The Valleys
Jalon
Valley
Jalon town is the cathedral town of the Valley and sits among the
vineyards with its blue glazed terracotta dome of the church sitting high
above the main square, visible for miles around. A peaceful spot but not
far away is the lure of the Costa Blanca coast.
The town offers good shopping for locally produced honey, cured Spanish
hams and local sausages from the many butchers in the town, pastries and
bread. There are several bodegas (wine cellars) to sample and buy the
local wines, which are good quality and inexpensive.
On Saturday mornings, on the road out of town heading to Alcalali along
the riverbank, is probably the best-known antiques market in the region.
Antiques fare is a very loose term for the variety of curiosities on offer
from any number of different stalls.
Gallinera
Valley
A twisting and scenic road runs inland from Pego through Adsubia the whole
way up to the village of Planes passing through superb landscapes. The
land was first settled and cultivated by the Moors and you can still trace
their influence. The Gallinera Valley is heavily planted with cherry trees
interspersed with orange, almond and olive trees. Towering above are the
dramatic peaks of the sierras with seductive little roads twisting up the
hillside.
The main village is Planes perched on a hill below a ruined 12th
century castle with a 16th century aqueduct and a swimming hole in the
valley below. Other tiny villages like Alcala, Margarida, Benialfaqui and
Benitaya all have their charms; their traditional way of life is a perfect
antidote to the more strident, upbeat attractions of the coastal resorts.
Fonts
De L'Algar
A series of crystal-clear cascades and falls has been landscaped and
attracts countless visitors who enjoy the waterside paths and bathe in the
pools and falls. The approach through the hills to this spot is beautiful;
the road winds past loquat (medlar fruit), the main crop of the valley.
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