Sierra de Aitana Trek

Jo Lisowska   -  Traveled, May 2024

Hidden gem near Costa Blanca Really enjoyed this hiking trip. Often travelling to Spain but it was the first time for me to experience Sierra de Aitana. Very close to Costa Blanca but felt secluded and peaceful. Hikes are interesting and varied; not very demanding, but i guess this is more of personal view as all depends on person’s fitness and hiking experience (also the weather could be a factor). We started our week with rainy weather but finished with plenty of sunshine. Paths vary, some have lots of scree and stones, some approaches are very rocky…this variety keeps things interesting. I found some hikes were easier in terms of approach than expected but anyway José was always on hand. Hotel is located away from everything and this provides tranquility and peaceful environment…really enjoyable moments sitting on the terrace after hike soaking up beautiful views. Great service from friendly Raquel (the owner) who prepared our tasty meals and provided us with freshly squeezed orange juice. The sandwich lunches were impressive and this comes from someone who is not a sandwich person – freshly prepared with plenty of variety – very tasty and nutritious. The highlight – hiking in the company of Bobby (the dog). Most Inspirational Moment Hiking Sierra de Serrella (my favourite hike, away from crowds, varied terrain, a bit of scrambling on the top, beautiful views). I also enjoyed Puig de Campana ascent. Thoughts on Group Leader José Miguel was very professional, well organised, approachable, upfront about hikes challenges and always on hand. Advice for Potential Travellers Take hydration bladder (plus water bottle), thermos (if you like hot drinks at hotel /on hikes), hiking poles and plenty of varied layers; even at the beginning of May the weather was rapidly changing from rain / cold at the start of the week to rather hot weather on the final ascent. Note that there is no nearby shop, the closest village is about 1hrs walk or you need a taxi to get there. You can buy some local products at hotel - honey, olive oil, chocolate etc.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 05/25/2024

Pete Grist   -  Traveled, May 2024

Great Trip I wanted a challenging week in good company and that’s what I got. Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent. It's great having a local guide who lives in the area. Suggestions Simple, friendly and welcoming hotel.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 05/28/2424

Ann Cockburn   -  Traveled, February 2024

Sierra Aitana-spectacular and challenging This holiday was both challenging and exhilarating. The scenery was spectacular and the weather perfect for walking in February. We had clear and careful guidance from our guide before and during the walks which probably helped the group to gain most from the experience (different goals for members of the group) Our guide, Jose, loved his local area and was able to add a lot of information and was very supportive of all. Most Inspirational Moment Last day-reaching the summit with spectacular 360 degree views, including of the Med and interesting geology Thoughts on Group Leader Jose was great in all respects Advice for Potential Travellers We agreed that this walk averaged out as challenging/5 rather than Mod/challenging 4. Steep rocky gradients at times. I felt I was slightly out of my depth on the downhills for the first time Suggestions Clean, friendly, family hotel in the centre of the mountain range. Breakfasts great. Local fare in the evenings (puddings not so great)

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 02/27/2024

Jade Rolph   -  Traveled, February 2024

A fantastic trip in an unexpectedly beautiful area I loved this trip. The hiking was a great level for a sporty but relaxed holiday, with hikes that were just the right length and suitably varied. The scenery was stunning and the mountains weren’t crowded, we passed a few local hikers but were largely on our own. Jose the guide was so passionate about the area and was full of information about the plants and animals of the mountains. Most Inspirational Moment The Aitana Peak trip on the final day because the scenery was just glorious. Thoughts on Group Leader Fantastic. Jose was relaxed and friendly and great at accommodating different abilities and speeds within the group. He's full or passion and knowledge for the area. He's a great guide! Advice for Potential Travellers Read the trip notes and difficulty rating before booking (the trip was rated 4 out of 7 - Moderate / Challenging at the time we did it). For us this wasn't a tough hiking trip, but it was slightly more challenging that some of our fellow travellers expected. One frequent Exodus hiker said it was tougher than some other similarly rated trips he'd been on. Jose was great at making sure everybody had a great trip though and this didn't affect anybody's enjoyment, we stuck to a pace that suited everybody and Jose made sure we were all comfortable. Bring lots of layers as we experienced lots of different weather in February. Be prepared for beautiful scenery and great food! Suggestions This was a great trip. We hope to come back to the area for more hiking in the future.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 02/26/2024

Jane Hallett   -  Traveled, November 2023

Challenging Trek With An Excellent Guide and Support Team This was an excellent week of walking. The paths are steep in some places but well defined and Jose guided us with care and attention on the challenging ascents and descents of the Sierra Aitana. The walks were well-paced by Jose but the days are long so you do need to be fit. We trekked through a number of landscapes illustrating the historic and current use of the area and Jose with his local knowledge enhanced our understanding of how this area has evolved over the centuries as well as the current challenges. The views from the walks were amazing – one way you could see the coast from Alicante to Benidorm and beyond and the other the folding valleys and mountains of the interior. The skies were blue and the days sunny and warm and we experienced very little wind even on the summits. We were based at the Hostel Rincon de Pepe where we had a wonderful week being looked after by Raquel. The food was amazing and hearty (three courses plus wine). The terrace was also great place to have breakfast every morning as the sun rose out of the Med, as well as a beer or two after the walk as the sun disappeared behind the mountains. Most Inspirational Moment Reaching the summit of Puig Campana. This was a challenging walk but worth the effort as the panoramic views especially over the coast were stunning. Thoughts on Group Leader Jose was an excellent leader and guide. He was informative, approachable and very organised and had a good support team. Jose briefed us every day so we knew the detail and the challenges of the next walk and made sure we were prepared. Jose's sandwiches which he made for us every day are rightly legendary as is his paella. He made recommendations and arrangements for each of us for our free day and even ferried us around. Nothing was too much trouble. Advice for Potential Travellers The weather was clear, dry and the right temperature for walking but taking many layers is the best approach as it can cool down quickly out of the sun. It is strenuous in parts so you do need to be fit, have a head for heights and have some good boots. Suggestions This a great winter walk - highly recommended.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/29/2023

Michael Dunford   -  Traveled, November 2023

Outstanding week's walking with a great guide and a relaxed environment This is a great week’s walking in a little-known (and underrated) part of Spain. The Aitana range is a compact set of mountains so you get to tick off almost all of it, and there are great views from the top of all the peaks, out to the coast and across to the surrounding peaks. Most of the walks are reasonably demanding, but also rewarding. Being based in one location, with very short transfers (or none) for each walk makes for a very relaxing week aside from the walking. It’s also a fairly short transfer to/from Alicante Airport. The vast majority of meals are included which makes it much better value than some other (apparently similarly priced) holidays. Jose the guide is exceptional: hard-working, helpful, supportive and deeply knowledgeable about the area. Most Inspirational Moment Personally I really enjoyed the Pico de Serrella day, as it had a very nice mix of different types of terrain, with lots of variation. The Aitana peak (the highest in the range) was also a great day. Although it's the highest point in the range, the approach to it was mainly fairly gradual and pleasant. The scramble up to the Pas de la Rabosa (including the squeeze through "Fat Man's Agony") was also good fun! Thoughts on Group Leader Jose was outstanding in every way. He knows the area like the back of his hand so there's no-one better as a source of information. But on top of that he was friendly, good-humoured and supportive, and we always knew we were in safe hands. And the sandwiches he made for the lunches were amazing! Advice for Potential Travellers Prepare properly for some solid days' walking with some tricky ascents/descents and lots of uneven ground. The raw stats on the itinerary may not look too intimidating, but the terrain makes it harder work than those would suggest. So if you want to enjoy it, make sure you've done some preparation! Be equipped with lots of layers to accommodate varying weather during the day. During our trip the weather was very good and there was no rain, but the wind can be a significant factor and going from a sunny, sheltered spot to a shady, windy part makes it seem like an entirely different climate. Also, make sure you take enough water bottles for your needs (or a bladder). In my opinion the "large water bottle" suggested in the trip notes is probably not enough (unless it's very large!). I had one 500ml and one 1L which seemed about right for me most days, although we went at a cool time of year, so I'd have used more in the summer.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/30/2023

Sally James   -  Traveled, November 2023

Fantastic Adventure Thank you to our leader, Chandra, guides Prasan, Sagar and Mingma and helpful group of porters for an amazing trek. Our group was also amazing, great company and full of interesting travel stories! Most Inspirational Moment No one moment stands out as overall the whole trek was fantastic, apart from perhaps the gruelling pass day, but that came with a great sense of achievement. I had never been to Nepal before and the scenery surpassed my expectations. Everyday the scenery changed and was stunning, from deep gorges, sunrises over the mountains to high plateaus and remote villages. The trek really does take you off the beaten track. The teahouses are therefore quite spartan, however the remoteness and spectacular walking more than makes up for some cold showers. Often a bucket of hot water to wash in was a much safer option! I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of food on offer and it was amazing how the teahouses produced 16 hot meals all at once on very limited cooking facilities. Thoughts on Group Leader Fabulous, always smiling and helpful. Advice for Potential Travellers Make sure you are suitably fit so that you can really enjoy the walking without too much effort. Especially lower down we frequently walked for 2-3 hours without an official break. However the pace is relaxed and there are so many photo opportunities that you don't really notice the distance. As one of our group advised, cut up a snickers bar into bite sized pieces so you can actually eat it at the top of the pass. Hydration tablets meant my water bottle was still drinkable at the top, even if more like a slush puppy! If just water most bottles had frozen over by the top of the pass. It is worth bringing quite a lot of snacks with you. Everyone says it, but really pack light. The down jacket I hired was really good quantity and kept me cosy in the teahouses at night and over the pass. If you suffer from poor circulation like me, I recommend hand warners inside "down" mitts with liner gloves. It was amazing to have warm hands all the way over the pass! I bought "down" mitts cheaply in Thamel before the trek.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/27/2023

Lesley Dunford   -  Traveled, November 2023

Wonderful walks with a super guide José is such an engaging and encouraging guide. The views from the tops of the mountains were fabulous. José’s explanations of the local area were wide ranging covering the history, agriculture and much more. The walks were at times quite challenging but José was very good at keeping us all together and ensuring everyone was able to manage the walks. His talks strategically placed for recovery on strenuous sections. The lunch sandwiches were fantastic (prepared by Josè). The hotel was comfortable and the food, which was substantial, was prepared by Raquel who runs the hotel. She was always very friendly and welcoming. We made use of the bar and terrace after the walks for a relaxing beer. Definitely take sticks as some downhill sections have loose stones underfoot. Most Inspirational Moment The 360 view from the top of Aitana peak was fantastic. I felt we were on top of the world with the sea visible on multiple sides. Thoughts on Group Leader José was amazing. Such a lovely character, kind, entertaining and extremely knowledgeable about the local area as he has been leading groups around Aitana for 25 years! Advice for Potential Travellers We hadn’t really walked much before this trip for various reasons, unusually for us. I’d recommend doing some long hill walks before you come to get your legs primed! Suggestions Loved this trip. If you’ve never been to this area to walk I’d strongly recommend it.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/25/2023

Lucy Hamilton   -  Traveled, September 2023

Excellent walking and superb guide Jose was the best guide I have had in many Exodus treks. His lifetime of local knowledge allows him to have chosen the best possible walks, and to describe them very accurately in the trip notes. In hot weather the stops for him to show and explain features of the geography, history and flora were very welcome as well as interesting! His sandwiches were fantastic and added to the enjoyment of the day! The hostel was also perfect, peaceful and comfortable with delicious food and a terrace for drinks with views down to the coast. Most Inspirational Moment Achieving difficult walks that stretched my ability. Thoughts on Group Leader As above, Jose was exceptional. Advice for Potential Travellers Be fit enough! The walks are tough, especially in the heat, and much more enjoyable if you have done a good number of ten mile walks before you go!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/27/2023

Paul McDonald   -  Traveled, September 2023

Great Trip - Superb Guide A really enjoyable trek in spectacular surroundings. The trek was made so much more memorable by the local guide (Jose Miguel) who was: knowledgeable, friendly, well organized and provided some much more information about the local history and customs. Each day was a different trek from a central location which was itself friendly and provided good food. I would strongly recommend this trip to anyone who wants to enjoy the scenery of this region but with the support of an extremely good local team. Thoughts on Group Leader Excellent. I have done a number of walking trips in Europe and elsewhere with good guides but Jose was the best that I have encountered.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/13/2023

D L   -  Traveled, September 2023

Secluded trekking ! These treks are on paths less travelled which is both a blessing and a curse. Did not encounter many other trekkers as this area is someone secluded from heavy tourism. However the terrain is to be respected as is the heat and dryness of the sun. Steep climbs and descents as the trip notes explain. This part of the country is unspoiled and it is a privilege to explore it. Be prepared for sore feet and thirsty mouths as you must carry your day’s supply in water. Poles are a must as is confidence ! The hostel was very comfortable and the staff warm and welcoming. I appreciated the massage that was arranged for me on the free day. Most Inspirational Moment There were a few. One was when I completed day three (which ended with a refreshing swim) having been suggested not to do it as it was deemed difficult. Another was when I walked a few Km’s solo while the group summited on day 4. I was discouraged from that part but decided to walk a bit alone to find some solace and enlightenment. The third was finishing off the week and being told I exceeded expectations. However I never doubted my ability to persevere. This is why I trek mountains. Thoughts on Group Leader Jose is very knowledgeable of the area, both geographically and historically. He has the week organized like a well oiled machine and is available to the trekkers throughout. He sleeps in the hostel and dines with the group after briefing us of the next day’s expectations. He makes our sandwiches in the morning which shows his nurturing side. He will tell you if he thinks your abilities may not be up to par for the upcoming trek. So not so much a cheerleader but a realist. You have to adjust to that vibe. But I would trust him in all situations. He was really a hands on guide. Advice for Potential Travellers You’ll need to carry a lot of water so take two large refillable bottles with you. There are thorns along the paths so although there is heat, I recommend wearing pants. Bring poles and a sun hat as well as a lot of sun block. Rooms are very comfortable and well equipped. Only the group stays there so it’s relatively quiet. This trek is hard. The footing is unsteady and the sun is a factor to contend with. Book a massage on the free day Suggestions Much as gracias Raquel and Jose

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/20/2023

Brian Salter   -  Traveled, September 2023

Discover the Sierra Aitana This trip was exactly right for me. Superb mountain scenery in south east Spain, and just the right amount of challenge. Oh yes – and sun every day. The hotel is well placed in the centre of Aitana. The food and service are both excellent. Most Inspirational Moment Scrambling up to the Aitana ridge. Thoughts on Group Leader Guide Jose is excellent - my best ever guide. He lives locally, and so is very knowledgeable about the terrain, history, culture and wildlife in this area. His itinerary is carefully chosen to acclimatise the group for the more challenging walks later in the week. Every walk was a different delight, with rock pinnacles, forest glades, ridge walks and expansive views into the mountains and down to the coast. Advice for Potential Travellers The route descriptions and gradings are accurate so read carefully in order to decide if it is suitable. Note that the temperatures are still warm even on the summits (This was September), so lots of water will need to be carried (2.5+ litres). Suggestions Although I have done quite a few mountain walks in other parts of Spain over the years, I had never been aware of Aitana until I found it on the Exodus website. To discover a 'new' (to me) area was a pleasant surprise. By the end of the week, I felt I 'knew' Aitana. A good feeling. Thank you Jose.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/15/2023

Anna Banfield   -  Traveled, January 2023

Fabulous holiday This is a fantastic trip for more experienced walkers. The mountains are stunning and unspoilt. The walks are varied and well thought out. Jose is an experienced and enthusiastic local guide who is passionate about what he does and has extensive local knowledge. It was fun to visit the coast on the free day and we had plenty of support with arranging transport. The hotel was clean and welcoming.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 02/20/2023

Sally -Ann Burnett   -  Traveled, January 2023

Brilliant Trip From beginning to end this was a fantastic trip, thank you. The hotel was perfect for a hiking trip and more than met our needs. It was clean and comfortable and had a lovely family vibe. Breakfast was superb with the best ever freshly squeezed orange juice! The hikes left nothing to be desired – they more than met my expectations and were challenging, as expected, but expertly managed by Jose, our guide. The sequence of hikes was perfect and I have only good things to say about the whole trip. Jose was brilliant and brought so much local knowledge, experience and fun to the trip. Thanks to everyone involved, this surpassed all my expectations and hopes. Thoughts on Group Leader Jose was great. I have only good things to say about him Advice for Potential Travellers Make sure you are fit enough for the level of hiking

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 02/15/2023

John Dain   -  Traveled, January 2023

Great trip...made special by Jose who is a great guide We arrived with snow falling….but the rest o the trip was clear blue skies and balzing sunshine – a real winter tonic. Jose is a real champoin for the area and a great guide – we had 5 super all-day walks with a nice build to the longer/more technical 4th/5th walks. The icing on the cake was the Jose sandwiches and the cherry on top was the last evening Jose cooked paella. The hostel was a bit under-played in the trip notes – the rooms all had en-suite facilities. Raquel is a great host. Great trip overall – and Jose has suggestions for more in the area – over to you Exodus Most Inspirational Moment The walks. Thoughts on Group Leader Simply excellent. He had the measure of everyone in the group and (unobtrusively!) managed us all. Advice for Potential Travellers Go for it.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 02/21/2023

Rachel Blackamore   -  Traveled, January 2023

Fantastic week Definitely recommend this trip and here are ten reasons why you should book. 1. Guide (Jose) is really experienced, local expert, gets the balance of empathy/support and also (when required) makes difficult decisions in the best interests of the group e.g. it was too icy to reach the summit of Puig Campana and whilst that was disappointing it was the right decision (it had snowed on the Sunday we arrived – very unusual for the area). He is passionate about his job and clearly loves what he does 2. It is one of the most beautiful, scenic areas I have ever been to. Fabulous views 3. Lovely hotel, welcoming team, great breakfasts – thanks Raquel and Pepe. Tea/coffee/snacks available in room reserved for the group. Also there is a hairdryer there so no need to pack your own 4. Weather was fantastic (I’m just back). Clearly you can never guarantee the sun in Jan/Feb but it made for a perfect winter getaway 5. Good to have a free day to explore the local area. Great to chill out at the beach and test out the tram system 6. Most of the walks are straight out the front door – or a 5/10 minute bus ride away 7. You get full days of walking….be prepared for that as realise that might not be what everyone wants. Generally back by 5/6pm after leaving at 9am 8. Great mix of terrain, ascents, descents, summits, valleys etc. 9. Get to see the beautiful mountain villages 10. Fabulous paella on the last night….and lovely sandwiches each day (along with fruit and snacks). PS Read the trip notes in full. They are accurate and this is for experienced and confident walkers – see the section ‘is this trip for you?’

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 02/15/2023

Clare Williams   -  Traveled, October 2022

Brilliant trip led by an outstanding guide! A wonderful week’s walking in beautiful surroundings and great company with the outstanding Jose as our guide. The weather was perfect and the accommodation clean, homely and comfortable. Raquel provided delicious three course dinners most evenings, with Jose cooking us a huge paella one evening. He also made us the most amazing sandwiches to take for lunch. Jose grew up in this area and conveyed his love for it, whilst providing so many interesting facts about the countryside we were passing through. I can’t recommend this trip highly enough- one of the best I have ever done with Exodus.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/15/2022

Matthew Tett   -  Traveled, October 2022

What an amazing trip! This is a wonderful trek through the Sierra de Aitana, led by the amazing Jose who is so knowledgeable about the local area. Using Rincon de Pepe as a base, and hosted by the wonderful Raquel, this week encompasses five tough, but very enjoyable, walks in the area. They range from walking from the base, through to starting in different places after a short drive. Each day starts with a lovely buffet breakfast – we were fortunate, in November, to be able to eat on a sun-drenched terrace each day. Jose, enthusiastic and passionate, leads the walks in an area he knows very well. Perfect packed lunches are provided and Jose’s sandwiches are second to none: varied, tasty and with plentiful contents! Post-walk, there is usually a chance to grab a drink in a local bar, or head back to Raquel’s – and her gin and tonics are definitely worth a try. Before dinner, which is always extremely tasty with good local wines included, Jose briefs the group on the next day’s walk – and this is a great way of getting prepared for what lies ahead. I sincerely recommend the Sierra de Aitana trek. The rest day is perfect (after three day walks) and allows a trip to a nearby coastal town – for more walking, if you wish, or some superb fish. You may even choose to visit the chocolate factory (my partner and I didn’t, but wish we had!) This trip is great if you want to explore a beautiful area, with varied walks and a wonderful host. Most Inspirational Moment All the walks, particularly the final two days to the peaks, as well as meeting lots of different people - always inspirational. Thoughts on Group Leader Amazing - one of the best, if not the best! Jose has a great rapport with everyone and is so interested in the area, and keen to share the beauty of it with the group. He is an expert sandwich-maker, and provides delicious snacks for lunches, as well as refreshments in a designated room - people can help themselves throughout the day/night. Also, when my partner's walking boots broke on day one, he went out of his way to repair them, mid-trek, and took us to Benidorm to buy new ones - very kind and helpful. Advice for Potential Travellers The walks are great - you do need a good standard of fitness, and in some cases, a head for heights. However, Jose is very adept at knowing if people are up for certain walks, and will advise if not. Take walking poles, if you think you need them (we did, and found them brilliant, having not really relied on them before) and be prepared for changeable weather. Our experience - stunning, all week, but this could have been different, I think. Suggestions No, thank you!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/15/2022

John Cartwright   -  Traveled, September 2022

A new take on the Costa Blanca If a week in Benidorm, dozing on the beach is not your idea of a holiday then just travel a few miles inland and experience a different world. Based at the Hostal Rincon de Pepe, guided by the the very knowledgeable and amiable José, and hosted by the jovial hard working Raquel you’ll have a great week. The walks were challenging at times, particularly if you’re not sure footed. Poles are recommended, but I wouldn’t say they’re a necessity if they’re not your thing. It was hotter than expected, but I found that if you kept hydrated then I was able to cope. And then there’s the delicious triple decker sandwiches prepared freshly by José – they could be siesta inducing if you hang around for too long afterwards. No chance of that! By the end of the five treks you’ll have covered a lot of ground and discovered an area that you probably never knew existed. There’s nothing like a good summit and there’s at least two be climbed, with Puig Campana probably the most challenging. On the rest day all of the group went to Vila Joiosa – a great beach and a surprisingly warm sea welcomed us . . . and no crowds. It was a thoroughly enjoyable week. Muchas gracias José y Raquel.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/26/2022

Penny Carroll  -  Traveled, August 2022

Superb Spanish Walking A truly excellent week! This trip takes you to a relatively unexplored but beautiful mountainous area of Spain – most days we met no-one. The scenery was spectacular – stunning limestone cliffs, sea views, olive groves and traditional villages. Our guide was exceptional – Jose shared his local passion for the area he’s grown up in; whilst also deepening our own appreciation of the area with his wealth of social, cultural and historical knowledge. Most Inspirational Moment Hard to pick one - but the combination of glorious views out to the sea, some exciting walking, tasting fresh figs and carob off the trees, and the lovely fragrance of rosemary and pines along the trails: all stand out as memorable. Thoughts on Group Leader As mentioned, Jose's enthusiasm, expertise and efficiency made the trip a particularly enjoyable experience. He really did go above and beyond in terms of dedication. For example, even on the free day, he helped me plan my own local walk, source the relevant map and sorted out a drop off and pick up too. The local version of paella he cooked on the final night was a real highlight too

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/15/2022