From Benidorm: Jalon Valley and The Caves of Skulls Tour

From Benidorm: Jalon Valley and The Caves of Skulls Tour
Location: Valencian Community, Spain
Country: Spain
Rating: 4.3 out of 5 (based on 12 reviews)
Price: $28 per person
Duration: 6 to 7.5 hours
Supplier: Round Town Travel S.L.

This tour offers a great balance of nature, history, and local culture—perfect if you’re looking to escape the crowded beaches and see a quieter, picturesque side of Spain. For a modest price, you get to explore the award-winning wine region of Jalon, walk among almond blossom trees, and marvel at the Skulls Caves, believed to be formed some 150 million years ago. Add in a visit to one of the Costa Blanca’s oldest and largest Saturday car boot sales, and you have a full day of sights, stories, and possibly some good deals.

What we particularly like about this experience is how it combines beautiful landscapes with historical intrigue. The views of the valley lined with vineyards and fruit orchards are stunning, especially in February or March when the almond trees bloom—a true feast for the eyes. Plus, the guided explanation about the caves’ formation and the traces of early human life adds a layer of meaningful discovery. On the downside, it’s worth noting that mobility might be an issue—the caves involve some confined spaces, and the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments or claustrophobia.

This tour suits travelers seeking a relaxed day out, interested in local wines and markets, and eager to learn a bit about prehistoric caves. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences and don’t mind a bus ride that’s around 45 minutes between stops.

Key Points

• Scenic Valley: Explore Jalon, a scenic wine-growing region surrounded by mountains, especially beautiful in almond blossom season.
• Historical Caves: Visit the Skulls Caves, formed 150 million years ago with traces of 50,000-year-old human activity.
• Market Experience: Enjoy over 2 hours at one of Costa Blanca’s oldest and largest Saturday car boot sales.
• Comfortable Transport: Travel comfortably by bus with knowledgeable guides, with plenty of time to explore each stop.
• Affordable Price: At $28, this tour offers a good value when considering the sights and experiences included.
• Limited Accessibility: Not suitable for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia, and lunch/drinks are extra.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Jalon Valley and Skulls Caves Tour

The Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins with a pickup from several convenient locations in Benidorm, including popular hotels and tourist spots like Gran Hotel Bali and Hotel Poseidon Playa. This flexibility means less hassle and more time for sightseeing. The coach ride, lasting around 45 minutes between stops, is typically smooth and comfortable, with friendly guides to keep you engaged and informed along the way.

The Journey into the Jalon Valley

Once you arrive in the Jalon Valley, the scenery is immediately captivating. Surrounded by mountains and vineyards, the valley’s charm is amplified by the sight of almond trees, which bloom spectacularly in early spring. If you visit in February or March, you’ll see a breathtaking sea of pink and white blossoms—a highlight that many visitors mention in reviews.

The valley’s reputation as an award-winning wine region is well-deserved. While the tour doesn’t include wine tasting, you’ll get a sense of the area’s agricultural importance and perhaps some insights into the local varieties. For those who love wine, exploring the nearby wineries on your own might be worth considering.

The Saturday Market at Xalo

One of the tour’s standout features is the market visit in Xalo. This market has been running for many years, making it one of the oldest and largest in the Costa Blanca. You’ll get approximately two hours to browse the stalls of goods and antiques, a perfect opportunity to hunt for a unique souvenir or sample some local produce. As one reviewer enthused, “loads of stuff, could have bought loads,” though they also mentioned the challenge of fitting everything into their suitcase.

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Exploring the Skulls Caves

The highlight for many is the visit to the Cova del Rull caves, famously nicknamed the “caves of the skulls.” Believed to have been formed around 150 million years ago, these caves are more than just a geological marvel—they’re also a window into early human history, with traces of life dating back 50,000 years.

Inside, you’ll encounter spectacular rock formations and learn about the caves’ history from your guide. The experience is fascinating, but be prepared for confined spaces—the caves involve some walking in narrow, uneven passages. This part of the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia, so consider that if you or your travel companions are sensitive to tight spaces.

Returning and Final Stops

After exploring the caves, the coach takes you back through more vineyards and orchards, giving you a last chance to enjoy the scenery and learn about the local agriculture. The tour ends back at your original pick-up points, allowing a relaxed trip home after a full day out.

Authentic Experiences and Authenticity

Beyond the beautiful landscapes, what makes this tour stand out is the knowledgeable guides who add context and stories, enriching your understanding of the region. Responses from previous travelers praise guides like Charlotte, who shared many facts about the villages and made the journey more engaging.

The market visit isn’t just shopping—it’s a chance to see local life in action, with vendors offering everything from antiques to fresh produce. The caves, with their millennia-old formations and traces of early humans, give a tangible sense of history, far removed from typical tourist spots.

Analyzing the Value

At just $28, this tour provides excellent value. It covers transportation, entrance fees, and guided commentary, all within a manageable timeframe. While lunch and drinks aren’t included, the flexible schedule allows you to grab a bite in Xalo or pack snacks. The tour’s duration of 6 to 7.5 hours makes it a full but not exhausting day, perfect if you want variety without feeling rushed.

Who will appreciate this tour?

If you’re a history enthusiast, the caves offer a glimpse into prehistoric life. Nature lovers will adore the almond blossom and vineyard scenery. Marketgoers will enjoy the bustling Saturday market, and curious travelers will find the stories about the caves’ origins fascinating. This experience is best suited for those who enjoy moderate walking and exploring at a relaxed pace, but it’s not ideal for anyone needing special accessibility arrangements.

Final Thoughts

This Benidorm day trip to the Jalon Valley and Skulls Caves combines scenic beauty, historical intrigue, and local culture into one affordable package. The guides’ friendliness and knowledge, alongside the stunning landscapes and unique geological sites, make it a memorable experience, especially for those looking to see a different side of Spain.

While it’s not perfect for everyone—particularly those with mobility issues or claustrophobia—it offers a well-rounded glimpse of Spain’s natural and archaeological heritage. For travelers who value authentic experiences, scenic views, and local markets, this tour is a solid choice.

FAQ

• How long is the tour?
  The tour lasts approximately 6 to 7.5 hours, depending on the day and the pace of the group.

• What is included in the price?
  The price covers entrance fees to the caves and transportation by bus.

• Are meals included?
  No, lunch and drinks are not included, giving you the flexibility to explore local eateries or bring snacks.

• What should I bring?
  Comfortable shoes, a camera, and water are recommended, especially for walking in the caves and around the market.

• Is this tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
  No, the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments or claustrophobia, due to cave conditions and walking routes.

• When is the best time to see the almond trees in bloom?
  February and March are ideal for witnessing the almond blossom spectacle.

• How long is the market visit?
  About 2 hours, allowing time to browse stalls and perhaps pick up some souvenirs.

• What is the significance of the caves’ name?
  The caves are called “Skulls” because of their unique formations, and they contain traces of human activity dating back over 50,000 years.

• Can I buy wine during the tour?
  While the tour doesn’t include tastings, you might see vineyards and gain insights into local wine production.

• Is there an option to customize the tour?
  Not typically, but check with the provider for any special requests or private options.

To sum it up, this tour offers a well-rounded look at a beautiful and historic corner of Spain—perfect for travelers who appreciate natural beauty, history, and lively local markets. It’s a cost-effective way to explore beyond Benidorm’s beaches, providing authentic sights and stories that will enrich your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: