Jalon/Xalo Valley
Situated 20 minutes from our villa, The Jalon Valley (also known as Vall de Pop) is a tranquil rural haven, surrounded by olive and almond trees, vineyards, and fragrant orange groves. This stunning valley is home to eight charming villages that line the Jalon River, with Jalon serving as the central hub. The villages—Lliber, Alcalalí, Parcent, Murla, Senija, Benigembla, Castell de Castells, and Jalon itself are all just a short drive away from one another, ranging from 5 to 20 minutes. The valley’s peaceful landscape and close-knit communities is also known as the Tuscany of Spain, with many vineyards and several local wineries where you can enjoy wine testing. In February the almonds blossom with wonderful white and pink colors creating a lovely scenery.
Guadalest
Hidden in the mountains of the Costa Blanca, an hour ride from villa Paso Lento lies the village of Guadalest, which is over a thousand years old. Once you leave the highway, the route to the village is stunning, with winding and climbing roads offering frequent breathtaking views. The village, home to around two hundred residents, is a maze of narrow alleys and features a charming marketplace. Guadalest is best known for its castle, El Castell de Guadalest, and the wonderful views of the large reservoir below.El Castell de Guadalest was once a crucial defense point for the Moors against the Spanish and is now a castle ruin from the 11th century. The ‘hanging castle’ is only accessible through a tunnel carved into the rocks and stands like an eagle’s nest, perched high above the surrounding cliffs.
