From Benidorm: Jalon Valley and The Caves of Skulls Tour

If you’re looking for a day trip that combines stunning landscapes, rich history, and a taste of Spain’s renowned wine culture, the Jalon Valley and Caves of Skulls tour from Benidorm offers just that. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the detailed itinerary and traveler reviews suggest it’s a well-rounded excursion worth considering, especially if you enjoy authentic regional sights and a touch of adventure.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the opportunity to explore a wine-making region that’s celebrated for its quality—and taste some of the local wines. Second, the chance to wander through the mysterious Skulls Caves, believed to be 150 million years old and containing traces of human life dating back 50,000 years. These highlights are paired with a lively market visit, providing a full sensory experience of the Costa Blanca’s rural charm.

A potential consideration? The duration of about 6 to 7.5 hours means quite a bit of time on the road, and the walking involved in the caves and market might not suit everyone, especially those with mobility limitations or claustrophobia. Still, for most travelers who enjoy a mixture of outdoor scenery, historical intrigue, and local culture, this tour offers a solid value. It’s particularly suited for curious explorers who want more than just a beach day and are ready to uncover some lesser-known gems of the Valencian Community.

Who should consider this tour? If you love discovering authentic spots away from tourist crowds, enjoy sampling regional wines, and are comfortable with a day that includes walking and some quick market shopping, this trip will likely be a hit. It balances cultural exploration with leisure, making it ideal for a diverse range of travelers.

Key Points

• Authentic experience of the Jalon wine region, renowned for its quality wines.
• Scenic landscapes with almond trees and vineyard views, especially breathtaking in February and March during blossom season.
• Visit to the Cova del Rull caves, with geological formations and traces of human life dating back 50,000 years.
• Market exploration at Jalon’s famous car boot sale, perfect for treasure hunters and antique lovers.
• Comfortable transport with round-trip bus/coach service, including multiple pickup and drop-off options.
• Guided narration from knowledgeable guides, enhancing your understanding of local sights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

The Itinerary and What to Expect

The journey begins with a pickup from one of several convenient locations around Benidorm, including hotels such as Gran Hotel Bali or Hotel Poseidon Playa. The coach ride lasts about 45 minutes as you head inland toward the Jalon Valley, a stretch of lush vineyards, orchards, and almond groves that paint the landscape with vibrant colors.

Once in Jalon, you’ll have a solid two hours to explore the market—the largest car boot sale on the Costa Blanca—where vendors sell everything from antiques to fresh produce. Travelers say this part of the day is particularly lively, with many noting how tempting it is to indulge in local wine or grab a quick coffee amidst the bustling stalls. One review praised the market for its “loads of stuff,” and acknowledged that you could spend hours browsing if time allowed.

After market time, the tour continues with a scenic drive through vineyards and citrus groves, giving you a chance to appreciate the area’s agricultural richness. Here, expect to see rows of orange trees and almond orchards, especially in early spring, when the blossoms turn the valley into a pastel-colored wonderland.

Visiting the Skulls Caves

The highlight for many is the visit to Cova del Rull, also known as the “Caves of the Skull.” These caves are believed to have formed some 150 million years ago, which is hard to grasp—think of that when wandering through the rock formations. What’s more captivating is the evidence of 50,000-year-old traces of human life, making it a site of archaeological and geological significance.

The interior of the caves offers a unique window into natural history, with impressive rock formations and narrow passages that require some walking and, for some, a bit of crawling. The reviews mention the caves as “a nice break from the heat,” and visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera. While the caves are a fascinating archaeological site, they’re not suitable for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia—so plan accordingly.

Other Highlights

On the way back, the bus makes several stops, adding flexibility to the experience. The entire day wraps up with a return journey to your original meeting point, with plenty of time to reflect on a day filled with beautiful vistas, historical intrigue, and cultural insights.

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The Practicalities

Price and Value

At $28 per person, this tour represents good value, especially considering the included entrance fee to the caves and transportation. The cost allows for a full day of sightseeing without having to worry about additional expenses, though lunch and drinks are not included—you may want to bring snacks or plan to buy something at the market or in Jalon.

Duration and Group Size

The tour lasts between 6 and 7.5 hours, making it a full but manageable day. The group size varies, but reviews suggest guides are knowledgeable and engaging, making the experience more personable.

Accessibility and Comfort

The tour is wheelchair accessible, but some parts of the caves might be challenging. It’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments or claustrophobia. The coach ride is comfortable, with pick-up points at multiple locations, which helps make the logistics easier.

What to Bring

Comfortable footwear is essential, especially for the caves and market walk. A camera is a must to capture the scenic views, and water is recommended to stay hydrated during the warmer months.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

Reviewers consistently praised the guides, describing them as “amazing” and “very informative.” One noted, “Charlotte was a really good tour guide, she told us so many facts as we went through the villages,” which indicates that guided narration adds significant value. The coach itself received praise for comfort, with travelers mentioning a “brilliant, friendly” guide and a safe driver.

The market also received enthusiastic comments, with many commenting on the variety and the temptation to buy more than they could carry. One traveler noted, “the caves were a nice break from the heat,” highlighting the cave visit as a well-timed respite.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

This day trip captures a wonderful slice of Valencian rural life, geological history, and local culture. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a mix of outdoor scenery, historical sites, and regional wine tasting—without straying too far from Benidorm. Thanks to the knowledgeable guides and thoughtfully planned itinerary, you get a well-rounded glimpse of the area’s natural and cultural treasures.

If you’re keen on discovering authentic Spain beyond the beaches, this tour offers a taste of history, nature, and local flavor at a reasonable price. It caters well to travelers who like a bit of adventure, some gentle walking, and the chance to browse markets that are full of character and local produce.

However, if you have mobility issues or prefer a more leisurely, less physically involved experience, you might want to consider alternative excursions. But for active, curious travelers ready to see the Costa Blanca’s rural heart, this trip delivers real value and plenty of memorable moments.

FAQ

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch and drinks are not included. You might find it convenient to bring snacks, or plan to enjoy refreshments at the market or in Jalon.

How long is the coach ride?
The ride between stops lasts about 45 minutes each way, giving you a comfortable window to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the tour is family-friendly, keep in mind that the caves involve walking in tight spaces and some climbing. It’s best suited for older children or teens comfortable with these conditions.

Can I visit the caves if I have mobility challenges?
The caves are not ideal for those with mobility impairments or claustrophobia, as they involve uneven terrain and confined spaces.

What is the best time of year to see the almond blossoms?
February and March are perfect for viewing the almond trees in full bloom, turning the valley into a sea of pink and white.

Are the guides available in languages other than English?
The tour is conducted in English, and no other languages are specified.

How much free time is there at the market?
You’ll have approximately two hours to explore and browse the market stalls, which is usually enough to soak in the local atmosphere and pick up souvenirs.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, reservations are recommended to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there a specific dress code?
Comfortable shoes are a must, especially for the caves. Casual clothing suited for walking and outdoor weather is recommended.

This Jalon Valley and Caves of Skulls tour from Benidorm is a fantastic way to step beyond the usual beach scene and explore some of the region’s most intriguing spots. Whether you’re into wine, history, or just beautiful landscapes, it offers a well-paced, authentic taste of Valencia’s countryside—wrapped up in a friendly, guided package.

You can check availability for your dates here: