The Valley of Pop (Vall del Pop in Valencian)
The Vall del Pop is a valley of the region of Marina Alta, in the north of the province of Alicante, in the Valencian community. This beautiful valley includes the villages of Alcalali, Benichembla, Benissa, Castell de Castells, Jalón, Lliber, Murla, Parcent and Senija.
RELIEF
In the first place, the Vall del Pop is delimited by mountainous reliefs : Carrascar, Cavall Verd, Coll de Rates, Serra de Bèrnia. Also the Serra del Castell de la Solana, the Serra del Ferrer and the Serra del Penyal de Laguar. You can admire the sinuous ravines where the river Jalón or Gorgos flow, as well as vertiginous cliffs. Discover these landscapes through the numerous hiking and biking trails offered to nature lovers. Do not hesitate to visit the tourist offices of the valley. Through the following link you can consult the map of the Valley of Pop :
http://www.valldepop.es/bd/archivos/archivo1142.jpg
Throughout the year, the colors of the Vall del Pop are changing through wooded areas, groves, riverbanks, growing areas. These colors change to the rhythm of the seasons we love. In February-March, the almond blossom transforms the winter landscape. In spring the valley is covered in a floral show. The harvest marks the end of summer and autumn reveals the red soil that abounds in the Vall del Pop.
GASTRONOMY
Gastronomy is another great attraction for visitors to the Vall del Pop. A great variety of recipes that combine land and sea in typical dishes of the region. This gastronomy has been brought by the different immigrants that have been established throughout history in the Vall del Pop. For example sausages with Balearic roots or couscous from North Africa.
Among the best known dishes are the espencat, the minxos, the dacsa pilots. In addition, guests can enjoy rice dishes such as arròs amb caragols and nap. Other typical dishes: la borreta de melva, cocas, grinyons, putxero amb pilots, mullero amb bull and couscous.
Also, do not miss the opportunity to taste almonds, honey or raisins in many desserts and traditional sweets.
OENOLOGY
The Vall del Pop is famous for its artisan production of wine. In fact, the vineyard is one of the unique aspects of this magnificent farmland. A wide range will be proposed : white wine, red wine, vermouth and mistela. Most restaurants will make you taste these wines, which marry typical dishes of the region. In addition, the capital of the valley, the town of Jalón or Xaló (in Valencian), offers you to taste its specialty: the Mistela (sweet wine). Through the following link you will find the addresses of wineries, cooperatives and shops where you can taste the Mistela, as well as the other wines of the valley :
http://www.valldepop.es/ver/2163/Tiendas-de- Vinos-y- Licores.html
http://www.valldepop.es/ver/2153/Bodegas.html
A LITTLE HISTORY
In addition, the Valley of Pop has an important historical heritage to discover. Like the remains of the Moorish passage, the walls, the wells, the dry stone walls, the shelters of cave paintings of the UNESCO World Heritage, the museums, the hiking routes …
ACTIVE TURISM
The Vall del Pop is an ideal area for active tourism, such as hiking, biking, climbing, paragliding.
Do not hesitate to visit the tourist offices, find all the addresses with the following link :
http://www.valldepop.es/ver/2171/Tourist-Info.html
You will also find all the information on transport in the following link :
http://www.valldepop.es/ver/3379/Como-moverte-por-Vall-de-Pop-.html
The Vall del Pop is a magnificent territory full of history that we invite you to discover.