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Costa del Sol · Spain

Xixona (Jijona)

Xixona (also known as Jijona) is a charming inland town located in the province of Alicante, renowned worldwide as the birthplace of turrón (Spanish nougat). Situated approximately 20 to 25 kilometers north of the city of Alicante, it offers a peaceful lifestyle at an elevation of 464 meters, providing stunning views and cleaner air while remaining close to the Costa Blanca coastline.

6.540
Population
3826
Sunshine hours/year
464m
Elevation
31
AQI (Fair)

Living & Lifestyle

Life in Xixona is defined by its rich culinary heritage and tranquil atmosphere. The town is famously home to the 'Museu del Turró' (Nougat Museum) and hosts several traditional turrón factories that fill the streets with sweet aromas, especially during the winter months. With a population of approximately 6,500 to 7,000 inhabitants, it provides a tight-knit community feel where locals still converse in Valencian. Daily amenities are easily accessible; the town center hosts essential services including two pharmacies and a couple of banks. While the dining scene is intimate, local restaurants and cafes serve traditional mountain cuisine, distinct from the coastal seafood fare.

Climate & Weather

Xixona enjoys a Mediterranean climate tempered by its elevation, which results in cooler winters than the coast but pleasant, warm summers. The town experiences abundant sunshine, recording approximately 3,826 hours of sun annually. Average temperatures range from a mild 11.9°C in January to a warm peak of 26.5°C in August. While the region is generally dry, Xixona receives about 72 days of rain per year, with September and October being the wettest months, helping to maintain the lush surrounding natural landscapes.
Month °C gem. °C max°C min Rainfall mm Sun hours
January 9.4° 13.9°5.9° 46 mm 259h
February 10.6° 15.3°6.8° 18 mm 253h
March 12.0° 16.6°8.2° 74 mm 290h
April 14.0° 18.6°10.0° 60 mm 315h
May 17.8° 22.4°13.5° 45 mm 386h
June 22.6° 27.3°18.1° 28 mm 399h
July 25.6° 30.5°20.9° 9 mm 421h
August 25.4° 30.3°21.0° 22 mm 386h
September 21.3° 25.9°17.6° 46 mm 324h
October 17.8° 22.5°14.1° 42 mm 291h
November 13.0° 17.4°9.6° 31 mm 257h
December 10.6° 15.0°7.4° 30 mm 245h

Getting Around

The town is well-connected for an inland location, sitting just off the A-7 motorway that links Valencia and Alicante. The closest international gateway is Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC), located only 28.9 kilometers away, making travel highly convenient. While the town itself is mountainous and best navigated by car, the broader comarca area is served by a public transport network comprising 18 bus lines with 165 stops, providing connections to Alicante city and neighboring towns. Valencia Airport is a viable alternative at 105.6 kilometers for those seeking additional flight options.

Alicante-Elche (ALC)

28.9 km

Valencia (VLC)

105.6 km

Malaga-Costa del Sol (AGP)

408.2 km

Lines

18

Stops

165

Cycling: - (gradient 0%)

EV Charging Points

  • Cargador EV Wenea (9.6 km)

Nature & Beaches

Although Xixona is an inland town, it serves as a gateway to the natural parks of the interior. It is flanked by the Sierra del Maigmó, offering hiking routes with panoramic views of the Mediterranean. The town itself is known for its 'Ruta del Turrón,' a cultural route that blends nature with industry. For beach lovers, the famous sandy shores of the Costa Blanca, such as San Juan and Playa del Postiguet in Alicante, are a short 25 to 30-minute drive away.

Sports & Recreation

The surrounding terrain of the 'Maigmó' and 'Bonrée' mountain ranges makes Xixona a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly hikers and cyclists, despite the steep gradients in certain areas. The region offers numerous trails that wind through almond and olive groves, reflecting the town's agricultural roots. For organized sports, the town provides local facilities including a municipal sports center. The natural environment invites activities like trail running and rock climbing, capitalizing on the rugged landscape that rises above the town.

Golf Courses

Amenities

Restaurant

1

Pharmacy

2

Bank

2

Cafe

2

Air Quality

PM2.5

2.7

µg/m³

PM10

4.0

µg/m³

NO²

1.5

µg/m³

Ozone

77.0

µg/m³

UV Index

0.0

Education

Families in Xixona have access to the local public education system, including nursery and primary schools within the municipality, such as CEIP El Maigmó and CEIP Santa Justa. For secondary education and international schooling, residents often commute to Alicante city, located roughly 25 minutes away by car. Alicante hosts a variety of reputable international schools offering the British curriculum and International Baccalaureate, which are easily accessible via the A-7 highway.

Economy & Income

The economy of Xixona is historically and inextricably linked to the production of turrón and ice cream, a tradition that dates back centuries and continues to be a significant employer and tourist draw. While agriculture (almond and olive farming) persists, the manufacturing of sweets remains the dominant industry. The town's proximity to Alicante allows residents to commute for broader economic opportunities, combining the benefits of a small-town cost of living with access to a dynamic provincial labor market.

Local Holidays (32)

2026-01-01

Año Nuevo

2026-01-06

Día de Reyes / Epifanía del Señor

2026-02-28

Día de Andalucía

2026-03-01

Dia de les Illes Balears

2026-04-02

Jueves Santo

2026-04-03

Viernes Santo

At a Glance

  • World-famous as the home of Spanish turrón (nougat) production.
  • Located 20-25km inland from Alicante at 464 meters elevation.
  • Closest airport is Alicante-Elche (ALC) at 28.9 km.
  • Enjoys over 3,800 hours of sunshine annually.
  • Population of approximately 6,500 to 7,000 inhabitants.
  • Gateway to the Sierra del Maigmó hiking and nature areas.

Browse by Property Type

Villas
1 real estate
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Available Properties

The real estate market in Xixona is smaller and more exclusive than in the coastal hubs, currently showing limited availability with detached villas representing the primary offering. Prices generally start around €735,000, reflecting larger properties and land sizes compared to city apartments. The market appeals to buyers looking for privacy, authentic Spanish surroundings, and value for money in terms of property size, all while being a short drive from the amenities of the coast.
Villas (1)
Bekijk alle woningen in Xixona →

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Xixona from the beach?
Xixona is located approximately 25 kilometers inland. Driving to the nearest beaches in Alicante, such as San Juan or Playa del Postiguet, takes about 25 to 30 minutes via the A-7 motorway.
What is Xixona famous for?
Xixona is internationally famous for being the birthplace and main producer of Turrón (Spanish nougat). It holds a Designation of Origin for this traditional sweet, which is the staple of its economy.
Is the real estate market expensive in Xixona?
Prices can be higher per square meter compared to some other inland areas due to the popularity of the town and the size of properties. Current listings for detached villas start around €735,000.
What is the climate like in Xixona compared to the coast?
Due to its elevation (464m), Xixona is cooler in winter and fresher in summer than the coast. It still enjoys abundant sunshine (over 3,800 hours/year) but receives slightly more rainfall, averaging 72 rainy days per year.
How do I get to Xixona from the airport?
The town is very accessible. Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) is the closest, situated just 28.9 km away, making for a drive of roughly 25 minutes via the A-7 highway.
Are there international schools nearby?
While Xixona has local public schooling, the nearest international schools offering British or IB curriculums are located in Alicante city, about a 30-minute drive away.
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