From Benidorm: Jalon Valley and The Caves of Skulls Tour

Travelers looking to combine scenic beauty, cultural insights, and a touch of adventure often find this tour from Benidorm to the Jalon Valley and the Caves of Skulls a compelling option. Priced at around $28 per person, this full-day excursion offers a well-rounded glimpse into the region’s vineyards, almond orchards, and archaeological sites. It’s a budget-friendly way to see some of the Valencian Community’s most picturesque spots, guided by knowledgeable locals who bring history and local life to life.

What we really love about this tour is how it balances nature, history, and local markets — offering a genuine taste of the area. The market day in Xalo (Jalon’s main town) is a highlight, especially if you’re into antiques, crafts, or just soaking up local village charm. Plus, the visit to the Skulls Caves provides an intriguing peek into ancient geological formations and traces of early human life.

That said, potential drawbacks include the strict schedule—with multiple stops in a single day, you’ll need to be comfortable with a fair bit of bus travel and walking. Plus, this tour isn’t suited for those with mobility impairments or claustrophobia because of the cave exploration. Still, if you enjoy scenic drives, historical sites, and tasting regional wines, this tour offers excellent value and authentic experiences. It’s best for curious travelers who want a mix of outdoor beauty and cultural discovery without breaking the bank.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At around $28, it offers good value for a full day of sights.
• Diverse Experiences: Combines wine, markets, caves, and scenic views.
• Guided Insight: Knowledgeable guides like Charlotte enhance the experience with facts and local stories.
• Authentic Atmosphere: Visits to traditional villages and markets showcase local life.
• Limited Accessibility: Not suitable for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia.
• Timing and Duration: Lasts 6 to 7.5 hours, ideal for a full day out but requires an early start.

Discovering the Jalon Valley: A Picture-Perfect Setting

The journey begins with a pickup from one of seven convenient locations around Benidorm, including hotels and key spots like Mercadona or the Gran Hotel Bali. From there, you’ll enjoy about 45 minutes on the bus, heading inland into the Valencian countryside. The drive itself is quite scenic, passing through lush vineyards, orange groves, and quaint villages, setting the tone for the day.

Once you arrive at Jalon, the first highlight is the market in Xalo. Running on Saturdays, this market is one of the oldest and largest in the Costa Blanca. As one reviewer noted, “The market was lovely, loads of stuff, could have bought loads,” and it’s true—local artisans, antiques, fresh produce, and souvenirs spill out over the town square. The two-hour window gives enough time to browse, sip some coffee, or perhaps pick up a unique gift or two.

Why the Market Matters

The market isn’t just about shopping. It’s a window into local life—a place where residents gather, trade, and share stories. If you love wandering through bustling stalls, this part of the tour is a real treat. Plus, you’ll get a sense of the region’s craftsmanship and traditions, making it more than just a photo stop.

Exploring the Vineyards and Almond Orchards

After the market, the bus continues to wind through vineyard-lined valleys and orchards, especially beautiful if you visit in February or March when the almond trees bloom. One of the reviews highlighted the stunning views, “the valley turned into a sea of pink and white,” which is hard to beat for any nature lover.

This part of the tour offers a chance to appreciate the agricultural richness of the region—wineries in Jalon produce award-winning wines, and you’ll see the carefully tended rows of vines and fruit trees that define the landscape. While the tour doesn’t specify wine tasting as part of the package, many local wineries welcome visitors, making this a good opportunity for future exploration.

The Caves of Skulls: A Geological and Archaeological Wonder

The star attraction for many is the Cova del Rull caves, known colloquially as the “Caves of the Skulls.” These caves, believed to have been formed some 150 million years ago, intrigue visitors with their unique rock formations and ancient traces of life dating back over 50,000 years.

When you visit, your guide will explain the formation process and share some of the archaeological findings made inside—though the caves are primarily about their natural beauty. The actual tour inside the caves is brief but captivating, with the cave’s narrow passages and stalactites adding a touch of adventure and curiosity.

Cave Visit Insights

From reviews, we learn guides like Charlotte provide fascinating facts about the caves, enhancing the experience. One reviewer mentioned, “Charlotte told us so many facts as we went by all the villages,” showing how guides are integral to bringing these sites alive. Although not suitable for those with claustrophobia, the caves are generally accessible for most visitors who can handle a bit of walking and confined spaces.

The Return Journey and Final Stops

After exploring the caves, the tour wraps up with a leisurely return via the same scenic routes, stopping at the same seven pickup points around Benidorm. The total duration is approximately 6 to 7.5 hours, making it a full but manageable day trip.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Considering the cost of $28, this tour offers a solid value proposition. You get an introduction to the region’s beauty and history, along with the chance to sample or learn about local wines, browse markets, and explore ancient caves. The transport, guided commentary, and entrance fees are included, making it a straightforward and budget-friendly option.

The reviews highlight the tour’s strength—friendly, informative guides like Charlotte make the experience memorable, and the scenery and market are consistently praised. The large, comfortable coach ensures a relaxed ride, and the flexibility of booking with free cancellation provides peace of mind.

However, it’s worth noting that anyone with mobility issues or claustrophobia might want to consider if the cave visit is suitable. Also, if you’re looking for a wine-tasting experience, you’ll need to explore additional options, as this tour focuses more on sightseeing and archaeological interest.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for history buffs, nature lovers, and market enthusiasts. If you enjoy learning about local traditions while surrounded by stunning landscapes, you’ll find plenty to love. It’s also an excellent choice for families with older children or groups of friends wanting a relaxed, full-day adventure without spending a fortune.

Those seeking a more active or luxury experience might find this tour a bit laid-back, but for genuine, authentic encounters with the Jalon region, it’s hard to beat at this price point.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
This tour is generally suitable for older children, especially those who enjoy walking and exploring caves. However, very young children or those with mobility issues may find the cave visit challenging.

How long is the bus ride?
The journey from Benidorm to Jalon takes approximately 45 minutes each way. The scenic drive is part of the experience and offers great views of the countryside.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are a must for walking around markets and caves. A camera is recommended for capturing the views, and bringing water is advised to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch and drinks are not included, so plan to buy food or snacks during the stops or bring your own.

Can I visit wineries?
While wine tasting isn’t part of the package, the region is known for its award-winning wines, and you might find opportunities to visit local wineries independently.

Are the caves accessible?
The caves are accessible for most, but may pose a challenge for those with mobility impairments or claustrophobia due to narrow passages.

What is the best time to visit?
The almond blossom in February and March makes this period particularly beautiful, but the tour runs year-round, depending on availability.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour provides wheelchair accessibility, but the cave visit may have some limitations.

Final Thoughts

This tour from Benidorm offers a well-rounded day out for those eager to experience the natural beauty, local culture, and history of the Jalon Valley. It’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on highlights, thanks to knowledgeable guides and beautiful scenery.

Ideal for travelers who enjoy scenic drives, markets, and historical sites, this trip provides a meaningful glimpse into Valencian countryside life. If you’re prepared for a full day and appreciate a mix of outdoor exploration and cultural insights, this tour will likely meet—and perhaps exceed—your expectations.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a foodie at heart, or simply seeking a relaxing day away from the coast, the combination of vineyards, ancient caves, and lively markets makes this a worthwhile addition to your itinerary.

In summary, the From Benidorm: Jalon Valley and The Caves of Skulls Tour offers excellent value with its engaging mix of scenery, history, and local culture. It’s best suited for curious travelers who want an affordable, authentic experience with plenty of photo-worthy moments and fascinating stories along the way.