From Benidorm: Jalon Valley and The Caves of Skulls Tour

Discovering the Jalon Valley and The Caves of Skulls Tour: An Honest Look

If you’re planning to visit Benidorm and want to experience more than just the beaches and nightlife, a day trip to the Jalon Valley and the Caves of Skulls might just be a good fit. This tour promises a mix of wine tasting, market browsing, and cave exploring—a little bit of everything for those curious about the region’s natural beauty and history.

From what we’ve gathered, travelers appreciate the scenic views and the knowledgeable guides that make the journey engaging. Plus, visiting the award-winning wine region adds some delicious local flavor to your day. However, it’s worth noting that this tour lasts between 6 to 7.5 hours, so it’s a fair chunk of your day, and the transportation and walking involved may not suit everyone.

One thing to keep in mind is that the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or claustrophobia, given the cave exploration. Also, it doesn’t include lunch or drinks, so you’ll need to plan for that separately. This experience seems best suited for curious travelers who love scenic drives, local culture, and historical sights without expecting a luxury experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Beautiful scenery: The Jalon Valley is renowned for its almond trees, vineyards, and mountain vistas.
• Cave exploration: The Skulls Caves are over 150 million years old, with traces of life from 50,000 years ago.
• Market experience: The Saturday car boot sale in Jalon is a highlight for browsing antiques and local goods.
• Guided insights: The guides, like Charlotte, make the trip informative and entertaining.
• Price point: At around $28 per person, it offers good value for a full day of sightseeing and activities.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia.
• Duration: Expect a full day, roughly 6 to 7.5 hours, including travel and stops.
• Comfort: The coach is described as comfortable, with positive feedback on transportation.

An In-Depth Look at What You Can Expect

Starting Point and Travel

The tour begins with a pickup from several convenient locations around Benidorm, including hotels and popular spots like Mercadona and Sol Pelícanos Ocas. The pickup times vary, so it’s worth checking your specific booking. Once onboard, the journey to the Jalon Valley takes around 45 minutes, giving you a chance to relax and enjoy the scenery as the bus winds through inland roads.

The drive itself is part of the appeal—passing through areas filled with vineyards, orange and almond trees, and mountain views. The general mood on the coach is friendly and relaxed, with guides like Charlotte providing informative commentary about the places you’re passing.

Exploring Xalo and the Saturday Market

Your first main stop is the charming town of Xalo, where you’ll have approximately two hours to wander at your own pace. The town is known for its old-world charm, narrow streets, and local atmosphere. But the real highlight here is the market, which is one of the largest and oldest car boot sales in the Costa Blanca.

Many reviews mention how tempting it is to buy antiques, clothing, and local produce. One reviewer said, “The market was lovely, loads of stuff, could have bought loads, but a problem getting the suitcase!!” So, if you’re a fan of browsing and hunting for unique souvenirs, this is definitely a highlight. Plus, you’ll have time for a coffee or a glass of wine, soaking in the lively local scene.

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Scenic Drive and Vineyard Visits

After Xalo, the coach heads inland once more, passing through lush vineyard valleys and orchards. The scenery here is peaceful and picturesque, making the journey itself part of the experience. You’ll see the mountains, vineyards, and orange trees, especially stunning during the blossom season in February and March when the almond trees turn the valley into a sea of pink and white.

While the tour doesn’t specify detailed visits to wineries, being in the award-winning wine region means you’re in a place renowned for its local wines. If you’re curious, this might be a good moment to sample some of the regional flavors, although the tour price doesn’t include tastings. Still, guides often share insights into the wine-making process, making the drive educational as well.

Cave Exploration at Cova del Rull

Next up are the Skulls Caves, officially known as Cova del Rull. These caves are estimated to be 150 million years old, formed during the Mesozoic era. What’s compelling here is the evidence of prehistoric life, with traces dating back over 50,000 years. The caves are famous for their rock formations and historical significance, which guides will explain during your visit.

The tour involves entering the caves, so you should be comfortable with confined spaces and uneven footing. The actual exploration lasts around two hours, so be prepared to walk and climb a bit. Most reviews praise the caves’ natural beauty, with one noting how the unique rock formations make it “a nice break from the heat,” especially in warmer months.

Final Return and Optional Stops

After the caves, the coach will return to Benidorm, making stops at your selected drop-off points. The entire day is designed to maximize sightseeing while keeping the schedule manageable. The tour concludes back at your original meeting point, usually around late afternoon or early evening, depending on the exact timings.

How the Experience Feels in Practice

Based on reviews, guides like Charlotte get high marks for their friendly, informative style. Elaine mentioned, “Charlotte was amazing,” while Kyesha added, “She told us so many facts as we went by all the villages,” making the journey as educational as it is scenic.

The comfort of the coach is another plus, with travelers describing it as “comfy” and the driver Kelly as “getting us there and back safely.” The overall vibe is relaxed, with plenty of time to soak in the views and enjoy the local atmosphere.

What Could Be Better?

Some travelers might find the full-day commitment a little long, especially if you’re not a huge cave fan or if long bus rides aren’t your thing. The tour doesn’t include meals or drinks, so bring some water and snacks or plan to grab something in Xalo. Also, those with mobility impairments or claustrophobia should think twice, as cave exploration involves confined spaces.

Is It Worth the Cost?

At $28 per person, the trip offers good value, considering the variety of experiences packed into the day — market browsing, scenic drives, cave exploration, and local culture. The inclusion of entrance fees and transport makes it straightforward, and most reviews point out that guides make the journey engaging and informative.

Who Is This Tour For?

This experience is perfect for curious travelers who love discovering local culture, history, and scenery without the need for luxury or high-end amenities. It’s well-suited for those who are comfortable on a coach, enjoy walking and exploring, and are interested in wine regions and prehistoric caves.

It’s a particularly good choice if you want a value-packed day that combines outdoor beauty with a touch of history. However, if you’re looking for a luxury wine tour with tastings or are sensitive to confined spaces, you might want to consider alternative options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes transport by bus or coach from multiple meeting points in Benidorm, with a comfortable coach that gets you to each stop.

How long is the tour?
Expect the entire experience to last between 6 and 7.5 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and breaks.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are a must for walking, along with a camera and water. The caves involve some confined space, so be prepared for that.

Are meals included?
No, lunch and drinks are not included. You might want to bring snacks or plan to buy something in Xalo.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While it doesn’t specify age restrictions, the cave exploration might not be suitable for young children or those with mobility issues.

Is it wheelchair accessible?
The tour is wheelchair accessible, but cave exploration involves uneven terrain and confined spaces, so check with the provider if you have specific needs.

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

Is there an option to pay later?
Yes, you can reserve your spot and pay later, making it easy to plan your trip without immediate expense.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a balanced day of scenic beauty, local culture, and history, this tour offers a compelling package. The Jalon Valley is stunning, especially during almond blossom season, and the Skulls Caves provide an intriguing glimpse into the area’s prehistoric past. The market adds a lively touch, giving you a taste of local life and the chance to pick up unique souvenirs.

The guides seem to be a highlight, making the experience informative and friendly. The price is reasonable given the variety of stops, and the transportation is comfortable, making it a hassle-free way to explore beyond Benidorm’s bustling streets.

This tour is best suited for adventurous day-trippers who enjoy a bit of everything—scenery, history, and local culture—without the need for luxury. If those qualities appeal to you, it could make for a memorable day out.

Happy travels!

You can check availability for your dates here: