Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Spotting a family of Wild Boar racing uphill on the opposite side of the valley.

Thoughts on 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.

Advice for Potential Travellers

An eye-opening experience for anyone who enjoys the mountains.....But remember to bring your drinking water bottle!

Most Inspirational Moment

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.

Thoughts on 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.

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

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!

Thoughts on 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.

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!

Suggestions

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!).

Most Inspirational Moment

The views every day were just wonderful.

Thoughts on 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.

Most Inspirational Moment

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.

Thoughts on 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!!

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!

Most Inspirational Moment

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 trip

Thoughts on 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 hikes

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 mountains

Suggestions

I loved this trip and I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to get out walking in the mountains - It was truly wonderful

Most Inspirational Moment

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!

Thoughts on 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.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book this - it's very good. Take layers (as well as sunscreen) as higher up it can get cold.

Suggestions

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

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.

Thoughts on 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.

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.

Suggestions

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

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.

Thoughts on 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.

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.

Suggestions

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

Stunning scenery which provided the perfect backdrop for every lunch stop.

Thoughts on 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.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely book this trip - highly recommended.

Suggestions

Jose and the staff at the hotel were wonderful - thank you so much for making the trip so memorable.