From Benidorm: Jalon Valley and The Caves of Skulls Tour

Discover the Charm of Jalon Valley and the Ancient Skulls Caves

For travelers exploring the Costa Blanca, the From Benidorm tour to Jalon Valley and the Caves of Skulls offers a well-rounded glimpse of the region’s natural beauty, history, and local culture. Priced at $28 per person, this 6 to 7.5-hour guided journey combines scenic landscapes, historic caves believed to be formed 150 million years ago, and lively Saturday markets. The tour is especially suited for those interested in wine regions, unique geological sites, and authentic local markets.

A notable strength of this experience is its inclusive price, covering transport and cave entrance fees, with no extra charge for the caves or market visits. The tour’s pacing allows ample time at each stop, making it ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive day without rushing. However, it’s worth noting that the tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or claustrophobia, due to the nature of cave exploration.

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Key Points

• Affordable price at $28 per person for a full-day experience
• Visit the award-winning Jalon wine region and see mountain-lined valleys with almond and orange trees
• Explore the Cova del Rull caves, believed to be 150 million years old with traces of life over 50,000 years
• Enjoy time at Jalon’s Saturday market, the largest car boot sale of the Costa Blanca
• Includes transportation and cave entrance fee; excludes lunch and drinks
• Guided in English, with wheelchair accessibility available

Starting Point and Transportation Details

The tour departs from several convenient locations in Benidorm, including Hotel Poseidon Playa, Gran Hotel Bali, and others. After pickup, the journey to Jalon takes approximately 45 minutes by bus or coach. The group then heads into the picturesque Jalon Valley, famous for its award-winning wines and stunning mountain views.

The transportation is comfortable and designed for ease, allowing travelers to relax during the scenic drive. The tour’s schedule ensures you spend enough time at each stop, including two hours at the market in Xalo and additional hours exploring the caves and surrounding areas.

Visiting the Award-Winning Jalon Wine Region

Once in Jalon, the tour highlights its renowned wine-making reputation. The valley is lined with vineyards and orchards filled with almond and orange trees, especially vibrant in February and March when the almond blossoms create a sea of pink and white. The wine region is a highlight for those interested in local flavors and perhaps sampling some of the region’s best wines during future visits.

The landscape itself quickly captivates visitors with its mountain backdrop and lush greenery. The tour guides provide insights into the area’s agricultural significance, emphasizing the importance of wine production and fruit orchards to the local economy.

Saturday Market in Xalo: A Local Treasure

One of the tour’s standout features is the market in Xalo, held on Saturdays. This large car boot sale is the oldest and biggest in the Costa Blanca, drawing many visitors and locals alike. Travelers are encouraged to spend about two hours browsing through goods and antiques, making it a perfect spot for picking up unique souvenirs or just soaking in the lively atmosphere.

The market offers a variety of crafts, vintage items, and local produce, giving a genuine taste of regional life. Visitors should be prepared to carry their finds and perhaps limit shopping if they are concerned about luggage space, especially when considering the market’s popularity.

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Exploring the Skulls Caves: Geological Wonder and Historical Site

The Cova del Rull caves, also called the Caves of the Skulls, form a core part of this tour. These caves are believed to have formed around 150 million years ago and contain traces of life dating back over 50,000 years. The caves are famous for their unique rock formations and historical significance.

Upon entering, visitors walk through a geologically fascinating environment, marveling at stunning rock structures. The cave exploration is guided, providing factual insights into its formation and archaeological discoveries. Travelers should note that cave visits involve narrow passages and potential claustrophobic spaces, so it may not suit everyone.

The caves’ history and geological features make them an educational highlight, especially for those interested in prehistory and earth sciences.

Pacing and Schedule of the Tour

The tour is designed for a relaxed yet comprehensive experience. After departing from the selected starting point, travelers spend about 45 minutes en route to Xalo. The two-hour market visit allows ample time to explore without feeling rushed.

Following the market, the group continues inland, passing through vineyard and orchard valleys. The two-hour visit to the caves offers plenty of opportunity to absorb the rock formations and archaeological traces. The return journey takes approximately 45 minutes, bringing travelers back to their original meeting points.

This schedule balances sightseeing, exploration, and free time, making it ideal for travelers who want a full yet manageable day trip.

Practical Details and Accessibility

The activity includes transport by bus or coach and the cave entrance fee. Lunch and drinks are not included, so travelers might want to bring snacks or plan to dine in Jalon or Xalo afterward.

The tour is conducted in English and is wheelchair accessible, though those with mobility challenges should consider the caves’ physical demands. Participants are advised to bring comfortable shoes, a camera to capture the scenery, and water for hydration.

The activity allows full cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility for planning. Booking can be done reserve and pay later for added convenience.

Final Thoughts on the Jalon Valley and Caves of Skulls Tour

This guided trip offers a cost-effective way to experience Jalon’s scenic beauty, historic caves, and local markets. Its affordable price, combined with guided insights and well-planned stops, makes it a good choice for history buffs, wine lovers, and market enthusiasts.

While the caves require some physical effort and may not suit everyone, the scenery and cultural experiences more than compensate. The positive reviews highlight the friendly guides, especially Charlotte, for providing informative commentary and making the day enjoyable.

Suitable for those who appreciate relaxed pace, geological wonders, and local market culture, this tour delivers a solid day of exploration without feeling hurried or overly commercial.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour from start to finish?
The tour lasts 6 to 7.5 hours, including transport, sightseeing, and free time at each stop.

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $28 per person, covering transportation and cave entrance fees.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or those suffering from claustrophobia due to cave exploration.

What should I bring?
Travelers should bring comfortable shoes, a camera, and water for hydration during the day.

Are meals included?
No, lunch and drinks are not included; participants can purchase food and beverages separately.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at one of several meeting points in Benidorm (e.g., Hotel Poseidon Playa, Gran Hotel Bali) and concludes back at the same location.

How accessible are the caves?
The caves involve walking through narrow and uneven passages, so not suitable for those with mobility restrictions.

What makes this tour special?
The combination of vineyard scenery, Saturday market, and the ancient caves offers a diverse experience that mixes nature, history, and local culture.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the tour.

Is there an option to reserve and pay later?
Yes, this flexible booking option allows you to reserve your spot without immediate payment.

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