Jijona: Spain’s Sweet Little Nougat Town

Fancy a town that smells of toasted almonds and honey? Welcome to Jijona, tucked into the hills above Alicante. This small Valencian town is the proud home of turrón, Spain’s beloved Christmas nougat. Foodies come for factory tours and tastings, while history lovers explore its Moorish castle ruins. Meanwhile, hikers use Jijona as a base for the wild Carrasqueta mountain pass nearby. Cyclists love the area too, since the mountain roads around town attract riders from across the region. Add colourful festivals and a genuinely warm welcome, and you’ve got a brilliant day trip or overnight stop. Best of all, it sits just a short drive from the Costa Blanca beaches. Let’s take a closer look at what makes Jijona so special.

What to see and do

Start your visit at the Museo del Turrón, Jijona’s most famous attraction. This museum walks you through centuries of nougat-making, from old stone grinding tools to modern machinery. Guided tours usually end with a tasting session, so come hungry. Since the museum also has its own shop, it’s the perfect place to pick up souvenirs. Guided tours can get busy around Christmas, so booking ahead saves you a wait. Buy Tickets

Next, climb up to the Castillo de Jijona, also known as Torre Grossa. Built by the Almohads in the late 12th century, it once guarded the border of the old Kingdom of Valencia. Sadly, much of it was destroyed during the War of the Spanish Succession, but the ruined walls and tower still stand proudly. From the top, you’ll get sweeping views across the town, the surrounding hills and, on a clear day, the Mediterranean Sea. The castle featured on Jijona’s coat of arms for centuries, since it once held the symbolic keys to the whole kingdom. Free guided walks around the old town and castle run several times a year, so check local listings before you go.

Afterwards, wander through Jijona’s old quarter, known as Casco Viejo. Narrow streets wind past whitewashed houses and small artisan shops selling turrón and marzipan. Look out for the modernist façade of the old Primitivo Rovira nougat factory, one of the town’s oldest, founded back in 1850. It’s a lovely area simply to get lost in for an hour or two, with plenty of quiet corners to stop for a coffee.

If you fancy some fresh air, head up to the Alto de la Carrasqueta, a dramatic mountain pass just outside town. Hairpin bends lead you through pine forest to a lookout point known locally as the Balcony of Alicante. On clear days, the views stretch all the way down to the coast, taking in the sierras of La Serrella and Aitana along the way. It’s a favourite spot for cyclists, so expect to share the road with a few keen riders, especially at weekends.

Sweet-toothed visitors shouldn’t leave without trying an ice cream, either. Jijona has a long, proud tradition of ice-cream making, with generations of local families running heladerías across Spain each summer. Several shops in town sell their own artisan flavours, often made using the same almonds that go into the local turrón. It’s a lovely, simple way to round off a day of sightseeing.

Local festivals and traditions

Jijona genuinely comes alive every August with its Fiestas de Moros y Cristianos. Held from the 19th to the 21st, this dramatic festival re-enacts the historic struggle between Moors and Christians. Colourful comparsas, or costumed groups, parade through the streets to music and cheering crowds. Each comparsa wears elaborate, hand-stitched costumes, and rivalries between them add extra energy to the parades. The standout moment is the Juicio Sumarísimo del Moro Traidor, a theatrical mock trial held on the festival’s final morning. Remarkably, Jijona is the only town known to hold this festival twice a year, since a second celebration takes place every October for the town’s many seasonal ice-cream sellers returning home.

Christmas, unsurprisingly, is also a big deal here. As the birthplace of turrón, Jijona buzzes with extra energy throughout December. Local factories ramp up production, and the smell of roasted almonds fills the streets. Many workshops open their doors for special seasonal tours, giving visitors a real taste of the town’s sweet heritage. It’s genuinely one of the best times of year to visit, especially if you enjoy a proper Christmas atmosphere.

Throughout the year, smaller local traditions keep Jijona’s calendar busy too. Easter Week brings solemn processions through the old town, while summer sees open-air concerts in the main square. Therefore, whenever you visit, there’s usually something happening.

Where to stay

For the easiest access to the museum and old town, base yourself right in the centre of Jijona. This puts you within walking distance of the castle, the shops and the town’s best tapas bars. It also makes for a relaxed, authentic stay, well away from the busier coastal resorts. In the evenings, you’ll find locals gathering in the main square, which adds a lovely, genuine atmosphere to any stay.

If you fancy something more scenic, consider staying up at the Carrasqueta pass itself. A handful of small rural hotels sit among the pines here, offering peaceful mountain views and excellent hiking straight from the door. This option suits couples or anyone wanting a proper escape from the crowds, though a car is essential. Guests often mention the sense of total quiet, along with wonderful sunsets over the surrounding sierras. Whichever option you choose, book ahead around festival season and Christmas, as rooms fill up fast. Book Accommodation

How to get to Jijona

The nearest airport is Alicante-Elche Airport, roughly 35km south of Jijona. It offers plenty of flight connections from the UK, especially during summer, with several budget carriers flying year-round. Book flights

Jijona doesn’t have its own train station, so the easiest option is to take a train into Alicante first. From there, you can continue by bus or car for the final stretch inland. It’s a simple, straightforward route, even for first-time visitors, and Alicante’s station also connects well to the rest of the country. Check connections

Buses also run regularly between Alicante and Jijona, taking around 40 minutes. This is a handy, affordable option if you’d rather skip driving altogether. Buy Tickets

Driving gives you the most freedom, particularly if you want to explore the Carrasqueta mountains too. From Alicante, simply follow the A-70 and then the CV-800 north, reaching Jijona in around 35 minutes. Hire a Car Already in Spain? Get directions.

However you arrive, Jijona offers a sweet, slower-paced side of the Costa Blanca. Add it to your trip, and you’ll leave with a new appreciation for Spain’s favourite Christmas treat.