking a challenge there are plenty of guided excursions into the mountains, including the Puig Campana with its peak towering over the valley providing a reward of panoramic views all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. For those who prefer a more leisurely stroll there are less challenging walks, and it is always nice to explore the villages, vineyards, and citrus groves followed by a delicious lunch at one of the many family run restaurants in the area who specialise in local cuisine.
Saturday offers the chance to explore the thriving market where you can enjoy getting to know the locals and their way of shopping for fresh food and handcrafted items. The shops are also interesting to explore and the centre of all towns and villages in the Jalon Valley are lively and atmospheric.
The Jalon Valley is full of history, and you may want to cool off exploring one of the towers and castles in the area. Alcalali is home to a medieval tower built to for defence. It is now a museum and a viewpoint to admire a vista of the entire valley, on the walls you will see very old paintings. The houses in the centre have traditional fronts for old agricultural buildings and the Ethnological Museum shows you how farmers have worked the land to produce olive oil and raisins. Murla was a stronghold for the Moors in the Jalon Valley and the Church/Fortress was built by them on Roman remains, the area was frequently attacked by pirates and so the building was used for defence before it became a place of worship.
The Jalon valley is filled with vineyards, and these are great places to visit and taste the wines produced locally in the bodegas, at some times of the year you might want to embrace the local culture more thoroughly and help with the harvest or join in with a grape treading festival. The spring comes alive with almond and citrus blossoms, and it is lovely to take a gentle tour of the fields at this time of year, later in the year when the harvest begins those who buy a property in Jalon Valley will be welcome to help with these village events. Olive trees are also grown in abundance in the region so finding out about the production of olive oil is a great way to integrate locally.
Living in the Jalon is not just about exploration and activities, it is a tranquil location where you can take a breath amidst the beautiful scenery and enjoy the nature which surrounds you. For some that might be taking a refreshing swim in the pool of your house in the Jalon or relaxing in the shade of an olive tree with a good book. Others enjoy the spiritual pleasure of yoga and there are several retreats in the area as well as studios for locals to attend and gentle classes offered by the U3A in the Jalon Valley (Val del Pop)
When you buy a property in Jalon you will be enveloping yourself in nature and it can be fun to spot various species that become your neighbours. In addition to the citrus, almond, olive trees and vineyards that grow in abundance there are also several varieties of jasmine, hibiscus and bird of paradise plants among others that thrive here adding colour to this already beautiful landscape. For budding ornithologists there are numerous species of birds to be seen including nightingales which are often heard but rarely seen, colourful bee-eaters, swallows and birds of prey including Eagle Owls. There are many more, so it is worth investing in some binoculars and a book about different species of birds. The Jalon valley is also home to foxes, squirrels, badgers, ermine, pine martens, wild boar and the genet cat. Your back garden when you buy a house in Jalon can become the best place to sit and watch nature.
There may, of course, be occasions when you seek a livelier atmosphere and that’s what really makes living in the Jalon perfect. You are just a short drive from the coast and from a variety of theme and water parks to entertain the children and the fascinating cities of Alicante and Valencia are only just over an hour’s drive away. For a more familiar shopping experience there area also La Marina centres to provide for your every need in Ondara and Benidorm.
If you are looking for a property to buy in Spain do consider the Jalon Valley where you can enjoy all the benefits of living in a rural location but, with easy access to the cities and sea. Have a chat with the Hamilton Real Estate (formally Hamiltons of London) friendly team at our Jalon office, they will be pleased to answer any questions and suggest properties for sale which may suit you and your family.
