From Rioja to Ribera del Duero, Spanish wines enjoy global acclaim—and the Costa Blanca proudly holds its own among these celebrated regions.
Just 30 to 40 minutes from Benidorm lies the award-winning wine-producing area of Jalón, nestled in a picturesque valley and framed by rugged mountains. The setting alone is enough to captivate visitors, but Jalón offers far more than scenic beauty. Its vineyards, cultivated in this fertile inland terrain, produce wines that reflect both the character of the land and a long-standing winemaking heritage.
Yet Jalón’s appeal extends beyond the vineyard rows. Every Saturday, the town becomes the lively heart of one of the oldest and largest “rastros” on the Costa Blanca. This sprawling car boot sale draws visitors from far and wide, eager to browse through an eclectic mix of goods, curiosities, and antiques. With two full hours to explore, visitors have ample time to soak up the atmosphere, hunt for hidden treasures, and experience a tradition that remains deeply rooted in local life.
The journey then continues inland, unfolding through valleys dotted with vineyards and orchards heavy with almond and orange trees. The changing scenery tells its own story of agricultural abundance before leading to one of the region’s most intriguing natural landmarks: the Caves of the Skulls.
Believed to have formed around 150 million years ago, these caves offer a remarkable glimpse into deep geological time. Even more striking are the traces of human presence discovered within, dating back approximately 50,000 years. With the entrance fee included, visitors are given an hour and a quarter to explore the caves at their own pace, allowing time to absorb both their natural beauty and their archaeological significance.
Together, Jalón’s wines, markets, landscapes, and ancient caves offer a journey that blends culture, history, and nature—an inland experience that reveals a lesser-known yet richly rewarding side of the Costa Blanca.
