Hike Spain's Sierra de Aitana

Name: Hike Spain's Sierra de Aitana
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.9 (133 reviews)

8 Days Excluding Flights From

8 Days from

£ 1599

4.8/5 from

Walking & Trekking

Activity Level

Moderate & Challenging

Comfort Level

Classic

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group

Activity :

Walking & Trekking

Group Size :

4 - 13

Ages :

16+

Trip Code :

TSA

Carbon Footprint :

12kg CO2e per person per day

Take spectacular ridge walks amid the limestone towers and rural landscapes of the Aitana Massif in Spain

Although close to the Costa Blanca , the dramatic massif of Sierra de Aitana in Spain has remained a secret from all but a few discerning visitors. We follow traditional footpaths and mule tracks, mostly along ridge lines, for spectacular panoramas, and then descend to beautiful valleys with natural springs and limestone amphitheatres. The rocky peaks and steep valleys that sweep down to the Mediterranean coast benefit from a warm climate for more than 300 days a year, making this an ideal location for out-of-season walking.

Highlights

Enjoy views over the sparkling Mediterranean on each walking day
Follow traditional footpaths through rugged mountain landscapes
Make the most of the 300 days of sunshine found here on a late getaway
Gain cultural insight from our local Spanish guide

Key Information

Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (Hostel Rincon de Pepe)
Five days of guided walking; one free day
Group normally 4 to 14, plus leader. Minimum age: 16

Countries visited: Spain

What's Included

All breakfasts, five lunches and six dinners, including local wine with dinner
All accommodation
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
Group arrival and departure transfers available

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations

5 Days of Walking & Trekking

Pace:

Approximately 7-8.5 hours walking per day

Terrain:

Low altitude; uneven rocky paths and mule tracks, some sustained ascents/descents and short scrambles.
Altitude maximum: 5,112ft (1,558m); average: 3,609ft (1,100m)

Day 2

13 km / 8.1 miles

Day 3

17 km / 10.6 miles

Day 4

15 km / 9.3 miles

Day 6

14 km / 8.7 miles

Day 7

18 km / 11.2 miles

Sustainability and Impact

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

TRIP

TSA - Hike Spain’s Sierra de Aitana

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

For flights call us on 0203 733 5948 or enquire when booking online

Regional flights available

Competitive flight prices

Specialist Flight Support

ATOL protected

Itinerary

Guadalest Guadalest

Begin your adventure at our pension in Guadalest, halfway up the 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 to join the group transfer from Alicante Airport.

Around 6pm, say hola to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. This evening your tour leader ensures a big Spanish welcome over dinner.

Want more time in Spain? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Meals included: Dinner

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 surrounding rock walls. 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.

Distance covered: 8mi (13km)

Ascent: 2,133ft (650m); Descent: 2,133ft (650m); Activity hours: 5

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We begin our walking by starting at the reservoir along the newly restored traditional path of Solana de Gorgues which in 700 mts of ascent takes us to the font Major. From here we discover the high pastures of Foia Plana towards Morro Blau, a rocky prominence visible from many coastal point. We will have our lunch close to the fire lookout building, before descending along Peña del Rastrell back to the reservoir.

Distance covered: 11mi (17km)

Ascent: 3,445ft (1,050m); Descent: 3,445ft (1,050m); Activity hours: 7.5-8

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a short transfer to Abdet, we begin by ascending to Ombria La Pisa and then pass El Contador (3,280ft/1,000m) and follow the western spine of Serrella to Mallada del Llop (4,465/1,361m). We usually stop for a picnic lunch here and explore one of the biggest and best preserved snow wells in the region of Valencia while enjoying the sweeping views of the Aitana range, and even the Valencia Mountains on a clear day.

After lunch we begin our long descent. Initially 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 Abdet. Afterwards we transfer back to our accommodation.

Distance covered: 9mi (15km)

Ascent: 3,215ft (980m); Descent: 3,215ft (980m); Activity hours: 7-8

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is a free day to relax or perhaps head to the beach at Villajoyosa or visit a chocolate factory. Your local leader will organise a group dinner at a restaurant in Guadalest

Meals included: Breakfast

We embark on a fairly tough walk to the summit of Puig Campana (4,626ft/1,410m), where we enjoy 360-degree panoramas. Almost all the peaks and ridges we have 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 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).

Distance covered: 9mi (14km)

Ascent: 3,264ft (995m); Descent: 3,264ft (995m); Activity hours: 7.5

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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, which are up to 295ft (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.

Distance covered: 11mi (18km)

Ascent: 3,632ft (1,107m); Descent: 3,632ft (1,107m); Activity hours: 8

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The tour ends in Guadalest after breakfast and we begin our return journey home. 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.

If you’d like a little more time to explore Spain, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Meals included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

This trip has been rated Activity Level 4 (Moderate & Challenging). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

This trip includes 4 challenging walks out of the 5 included. You should be confident in your physical condition and ability to deal with heights, rocky and difficult underfoot terrain. The walking routes are all fairly long (around 9mi-12mi/15km-20km a day) and vary in duration from seven hours to 8hr 30min per day (including stops). In five days of walking we climb three summits: Serrella (4,465ft/1,361m), Puig Campana (4,626ft/1,410m) and Aitana (5,112ft/1,558m) with approximately 3,280ft (1,000m) of ascent and descent on each of these days.

Most of the paths we follow are footpaths and mule tracks. Some sections are with a gentle gradient, while others follow quite steep rocky paths (sometimes with scree slopes) and there are some sustained ascents/descents. We also trek some cross-country terrain.

This trip is for anyone confident in their health and fitness. It is not recommended as a beginner’s trek. It is suited for those who regularly hill walk and have put in some physical preparation beforehand. However it is also possible to stay at hotel and do your own walks or other activities from there.

Sierra de Aitana is very rich in flora and fauna and along the walks we will see a great variety of birds and flowers. Castles dot distant hilltops, and we visit springs and snow wells as well as having plenty of time to soak up village life. In the evenings the hosts of our characterful family-run village pension will make us feel right at home.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Hostal Rincón de Pepe, CV-70, Km 35, 03516 Benimantell, Alicante
Phone: +34 965 97 20 95
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing around 6pm this evening.
Airport: Alicante Airport (ALC)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately an hour’s drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:

Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

Make your own way
It’s possible to reach the start hotel by public transport, but the journey is complicated. We therefore recommend joining the group transfer where possible. If not, a cab from the airport to the start hotel costs approximately €140 per car. On arrival, please make staff aware that you are part of an Exodus group and they will have more details on meeting with your leader and group

If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Guadalest
Location end: Guadalest

Vaccinations and Health

Spain

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Passport

Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.

Visa

Spain

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Spain. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/spain
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/spain
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html

Food & Drink

All breakfasts, five lunches and six dinners (plus local wine with dinner, one bottle per three people) are included.

Breakfast: Continental style – local seasonal fruit, orange juice, different types of bread, cakes, cheese, ham, or bacon and eggs on request every day. Tea and coffee.

Lunch: Picnic lunches will usually consist of bread rolls (our famous whole wheat triple deckers) with cheese and salad/meat, fruit, muesli bars, biscuits or nuts, and a juice carton. Our local guide usually also provides some snacks such as pickled olives, chocolates and dried figs.

Evening meal: As the main meal of the day, we enjoy a large variety of local cuisine including espencat, minxos (small pancakes) legume soups, roasted lamb, and of course local paella . Most of the food is freshly prepared from locally grown seasonal produce, and the pension produce their own olive oil. A reasonable amount of local wine is provided with the evening meal but additional beverages are not included.

Mealtimes in Spain are later than in many other countries; dinner is usually between 8pm and 9.30pm.

Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets are well catered for given prior notice, and most other dietary requirements can also be accommodated if you let us know in advance (at the time of booking). Please note we cant guarantee any dietary requests made on arrival.

Please note, should flights change to arrive earlier, or depart later, additional meals are not included. Please also note that no refund will be given for meals not taken or taken other than where designated.

Weather

This area is known to have the most benign climate in the whole of Europe. Winter is mild and sunny, with more than 300 days of sunshine a year. At night, temperatures can be chilly, especially in the mountains. The little rainfall is usually concentrated in very few days at the beginning of autumn, but rain cannot be discounted on any departure.

The daytime temperatures in winter usually vary between 14C and 20C (57F and 68F) depending on altitude and orientation. These winter temperatures are ideal for walking although, except for July and August, you can walk here year round. In spring and autumn, temperatures should be between 25C and 30C (77F and 86F) but May, June and September departures may experience some warmer days, up to 35C (95F).

TRIP

TSA - Hike Spain’s Sierra de Aitana

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Hostel Rincon de Pepe, a family-run hostel in Benimantell, Alicante

We stay at Rincon de Pepe, a two-star hostel in the heart of Benimantell in the Guadalest Valley, approximately 40mi (60km) from Alicante and away from the crowded Costa Blanca. It is ideally situated for our adventure, minimising transfer times for our walks and offering views over the Mediterranean.

It has only eight rooms, which all offer sea views and the opportunity to enjoy a sunrise every morning. In the restaurant, there is a fireplace, which is used by the tour leader on the final night to prepare a paella (accompanied by a local vermouth) to end the hiking week. In winter, it also serves as an improvised barbecue to grill sausages or vegetables for dinner.

Additionally, the staff at Rincon de Pepe produce olive oil from the many olive trees surrounding the property; during the winter season, there will be oranges with which you can make your own freshly squeezed orange juice at breakfast. Local bottled wine is included for all five evening meals or soft drinks/beers.

There is also a back terrace/entrance, used only by our groups, which provides direct access to a private meeting room. This entrance also includes a small area where we can leave boots, walking poles and any wet walking gear.

Amenities

Restaurant serving traditional dishes using local ingredients
Outside terrace area
Wet gear room and clothes dryer
Living room area with comfortable seating
24-hour tea/coffee facilities, books and card games

Worth knowing

Single supplements (on request) are limited and are allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.

TRIP

TSA - Hike Spain’s Sierra de Aitana

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Excellent. It's great having a local guide who lives in the area.

Ann Cockburn

Reviewed 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

Read All Reviews

The Adventure Begins Here

Get regular inspiration straight to your inbox from Exodus’ experts.

Hike Spain's Sierra de Aitana

4.8/5 from

8 Days Excluding Flights From

8 Days from

£ 1599

Hike Spain's Sierra de Aitana

Take spectacular ridge walks amid the limestone towers and rural landscapes of the Aitana Massif in Spain

5 Days of Walking & Trekking

Sustainability and Impact

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Your Group, Your Adventure

Itinerary

Guadalest Guadalest

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

Joining Instructions

Key information

Getting to the start hotel

Catching your return flight

Vaccinations and Health

Spain

Passport

Visa

Spain

Food & Drink

Weather

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Hostel Rincon de Pepe, a family-run hostel in Benimantell, Alicante

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Reviews

Enjoyable week in tall limestone peaks

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Well organized trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Magnificent views, perfect host

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Sierra de Aitana - March 2025

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Amazing Trip

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Fantastic Trip

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Wow

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Hidden gem near Costa Blanca

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Great Trip

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sierra Aitana-spectacular and challenging

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

You may also like

Coastal Walks of Catalunya

Portuguese Camino Highlights Walk

The Adventure Begins Here

Hike Spain's Sierra de Aitana