All posts in blog
The Jalon Valley, comprising of nine mountain towns and villages, many seasoned travellers consider this particular part of Spain to be one of its best kept secrets…
Alcalali, Benigembla, Benissa, Castell de Castells, Lliber, Murla, Parcent, Senija and Jalon make up the Jalon Valley, each with their own particular charm and attractions. The largest town is Benissa, with a population of around 12,000 and the smallest village is Lliber, with around just 500 inhabitants.
The Area –
The Jalon Valley is a beautiful, scenic area that is just a few kilometres inland from the gorgeous white sandy beaches and warm clear waters of the northern Costa Blanca, located on the east coast of Spain.
Many of the towns and villages have been populated by residents who prefer to be away from the busier locations on the coast, preferring the more tranquil and scenic surroundings provided in the Valley.
The area has long been regarded as one of the most beautiful areas of Spain, especially in the months of January and February when much of the valley is covered with a blanket of pink and white almond blossom. The Jalon Valley is also famous for its vineyards, and the local bodegas that produce the white, red and rose wines.
One of the many beautiful villas available in the Jalon Valley
You will find that each town in the Jalon Valley has its own tourist information centre where the English-speaking friendly staff can provide you with various guides, brochures and suggested routes for walks, along with lots of local information on forthcoming events such as fiestas, etc.
There are various traditional Spanish markets to visit in the Jalon Valley that take place almost every day across its towns and villages. For those after a more active trip, then cycling, horse riding, mountain hiking, walking and rock climbing are all available too.
When you fly to Alicante or Valencia airport, you can get to the Jalon Valley in around an hour by car
Accessibility –
Both Alicante and Valencia Airports are around one hour’s drive away from the Jalon Valley. Depending on which town or village you are visiting within the Valley, then it may take a little longer.
A car is recommended when visiting this area as there is so much to see across the towns and villages. There is also great public transport and bus services available to get your around.
The Weather –
With an average year-round temperature of 18C, and low levels of humidity and air pollution, the region is particularly attractive to those suffering from arthritis and respiratory ailments.
In the summer months the weather is beautiful and very warm, much like the rest of the Costa Blanca. Winters are mild, and the sun is shining around 300 days a year.
The Property –
Here is just a snapshot of some of the fabulous property on offer in this beautiful location. The current exchange rate means that these properties are available at amazing prices –
https://www.yourplaceinspain.com/property/townhouse-jalon-jalon-valley/
https://www.yourplaceinspain.com/property/village-house-parcent/
https://www.yourplaceinspain.com/property/villa-jalon/
https://www.yourplaceinspain.com/property/villa-alcalali/
If you’re looking for property in the Jalon Valley area, or if you would like to see what is available to you in the location then just click on the quick query button to the right and send us your details, and we’ll send you a portfolio of what we have.
Now is the time, don’t miss out!
Read more
It’s Tapas Tuesday time again, and this week we’re looking at another classic Spanish favourite, Patatas Bravas. This is a delicious tapas dish, it is very tasty and goes really well with other tapas too.
It’s also very simple and easy to make with easy to buy ingredients, so a good one to throw together quickly when you’re in a rush but fancy something a little different.
This particular tapas dish is extremely popular, and you’ll find this pretty much everywhere in Spain. Whether you are in Barcelona or Madrid, or sat in small beach side cafe, these gorgeous Spanish potatoes are always on the menu.
Fancy having a go at making some yourself? Here is a recipe that I use, I usually make this to serve around 4-6 people –
Ingredients –
4 large potatoes / 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil / 1 onion / 2 cloves garlic / 1 can of chopped tomatoes / 1 tablespoon tomato puree / 1 teaspoon sweet paprika (you can also use smoked paprika here too) / A pinch of Chilli Powder (you can add more or less here depending on how spicy you like your potatoes) / Salt and Pepper
What to do –
- Pop the oven on to 180 0C, and peel and chop your potatoes into small cubes. Pour over a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper, then pop those in to the oven in a roasting tin for around 40 minutes
- Whilst the potatoes are cooking, chop your onion into small chunks and crush the cloves of garlic
- In a pan, heat the olive oil, and add the onions and garlic until soft
- Pour in the can of chopped tomatoes, and add in the tomato puree, paprika and a pinch of chilli powder
- Taste the sauce as you go along, and don’t forget to season with salt and pepper
- Add a little extra chilli powder here if you want to make your potatoes that little bit spicier, or if you fancy them a little sweeter then you can add a pinch of Sugar here too
- Once your potatoes are looking crispy and ready, transfer into an oven proof dish and pour over the sauce. Pop the dish back in the over for 5-10 minutes until bubbling nicely
- Take the potatoes out of the oven once ready. Serve straight from the oven with cocktail sticks for easy eating
These go really well with meatballs, prawns in garlic, calamari and they make a great dish to serve with Paella too. Stay tuned for more recipes coming up on the next ‘Tapas Tuesday.’
I’d love to hear how you get on with yours – Tweet us @PlaceinSpain or tag us on Instagram @yourplaceinspain.
Enjoy,
Joanne x
Read more
Ideally located, with easy access to beautiful beaches and with some fantastic properties available right now, the area of La Zenia really does have something for everyone….
Accessibility – You can fly to both Alicante airport and Murcia, San Javier airport to get to La Zenia. If you’re flying into Alicante then it is around a 45 minute drive to the location, if it is Murcia airport that you land at then you can be in La Zenia in around 20-25 mintues.
The Area – La Zenia is an area that is ideally situated, within easy access to the motorway network and the coast road, and is nestled between the neighbouring towns of Cabo Roig and Playa Flamenca. La Zenia is also home to the beautiful blue flag beaches of Cala Del Bosque and Cala Cecrad too.
The busy town of Torrevieja is just a ten minute drive away, with a huge variety of attractions, bars, restaurants and entertainment all year round. La Zenia is a multi-national destination for holiday makers and residents. The area is also home to the famous Paddys Point bar, which is one of the most well known bars on the Costa Blanca.
As you would expect, the local cuisine is traditional, Mediterranean food, but also the famous local dishes of lamb chops and legs of lamb cooked with garlic and rosemary, rabbit cooked in garlic, and homemade sausages and black pudding are very popular too. The traditional Spanish rice dishes and tapas are available everywhere too.
La Zenia Boulevard on the Orihuela Coast is the newest and also the biggest shopping centre in the province of Alicante, and provides 150 shops both fashion and home, restaurants, cafes and a casino. A visit here is a must if you’re a lover of shopping!
Golf courses are also just a ten minute drive away, the 3 famous courses in Villamartin are the closest including Campoamor and Las Ramblas, and a 25 minute drive will take you to 5* golf courses in Murcia including the Mar Menor Golf Resort.
The Weather – Similar to other areas on the Costa Blanca, the weather is generally beautiful with over 300 days of sunshine a year, very low humidity and with mild winters too.
The Properties – La Zenia is home to some fantastic properties, with re-sale and new build apartments, villas and townhouses available. In such a fantastic location with so much on your doorstep, La Zenia provides the perfect destination for ‘Your place in Spain.’
We’ve picked our current top 5 properties for you here and the current exchange rate means that these properties are available at fantastic prices. Now is the time, don’t miss out….
https://www.yourplaceinspain.com/property/apartmentforsaleinlazenia-7/
https://www.yourplaceinspain.com/property/apartmentforsaleinlazenia-6/
https://www.yourplaceinspain.com/property/apartmentforsaleinlazenia-19/
https://www.yourplaceinspain.com/property/apartmentforsaleinlazenia-2/
https://www.yourplaceinspain.com/property/townhouseforsaleinlazenia/
*Calculated at exchange rate of circa 1.30 to £1, any exchange rate fluctuation will change the sterling price*
Read more
3 Bed Villa Opportunities on the beautiful Costa Blanca…
If you’ve been thinking about buying property in Spain over the past 6 months, then the current exchange rate of 1.30 euro / £1, means that now is a fantastic time to buy. It also helps to make these properties great buys…
3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Villa
Located at the end of a quiet lane within walking distance to of the village centre of Beniarbeig, Northern Costa Blanca.
€199,950 / £153,800
3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Villa
A modern detached property located in the large rural village of La Aparecida, in Murcia.
€139,950 / £107,600
3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Villa
This attractive detached villa is situated in the sought after area of Los Dolses, Costa Blanca South.
€185,000 / 142,000
3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Villa
In excellent condition throughout and located on the popular Monte Solana development close to Pedreguer, Costa Blanca North.
€190,000 / £146,150
3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Villa
Immaculate detached villa located in the Jalon Valley, close to the village of Murla, Costa Blanca North
€195,000 / £150,000
3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Villa
A single level detached villa with open views in a quiet, rural location just 5 minutes from Benitachell town.
€195,000 / £150,000
3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Villa
Modern villas with private 6x3m pools and are located in the Dona Pepa area of Ciudad Quesada, Costa Blanca South.
€195,000 / £150,000
3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Villa
Partly reformed, and located on the edge of the Orange groves close to the village of Orba, Costa Blanca North.
€195,000 / £150,000
3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Villa
Situated in the quaint Spanish town of Aigues, near El Campello,
Costa Blanca North
€199,900 / £153,700
*All properties shown are subject to availability, and prices plus purchase taxes and costs. These sterling prices are calculated at exchange rate of 1.30, this can fluctuate*
Read more
