Itinerary Expand all Fly to Alicante; transfer to Benimantell village.Those travelling on the group flights will be met upon arrival and transferred to our pension, located in the little village of Benimantell, half way up on Guadalest Valley on the north face of the Aitana Massiff. There will be a welcome briefing at the pension this evening. Meals included: Dinner Day 1 Start Benimantell village.The tour starts at our pension in the little village of Benimantell, half way up on Guadalest Valley on the north face of the Aitana Massif. It can be time consuming to make your own way there so we recommend you coordinate your travel arrangements so that you can join the group transfer from Alicante Airport - please provide your travel details in advance. There will be a welcome briefing at the pension this evening. Meals included: Dinner Day 2 An enchanting walk passing the limestone needles of Penya Roc before walking through El Salt down to Collado Papatxi.We make our way to Racó de Tovaines, where we access the spectacular limestone peaks and needles of Penya Roc and walk through El Salt up to Collado Papatxi. This area enchants people with its soaring towers and walls of rock all around. Early sunset rays will highlight the spine of the jagged Castellets Ridge that stretches down to Orxeta. We return through Pas del Comptador back to Benimantell. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 3 Walk up Peña del Rastrell for fantastic views over Guadalest Valley.From Benimantell we walk down to Guadalest water dam and climb on a track to Peña del Rastrell. From here, we make our way up Tossal Redó and Almedia above Callosad'en Sarria, where we are rewarded with breathtaking views of Altea Bay and Guadalest Valley. We then descend along the spine of Tossal Redó down through the old town of Callosa where we join the short transfer (approx. 25mins) back to Benimantell. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 4 Climb Serrella Peak for vistas of the Aitana Range; descend via a magnificent gorge to Beniarda; visit a local olive oil factory.After a short transfer to Abdet, we begin by ascending to Pico Serrella (1,323m) and follow the western spine of Serrella to Mallada del Llop (1,361m). We usually stop for a picnic lunch here to take in the sweeping views of the Aitana Range, and even the Valencia Mountains on a clear day.After lunch we begin our long descent on the spectacular and remote Barranc de la Canal Gorge, with its two parallel fins of upturned limestone strata leading to an abandoned farmhouse at Penyeta de la Hedra. Inititally the descent is a fairly steep gradient on a rocky/scree surface, which we zigzag down. Scrambling is required on some sections. During the last stretch, the gradient lessens and we enjoy pleasant views of terraced olive groves and centenary carob trees, which lead us to the village of Beniardá.In Beniardá there’s time to visit the local olive oil factory, a small scale outfit producing award-winning olive oils. Afterwards we can either walk or be transferred back to our accommodation in Benimantell. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 5 Free day; chance to head to the beach at colourful Villajoyosa or visit a chocolate factory.Today is a free day to relax or perhaps take the chance to head to the the beach at Villajoyosa or visit a chocolate factory. Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 Summit Puig Campana (1410m) for panoramic views to the Costa Blanca and across the region.A fairly tough walk - the summit of the Puig Campana (1,410m) with 360º panoramic views! Almost all of the peaks and ridges traversed in the previous days may be seen. On the other side, the Mediterranean stretches to the horizon. We approach the north face of this mountain along good trails and paths, embarking on a gentle climb passing the Collao del Llamp to the Collao Pouet, the actual base of the mountain. From here, we climb a new footpath, which is steep and rocky, on the north face of this spectacular peak, returning to our vehicle from the Casa de Dios. Scrambling is required on some sections. (Occasionally the walks on days 6 and 7 may be reversed in which case the Aitana Peak walk will be done today). Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 7 Spectacular walk along the dramatic Simas Limestone Fissures; option to scale Aitana Peak.From the pension we walk along the northern slopes up to the Font de Partagat and then scramble through Pas de la Rabosa, the only natural break on the Aitana, which gives access to the summit from this north side. We have lunch at the Simas limestone fissures, up to 90m deep, situated on a ridge near the summit of Aitana. It is an impressive geological formation and a perfect picnic spot. Weather permitting, it’s possible to climb the summit (optional). We then have another long descent today. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Transfer to Alicante; fly to London.The tour ends in Benimantell after breakfast. Those who are travelling on the group flights will be transferred to Alicante airport for your flight back to London. Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 End Benimantell village.The tour ends in Benimantell after breakfast. If you have not booked flights through Exodus but would like to join the group transfer back to Alicante Airport you must request this at the time of booking. Meals included: Breakfast
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Family-run Hostal, Benimantell, AlicanteThis is a centre-based trip, spending all seven nights in the village of Benimantell in the region of Alicante.We usually stay at Hostal Rincón de Pepe, a small family-run hotel offering eight simple but clean en suite rooms. The main draw of this little place is the warm welcome and the stunning mountain views from its large terrace and from every room, as well as its proximity to the walks. The hotel restaurant is also popular for its traditional fare and friendly service.Occasionally we stay at Hostal El Trestellador, another small family-run property of a similar style only a few kilometres away.Should you require additional accommodation before or after the tour, it is possible to book extra nights in Alicante through Exodus and join the group transfers to/from Benimantell - please enquire for details. Pre/post-tour accommodation is not available at the accommodation in Benimantell.As the pensions only have eight and nine rooms respectively, single supplements (on request) are limited and are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.
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Reviewed June 2022 RICHARD DAVEYBeyond the beach This is proof that The Costa Blanca has far more to offer than beer, chips and turning pink on the beach! About an hour or so drive Inland from Alicante, the Sierra de Aitana rises to heights greater than Ben Nevis. The treks are based around the Hostal Rincon De Pepe, and from there a minibus links up with the start and finish of each hike. The trek is graded as moderate to challenging, but be aware that the climbs and descents are often very steep and over loose scree. it can also be extremely hot and dry throughout the day. Each trek has been developed to give a different aspect of the Aitana massif so no two days will be the same. Breakfasts and packed lunches are provided......And the evening meals are all home cooked Spanish specialities!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Spotting a family of Wild Boar racing uphill on the opposite side of the valley.What did you think of your group leader? Jose has extensive knowledge of the Aitana region and has been responsible for developing treks in the area. He works with the mapmaking authorities and is involved with the initiation and upkeep of trekking routes. He is passionate about his role as a guide and he exudes enthusiasm for the flora and fauna of the mountains.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? An eye-opening experience for anyone who enjoys the mountains.....But remember to bring your drinking water bottle!
Reviewed April 2022 Vanessa DunnetBrilliant trip! A fantastic week, in excellent company, with a wonderful guide. José's commitment to our enjoyment and safety ensured that every member of the group benefited from his care and attention to detail. We were fortunate with the weather - cold, but sunny and clear, providing some of our best ever mountain days. José arranged our itinerary to ensure that we had the best possible conditions. The mountains of Sierra D'Aitana are imposing and beautiful, offering stunning views across the entire coastal region. Throughout our stay, we enjoyed excellent traditional Spanish meals at our hotel, as well as the best ever packed lunches! Thank you, Exodus, and thank you José.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Reaching the summit of Aitana - a long and challenging trek which handsomely repaid the effort. But also the stunning 360 degree views from the summit of Serrella on our final day.What did you think of your group leader? Simply outstanding! Thoughtful, sensitive to the needs of all members of the group, with fantastic local knowledge and information about the history, flora, fauna and geology of the area. José's enthusiasm was infectious, and his sandwiches life-changing! José used his local knowledge to determine the best itinerary fro us. He went out of his way to ensure that each of us had the best possible all-round experience.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? If you enjoy walking in the mountains and enjoy a challenge, this is for you! But make sure that you follow the advice in the trip notes to ensure that you're fit enough to deal with some steep paths. And take plenty of layers, as the temperature varies with the landscape.
Reviewed April 2022 Liz Fullilove A Hidden Gem! We have just returned from a fantastic week hiking in the Sierra de Aitana with Jose Garcia as our guide. It is amazing that this relatively quiet mountain area is so near to Benidorm yet a millions miles away in terms of scenery, history and culture.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? We had a fantastic final days walk up to Pico Serella with views for miles up and down the coast. We stopped to eat our lunch in the sun -incredible sandwiches made by our guide Jose, full of fresh local ingredients - before descending through a hidden valley. We finished in a small village square at a bar in the sun - perfect!What did you think of your group leader? Jose was an excellent leader. He knows the area and it's history very well. He constantly changed the itinerary to fit the weather conditions and make the most of the sunnier days. He looked after the whole group whilst we were walking, providing extra kit if needed, but also in the evening taking us out for a group meal or driving us back from a local bar at the end of the walk. Nothing seemed to be too much trouble, we felt very well looked after.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? You may not have heard of Sierra de Aitana before but this is a great area with stunning views, an interesting history and quiet way of life. The walking is challenging in places - there are some long descents, the paths are narrow or occasionally just scree slopes - so you need to be a confident walker. But Jose is a good guide and will help if needed -so book it!Is there anything else you would like to add? The accommodation is clean, comfortable and basic. The staff are very welcoming and the food is plentiful if rustic (meat eaters be prepared for rabbit!).
Reviewed February 2022 Holly ButcherFantastic trip Really enjoyed this week away in Sierra de Aitana. Fantastic scenery, excellent group leader and delicious food with challenging walks only 2 hours flight from UK. It was so relaxing being centre based and each day you either walk from the hotel or have a maximum 20 minute transfer. The airport is only an hour transfer too, so maximum time out and about and not in a van.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The views every day were just wonderful.What did you think of your group leader? Jose Miguel was a brilliant group leader. He is really informative - bringing the region, culture, history and flora fauna to life. He was really considered and professional and we all felt very safe in his hands but also great fun too with a fantastic sense of humour.
Reviewed February 2022 Rebecca PritchardFabulous Week Great trip in a beautiful but accessible part of Spain. Weather at the end of February was sunny and a real treat. Only an hour transfer from Alicante aerport and the walks are really local to the hotel so no wasted time in the van. Jose is a fabulous leader, who brings the area to life with his detailed local knowledge. He moved the walk days around to suit the weather conditions which meant every day was fantastic.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The views from the top of some of the summits were amazing and being in the sun in February was excellent! Also met lovely people and the food was hearty.What did you think of your group leader? Jose made this trip. His love and knowledge of the area was clearly evidient, the walks he planned showcased the area. I really liked that Jose guided us to support some local businesses - olive oil, chocolate factory, brewery, hostal and restaurants - this helped to understand the area better. Also he makes fabulous sandwiches!!Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Book onto this trip ASAP! Bring layers as you can be in a vest top one minute and a down jacket at the summit!
Reviewed January 2022 keri lummisWonderful Week of Walking This Trip is fabulous. The Hotel was charming, the rooms had wonderful views and the food was really nice. The walking was very varied and the scenery was breathtaking - we were lucky to have a week of sunshine. The walking is challenging but if you are fit and love a full day of trekking its not hard. Poles are useful and a little head for heights on certain days. I loved the Tour Leader Jose as he was a great trek leader and also gave us lots of info on the area and really loved his job. Its a great week away with really lovely scenery and I don't know how I have never heard of this area before - I chose the trip as it was potentially good weather in early Jan and has great reviews but It really outdid my expectations as I loved it. Spain is easy to get to in these uncertain times and it all went very smoothly from Exodus office helping me to get flights sorted to the Canaries after and the wonderful Jose looking after as so well - I suggest going to see this area - Its rather wonderfulWhat was the most inspirational moment of your trip? All of it ! I loved the trekking and they were all wonderful hikes - We had a wonderful first day where we were above the clouds and so the view was incredible - The day off was wonderful as we visited two very pretty villages Altea was so charming and I also had 2 swims in the Sea in January and I loved every minute of this tripWhat did you think of your group leader? He was truly one of the best, He had lots of stories and ensured all the clients were looked after and he also provided the best sandwiches I have ever eaten He was always upbeat and full of energy and I really felt he enjoys his job and the area and that really showed Excellent Leader and he showed us several beautiful villages as well as the amazing hikesDo you have any advice for potential travellers? You will need Poles and for winter departures warmer clothes as the wind was chilly I would take bed socks or slippers for cold floors in the bedroom but the heating in the rooms was great just cold underfoot as stone floors No need for fancy clothes for dinner - its all very laid back If you are a snacker then take snacks as not many shops around as you are up in the mountainsIs there anything else you would like to add? I loved this trip and I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to get out walking in the mountains - It was truly wonderful
Reviewed January 2022 Lloyd CoatesBrilliant, hidden Gem of a trip! Absolutely fantastic week in what is a hidden gem of a hiking trip! Stunning scenery, great way to start 2022 with some winter sun.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Every day the scenery didn't fail to amaze. So close to modern life, yet also so far away. Beekepers, farmers on ancient tractors, stone houses and terraces built by the Moors. Fantastic place!What did you think of your group leader? I have had the pleasure of meeting many brilliant guides and Jose is right up there with the best. Very passionate about his surroundings, very likeable and extremely experienced. Made the trip! Also deserves a special mention for the best home made sandwiches on any hiking trip.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Book this - it's very good. Take layers (as well as sunscreen) as higher up it can get cold.Is there anything else you would like to add? Thanks to Raquel for her cooking - great to come home to three hearty courses after a day hiking. She worked tirelessly and provided tasty options for different dietary requirements.
Reviewed November 2021 Chris HA fantastic trip full of beauty and enjoyment Sierra de Aitana is a beautiful part of Spain that is full of majestic hills and mountains; delicious local food and drink; charming towns and villages; and welcoming locals who will go the extra mile to make sure you have a great time. I have been hiking in many different countries and this trip stands out for me. The guide, Jose, is very friendly and approachable, and looked after the group with care and attention. He is from the area so knows it like the back of his hand. The accommodation was comfortable and set in a charming and peaceful location. I got to enjoy the sunrise over the valley from my bedroom window each morning. The food is delicious! Jose made amazing sandwiches and there was plenty of food to eat at dinner in order to fuel up for the next day's activities. The elderly lady who does all the cooking is incredible and a sweetheart. During the rest day I got to visit a chocolate factory (my bag was a bit heavier coming back!) and the picturesque coastal towns of Villajoyosa and Altea.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Sitting high up on the mountain ridges and looking at the sea glistening in the sun. I particularly savoured such moments given what we have all been through during the pandemic.What did you think of your group leader? Jose was a brilliant guide and above all a great person. I particularly liked how Jose told us about the area's history, culture and agriculture. He provided detailed briefings about the hikes and weather conditions, and ensured the group was aware of any risks while on the hikes. He has a great sense of humour and made sure everyone felt included regardless of their hiking experience. He is calm and his experience in the mountains clearly shows. I would hike with him again without question.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? You won't regret booking this trip! Do have the right clothing for hiking and take note of the kit list. You will need a good level of fitness and experience of hiking from morning to late afternoon. Jose will tailor the hikes to the group's overall fitness level but the fitter you are the more you can focus on enjoying yourself and taking in the stunning views.Is there anything else you would like to add? I appreciated the lengths Jose went to make sure everyone had something enjoyable to do during the rest day. He arranged transportation, provided maps and directions, and ideas for areas to explore.
Reviewed November 2021 Jeremy CroxallWonderful walking in Spain Have just returned from a hugely successful trip to Sierra de Aitana and can thoroughly recommend it! The trip had all the ingredients of an Exodus holiday that will live long in the memory: a knowledgeable, organised and thoughtful guide in Jose who grew up in the area and knows the hills and mountains like the back of his hand; a charming hotel with welcoming staff and delicious home-cooked food; a beautiful and varied landscape with eye-popping scenery and, in my case, a really friendly group who were great company throughout the week. The trip was a real antidote to the onset of Winter in the UK being mild even at this time of the year. I would imagine that it is equally attractive in the Spring and Summer.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Being able to get up high in the hills and enjoy the dramatic scenery and views of the sea. It requires some effort obviously but that is more than repaid by the pleasure of being in such a lovely landscape.What did you think of your group leader? Jose was excellent, a confident guide who knows the area so well and was able to mix up the walks to suit the weather on any particular day, taking into account important issues of safety. He is very knowledgeable, being able to provide lots of local context during the walks which really added to the experience. His sandwiches were delicious (!) and he mixed extremely well with the group, not imposing himself unduly but making himself available to provide help and advice when it was needed.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? My advice would be to take advantage of this lovely spot and pay a visit! The trip notes are comprehensive and provide a good guide on what to take. You need a reasonable level of fitness to get up high to enjoy the views but Jose makes sure it isn't too gruelling and takes account of the inevitable range of fitness levels in the group.Is there anything else you would like to add? The hotel is about an hours drive inland from Alicante on the coast and there is an opportunity to visit the seaside towns on the rest day. Again, Jose provided all the necessary info and arranged transport etc.
Reviewed November 2021 Katrina HandfordA wonderful trip! I couldn't speak more highly of this trip. The scenery was absolutely stunning; the areas provided a great variety of walks with spectacular views. The accommodation was perfectly situated to start most of the walks directly from the hotel. It was also within walking distance of the bars and restaurants in Benimantell and Guadalest. Having said that, the food at the hotel was wonderful and so there was little need to venture further afield. Homecooked, nourishing and delicious food from the hotel was perfect fuel for the trekking.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Stunning scenery which provided the perfect backdrop for every lunch stop.What did you think of your group leader? Jose absolutely made the trip - he was knowledgeable in every area; environment, nature, plants, culture, food, history. His knowledge of the mountains was second to none, having been responsible for opening up many of the walking routes of the past few years and mapping out the terrain. He was so experienced that he was able to change and amend routes when weather necessitated this, which meant we didn't lose out too much because of the rainy conditions. Plus, his sandwiches were delicious and were a real treat after a long morning of walking.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Definitely book this trip - highly recommended.Is there anything else you would like to add? Jose and the staff at the hotel were wonderful - thank you so much for making the trip so memorable.
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