Why move to Jalon
An expat community mixes with a regionally characterful Spanish community in Jalon. They come for the tranquillity, the local produce and to escape the heaving summer population of the coast.
The River Gorgos cuts a wide pass between the spines of Sierra de Bernia and Sierra del Forno mountains. This creates a lush micro-climate protected from wind known as the Jalon Valley or Vall de Pop. It flourishes year round with evergreen pines and crops of almond trees, vineyards and olive groves. Summer visitors miss the January explosion of pink and white almond blossom carpeting the valley and the excitement of the September wine harvests.
Jalon pueblo itself is a charming mix of mudejar and neoclassical architecture and in the central square, there is a remarkable church with a famed blue dome. There are plenty of bodegas selling the region’s ‘denominación de origen‘ Alicante Moscatel and varietal red grape wines and bakeries touting sweets and pastries made with local almonds. The town has a mixture of Spanish and expat influenced bars, restaurants and boutiques.
The mountain paths prove popular with bikers, hikers, ramblers and scramblers and it’s possible to reach either Calpe or Denia by car, bike, or even a manageable trek if you have the stamina! These resorts offer both pristine and urbanised or rugged, out-of-the-way beaches. Near Calpe is the Natural Park of Penyal d’Ifac, a landmark of the Costa Blanca and closer to home, in Gandia, are the Cova de les Meravelles; caves where experts have recently discovered prehistoric remains.
Community
Jalon Valley attracts international residents searching for countryside existence. In recent years, Jalon has become very popular with UK nationals looking to relocate to a more tranquil, unpopulated Spain in order to be conveniently near to the coast, yet escape the hustle and bustle of tourist season.
Property
There is a mix of hideaway homes in the valley proper plus traditional townhouses and modern apartments or villas in the pueblo and surrounding villages.
Amenities
The town centre has characterful local arts and crafts shops, bakeries, butchers and numerous bodegas, as well as practical banks and chemists. The Rastro of Jalon flea market pulls in visitors from all over to rummage in its medley of antique furniture, household items, local crafts and vintage clothes. The weekly produce market is held every Tuesday in the main square.
Transport
Jalon is to the North of Alicante Airport, which is about an hour’s drive. There is also a bus from Denia to Jalon which stops at points of interest along the way. The L9 tram connects all the coastal resorts from Denia towards Benidorm and Alicante.
Employment
There is work servicing the growing expat community in the Jalon Valley and the resorts of the Costa Blanca and Benidorm are within commutable distance.
Health
A GP is based in the pueblo but the nearest 24-hour medical centre is the Centro de Salud de Benissa in neighbouring Benissa. The closest general hospital is Hospital de Denia-Marina on the Av. Marina Alta in Denia.
Schools
Many British people move to Jalon because of the excellent reputation of the town’s Lady Elizabeth School. A fee-paying British curriculum school taking both primary and secondary school-aged children. There are free Spanish schools in the wider region and an enquiry in the local town hall will help you find one in your catchment area.
Cost of Living
In general, the house prices in Jalon are less than the equivalent on the coast. The cost of eating well, household bills and public transport are considerably lower than in northern Europe.