Sierra Nevada & Granada

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...

Average Review Rating: from 14 reviews.

Sue Totterdell

SIERRA NEVADA & GRANADA

Written April 2013
An excellent introduction to walking in Spain. A comfortable hotel and breathtaking scenery topped by an opportunity to visit the Alhambra Palace on the final day.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Every day revealed some new delight, whether it be understanding the complex irrigation systems, lunching in a spot where it was impossible to avoid sitting on an orchid, watching birds of prey circling above in a clear bue sky or just enjoying a good walk in excellent company. The Alhambra was perhaps the icing on the cake.
What did you think of your group leader?
Jeremy was a great walking companion with lots of local knowledge, real enthusiasm for the area and clear explanations of the various walks. He paced us well and was usually able to encourage us along the final kilometre with the promise of refreshment in a local bar. It is a great luxury to walk in stunning countryside knowing that the route has been thoroughly researched and adapted to the group's needs.
He was also a massive support when the Alhambra ticket facility crashed just as we arrived to pick ours up. The half hour it took to get re-started was frustrating but we got there in the end.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
We were lucky with the weather and had glorious sunshine all week. Instead of the waterproofs and thermals we had thought we might want, we needed sunhats and sunblock, so be prepared for any conditions.
As others have indicated, also be prepared for it to be wet under foot - it's all down to those extensive irrigation systems.
If you want to visit the Alhambra, book on line before you travel.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This is a superb holiday option if you like spectacular scenery and varied wildlife. The hotel in Berchules is friendly, provides tasty food and has great views. Although the staff speak excellent English, they are happy to encourage you to practice your Spanish.
Neil Cumming

SIERRA NEVADA & GRANADA

Written September 2012
Our first Exodus trip, but on the strength of this trip, not our last! Every aspect of the holiday exceeded our expectations. A good deal of attention had been paid to the details, and it showed - everything went like clockwork. We felt very well looked-after throughout.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
So many highlights... seeing a Golden Eagle soaring above the mountains, walking through varied and beautiful scenery, learning a little about the history and culture of this fascinating region.
What did you think of your group leader?
Jeremy was superb in every way. He had designed the walks to be suitable for a wide range of abilities, and to provide a wide variety of scenery and terrain. Every day he briefed us about what the practicalities would be - whether we'd be able to re-fill water bottles en route etc. The pace of the walks seemed to be fine for everyone in the group. He was very knowledgeable about the history and culture of the area, and was able to enrich the walks with anecdotes and useful information about the villages and countryside we passed through. He was very good at what he was doing, and a thoroughly nice bloke too. I can't praise him highly enough.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Just Do It. We were thoroughly glad we'd chosen this trip for our first Exodus holiday. It's a lovely region ideal for outdoor pursuits, and I'd imagine there's something for most people to enjoy, whether you're into history, wildlife or just enjoying the walking.
The pace and length of the walks was generally relaxed, but the terrain added a degree of challenge. There were a lot of fairly steep climbs and descents over rocky terrain, plenty of spiky vegetation, and some muddy patches where the path followed streams. Nothing too extreme, but definitely not suitable for sandals... boots required, really. We found walking poles very helpful. Some days we needed to take water for the whole day, and when we went (early Sep) it was pretty hot, so we needed to drink plenty - so take a couple of big bottles or (probably preferably) a Camelback-type system. I wouldn't have been without a good sunhat, too, as shade could be hard to come by at some points.
The village where we were based (Berchules) was pleasant and the hotel very friendly and comfortable, but the village is small and quiet. If you're planning to take a rest day, you'll need a book or something to occupy yourself as you probably won't be hitting the shops...
A small tip for book fans.. read Chris Stewart's 'Driving Over Lemons' before you go.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Just thanks to Jeremy and everyone else who made this trip so enjoyable and memorable. We were slightly apprehensive about taking a group holiday, but we needn't have worried - everyone was really nice and just there for a relaxed good time. By the end of the holiday everyone felt like old friends, even though we'd only known each other a week! It was excellent.
Roselyn Twigger

SIERRA NEVADA & GRANADA

Written September 2012
Stunning scenery, wonderful, informative guide and excellent family run hotel.Well organised giving a trouble free holiday.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Walking high in the hills with glorious views.
What did you think of your group leader?
Patient, informative, interesting and helpful in every way.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Do it!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Nothing to add - it was a perfect trip - thank you.
Lee Thorne

SIERRA NEVADA & GRANADA

Written May 2012
A superb trip which exceeded my expectations.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
For me, just being surrounded by the sublime landscape of the region.
What did you think of your group leader?
Jeremy Rabjohns is an excellent group leader who is considerate of all the needs of all individuals and the group alike.At no time did I feel like just another group member,Jeremy really took time to get to know each of us on a one to one level,which enabled us as individuals to get the most from our trip. Personally I was interested in photographing the landscape and so at times needed to be apart from the group,either in front or behind,I was never inhibited or made to feel a burden.
Jeremy has a very good knowledge of the local flora and fauna alike and thus is able to answer most questions in this regard.He is also very knowledgeable of the local history regarding the Moorish peoples who once inhabited these lands,he has even written a book on walks in the area and so is more than qualified to lead.He is also able to speak Spanish and is very helpful to those who wish to shop and order food etc.
In general I found Jeremy to be an exceptional leader,and a decent, down to earth,good to honest bloke which these days seems to be the exception rather than the rule.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
I personally did not feel that poles are necessary.Ankle length (short) walking boots were fine for me.I used a hydration pack as opposed to bottles which I think is better.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The hotel Berchules is good and clean with a well stocked bar,plenty of hot water,great food and the most brilliant staff.
I did have my doubts about this trip and was the last to book,however, I had a brilliant time and I think you will too so just book it!!
Sandra Staples

SIERRA NEVADA & GRANADA

Written March 2012
Lovely walking, friendly hotel, good food and great weather - what more can you want from a holiday?
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Sitting on the hill sides with the views of the snow covered mountains, enjoying the sunshine, dreaming of living in such a landscape.
What did you think of your group leader?
Excellent, Jeremy understood the needs of all the group and ensured everybody had a great time. The pace of the walks was good and he adapted them to ensure we got the most from the days.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Make sure you go with a good appetite - there's no shortage of good food to eat.
Ensure you book tickets for the Alhambra in advance, whilst it does take half a day to see it is well worth it in my opinion and save any worries about getting tickets on the day.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I've done a couple of other walking trips in Spain and this was definitely the best. The variety of the scenery was great, the hotel is an excellent comfortable base providing good food and the trip to Granada at the end allowed for a bit of sightseeing. I'd always wanted to visit the Alhambra and this trip allowed that box to be ticked and I could have easily spent another day just wandering around.
John Tovey

WHITE VILLAGES OF SIERRA NEVADA

Written September 2011
I had never been to Spain before and my first impression was that I wouldn't enjoy my week as the area was hot, barren and dry. By the end of the week I couldn't wait to go back and I am now contemplating living in the area for a year to get to know it better.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Probably the last day when we walked in the home valley of our guide George. This was a valley full of varied flora and views. We had an excellent lunch in a village hotel and as we walked through the picturesque villages and countryside, we enjoyed eating figs, almonds and walnuts washed down with mineral water from the local springs, including a naturally sparkling spring.
Or maybe it was sharing a beer in a village cafe and discussing the day with the group as we waited for the hotel minibus to pick us up and return for a shower, more beer, a swim and supper.
Or perhaps just walking with a great group of people.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our original group leader Jeremy had a medical emergency, so having met us at the airport he was only able to walk with us on day 1. He was friendly and sensitive to different walking speeds of the group. He was replaced by another local british guide, George.
George had a great knowledge of the area, an interest in the history of the Sierra Nevada, a good command of Spanish and knew many of the locals. He was an athletic walker and inspired confidence and curiosity.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
I found the area to be hotter than I expected, and only wore half the clothes I took. I washed my walking kit every night and it was ready to wear in the morning. I didn't spend much money as there were few shopping opportunities. Food and drink was limited in the villages as this is quite an impoverished region. Having said this it was wonderful to meet shepherds in the hills with their flocks of sheep and goats, and to see the "cowboys" who still roam the hills on hores-back checking their stock.
My wife and I spent a day in Granada visiting the Alhambra. The visit was very worthwhile but Granada was hot. Great ice-creams and tapas. 6 of us went together in a taxi to make it cost effective. The hotel organised the taxi for us.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We opted out of walking on one day, to explore the village of Berchules and to enjoy the hotel pool. We had personal service - the pool and garden to ourselves - bliss.
This was our 4th Exodus holiday and our guides and hotel exceeded expectations. The hotel was very comfortable, twin-bedded rooms with ensuite bathrooms, plenty of hot water, balcony with view over the surrounding countryside. The hotel staff were friendly, food plentiful with a large packed lunch provided every day. Even the dog was friendly, excitedly accompanying us all day when we walked from the hotel.
If you've ever considered this holiday - take it!
Ian Lochhead

WHITE VILLAGES OF SIERRA NEVADA

Written September 2010
This was my third Exodus trip within the past 3 years and probably the best yet. The organisation, as I've come to expect from the company, was first class in every way.
Read full review
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There were probably too many to list on this page!
The initial drive up the spectacular road to the beautiful little village of Berchules where we were based for the week, the view from the hotel room balcony across the sweeping valley to the mountains beyond, the variety of brilliant walks, visiting the highest village in Spain, the trip to the Alhambra Palace in Granada - I could go on!
What did you think of your group leader?
Jeremy was an absolutely brilliant leader in every way. His leadership style was exactly what you would wish for - excellent knowledge of the entire region, highly experienced and, above all, everything was done in a very friendly & relaxed manner.
Basically, nothing was too much trouble for him.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The main advice would have to be - go for it!!!
This is a brilliant way to discover the spectacular scenery of the Sierra Nevada!
With regard to the weather - be prepared for all conditions.
The temperature on one day was around 35 degrees, even in September, whilst we also experienced a spectacular lightning storm on another day!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Special mention must go to all the staff at the Hotel Los Berchules where we were based for the week.
Our driver/barman/waiter Andrew was a very friendly chap and really made us feel welcome.
Wendy was also a superb host with a great sense of humour!
I would definitely repeat this trip some time in the future.