Cueva de Don Juan: a stunning cave in Jalance

The Region of Valencia never fails to astound with its seemingly never-ending range of landscapes that are as diverse as they are beautiful. From the Mediterranean coastline and rugged mountainscape to emerald rivers and plains filled with rice paddies and orange trees, the natural world is pulsing with the history of the land; a beat that you’ll discover is very much alive. 

Jalance, a quaint village declared a municipality of tourist interest by the Region of Valencia, hides a subterranean secret: Cueva de Don Juan or Don Juan Cave. One of the most astoundingly beautiful caves in the whole of the region, the underground wonderland extends over 60,000 metres squared, making it the biggest in the province. 

Cueva de Don Juan comprises two areas which keep the same temperature all year round. The main difference between the two is the humidity, as one is much drier than the other. Intriguing geological formations abound here, such as stalactites, stalagmites, draperies, columns and flowstone. 

Cueva de Don Juan, in Jalance, is located in Júcar river ravine, an area characterised by sheer rockfaces and fast flowing waters. Extraordinary panoramic views are ready and waiting to leave you speechless. 

The circular walk through the cave is about 500 metres long and will take you 30 minutes, making it the perfect family outing, positively bursting with the history and landscape of the Region of Valencia.

Other things to do in Jalance 

Jalance sits in stunning surroundings, making it the perfect place to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with wild and unspoilt nature. A charming inland municipality in the province of Valencia, it straddles various mountain ranges, including sierra del Boquerón, muela de Cortes and muela de Jalance. Alongside Cueva de Don Juan, there is also the incredible Cañones del Júcar and Júcar natural pools. 

Once you’ve visited the beautiful Don Juan caves, you can also discover all the other things to do in Jalance. A wander around the historic centre will show you that Jalance is quite simply one of the quaintest villages in the Region of Valencia. 

You can visit the parish church, built in 1736 and dedicated to San Miguel Arcángel, the historic chapel and the imposing castle, which dates back to Arab times and played a crucial role in Jalance’s history thanks to its border location. 

You can also soak up the beauty of Jalance from its various viewing points, known as miradores. The most popular among visitors are: plaza de la Picota mirador, Jalance mirador, cañones del Júcar mirador and cueva de Don Juan mirador. 

And to round off your trip you can indulge in some exquisite local gastronomy. Morteruelo, torta mal hecha, ajitonto and pasteles de boniato are just some traditional and extremely delicious dishes you’ll find served up in Jalance.