Sierra De Aitana Trek

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

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  Frances Anne

  SIERRA DE AITANA TREK

  

  Written April 2012

   I loved this holiday, every part of it. The scenery was diverse and glorious, giving a feeling of peace, space and tranquillity; blissful for urbanites escaping the city. The walks took us through deserted limestone mountains with craggy peaks, an unspoilt natural paradise where the few signs of life we saw remained at an enviably slower pace with an air of nostalgia hanging over the tumbledown farm houses among the ancient terraces of cherry, almond and olive trees.    

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  What did you think of your group leader?

   

  I've been on many group holidays and found Jose to be one of the best leaders I've experienced, extremely competent and good fun.  As a local, he was able to lead us over rough terrain through the mountainous, wilderness areas without marked paths - we had every confidence in him. 

  Refreshingly, he didn't feel the need to tell us to wear sunscreen in the sun, carry water to drink, a fleece in case it gets chilly and a waterproof in case it rains. Instead he explained the geology of the area, discussed how the region is affected by politics and answered all our questions regarding the flora, fauna and local culture.

   

   

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  The whole of this holiday is very relaxed; you won't need any smart clothes or makeup.  

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

   

  This package is very good value. Not only is almost all the food included in the price (and is far superior to the usual standard on this type of holiday - especially the packed lunches) but local wine is provided with dinner. The only extra expenditure was for a couple of beers at the end of the walks and food on the free day.

   

   

  This is not just another pleasant European walking holiday, there was something very different and special about this one.  Nothing like the sometimes busy trails of more popular walking areas, this was Spanish walking at its best.

   

   
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  S C

  SIERRA DE AITANA TREK

  

  Written March 2012

  A fantastic week of trekking.  Extremely well organised, a great group and fabulous views and scenary.  The weather was perfect too.   

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Climbing to the top of each of the peaks. I never thought we would get there but seemed to do each of them with ease!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Jose was an outstanding leader. He was passionate about the area and shared this passion with us.  One of my lasting memories will be of him walking with his secateurs ensuring the route was well maintained!  His lunches were superb and his knowledge of the area, the fauna and flora and trekking was excellent.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Don't expct to lose weight.  We seemed to eat excellent food all day long!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Don't think about it any longer - just book it!

   
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  Gillian Lambert

  SIERRA DE AITANA TREK

  

  Written March 2012

  Excellent holiday. great walking in magnificent scenery and superb weather.  And lovely food too 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  climbing the 4th peak (Puig Campana) and realising it wasn't so difficult after all!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Jose was charming, very knowledgable about the area with a good sense of humour

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  don't think you are going to lose weight with all the exercise- the food is too good!

   
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  Diana Maynard

  SIERRA DE AITANA TREK

  

  Written March 2012

  Fabulous week of walking in the Spanish mountains - a few tough hills but nothing too difficult. Great for clearing the head, getting away from it all and a good dose of winter sunshine into the bargain. What a beautiful part of Spain too, that I never knew about. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  I wouldn't classify this trip as particularly inspirational, but it was wonderful nevertheless, and the views every day were stunning.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  I'd rate Jose Miguel right up there with the best leaders I've met. Sociable, outgoing, well organised, and very caring, he maintained a very good balance between efficient leader and friend - something that can be very difficult to get right. I never saw him once get flustered or frustrated, no matter what kind of problem we threw at him! He would often produce little surprises from his Tardis of a rucksack, such as a thermos of tea or a bar of chocolate, just when we most needed them, and his sandwiches were the best I've ever had on an Exodus trip. As I've come to expect from Exodus guides, he was also passionate about his job, the local area and the environment.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  The weather can be quite changeable, so do go for a few thin layers and some kind of windproof top. Take walking poles, even if you've never used them before, unless you are a true mountain goat. On the slippery descents, if nothing else, they can really save you coming a cropper. This trip would actually be a good place to try them out for the first time. Also do make sure you have a decent level of fitness, it's a pretty tough week with some long days of walking. Also many people had blisters at some point so come well prepared - well-worn in decent boots, plenty of tape, blister plasters and make sure to protect your feet sooner rather than later. Applying Vaseline to your feet every day before putting your socks on really helps too.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  On the free day you can borrow mountain bikes from the hotel - definitely recommended if you have any energy left (though not for the faint-hearted as those hills are pretty steep both up and down!). They have some helmets but given the state of the trails you'd be well advised to bring a good pair of cycling shorts and gloves if you plan to go mountain biking. Also, while the trip notes say you can go sea kayaking, this may not be available. Jonathan and Violetta, who run the last hotel, are absolute stars and very friendly - it's more like staying as guests of the family. They gave me free rein in the kitchen on the rest day to make a pack lunch out of anything they had, since I was going mountain biking.

  Unless you go to the coast on the free day, you'll spend almost nothing on this trip, as there are very few shops, and you get some wine with the meals. I think I spent around £50 in total for the whole week, and that was basically on the two meals that weren't covered, and the guide's tip.

   If you're reasonably fit and not afraid of steep hills or of being in fairly isolated surroundings, don't even think twice about this trip!

   
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  Deirdre O'Connor

  SIERRA DE AITANA TREK

  

  Written February 2012

  Great holiday. Came home completely relaxed and feeling fit. Good solid challenging (for me) walks meant every day felt like an achievement. And the food was fantastic. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Looking down on the tower blocks of Benidorm from the peace and quiet of the mountains. A quick February swim in Vila de Joiosa on the free day. Finding a Nutella sandwich in the lunch bag on a long day. The specatcular views on every walk. A cold beer at the end of a long day. 

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Jose was an excellent leader. He is so enthusiastic about sharing his beloved Sella and the local area. However, make sure all your gear is matching!!  He takes looking good on the mountain very seriously. However, he also takes looking after the group seriously as well, and he was really good company for the week. 

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  We were there in February and during a cold spell. We needed all our warm clothes on the mountain and in some of the accommodation. Bring walking poles, some of the ascents/ descents are quite steep and on rough tracks. Be prepared for fairly long (but really rewarding) days. Try all the food- it is fantastic.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  This is a great break away from it all, with direct flights from Dublin (very important). I would highly recommend this holiday. 

   
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  Timothy Perkins

  SIERRA DE AITANA TREK

  

  Written November 2011

  An excellent holiday with some great walks in the Sierra de Aitana. All the accomodation was very comfortable and food was also excellent. The guide was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Some fantastic ridge top walks wit incredible views across to the Mediterranean

  What did you think of your group leader?

  The guide was local to area and very knowledgeable about the environment we were walking in. He was celarly enthusiastic and passionate about the area.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  The walking days are fairly long (7- 8 hours) so make sure you are fit enough.

   
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  Anna Paszkiewicz

  SIERRA DE AITANA TREK

  

  Written November 2011

  Brilliant holiday if you want to clear your head and get away from it all. Stunning views, amazing local food and practically no extra expenses (apart from lunch and dinner on a free day). I was really surprised that such a dramatic, unspoilt place still existed in a 2-hours flight distance from London. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  I was constantly being surprised by inspirational moments on this trip, it's impossible to choose one. The mountain range is so majestic that it simply encourages you to have a think about bigger things in life.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Jose Miguel is clearly very enthusiastic and well-educated about the area. He was very outgoing and caring for the group and was definitely going an extra mile to ensure everybody felt comfortable and safe on the walks.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Take at least one walking pole. I did the most of the trip without the poles, but I had to borrow one for a couple of descents.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  I had a brilliant time and absolutely fell in love with the area. If you look for a holiday that makes you not wanting it to end SIERRA DE AITANA TREK will do the trick. 

   

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