safari sierra aitana

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Did you ever imagine you could go on safari in the heart of Sierra de  Aitana? Well, you can. Safari Aitana is the perfect place to spend a day or weekend amid the elephants, llamas, giraffes and lions.

The safari is located in the verdant areas of Alicante , close to the villages of Panàguila, Alcoleja and Sella.

But, how did Sierra de Aitana end up with a safari? In 1973, Juan Sevila and María Van Soldt wanted to make a change in their lives and dedicate their time to animals. María came up with the idea of building a safari where the animals can rove around vast spaces. Construction began and the park was inaugurated in 1975. Many years have since passed, but the safari’s mission is still very much intact: “to live for and from the animals”. The keepers live by this mantra as they care for the animals each and every day.

At Safari Aitana, you can watch and marvel at animals from Europe, Africa, Asia, America and Australia.

The park is the only safari you can take your car to in the Region of Valencia. This is the best way to see the animals in their natural habitat , watching them go about their daily business and observing their habits, relationships and natural behaviour.

Go on safari in the Region of Valencia and live an incredible experience.

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Safari Aitana

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

SAFARI AITANA: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Valencia Costa Blanca

Aitana Safari Park

Located high in the Aitana mountain range, near the village of Sella, and approximately 33km inland from Benidorm lays the acclaimed Aitana Safari Park. Following a set trail there are many animals to see, including lions, tigers, elephants, buffalo, zebra, and giraffe.

There is also a childrens zoo for the little ones to enjoy, and the Daktari Park which is a nursery used to raise the youngest animals. Other facilities include a picnic area, and restaurant specialising in local foods.

The park can be reached within an hours drive from Alicante. Take the A7 toll road or the N-332 coastal road to Villajoyosa, and then head towards La Sella, passing through Orxeta. The park is approximately 15 km after La Sella near the town of Penaguila.

The Aitana Safari Park opens at 11am daily throughout the year. For further information contact Safari Aitana direct on +34 965 529 273.

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Costa Blanca Insider

Safari Park Aitana

Safari Park Aitana is set in an inland area of 1,500,000 metres square on Spain's beautiful Costa Blanca. Since it first opened its gates in 1975 founders Juan Sevila and Maria Van Soldt have continued to expand both the land and animal inhabitants and have endeavoured to keep the environment as natural as possible, giving visitors a true safari experience.

The park is now home to animals from 5 different continents and visitors have a choice of various tour options including the unique experience of being an animal keeper for the day. The park also has an on-site restaurant and terrace area offering a selection of drinks, homemade meals, salads and a snack menu.

Safari Park Aitana Animals

Africa – The birthplace of the original safari and home to some truly wonderful animals, this area of Safari Park Aitana brings in the crowds where you will see elephant, hippo, giraffe, zebra, ostrich, camel, cute Gibraltar monkeys and the king of all beasts, the proud lion.

America – This area of the park is home to some of north and south America's most loved animals including the cute chinchilla, beautifully coloured milk snake, Mackenzie wolf, roamer of the vast plains the bison and the most elusive of the south American animals, the mighty jaguar.

Australia – Often seen flying in huge flocks, the cockatiel is one of Australia's most well known birds and visitors to the park can enjoy their wonderful colours as well as getting close up to the ever inquisitive, and sometimes hilarious emu.

Asia – This area of the park is home to most visitors favourite animal, the fearsome tiger as well as the cute Vietnamese pig, Indian peafowl and black buck.

Europe – Here visitors have the chance to view one of Europe's most rare creatures the lynx boreal, playful red squirrels, ponies, horses, fallow deer and nimble footed bighorn sheep.

Safari Park Aitana Tour Options

Self Drive Tour – This tour allows visitors to drive around the park at their leisure using their own vehicle, giving the freedom to view which animals you choose.

Private Tour – A tour of the park with a group of friends or family in a park's vehicle accompanied by your own guide.

Mixed Group Tour – Also using a park's vehicle and accompanied by a guide, this is similar to the private tour except for the fact that groups are made up of mixed visitors.

VIP Tour – This package includes a tour of the park accompanied by a guide, a visit to the nearby charming Guadalest village and a meal in the park's restaurant.

Keeper For The Day – This is a wonderful experience where visitors accompany one of the park's keepers, learning more about the animals, their day to day care and getting up close during feeding time.

Safari Park Aitana Opening Times & Tour Prices

The park is open daily from 11:00 – 18:00. Adult single ticket: 20€, children (4 – 10 years) 16€. Group tickets (minimum 25 persons) adult: 14€, children (4 – 10 years) 10€ per person. Children under 4 years get free entry. Please note: All prices may be subject to change.

Rio Safari Elche

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Sierra de Aitana Trek

• — 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

Highlights and Inclusions

• — All breakfasts, five lunches and six dinners (local wine with dinner) — All accommodation

Those travelling on the group flights will be met upon arrival and transferred to our pension, half way up on Guadalest Valley on the north face of the Aitana Massiff. There will be a welcome briefing at the pension this evening.

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.

We being 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.

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.

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

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).

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.

The tour ends in Guadalest after breakfast. Those travelling on the group flights will be transferred to Alicante Airport for the flight back to London.

Excellent holiday – the grade for this holiday is 4 Moderate/Challenging however, the walks were more challenging than some “challenging” holidays we have been on.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Getting to the summit of Puig Campana on the last day.jj

What did you think of your group leader?

Jose is a great leader. He is so knowledgeable,enthusiastic and efficient. He also made our lunches!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Drink plenty of water as the weather can be very hot.

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.

Last day-reaching the summit with spectacular 360 degree views, including of the Med and interesting geology

Jose was great in all respects

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

Clean, friendly, family hotel in the centre of the mountain range. Breakfasts great. Local fare in the evenings (puddings not so great)

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.

The Aitana Peak trip on the final day because the scenery was just glorious.

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!

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!

This was a great trip. We hope to come back to the area for more hiking in the future.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This a great winter walk - highly recommended.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

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.

Fabulous, always smiling and helpful.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

Loved this trip. If you’ve never been to this area to walk I’d strongly recommend it.

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.

Achieving difficult walks that stretched my ability.

As above, Jose was exceptional.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Much as gracias Raquel and Jose

Scrambling up to the Aitana ridge.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

Jose was great. I have only good things to say about him

Make sure you are fit enough for the level of hiking

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.

Simply excellent. He had the measure of everyone in the group and (unobtrusively!) managed us all.

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

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.

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.

No, thank you!

All the walks, particularly the final two days to the peaks, as well as meeting lots of different people - always inspirational.

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?’

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.

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!

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.

Climbing o the summit of Aitana

Fantastic - Jose went above and beyond what is required of a tour leader

Poles are helpful

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!).

Great week of hiking in the beautiful Sierra de Aitana. Itinerary was great involving steep ascents and descents across rocky terrain and sometimes over scree means but worth it for the challenge and the views - poles are good to have. Jose was a brilliant guide - super knowledgeable about the area and the mountains (he is a local and a climber) and ensured we ascended and descended safely and reached the summits before the bad weather rolled in on the two days it rained for a couple of hours. He also made fantastic sandwiches for our packed lunch and cooked paella for our dinner on the last night, giving us a lesson on how to do so in the process, The hotel (Rincon de Pepe) was simple but clean and comfortable and Raquel, the owner, made us tasty three course traditional Spanish meals each evening. Thank you Jose and Raquel for making the holiday so enjoyable;

The views every day were just wonderful.

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.

This is proof that The Costa Blanca has far more to offer than beer, chips and turning pink on the beach! About an hour or so drive Inland from Alicante, the Sierra de Aitana rises to heights greater than Ben Nevis. The treks are based around the Hostal Rincon De Pepe, and from there a minibus links up with the start and finish of each hike. The trek is graded as moderate to challenging, but be aware that the climbs and descents are often very steep and over loose scree. it can also be extremely hot and dry throughout the day. Each trek has been developed to give a different aspect of the Aitana massif so no two days will be the same. Breakfasts and packed lunches are provided......And the evening meals are all home cooked Spanish specialities!

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.

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!!

Book onto this trip ASAP! Bring layers as you can be in a vest top one minute and a down jacket at the summit!

A fantastic week, in excellent company, with a wonderful guide. José's commitment to our enjoyment and safety ensured that every member of the group benefited from his care and attention to detail. We were fortunate with the weather - cold, but sunny and clear, providing some of our best ever mountain days. José arranged our itinerary to ensure that we had the best possible conditions. The mountains of Sierra D'Aitana are imposing and beautiful, offering stunning views across the entire coastal region. Throughout our stay, we enjoyed excellent traditional Spanish meals at our hotel, as well as the best ever packed lunches! Thank you, Exodus, and thank you José.

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

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

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

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

We have just returned from a fantastic week hiking in the Sierra de Aitana with Jose Garcia as our guide. It is amazing that this relatively quiet mountain area is so near to Benidorm yet a millions miles away in terms of scenery, history and culture.

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!

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.

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

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.

Really enjoyed this week away in Sierra de Aitana. Fantastic scenery, excellent group leader and delicious food with challenging walks only 2 hours flight from UK. It was so relaxing being centre based and each day you either walk from the hotel or have a maximum 20 minute transfer. The airport is only an hour transfer too, so maximum time out and about and not in a van.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Great trip in a beautiful but accessible part of Spain. Weather at the end of February was sunny and a real treat. Only an hour transfer from Alicante aerport and the walks are really local to the hotel so no wasted time in the van. Jose is a fabulous leader, who brings the area to life with his detailed local knowledge. He moved the walk days around to suit the weather conditions which meant every day was fantastic.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This Trip is fabulous. The Hotel was charming, the rooms had wonderful views and the food was really nice. The walking was very varied and the scenery was breathtaking - we were lucky to have a week of sunshine. The walking is challenging but if you are fit and love a full day of trekking its not hard. Poles are useful and a little head for heights on certain days. I loved the Tour Leader Jose as he was a great trek leader and also gave us lots of info on the area and really loved his job. Its a great week away with really lovely scenery and I don't know how I have never heard of this area before - I chose the trip as it was potentially good weather in early Jan and has great reviews but It really outdid my expectations as I loved it. Spain is easy to get to in these uncertain times and it all went very smoothly from Exodus office helping me to get flights sorted to the Canaries after and the wonderful Jose looking after as so well - I suggest going to see this area - Its rather wonderful

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

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.

Definitely book this trip - highly recommended.

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

Absolutely fantastic week in what is a hidden gem of a hiking trip! Stunning scenery, great way to start 2022 with some winter sun.

The two ridge walks were my favourites, with the 360-degree panoramas across the mountain ranges.

Jose is an excellent leader, very personable and kept us laughing and on our toes. He tended to every member of the group and was very aware of people's different needs. I found all he had to tell us about the local politics, history, culture etc. very interesting. He is very well organised and conscientious - I don't underestimate how much hard work his job is but he performs it all with charm. Finally, he clearly places safety and wellbeing front and centre.

If you have only done 'moderate' rated holidays before, don't be put off by the 'moderate to challenging' rating of this holiday. Yes, it is challenging at times, but if you are of reasonable fitness and hill-walking experience (read the trip notes on this!) then go for it - it's just a question of pushing yourself a little harder and it pays off in terms of the views and sense of accomplishment. Being a pessimist I couldn't quite believe that it would truly be warm in February and at the last minute ditched several t-shirts and my sunhat from my packing - if you go at this time of year, pack for all temperatures! We had 19 degree sunshine but it does get chilly in the evenings (I appreciated the evening fire in the restaurant). Most people on the free day chose to relax close to the hotel. I went to Altea and Villajoyosa on the coast and had an enjoyable day - transport between the two by tram/train is easy and we even swam in the sea. It was a good way to break up the week and see another side to the region.

Only that I would thoroughly recommend this trip. I didn't think that the Picos de Europa week could be beaten within Spain but I enjoyed this one equally - the peacefulness and remoteness of the location is really surprising given its easy proximity to Alicante and the rest of the coast. I would be interested in similar trips elsewhere in Spain - Cabo de Gata looks good, Exodus!

A great week in spectacular scenery with a first rate tour guide (Jose) and a very sociable and able group of fellow travellers.

No one particular inspirational moment although the Serrella Peak and Puig Campana walks stand out.

Jose and Jaime are both excellent guides with an understanding of and passion for the area. I also much appreciated the lift into Benidorm to buy a new pair of walking boots after mine fell apart!

A great trip, book it!

A very welcome winter break with fantastic, positively challenging walking in the gorgeous Aitana range. Great views from the summit, walking in the sunshine, combined with great food, company and an outstanding leader, I would recommend this trip to any keen, confident walkers who fancy an escape from the winter.

Getting to the top of the mountains and general camaraderie

Superb very professional and experienced guide

Need to be fairly fit, able to walk at a reasonable pace to 4000 feet. Previous experience of walking on fells essential This is not for novice walkers .

I would do this trip again

Great weather. It was sunny every day apart from one (in December). Aitana and Puig Campana summits were spectacular. Aitana had a fall of snow the night before so we had sun and snow covered landscape with views of the mountains and sea. Great group with a competent and amusing leader (Jose).

So many stunning views and great rock formations. The Spain we rarely see.

Jose was excellent. I wouldn't hesitate to go on any other trips he was guiding.

It would probably be nice to see the almond blossom in spring - however we got to eat the harvest!

We have just returned from our first Exodus adventure. Had a brilliant week with great company and camaraderie in our group. The walks were safe, fun and informative in the hands of our guide Jose, who conveyed his love and knowledge of the area to make our walks interesting and very enjoyable. Jose was a very competent guide and we felt safe at all times with him. The terrain is fairly challenging in places due to the gradient of some sections and conditions underfoot, however achievable for anyone who is walk fit and who walks regularly off road and we felt sufficiently tested and a good sense of achievement after each walk. Our accommodation was comfortable and clean, with plenty lovely, home cooked food. We enjoyed delicious triple decker sandwiches for packed lunch made personally by our guide each day, very much appreciated after a long and tough ascent!

Just being in these delightful and beautiful mountains.

We had two leaders during the week, Jose Miguel and Jaime. They were very different, but both were superb - helpful, very knowledgeable and informative, very amusing and totally professional.

This is a great trip - go for it!

A very enjoyable week's walking. Spectacular scenery, excellent guides, lovely hotel and top class sandwiches!

Views from the tops

Best leader, passionate about the local history and geography. Great sandwich maker.

Book this trip.

A great week graded level 4 But I felt more like 4 to 5. The guide Jose was excellent and very professionally handled the helicopter rescue for an injured member of our party who tripped and injured his knee . Excellent dining at our small family run pension- coeliacs well catered for . Jose made superb varied sandwiches for lunch.

I experienced many beautiful moments on this trip, particularly while hiking and feeling that we are part of such an amaizing world with stunning nature. I felt that this particular hike and area are hidden treasures and should be highlighted even more. I was delighted by each breakfast and dinner - prepared with joy and a warm heart by the chef.

Jose Miguel is warm, kind, thoughtful and dedicated. He looked after each one of us and shared his knowledge and passion of the locale with us to ensure we experienced the most we could on our holiday. Please consider taping his inspiration for the Cabo del Gaga Trek, as I surely would sign up. Jose Miguel ensured that we all were well looked after and that each of our dietary requirements were satisfied. I know he put forth extra effort for me and I wish to extend my genuine gratitude.

Be prepared for a wonderful adventure and to experience beautiful old world hospitality at the hostal. What a wonderful adventure.

Please consider shifting the BBQ dinner to an evening on a day of hiking, rather than the day off.

This was an outstanding walking trip. Our guide Jose was very enthusiastic about the area and the activities. He was good fun and the holiday was made extremely enjoyable by both him and the other people in the group. The walks were fast paced and of a good length. It was nice not to get back to the hotel too early, although we still had plenty of time for drinks and a swim before dinner. Food is authentic and remained excellent throughout the week. Lunch time sandwiches are something else! The hotel is perfectly positioned in a very quiet area with fabulous views. The walks are all very local but varied. Perfect!

The two trips that we had to use the van to access were the two most inspirational walks of the week.They were different in character but equally exhillarating. The trip to Pico Serrella takes you up into remote secluded wood shrouded valleys and up across mildly exposed beautiful scree slopes to the magnificent lonely ridge of pico Serrella with it's beautiful dry white marble like rock with views to the coast of Costa Blanca and all around to the Mountains of Aitana.Majestic. From the summit one descends via a scree path to the amazing dry gorge valley of Barranc de la canal for a long scenic descent between towering walls of rock on both sides of the valley and a veritable flower garden of mountain flowers,shrubs and trees each wafting up beautiful scents from their many coloured flowers in the glorious sunshine of a hot Spanish May. The final descent to the little village of Beniarda skirts a steep river gorge diving out of the adjoining mountains,with some welcome shade from the evening heat and if you are lucky you may meet the delightful 92 year old owner of the award winning Beniqueis olive oil in the village of Beniarda. The final trek up the Puig de Campana takes you nearer the commercial heart of the costa Blanca though the initial walk in is along the quieter tracks of the foothill valleys on the aitana side.The final hour is steep and scrambly in sections and there are many more people climbing/descending the trail then we had on our other outings.The view from the summit is spectacular all along the Costa Blanca and right down into Benidorm on one side and over to the beautiful long ridge of the Sierra de Aitana and it's deep adjoining valleys on the other side.

Jose Miguel Garcia was our group leader and he was truely excellent.He was very helpful,friendly and encouraging with a hilariuos sense of humour and a quick wit expressed in better English than I have myself. It added greatly to the experience of the trip that he was a local guide who knew the history and stories of the area and was generous in the telling of them and he is definitely the king of sandwich makers and we got to sample his creations as packed lunch every day;MMMarvellous!

You need good fitness and stamina for this week.You need well broken in boots and good socks as the walking is mostly over dry hard rock terrain and tough on the feet.i would also recommend at least a two litre camel pack for your sack. I was drinking at least two litres every day in the heat and almost 3 litres on the Puig de Campana day which was probably the hottest day of our week in May.

The hospitality and facilities in the Hotel Trestellador were fantastic and it is the ideal base for this active week of trekking.

Recently returned from this wonderful trip. Everything was perfect - The Mountains are beautiful and have a remote feel (we saw very few other walkers); The Hotel (El Trestellador) was basic but comfortable with stunning views of the mountains and sea and the food was just superb. Our two guides were excellent - knowledgeable, informative, amusing and very professional. The walks were great and well designed, especially the more challenging walks later in the week. I can't think of anything negative to say - this was a fantastic trip.

For me, it was the enjoyment I experienced throughout the full week.

Jose - great personality and leader with great humour. Great company to be with. Passionate about the area he works with good local knowledge. He's as good as it gets.

Worth training in advance for the hikes, you'll enjoy them better

I expected the week to be excellent having done an Exodus hike previously. I give this week 10/10, it was really good.

A great week's walking as graded, brilliant family run hotel, superb guide and awesome sandwiches.

The highlight was reaching the top of the Puig Campana which although not the highest point reached is a proper peak close to the sea which emphasises the height. Parts of the ascent and descent were the most challenging parts of the weeks walks. There were also highlights on the other days particularly days 3 and 4 where we also reached notable summits, days 1 and 2 were needed to find our legs and get used to the terrain.

Jose the group leader was great. He has a passion for this area in which he has grown up and this came through in the enthusiasm and information he imparted to the group. He was also good fun and very attentive to everyone in the group lending a hand on the tricky sections if necessary.

Many thanks to Jose Miguel for such a fantastic adventure in the Sierra de Aitana. The hiking was really wonderful and all the hikes were well thought out and carfefully considered. Staying at the El Treestelledor was a delight, particularly with the wonderful cooking and warmth from Charro, the chef and owner. The location of the hotel was also perfect in relation to the hikes to minimize transit time and allow starting hikes hotel, as well.

Everything about the trip was inspirational as there was always a good team spirit and the two leaders had so much enthusiasm to keep us trekking.

Jose and Jamies were brilliant. Exceptionally funny and inspiring and full of local knowledge. Willing to talk plenty whilst walking but also giving holiday makers space for peace and quiet.

The grading of the holiday is very appropriate, all treks will be managed if you pace yourself. Remember weather can be changeable in the mountains.

There were 11 of us, of various nationalities, gathered with our tour leader Jose Miguel in the homely pensione Hotel Trestellador 2km outside the village of Benimantell on the sloping foothills of the sheer, craggy Sierra de Aitana. We spent the next wonderful week trekking under,over,through and around the spectacular mountains of this beautiful valley. On three of the days we were able to start the trek from the front door of the Hotel and collect the freshest of water from a spring 1km up the road which complemented the world beating sandwiches of our packed lunches supplied and made for us by Jose Miguel. On our return every night bar one,"Mother Charro" and her team fed us like royalty with amazing huge dishes of local cuisine and a bonny flow of the wines of Alicante.On her night off Jose Miguel took us to the local "climbing hut" where we feasted on a gourmet barbeque of MEAT and roasted vegetables garnished with plenty of local wine.

All the walks were good. Perhaps the ascent to Puig Campana at 1410m.

José was very good and had worked hard to provide great walking for the week over varied terrain. He also provided support and information in providing extra activities for the rest day.

Read the trip notes. Boots with good tread and walking poles are advised. Unusually we needed blister plasters, so these might be worthwhile packing.

Really enjoyed the weeks walking. We were lucky to enjoy the almond blossom too.

Sierra de Aitana is a beautiful part of Spain that is full of majestic hills and mountains; delicious local food and drink; charming towns and villages; and welcoming locals who will go the extra mile to make sure you have a great time. I have been hiking in many different countries and this trip stands out for me. The guide, Jose, is very friendly and approachable, and looked after the group with care and attention. He is from the area so knows it like the back of his hand. The accommodation was comfortable and set in a charming and peaceful location. I got to enjoy the sunrise over the valley from my bedroom window each morning. The food is delicious! Jose made amazing sandwiches and there was plenty of food to eat at dinner in order to fuel up for the next day's activities. The elderly lady who does all the cooking is incredible and a sweetheart. During the rest day I got to visit a chocolate factory (my bag was a bit heavier coming back!) and the picturesque coastal towns of Villajoyosa and Altea.

Meeting people from different parts of the world of all ages! The 3 others I traveled with and myself were the youngest in our tour group and the only ones from Canada! It was very inspiring to see individuals in their 60s conquer these hikes with minimal problem! As well, it was a lot of fun to get to know the others in our tour group from other parts of the world that share the same passion for hiking and mountains!

Our leader Jaime was awesome! His outgoing personality and love for the mountains made the trip extremely exciting and memorable! I had complete confidence in his abilities and knowledge of the mountains. Jaime took great care of us throughout the week long tour by offering us support on our hikes, ensuring all our transfers were organized, sharing knowledge and advice on how to maximize our Spain trip, etc. All guides should take after Jaime's compassionate and personable ways... we loved our week adventure with him! :)

Have just returned from a hugely successful trip to Sierra de Aitana and can thoroughly recommend it! The trip had all the ingredients of an Exodus holiday that will live long in the memory: a knowledgeable, organised and thoughtful guide in Jose who grew up in the area and knows the hills and mountains like the back of his hand; a charming hotel with welcoming staff and delicious home-cooked food; a beautiful and varied landscape with eye-popping scenery and, in my case, a really friendly group who were great company throughout the week. The trip was a real antidote to the onset of Winter in the UK being mild even at this time of the year. I would imagine that it is equally attractive in the Spring and Summer.

After crawling through a tunnel beneath the cliffs of Bernia we emerged to superb views to the coast, to Benidorm in the distance and to further mountain ridges. (I think this particular walk was on the program to celebrate the 20th anniversary of running this trip) Also on the last day , after summiting Aitana At over 5000’ we walked along a ridge for an hour giving superb views on both sides

Both leaders were as good as they come. Fully trained in mountaineering techniques. Helping at scrambling sections. Thorough knowledge of the routes on the mountains. Entertaining.

November and December are possibly the best 2 months to go.

The other members of our group were very pleasant to be with and all added to the enjoyment of the week.

I couldn't speak more highly of this trip. The scenery was absolutely stunning; the areas provided a great variety of walks with spectacular views. The accommodation was perfectly situated to start most of the walks directly from the hotel. It was also within walking distance of the bars and restaurants in Benimantell and Guadalest. Having said that, the food at the hotel was wonderful and so there was little need to venture further afield. Homecooked, nourishing and delicious food from the hotel was perfect fuel for the trekking.

Views from the summits, particularly Serella and Puig Campana. Also, those amazing sandwiches!

Our group leader, Jose, was excellent throughout.

Take walking poles for the quite lengthy descents

We were pleased to be able to book a grade 4 (moderate/ challenging) holiday in Europe and would welcome more at Challenging grade.

Fantastic trip - wonderful walking and scenery - almond trees in blossom, spectacular geology, great company and camaraderie among the group, a very knowledgeable and attentive guide (Jose) who clearly loves his home region and wants to share it with others as well as being a competent and experienced mountain guide, a comfortable family-run hotel with a personal touch in a tranquil location, copious amounts of very good food... We were lucky in having perfect weather in February and it was a tonic to get away from stormy Britain.

The trip has really inspired me to come back to the region on a climbing trip.

Fantastic - can't speak highly enough of him.

I highly recommend this trip for anyone who loves the mountains, hiking and Spanish culture. Our outstanding, charismatic guide Jaime took great care of us from start to finish; from transfers, cultural knowledge, outdoors expertise I always felt we were in excellent hands. Jaime knowledge and love of the mountain range and culture added invaluable insight to our Spanish adventure. The cozy, family run hotel we stayed in was situated partially up a mountain providing breathtaking views. As well, the family running the hotel ensured we received delicious, authentic Spanish food every day... Easily the best Spanish food I have ever had! The 3 others I traveled with and myself are fairly active and hike regularly at home, as a result we did not find the 5 hikes challenging. However there was some technical spots and it was very rainy and windy (still lots of fun!) the last day so I would recommend proper hiking shoes and some hiking experience. This was my first exodus trip and after my outstanding experience I would definitely do another!

Too many spectacular moments to name a singleone. Sharing the experience of walking with a great group of people. The dedication and knowledge of guide Jamie.

Jamie was absolutely wonderful. So enthusiastic and full of local knowledge. His passion for the area in which he has grown up is evident. He was constantly pointing out things along the way which we would have missed and telling us the names of all the plants. He gave us almonds off the trees and wild asparagus to eat. He encouraged us all when we occasionally flagged and hugged us all when we reached the summits. As mentioned by so many other people the sandwiches he made for our packed lunches were superb and it was always exciting to open the pack at lunch time to see what delights he had created. Definetly Michelin star sandwiches. Jamie also often supplied snacks whilst out on the walks and when we got back to the hotel and were enjoying a beer on the terrace - chocolate, nuts, olives and other local delicacies.

It is as the brochure says - challenging. Not a holiday for anyone who is not an experienced walker. Distance is not everything. The terrain was often very rocky and scrambling often required. Steep inclines and decents. I think most of us had the occasional fall albeit without serious injury. If you think you are up for the challenge definitely book this trip - you are unlikely to be disappointed.

Absolutely great holiday from start to finish. I sincerely hope it remains in the brochure for others to enjoy. Really good value as pack lunches provided and free wine with dinner.and constant supply of free tea and coffee.

November is a superb time of year to do this trek. Late autumn sunshine, cool air, clear views. For us, no rain at all. There were 14 on the trip. Some days we had one guide -Jose - who had won the Exodus trip leader of the year in 2018. Some days we had Jaime who was equally good. Both were first class mountain guides with a huge amount of experience in those hills. They were also very informative re local customs. And very entertaining. The walks were quite challenging. It was not the length as much as some difficult underfoot conditions which added difficulty. Superb views from all summits both to the coast and to distant mountain ridges. The food was very good as were the lunches. The hotel was rural and we took it over for the week. The village of Benimantell which was 15 minutes walk away was in a delightful setting. We had a bit of difficulty with Wi-Fi for the first few days but that was resolved by the end of the week.

Reaching so many beautiful summits with amazing 360' views. Another highlight was the hotel kindly baking me a cake for my birthday!

Our group leaders (Jose and Jaimie) were excellent - very knowledgeable, friendly, and laid back yet extremely competent. I had complete faith in them but could also enjoy a laugh together. They provided a briefing for each walk on the night before and provided useful information for the "free day" and our departure day which we spent in Alicante. As mentioned in previous reviews, very good picnic sandwiches at lunch!

Book this trip! I hand't previously heard of hiking in the area, but it far exceeded my expectations. Other advice.. -when we arrived we had time to explore local Guadalest which is a lovely town with a hilltop castle and a good tapas bar! -highly recommend visiting Aitea on the free day, especially in good weather -we had a late flight back on the Sunday so spent the day exploring Alicante (the hike up to the castle is worth it!) -no need to take extra cereal bars as plenty are provided!

I really loved this trip so hope you do too!

A very enjoyable holiday in a surprisingly quiet area of Spain, despite being quite close to Benidorm. The walking was varied, in beautiful limestone country, with great views from the summits and interesting paths. The weather improved over the week for us - one day's walk was rained off so we visited a local town instead - but we had sunshine on the later walks. Our guide, Jose, was very knowledgeable and has a passion for the area, its people and way of life. He guided us well and was supportive of group members. Our hotel was well-positioned with views to the coast, and the owners were very hospitable. The food (vegetarian for us) featured local dishes and was excellent and plentiful. Our guide made our triple-decker lunchtime sandwiches and they were the best we've ever had on a walking holiday.

Striding along the mountain ridges in the spring sunshine. The sunrises from the hotel were awesome too.

Jaime and Jose divided the week between them, which was a bonus. They are both exceptional leaders, with different personalities and areas of expertise. They took great care of us, and were generous with their time and knowledge. ( They are the only people who lead this tour and they stay at the hotel while doing so).

Go now! This tour may not last in its present delightful form for ever. The hotel has been In the same family for four generations and the charming couple now running it will retire fairly soon.

It is very easy to get to this holiday, though most people should avoid the current Exodus group flights. These leave Gatwick very early in the morning on Sunday and return there very late at night. Inconvenient for anyone who does not live close to Gatwick, especially those who have to go to work on Monday mornings. There are plenty of cheap alternative flights to Alicante from almost every UK airport. Contrary to the current Exodus advice, it is straightforward to get to the hotel from the airport , even if you do not use the group transfer. (This anyway returns to Alicante on Sunday morning, so that there is time to explore the city and/ or get an earlier flight home). Staying in Alicante before the trip is another option, which I much enjoyed.

This was my first Exodus trip, but it exceeded all expectations. The trip was brilliantly run by local guide, Jose, whose humour combined with local knowledge meant he was much more than just a mountain guide. The daily walks we did were well pitched to our level of fitness (fairly high as a group), but there was no pressure exerted. The walks were brilliant and allowed us to get to know the area quite well over the week. The views were stunning throughout the week and it has made me want to return to the region! The food and accommodation were also great - accommodation was clean and functional, but the food was outstanding. Every evening we had a local dish and it was plentiful and delicious. The hosts were really friendly and accommodating.

Walking & views

We were lucky enough to have both guides who were great,

Go to the BBQ on the free night, fabulous food and a great atmosphere

In the favourite word of our leader 'FANTASIC'. Superb trip. Stunning scenery in an area off the beaten track despite only being an hour from Benidorm. Challenging walking at times but well worth the effort. We were lucky to have glorious weather and apart from one cloudy hour at the summit of one walk tee shirts were the order of the week. Pension El Trestellador was delightful. Basic, clean rooms. Comfortable beds and plenty of hot water. Whilst the owners and staff at the pension had limited English they were always friendly and helpful and extremely trusting. You just mark down on a piece of paper any drinks you order - no formal bills at the end of the week. Breakfasts were lovely, pack lunches excellent and evening meals generally good. Traditional, homely and plentiful Spanish food. Area for Exodus clients to make tea and coffee was great and well used by all. Enjoyed the company off the group which definitely added greatly to the whole experience.

Reaching the summits of Aitana and Puig Campana.

When the Wright brothers flew for the first time they couldn't have envisaged the 747 and the jet age; when the Earl of Sandwich invented the sandwich he couldn't have foreseen where Jose would take the art - outstanding!! Jose is passionate about the area and brings it all to life for you. He has a great sense of humour and is one of the best tour leaders we have had.

As others have said, you need to be a confident hill walker and reasonably fit. Walking poles are a good idea and a decent pair of boots is essential.

Just do it!

I have just returned from this trip. What a beautiful escape from the wet and wild UK in March! We enjoyed superb, varied walks, often with 360' views on the summits and not another sole in sight! Although the walks were quite challenging, the pace was ideal and our guides provided the perfect number of rest stops. Generally we had very good weather although layers were needed on the peeks in the wind. In terms of food, we enjoyed tasty, plentiful meals together in the hotel for breakfast and dinner, and filling picnic lunches. Being centre-based in a comfortable hotel felt like a real holiday, and the timings were in-keeping with this; due to minimal transport times, we could start walking at 9/9.30 each day and return at 4/5pm to enjoy a relax before dinner. I would highly recommend this trip for those with good levels of fitness who wish to discover quiet, varied mountain walks with good food, super views and a really chilled-out leisurely feel.

Reaching various summits with breathtaking views across the Aitana range. The journey's to the summits were challenging but do-able and made fun whilst walking with a terrific group of like minded walkers and an outstanding leader.

Jaime is an experienced, knowledgeable, confident, passionate, kind, caring, people focused individual with Michelin star qualities for making superb sandwiches and surprised us daily with extra treats to keep us going. He's got a very kind and gentle way, supporting those who need it and is always keen to pick up sayings in different languages; he's know fluent in Dutch too! :-)

Be sure and confident of your capabilities, abilities and fitness; it requires confidence in walking along steep ridges, across scree, a bit of scrambling and steep ascents and descents but all the hard work is absolutely worth it when you get to the top.

The hotel is conveniently located for walking straight from and back to the hotel, which saves on spending time on transport. Although the nearest village is about 30 minute walk away, it's a very steep descent and ascent coming back so not a 'stroll', which is sometimes too much after a day's walking. However, the hotel provided us with everything we needed. The rooms are basic, quite small and sometimes the shower water was tepid. If we had needed to hang out wet clothing and walking gear, the room would have been uncomfortably small and pretty impossible in my view. No tea/coffee making facilities in the room but the designated area in the communal area downstairs is free and available 24/7 whilst holidaying there to make drinks.

Outstanding walking, outstanding hotel, outstanding leaders....... Earlier reviews have said it all! Exceptionally good value, with almost all meals, drinks, snacks and transport provided. The leaders offered inexpensive and enjoyable additional outings to fill the few gaps - for tapas and a chance to explore Guadalest ( the second most visited attraction in Spain) on arrival day: to the coast on the free day; and to an evening barbecue.

Aitana and Puig Campana summits had extended excellent views and were great walks.

Jose was competent, hard working, friendly and funny.

Great destination for winter sun in the mountains within easy traveling distance of the UK.

This is a great holiday for walking, fabulous views and a lovely place to stay. The guides are well informed and very helpful, pack lunches perfect and good food in the evenings.

Reaching the highest point of our walk each day in such glorious weather and conditions, also the remarkable scenery of limestone rock formations.

We thought Jose was a ‘top guide’. Professional, fun, knowledgable and ensured all group members were looked after and safe.

Take walking poles, walking boots and enjoy!

Would like to recommend the area, walks, Jose and the accommodation.

Excellent from start to finish. Great leader in Jose. Hostal El Trestellador in lovely location with warm & friendly service. Meals were superb, home cooked traditional food, tasty and plenty to eat. Hikes were enjoyable & challenging. We had great weather and views. Nice day off in Altea, then pleasant barbeque that evening. The hiking group were excellent and friendly, a pleasure to meet.

Seeing colours and hues of the valleys shift from pink to purples with changes from almond to olive groves as we walked amongst orange rocky mountainsides .

Our leader was involved in mapping the area , and creating the paths we walked along . He researched the routes used by local people with them , His knowledge and abilities are extraordinary , He stops to talk about the history and the places , and shares this with us . He is excellent and I felt very safe walking in what can be fairly challenging conditions with him leading..

Yes, go on this trip if you like being outdoors learning about the landscape and people and are used to walking alot , especially up and downhill

Gaudalest and some of the cafes and bars we visited were worth going to to get a sense of the areas history . The hotel has alot of painting of the local scenery and people . There is alot to see , and it would have been nice to stay longer!

This was a really good walking holiday, with challenging walks and spectacular scenery. We liked the fact that it was based in one hotel as it meant you could settle into the hotel and weren't having to pack up and move on. There was plenty of things of interest and variety of walking in this one area to fill a week. Also helped by the fact that the hotel was very comfortable and the food great. We went to the coast on the free day which provided a good contrast.

The ascent of Sierra of Aitana although all the walks were very rewarding.

Excellent. See above.

A marvellous week in empty mountains so extremely close to the populated coastline, hard to believe it can be so easy to find bare nature.

Getting to the summits and enjoying the fabulous views

Jose was fabulous - knows the area well and is enthusiastic about sharing information so you understand your surroundings and appreciate the walks even more. Very conscious of the group to ensure that everyone is enjoying the walk, that the pace is right, and anyone who is a little uncertain in parts is encouraged and supported.

Bring layers, gloves and a warm hat. The sun can be warm (sometimes we were in T shirts) but the wind is icy, especially on the mountain tops (in January anyway).

A great weeks walking in a surprisingly unknown area, with stunning views. The walks for the week were over very varied terrain and we were led by the local guide José who was excellent and very knowledgeable of the area. His local experience was also valuable in adjusting the schedule for the week to account for the weather. This ensured we were able to cover the most scenic or challenging days in the best conditions. The transfers were very short and several walks were direct from or back to the hotel. This is graded as Moderately/challenging as there are long ascents and descents over sometimes challenging terrain. We agree with this grading. We thoroughly enjoyed the week. The small local hotel was really friendly and comfortable with good food and wine.

We had breathtaking views on every walk and I particularly enjoyed the short sections of rock scrambling. One of the highlights was looking down on the skyscrapers of Benidorm from the summit of Puig Campana and realising just how much unspoilt and deserted countryside there is within such a short distance of the tourist areas of the Costa Blanca. On our final day we walked the length of the Sierra de Aitana ridge, and could see everywhere we had walked during the week.

Jose was an entertaining and knowledgeable guide who worked very hard to make sure that all his group had a good experience. His briefings made clear what we were to expect from each day's walk, and we learned a lot about local flora, farming, and geology (and eateries). His sandwiches were pretty impressive too!

Read the trip notes carefully as they accurately reflect the degree of difficulty (terrain, exposure, length of walks). A good head for heights is essential and you need to be confident about walking on rocky and exposed paths. This is a good winter trip for experienced walkers who don't want to travel long distances to get some off-season sunshine.

We walked locally on our day off, and visited the village and castle at Guadalest after breakfast and before the tourist buses arrived from the coast, while others enjoyed a day down on the coast in Altea. We went on the group flight from Gatwick so as not to miss the group transfer from Alicante, but in retrospect it would probably have been fairly simple to make arrangements to meet up with Jose and the rest of the group providing the flight from a regional airport wasn't too delayed.

The trip gave a great opportunity to see almond blossom in full bloom . The leader has years of experience and rearranged the walks according to changes in the weather for us to see the area at its best . It was great to take in the scenery on foot , and in good company . With my special dietary requirements , I could not have asked for more from the gluten free meals and snacks provided . The family run hotel was very welcoming.

The 5 included day walks were all good in their own right. I particularly enjoyed the lofty views on the Serrella and Aitana ridges. The real highlight though was the near perfect weather for walking - temperatures in the mid teens and hardly a cloud in the sky every day, a real treat in the month of November.

José is an experienced mountain leader who knows the area like the back of his hand. He has a great sense of humour and speaks immaculate English.

On the free day, some of the group chose to go to Altea on the coast. This was easily arranged for €15 return and well worth the visit. Personally, I did a self guided walk from Altea to the cliffs of Sierra Heleda - the route was very easy to follow and the coastal views were excellent.

This is a great region of Europe to visit in the winter months when other destinations tend to shut down for the season. If you're looking for a challenge and some great weather, this is the trip for you. There's plenty more walking opportunities along the Spanish coast, for example the Cabo de Gata and I'm hoping that Exodus will add similar trips to their portfolio in the future to offer a greater choice of hiking trips in the winter months.

A great walking holiday which matched the moderate/challenging grade exactly. The walks were well paced with a good mix of ascents and ridge walks offering excellent views. As the week progressed we were able to see where we had been and where we were going. Jose was an excellent leader and his local knowledge was obvious and he was keen to share it. He led the walks professionally and knew the routes and all the options inside out. He is a passionate advocate for the region. The walks were carefully planned and organised with care attention to detail. His packed lunches were tasty using local produce and eagerly anticipated. Jose integrated well with the group and had a very dry sense of humour. The evening meals were very tasty and plentiful using local produce. The hearty local fare was perfect after a days walking. You certainly won't go hungry or lose weight. The Pension was ideally located with great views to the coast and allowed some of the walks to start and finish from it. Overall a really enjoyable trip which I couldn't fault.

All the walks had beautiful parts but for me the descent into the Barranc de la Canal Gorge was the most visually stunning whilst the vista down to the coastal areas including Benidorm and Altea for Puig Campana was a close second.

Go and enjoy an area of Spain that I certainly didn't think was going to be so stunning whilst a few miles from the millions of beach lovers. In June the weather was very warm for walking but Jose Miguel was assiduous about hydration and giving us potential shade. Having said that if you regularly walk these distances it is probably not an issue. The barbecue evening was great fun too.

If you're looking for European winter walking, this is for you. The sun was gorgeous (although the wind is cold on the mountain tops so make sure you have warm clothes) with fabulous, long range, 360 deg views. Jose's sandwiches are already legendary, and rightly so, but he is also an experienced, knowledgeable and fun walk leader. The perfect escape from a dark, grey, damp UK and only a short flight away. Don't expect to lose weight though!

Doing the ridge walk on Sierra di Aitana and my second ascent of Puig Campagna! Also hearing nightingales in the vicinity of our lovely guest house.

Extremely knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of the area and we even had a history lesson on the Spanish Civil War - fascinating. His English is excellent and he has a very entertaining sense of humour. It's nice to laugh as well as to be informed. He was also very concerned about safety and warned us to take care in places where it was necessary.

I think the warning to people who might suffer from vertigo is understandable and you definitely need experience of some challenging climbing before you embark on this. The going is rocky in places and you need to be prepared to scramble but help is at hand from Jose and the scrambling is not particularly exposed.

Great climbing, wonderful scenery, remote and far from the hectic crowds of the coastal areas. If you want to be spiritually restored this is the trip for you. Be prepared to put on weight and enjoy the wine at dinner!! The barbecue dinner on the free day is a must.

A wonderful week of challenging walking in stunning limestone scenery. The November weather was perfect for walking, and we were not troubled by high winds on the summits and so were able to enjoy leisurely late lunches and take in the magnificent views. We stayed in the comfortable family-run El Trestallador Pension which had splendid views from the terrace down to the coast. The evening meals were more than adequate for a group of hungry and tired walkers and consisted of a variety of regional specialities. There were very few other walkers out on the hills during the week and it all felt very remote, despite the proximity to Benidorm.

Finding two chairs that someone had thoughtfully carried up to the Castell de Castells.

Very capable and well organised. He contributed greatly to our enjoyment of the trip.

We believe that the trip notes had changed between the time that we made our booking in the autumn and the start of the holiday the following spring. Neither my wife nor myself recognised the passages warning about being exposed to heights, or of the walks being unsuitable for those with vertigo. These would probably have led us to discount the holiday as being unsuitable. As it is, we both enjoyed the holiday very much. However, we feel that we should have been informed of these changes beforehand and given the option of switching to a different one.

A varied and challenging week of mountain waking that was a perfect escape from cold and wet weather in the winter months in a beautiful corner of Spain that couldn't be more different than nearby Benidorm. The accommodation up in the hills was very comfortable and the food was outstanding and plentiful.

Each of the walks had its own charm. I remember particularly a long descent from the Serrella massif down a hidden valley.

I have travelled frequently with Exodus and other similar trekking companies and Jose was one of the best tour leaders I have walked with. He was enthusiastic and knowledgeable about mountain walking and about the ways local people have responded to the challenges of the environment over the years. He combined this with a mischievous sense of humour.

Get fit in advance: the walking is 1000 metres ascent and descent in a day and the paths are often rocky and uneven.

An easy trip from Alicante to the accommodation at El Trestellador Pension was a good start to the trip. The rooms was comfortable and unpretentious. The food was always excellent drawing on local produce to provide regional specialties. Quantities were vast, no chance of feeling hungry and the picnics were the same. The walking was as described in the brochure, days of 8 hours, so previous experience is required, but with nothing too demanding in terms of scrambling. All the walks till the last on Saturday were deserted and beautiful in many places.

I'm not sure that there was such a moment, other than being inspired to have lots more holidays!

We did this trip last year and missed 2 of the climbs due to inclement weather and my partner missed the final climb due to illness. So - we felt we had to repeat it as we'd enjoyed so much the walks we were able to do last year. So glad we did - the weather was good except for some summit mist on one day and our wonderful guide Jose even arranged for the sun to disappear behind clouds on one of the very steep ascents just to allow us to summit in cool conditions!

I didn't go for inspiration, I went to hike.

The leader went the extra mile to ensure that the holiday was as good as possible for the group. He was very highly organised and exceptionally knowledgeable and passionate about the area. Plus he makes great sandwiches.

Comfortable accommodation in wonderful surroundings, excellent meals, varied and challenging walks led by a knowledgeable and proficient guide with a real passion for the area, its history and culture. The packed lunches praised in previous customer reviews did not disappoint.

Getting to the summits were brilliant. It was difficult terrain. A lot of loose stones underfoot so I had to walk with poles which I don't usually do but it was challenging and the guide really helped. The scenery was beautiful and the local villages of Guadalest and Benimentall were lovely.

Jose was fantastic. His English was excellent and he had a great sense of humour. He was incredibly passionate about his country and very knowledgeable. His guiding was faultless, made excellent sandwiches - really! Respected and managed people with different levels of experience.

Definitely need ankle support boots and poles. Bring thin layers.

A very worthwhile trip. Food and hospitallity from Paco and his wife was great.

This area of Spain is little known and on three walks we saw no-one else and on one we saw just one couple. It is just behind Benidorm but is little touched by tourism and gives an insight into rural Valencia. The walks are demanding but the views are breathtaking and are either to and from the hotel door or after a short drive. The weather in February was mild and sunny and the lower slopes were covered with almond blossom, making it an unusual opportunity to do European mountain walking in the winter months.

Summiting Puig Campana on the final day

An excellent guide very experienced & good company. His brother also joined us who enjoys sharing mountain survival skills & detailed local knowledge. He creates the best sandwiches for lunch I have ever seen! Don't expect to lose weight! I was disappointed at not summiting Aitana & did feel he was overly cautious given low cloud/mist. It felt as if he thought that if there was to be no view then it wasn't worth it. The cloud & mist was negligible & we could easily have managed the summit without any significant risk.

Do some pre-investigation & planning for the day off. The local coastal town is very limited & the alternative beach is very nice but again very quiet. Obviously it depends very much what you are looking for.

Despite the comments I really enjoyed the trip. Good organisation, the group all competent in the mountains which meant we all worked well together as a group. Thinking where to go next!

A very enjoyable and energetic walking holiday in a scenic part of Spain. Our guide, Jose, was excellent, passionate and informative and was able to modify the planned itinerary to cope with some inclement weather. His packed lunches were awesome. The hostal was comfortable and the food was delicious (as well as copious - don't expect to lose weight on this trip!). The only disappointing feature for me was the lack of consideration given to those who are unable to be on the group flight and thus cannot avail themselves of the group transfer from Alicante. Exodus recognises that the hostal is rather inaccessible. My flight arrived slightly ahead of schedule and I reached the arrivals hall when, according to Jose, he hadn't yet left the carpark and it would have been no great inconvenience to have waited for me. In the event, I had to take a bus to Benidorm and a taxi to Benimantel (there are no local buses on Sundays), at an additional cost of €45. By the time I reached the hostal, Jose and the rest of the group had left to go to Guadalest for lunch. I don't actually know what the solution is but bearing in mind I paid the same as the others, the London-centric transfer arrangements should perhaps be reconsidered. No hard feelings, I'm about to book my next trip with Exodus. Cheers.

I loved the accommodation. It was simple, very clean and our hosts were so friendly. The food provided each night was exceptional and more than enough for the largest appetite.

Jose is a nice guy with a passion for the Sierra de Aitana. He knows everything about the area and makes the walks interesting. He also is responsible for the excellent sandwiches.

This is not an easy week and deserves the Activity level 4

Most of my treks have not been based at one centre. I thoroughly enjoyed having a base to return to and not having to unpack a rucksack everyday. On our free day a group of us went to the beach at Altea which was very enjoyable.

Great hiking in wonderful mountain scenery. The accommodation is in a quiet and peaceful location, and serves very good food.

Standing on top of Puig Campana after a long and in places complex ascent and seeing all the other places we had been to in the week.

Jose and Jaime were both excellent. Very safety conscious and very experienced and full of interesting information about the area. Exodus has some excellent local leaders and these two are among the best.

This is more demanding than the Picos challenging week. Partly due to the length of walks and partly due to the more technical sections. There is very little height exposure and what there is not precipitous. Poles are useful, even to a non pole user like me. It does rain and can be very wet so you must bring waterproof bottoms and an umbrella or poncho are useful as it is also hot (Sept/Oct). They advise boots and those who did not use them did have a few problems. You can get away without using them but be prepared for blisters/ sore feet.

A really satisfying week of walking helped by other guests who were good walkers. This holiday is not for the not so strong walker but there are options for missing bits out or avoiding too many climbs but you will have to pay for the taxi which the leaders will arrange.

A brilliant trip. Challenging but worth it.

Our group leader was very good, professional and enthusiastic with great local knowledge and spoke excellent English.

A memorable trip based in a perfect location for both trekking & leisure time. The walks are lengthy but well planned to made more manageable with long gradual ascents/descents. A basic hotel but with friendly staff & excellent food fuelling you for the long days ahead! It does have a pool for warmer days (larger than a plunge pool as described in the particulars).

Standing on Serrella looking at the difference between the two valleys separated by only a few hundred metres.

Jose was great - knowledgable, good humoured and relaxed. He makes unbelievable sandwiches for lunch.

Be a bit fit these are longish walks.

Five excellent guided walks in the mountains surrounding our accommodation at El Trestellador. Each day was very enjoyable and the walks took approximately 6 hours. It was extremely hot for October and the mountains have little shade, so plenty of water had to be carried. The packed lunch provided was superb and enjoyed on the peaks each day. Returning to El Trestellador for a cold beer was equally enjoyable.

Getting to the top of Puig Campana in perfect weather - fantastic views over the sea and mountains.

We had 2 leaders for different parts of the week (Jaime and Jose Miguel) - both were very good and supportive. The perfect climb would have been to have had both at the same time! Very good sense of humour which is always essential. And they created great sandwiches.

Take hat and gloves and waterproofs (including over trousers) even if the trip notes don't say it! You need to be reasonably fit and not to to be put off by small amounts of scrambling and difficult terrain. And steep ascents!

Definitely hoping to do this trip again so we can do the 2 climbs we missed due to the bad weather.

Marvellous walking but needing good fitness and some ability to walk on difficult rock ascents and descents. A beautiful area, great guides in Jose and Jaime, very friendly and comfortable hotel and excellent food.

Walking on the high ridges of Aitana with magnificent views.

Jose is an excellent leader. His enthusiasm for and knowledge of the area was inspiring. His attention to detail as particularly memorable especially in the sandwich that he provided for our lunch often eaten on high mountain ridges.

Get reasonable fit and bring walking poles.

Great trip to a beautiful and interesting area. The fragrant wild flowers (in June) were an added treat. Probably not considered a headline destination but shouldn't be missed. The local accommodation was clean, comfortable and hospitable and situated near two lovely villages.

The scenery and our great guide Jose. It's such a beautiful and stunning, visually. ..part of the World. Our group was also the best ever..love to see them all again.

He was fab. Jose was fun to be with, also very knowledgeable about the area and extremely attentive to the groups needs.

Make sure you are fit.

I can't wait to go to this area again.

A really good trip in a part of Europe that it would be very easy to miss / ignore. A nice hotel with good food and wine supplied with dinner. Extraordinary G&Ts. The hills are not as high as others or as epic, but they are beautiful and amazingly green. The huge variety of plant life was staggering, and I've never had a walk smell so much like a herb garden. Good week for re-charging batteries after a busy start to the year.

Summiting Puig Campana felt like a huge achievement. It's a proper mountain and you need stamina, concentration and energy to get to the top and back. Seeing how life works in the mountain villages and meeting locals gathering wild mushrooms was great.

Jose was exceptional. His ability to communicate his knowledge of and passion for the area added a lot to the trip and you always felt secure. He did a great job encouraging the group to get to know one another and ensured every level of ability was catered for. His picnics deserve mention as well - delicious and well planned to give enough energy to keep you going. Jaime was also terrific, guiding us to the summit of Aitana and enriching the experience with his knowledge of local flora and pointing out distant Moorish ruins.

Although not overly challenging, this trek really demands you have a good level of fitness and the range of terrains you will encounter means experience on the hills will make the trip a bit easier. There's some light scrambling and underfoot conditions range from flat roads to loose scree so be prepared. The treks are long - up to 18km and 8 hours - but rewarding. The weather was perfect for most of the trip but remember weather can change quickly in the mountains so pack a fleece and a waterproof. On your free day it is worth visiting the Valor chocolate factory/museum down the coast in Villajoyosa - easy to reach and free entry. Don't miss the Valor chocolate shop by the beach - the hot chocolate is the best you will ever have!

Special mention to Steve and Liza at Casaroc. Liz is a wonderful cook and Steve is hospitality in itself.

Great walking - shame about the rain and snow (in April!) but the guides made the right decision about curtailing and altering walks where the climbs would have been dangerous in wet weather. If you want to get away from it all this is the place to be. Most days we saw no one else walking. This is an unexplored area of Spain.

There a number of memorable parts of the trip, and each day brought its own highlights. It was great to be able to walk in countryside that has preserved traditional ways of farming, and where everyone seemed friendly and welcoming. Being accompanied down the last stretch of the Puig Campana by a stray mule was an interesting experience! Fortunately Jose knew the owner and we were able to ensure that the mule got home safely ...

Jose was great - an interesting and informative guide and good fun to be with. He seemed to know everyone in the area, and to be very well respected.

I'm very glad that I'd got fit before the holiday - the walks were long and there were some 'challenging' stretches, though nothing too daunting.

This is an excellent trip offering the chance to visit an unspoilt area with a knowledgeable and inspirational guide - I'd recommend it to anybody who enjoys long days walking in the mountains. The food is good at both sets of accommodation, and Jose prepares excellent picnic lunches. On the rest day, the group ate together at a good local tapas bar - excellent quality and very good VFM in comparison with English restaurants.

Fantastic week's break in southern Spain; well organised; strong walking in ideal temperatures. Just what we were looking for.

Reaching the summit of Puig Campana was pretty special, though unfortunately it was a misty day - the only misty day of the whole week. Halloween in Sella, when we had fortunately done all of the walking, was the experience of a lifetime - they certainly know how to party and were only too happy to encourage us to join in, which of course we did :-)

Superlatives cannot do justice to Jose Miguel! He is incredibly knowledgeable about the area and has planned a marvellous week of walks. His management of our large group was very impressive - he let us all walk at our own pace when conditions permitted but was good at keeping at keeping us together when circumstances required. His written and spoken English are very impressive and he kept us all entertained throughout the week with jokes and anecdotes.

Get fit - the walking is quite challenging, comparable to a long day on the Lakeland fells. It is well worth making the effort because the views are fantastic, and the accommodation very comfortable, making it easy to recharge your batteries for the next day's walk.

The food was good and the traditional and unspoilt villages a fascinating contrast to the tourist hotspots of Benidorm etc just a few miles away. This is a great trip and we have no hesitation in recommending it

We walked in the Alicante mountains, it was inspiring and awesome.

I cherished every moment of my trip.

Jose is a fantastic guide,patient,knowledgeable and with great sense of humor.He makes the most creative and absolutely delicious sandwiches and little treat peaces of chocolate on top of the cake who could thing of that?

Take time to look around,to admire the beauty of the mountains.On your free day take the bus to Villa Joiosa. While in Sella go on top of the shrine to watch the Sunrise.

The Aitana mountains offer a fantastic experience for trekkers, with challenging, rugged landscapes, breath taking views and a real sense of place and history. The air is pure, the people are warm, the food is glorious.

Being a regular hiker, rock formations always fascinate me. The jagged limestone ridge of the Castellets and other rock strata are intriguing & inviting to try & climb. I love every summit and every sheer cliff and the two together make for an exciting adventure. Enjoying each day with your fellow hiker, learning from them , laughing with them & helping each other is part of the adventure that makes you long for more.

Jose' Miguel is passionate about his hike, the land & these mountains. The maginficent power of the rock flows through his veins and feeds his soul. He imparts this to everyone interested in loving the adventure. Jose' contiuously feed us with treats & sandwiches, and interesting information past & present.

Don't try a challenging hike if you are not sure if you are capable or fit enough. Be sure of your capabilities. This hike is not tough. It is a beautiful adventure.

Jose has planned some superb walks in a relatively undiscovered area. We hardly saw any other walkers in 5 days of stimulating, relatively challenging walks. The accommodation as very good and the villages both very welcoming to us as visitors.

Reaching on the last day the summit of Puig Campana, which dominates the surroundings and looks almost impregnable (although it can be ascended without too much scrambling).

José Miguel lives in this area and knows and loves it intimately. You are not just being guided - you are being introduced to a way of life in an arid and potentially hostile environment. He is an expert and inspirational leader and leaves nothing to chance.

A Platypus or Camelbak water system is preferable (as well as maybe a bottle or two of water). Springs are rare once you leave the villages. It is worth exploring the village of Sella (and maybe its handful of bars!) if you can make the time - there are a couple of short walks around the village available on Tripadvisor through which its history and development are illustrated.

This trip is easily accessible via Alicante airport, yet a world apart from the Spanish Costas and gives a glimpse of a traditional rural Mediterranean lifestyle.

I had a fantastic time in Spain because I was traveling with amazing people.Both houses,where we stayed were great.I will never forget meals in Roc House in Sella,cooked and served by Steve and his wonderful wife.The food was outstanding.

Reaching the peak of Puig Campana. I really struggled at the beginning of the week as I'm not an experienced hill walker, and the temperatures were high. I'm also not great with heights and some of the climbs were intense. It was a great feeling to make it to the top and down with the pictures to prove it. Casa Roc - the accommodation in Sella was really special. Amazing views from the apartments and Steve and Liz were great hosts.

Jose Miguel was a fantastic guide. He's really passionate about the area and incredibly knowledgeable about the history and evolution of the landscape. He also lives and breathes sustainable tourism, so we were treated to the best home made sandwiches ever, nisperos from his garden, fresh water from the mountain springs and lunch bags (and napkins) made by his mum.

Take a Camelbak or similar... it's a hassle to try and get your water bottles out of your day pack all the time and you go through a lot of water. And Compeed. Lots of it.

Really fantastic trip... and amazing attention to detail. Don't be put off by the fact that it's not as exotic as other locations. Sierra de Aitana is really a hidden gem.

The Sierra De Aitana is predominately limestone, so there is lots of loose rock underfoot. The walking is not too tough if you are fit, have a head for heights, are careful with your footing and can manage as much downhill as uphill. For the rest the views & mountain summits and ridge walk are breath taking and worth every step you take. The history of the area with terracing farmlands & the plight of the people is extremely interesting.

The whole trip was just an amazing way to spend a week hiking in the Spanish mountains. Summit views were brilliant as we had wonderful clear days on most of the walks.

José was a brilliant tour leader and his love of the area made the walking even more special. His knowledge and willingness to talk about all aspects of life in the mountains was excellent.

When booking flights check with exodus about flying locally as lots of places seemed to fly to Alicante at the same time of day. For example, stanstead, Birmingham, Manchester all arrived within 20 mins of the group flight from gatwick. The fourth walking day can be done in approach shoes if you prefer. Most people drank between 2-3 litres each day.

A great way to do some winter hiking and have great fun with like minded people. Hopefully a chance of warm weather, but be prepared for changeable weather.

A wonderful week walking in a beautiful area which is relatively unknown. The group got on very well and we had great fun in the evenings after a solid day of walking. Our leader was inspirational with a really good sense of humour. The accomodation and food was excellent.

The last days walk to the summit of was definitely the hardest part of the trip but the sense of achievement and the views from the top were spectacular. Even Benidorm looked nice!

Jose is a fantastic guide and has a great sense of humour. He has a wealth of knowledge about the area and is obviously very passionate about it. It can’t be easy trying to keep 14 people organised and motivated but he did a great job. He encouraged people to take their time and didn’t pressurise people to go faster than they felt comfortable on the more difficult sections. On our free day he offered suggestions on what we could do and offered to organise transfers back from the costal town of Villajoyosa, and generally acted as mediator, translator and negotiator.

Walking poles and good strong boots with ankle support are a must if like me your knees don’t like going downhill. Also water was only available from springs on one of the five days of walking so take heed of the trip notes which advise you to bring two 1 litre bottles. The tap water from the hotels is perfectly safe to drink. Despite it being early March several of the days were pretty hot (by British standards) and shade is often elusive, and with 7-8 hours of walking you may need more water than you think.

This was a fantastic trip and the combination of the walking, the company and the surroundings has encouraged us to do more group walking holidays in the future. If like us you don’t consider yourself ‘serious’ experienced walkers don’t be put off by the challenging aspect of the trip. It’s more rewarding if you have to work harder for something!

Quite tough and long walks are rewarded by outstanding views over mountains and the coast (and later in the day by excellent regional food and wine).

Take walking poles with you – they are helpful on some of the steeper descents.

This is an excellent holiday in an unspoilt part of Spain. It is also very quiet with very few other walkers. Steve & Liz at Casa Roc were fantastic hosts and provided delicious food. The group we were with had a good level of fitness and were very good company.

There were so many but we particularly liked the walk on day 3 – Sierra de Serrella – the views and scenery were spectacular, we were walking in snow for part of this walk and had to do a bit of scrambling as well, which was very different.

Jose was very knowledgeable about the whole area and told us a lot about this history etc. His enthusiasm and passion for this region shone through. Also, the sandwiches he prepared for us were excellent – very tasty and filling.

Very varied ... very hot (I went in May) ... some of the best walking I've done ... and definitely the best sandwiches.

There were so many but we particularly liked the walk on day 3 – Sierra de Serrella – the views and scenery were spectacular, we were walking in snow for part of this walk and had to do a bit of scrambling as well, which was different.

Jose was very knowledgeable about the whole area and told us a lot about the history etc. His enthusiasm and passion for this region shone through. Also, the sandwiches he prepared for us were excellent – very tasty and filling.

A fantastic trip seeing the beautiful variety of the Sierra de Aitana range. Five wonderful walks exploring different parts of two scenic valleys from a range of view-points. You are walking for 7-8 yours a day, ascending 800-1000m most days and the pace is not difficult. There has to be a minimum pace as need to get back in time for dinner etc. but we always had plenty of time for beer or icecream after the days walk. As you can probably tell we had some lovely weather with most days 20+ for the end of March. Evening meals were brilliant with the variety of food

Views from the summits are stunning and getting there is just hard enough to make you enjoy it thoroughly.

Brilliant, riendy, knowledable and his grandma makes the best sandwitches.

Make sure you bring your insurance certificate

While the walking is not for total beginners is is well within the capabilities of even moderately fit indiviuals

This was a demanding but thoroughly enjoyable trip for a pair of novice walkers. It was our first ever walking holiday and as the trip loomed we were worried that we may have been a bit ambitious selecting a Moderate/Challenging trek despite doing a good amount of preparatory walking to get fit. The walking was tough with around 800-1000 metres of accent on each walk coupled to quite long days. A couple of our fellow travellers who had been on other ‘challenging’ grade trips mentioned that they thought this trek was more demanding. This is probably down to the fact that the terrain is very rocky and uneven in places and considerable sections of the walks were on rough trails which was quite hard on the feet. The ascents were generally not a problem and although hard work they were conducted at a civilised pace with everyone finding their own speed. There is an excellent balance to the days which were very satisfying with the hard work being rewarded by some fantastic views over the surrounding area, which is totally unspoilt and a world away from the costal resorts of Alicante and Benidorm. More importantly (I think) there was a heavy emphasis on refreshments in the evenings with plenty of food, wine and beer which I don’t think anyone felt the least bit guilty about indulging in after a day’s toil in the hills. The accommodation was very good. The first hotel was clean and basic with a good breakfast and dinner in the evenings. The second hotel, which I was expecting to be more remote and rustic, was Casa Roc in the lovely little village of Sella. This was a charming spot with clean and comfortable rooms and communal kitchen areas and terraces. The honesty bar with its seemingly inexhaustible supply of beer and wine was particularly popular. We didn’t find sharing facilities too much of an issue, we shared a bathroom with two other people and were quite happy to trade the earlier slot in the shower for an extra half hour in bed! The hosts Steve and Liz were very friendly and clearly work hard to keep their guests happy. Liz did a fantastic job producing delicious authentic Mediterranean meals for us in the evenings, no mean feat considering how many people she was catering for. Steve did an equally good job keeping the jugs of wine and the bread baskets topped up. There were 14 people in our group and without exception everyone was friendly and sociable and for us this really made the holiday that extra bit special. There were people who were obviously more experienced and fitter than us but they were very supportive and encouraging, especially when we expressed doubts about joining the group on the last day for the climb to the 1408 metre summit.

Every summit! The views - seeing other peaks we'd climbed or would be climbing. Staying in Serra - lovely warm atmosphere living in houses instead of a hotel. Fun group - we all got on well.

Jose is knowledgeable about the area including history, geography and the natural environment. He cares very much about the people and the place, and his enthusiasm is infectious.

It's not an easy trek, the terrain is tricky and often steep - I enjoyed the challenges. If this is what you like too, then go for it. Just a warning if you're wanting an easy stroll.

The scenery is amazing and really unexpected so close to the cultural graveyard of the Costa Blanca. There are impressive limestone peaks and ridges stretching into the distance. Views from the tops are amazing - even Benidorm takes on a certain grandeur when spied from afar! The trip also offers a good dose of rural Spanish culture. The village of Sella is a delight, there is nothing better than coming off the hills after a great day of walking and retiring to one of the village bars for beer and tapas!

Jose is a fantastic leader - knowledgeable, great company and a pleasure to be with on the hills. His enthusiasm for the area is infectious and I shall certainly go back.

A pair of walking poles is useful particularly for some of the steeper downhill sections. The trip starts on a Sunday so consider spending Saturday night in Alicante, which is just a short 3.75 Euro bus ride from the airport. The old town is worth a look and a fun way to spend a Saturday night - very Spanish with not a rowdy Brit in sight. It also means there is no stress with linking in to the group transfer should your low cost regional flight be delayed.

If you enjoy walking and want to swap drab UK November weather for a bit of Spanish sunshine and culture this is the trip for you.

Just the right combination of walking,views and recovery time make this a great trip.

The sunrise over Puig Campana seen from our accommodation in Sella. The view from Puig Campana to Mallorca on our last day

José Miguel García Fraile went the extra mile and a half to ensure we had an excellent walking holiday. He has excellent local knowledge on walks, climbs, history, culture etc and obviously loves the area and is keen to encourage others to do the same. I was really impressed that he had done footpath clearance work and is keeping open some old routes that could fall out of use. We had poor weather forecast on one day and he found a good alternative to the advertised route, he clearly has a lot of walks up his sleeve

You need to understand that while some of the walking was on 4x4 tracks and pleasant little footpaths there was a lot of walking on steep rough ground over scree and rocks and you should come equipped with reasonably stiff mountain boots with good ankle support.You will find poles come in handy and bring bottles etc for at least 3 litres of water, it can be hot even in October. If you want to send post cards buy them and stamps that at Guadalest, the supply of stamps at Sella is not great. If you like to follow where you are going on the trip get there is an excellent 1:20000 map that covers most of what we did.

One of the best short treks with good challenging walking and no fewer than 4 peaks to climb - so if you like peak bagging this is a good choice! Great having a two centre base, as the two valleys were quite different and you get a good insight into the whole area.

The sense of history walking in the steps of travelers from centuries past, along the tracks and mountain passes. The peace and solitude in the area as there were very few other walkers around - some days we saw none.

We had Jose Miguel as our leader, who lives in Sella and is passionate about the area and its history and ecology. He has lead much of the restoration of the old tracks and paths and is knowledgeable about them and their history. On the walks he was supportive and encouraging, whilst quickly able to assess individual strengths and weaknesses and make decisions as to ability to tackle the more demanding walks - just what you want from someone leading you in a mountainous area. He was pleasant and amusing, made triple-decker sandwiches to keep you going all day, and was all we could have hoped for as a leader.

We had warm/hot weather (October 2014) but we would suggest going fully equipped for mountain weather with good walking boots with ankle support as many of the tracks are rough and stony. The trip is graded Moderate/Challenging and this is realist - imagine a longish day in the Lake District with sunshine. Ensure you carry plenty of water - on some walks there is no opportunity to resupply and we drank 2 to 3 litres.

The food was excellent (and plentiful) throughout, that at Benimantell was very traditional local cuisine and so much appreciated, that at Sella was traditional with modern twist and very good. Both sets of accommodation were clean and welcoming and exactly what was needed for a walking holiday. We plan to do the holiday again in early spring probably to see the almond blossom and spring flowers

I thoroughly enjoyed the holiday. Good walking, good weather, good company and excellent food.

Actually doing 6 days of good walking and achieving some really good summits combined with full and long days of walking.  Also, having a large group that was of a mixed age and gender, that gelled from Day 1 with a passionate, do anything leader who made fantastic sandwiches too!

Our leader was Jose Fraile and we very quickly warmed to him.  He is local to the area, passionate about the historic footpaths, tracks and abandoned terrace farms.  Jose is very patient, eager to please, has a lovely persona, humorous and makes lovely sandwiches with a different filling each day!  He even keeps the footpaths cut back and stops them getting overgrown.Even on our free day, Jose made sure that everyone was taken care of and was happy to transport us to our different destinations.Couldn't have wished for a better leader. 

We did this trip as a mature couple and thoroughly enjoyed it so, don't even think about it - just do it.  This is a superb winter destination to top up your walking and is as good as a week in the Lakes. On the first day it rained and was cold.  On the second day it snowed on the high ground.  This did not stop us achieving our walks on either day, so be prepared for indifferent weather and take some warm clothing as we wore everything we took from the UK, even though we thought we had gone over the top with our warm and wet gear. The remainder of the week was sunny, hot and blue skies - just what we had expected. Check the weather forecast before you go and search on Sella and not Benidorm.  Every day was not a walk in the park and you need to be prepared for some tough ascents and long descents, especially at the end of a full day.  There are no coffee or refreshment shops on any of the trekking days (thankfully), but you do get the chance of a beer at the end of some of the walks and in lovely village bars.

This is a really fantastic, underrated trip and we wonder why Exodus do not offer more in this area as we would certainly return again to sample different walks of the same calibre.Our trip ran in reverse, starting at Sella and ending at Benimantell, which in our opinion is the better way of doing the trek but you get the best accommodation first - you can't win them all! The accommodation at Sella is superb and relaxing, although the shared bathroom is a bit overrated.  The hosts, Steve and Liz can't do enough for you and the food is superb, the honesty bar very welcomed and the free tea and coffee making facilities a bonus.  Nice social areas for relaxing in on all floors.Unfortunately, Benimantell is not a patch on Sella but in an area with limited accommodation, it did the job! 

Great walking, stunning scenery and plenty of wine and beer - what more could you want!

All the views from the varied and interesting walks (the photos don't do it justice).

All the wonderful remarks from previous treks about Jose Miguel are still true today. His enthusiasm and passion are infectious.

Go! You'll have a great week.

A big thank you to Steve at Casaroc. I may not have made it on our last climb to Puig Campana without his help.I wish we could have stayed another week

If you like decent rough mountain walking, great scenery, good views, quiet villages, good food and drink at great accommodation do this trip.

The panoramic views across the sierra, the amazing pena (rocky outcrops), the spectacular sunrises and the the riot of almond blossom.

Jose worked hard to ensure the week went smoothly for us. Excellent sandwich maker--the best! Yummy lunches, the purple carrots, cakes and chocolate were a great treat. All transportation worked like clockwork. Unparalleled last night entertainment--singing, flamenco, the tattiest tat competition, the sangria drinking...unforgettable.

Be prepared for all weathers--we had snow the first couple of days (or was it almond blossom disguised as snow???) so thermals and woolly hats and gloves were needed, but by the end of the week were walking in shorts.Be prepared for long days and be reasonably fit. Some descents are tricky and poles are helpful. This is a step up from a "B" grade, so expect that.Don't expect to lose weight on this holiday because of all the walking, there is a lot of eating too. The food at the accomodation in Sella (Casa Roc) is outstanding. Also, lots of chocolate involved. Jose's sandwiches as previously mentioned are "legendary".The accomodation at Sella had shared bathrooms, worked OK as people were considerate. The communal kitchen and terraces were ideal for relaxing in. We needed oil heaters in the rooms as it was quite cold at night. The hosts, Steve and Liz, both British, were extremely welcoming and the dining room was wonderfully warm and atmospheric. In Benimantell the rooms were en-suite and warmer, though the atmosphere of the place was far less cosy.Not much to do on the free day--that suited us as we did some bird-watching and read our books and had a luxurious and delicious 3 course lunch with wine and liquers at Cafe Rafal in Benimantell for euros 15 each (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED). Others in the group had massages (arranged by Jose), or went to the coast, even bravely venturing to an out-of-season Benidorm!! We had a group that got along well, which made the trip enjoyable.

If you love walking and need a winter getaway, this is it. Just GREAT WALKING, GREAT VIEWS, GREAT FOOD. 

This was a superb holiday in what was to us an unknown area of Spain. The area was full of historic sites and had excellent walking opportunities with some relatively demanding paths to the summits. The whole holiday was very well planned and coordinated and the short transfers to the start of the walks were appreciated as avoided sitting on a bus for too long. .

What was going to be put in the sandwiches each day!

The local leader (Jose Miguel) was extremely informative about the area and brought great enthuasism to his job.  He managed the group well, ensuring that all members were able to participate in the walks.  He was also very helpful in dealing with medical dietary requirements, as were the two accommodation places.

Make sure you are fit enough and have some experience of more strenuous paths/terrain conditions and, in the cooler months of the year, have all the appropriate gear.Take walking poles, but ensure you have experience in using them properly beforehand. Be open-minded about the possible requirement to share bathrooms in the second accommodation.

Casa Roc (the second accommodation) had very good kitchen facilities and the opportunity to make hot drinks was really appreciated, particularly at the end of a day's walking.  The hosts (Steve and Liz) were very obliging and eager to help our stay go smoothly.Even staying locally in Sella on the day off enabled individuals to do a wide range of activities.

Very underrated and challenging trip in an area of Spain that offers some great walking. This trip also offers some great summit opportunities.Could not believe that the mountain area behind Benidorm could offer such remote and historic walking terrain, combined with great food, drink and social activity.  We went at the beginning of February and the almond blossom everywhere was stunning. 

There were so many moments of 'did I really walk/scramble up there?!' and 'how on earth am I going to get back down!', but getting through the 'eye of the needle' rock, otherwise known as Fat Man's Agony, and then having a picnic lunch in the sunshine after I'd stopped trembling is a memorable moment. Another was almost getting to the summit of Puig Campana and then down the other side! After 4 days of looking at a very daunting summit from our balcony at Casaroc I could say to myslef, 'yes, I did it!'

Jose Miguel was our sandwich-maker and leader extraordinaire, who effortlessly organized, drove and guided us through a landscape which he was clearly passionate about, and even maintained at his own cost and in his own time. Some of the paths would have remained unpassable had he not strimmed his way through them before we arrived. He gauged the strengths and weakenesses of our group pretty quickly, and dealt with them appropriately. He had a great sense of humour too!

Even if you don't usually use walking poles, they will be handy for the descents, which can be hard on the knees otherwise. Also, most of us came away with scratches on arms and legs from the multitude of spiny bushes, so gaiters would be a good idea. Camel backs were ideal for the amount of water you need as well as ease of use for the whole day's walk. Be prepared for quite a bit of scrambling and very rocky terrain, and make your day pack as light as possible (but with rain gear and water). I think that the walks were perhaps more challenging than moderate, but all the more satisfying for that.

I have to mention that the accomodation in Sella, run by Steve and Liz Greene, was to be commended for being beautiful and very comfortable. The views over the mountains were gorgeous and both Steve and Liz were really friendly and attentive, and prepared delicious meals for us every day. After a long day's walk, it was really nice to come back to Casaroc!

I'm so glad I went on this trip. The treks, views, food, company and leadership were terrific!

Reaching the summits of each mountain climbThe sunset on the final day of walkingJose's passion for the region and his committment to the local communityEnjoying the generous supply of Spanish wineThe hospitality we received at both sets of accommodationThe tranquility - on most days we hardly saw any other walkers

Jose was incredible. He has a great sense of humor, is extremely knowledgeable, and a tremendous patriot for this region of Spain. His community minded attitude, and respect for the environment, was inspirational. You couldn't ask for a better host and guide.

The weather at this time of year was really warm on most of the days. Plenty of sunscreen and water required

We were very fortunate to have a great group of people on the trip which helped to make this a very memorable holiday. This trip is ideal for anyone who wants some challenging walking in a beautiful part of the world without travelling too far away from home.

A great week of walking with very varied scenery and conditions from a snowy landscape to full sunshine and almond blossom. Fabulous views across the Mediterranean, and delicious tapas.

Descending from Puig Campagna as the sun was setting down and the mountains were covered in gold and amber.  Just perfect!

Jose Miguel was a perfect host and guide.  He ensured everyone's needs were taken care of.  And, his knoweledge of the region and history complemented his tasty sandwiches. 

Very good and varied walking, spectacular scenery.

Very difficult to pin point any 'one' thing as everyday had plenty of very fond memories. Scenery is really magical and whilst on the trail you often saw glimpses of valleys or ridges that we had either done previously or  were to be challenges in the days ahead .  If pushed then certainly the summit of Puig Campana was indeed a great finale to the week ...a great route to get to the top, and an even better one heading back to our base at Sella.

Jose was a real character and makes great packed lunches!  His local knowledge was very impressive and love of the area was obvious.  He had spent huge amounts of effort in fine tuning the routes to maximise our enjoyment, and was able to give interesting anecdotes about rural village life past and present.

Only a small point  but here is not a lot of chances to buy any trail snacks ( or indeed anything)  so you might want to take some them out from the UK . On the other hand you might get the chance to sample the odd Orange as you pass by a grove! 

 DO NOT  be put off this trip just because the region is not  that well known as the  Picos de europa or Pyanees ….Its equal to either of them, and in many ways better. SO in a nutshell....GO!!! ...and you will feel quite smug for visitng this ‘undiscovered gem’  .

Perfect way to get away from the excess of Christmas and New Year! Walk in the sunshine amongst citrus groves laden with fruit!

Great views across the Sierra to the coast.Wonderful Spanish home cooking at Benimantell. 

Good fun, very knowledgable and clearly a local celebrity.

It might just about be a B/C grade, but it's pretty close to a C; there are a couple of longer days, there's the odd short scrambly bit and sometimes because the area is so rarely walked the trail is a bit rough. The trip notes describe the walks very accurately, so read those rather than just go by the grade. This is all good, but it's best to know what to expect. April and May departures are likely to be pretty warm, although there was always a breeze up on the ridges.

Jose Miguel rather undersold the optional visit to Villa Joiosa on the coast on the free day - those that went really enjoyed it.  

This was a fantastic pre winter trip, close to home. The region is spectacular, walking is challenging, food was amazing and the group were great company. It exceeded all of my expectations.

A wonderful full body massage after some very challenging hiking.We did this trip 5 years ago and were so impressed we decided to do it again (we don't usually repeat a trip). But 5 years, two unreliable knees and a dodgy hip combined to cause some problems for me. I decided to forgo the hike up to the highest peak and after the first, easy 3 hour walk, sat in a sunny glade with my book to wait for the rest of the party. I figured I had done it once and had nothing to prove. I spent an enjoyable few hours chatting to passing hikers and bikers and one very elderly gentleman who wanted to try out his English. He could read English well but didn't know how to pronounce most of the words - we both had fun guessing what the other was saying.  

In a word - excellent. Jose Miguel is full of enthusiasm for this part of Spain - his home. Committed to the rural way of life and sustainable living. Very adaptable when the weather wasn't on our side.

Take heed of the trip notes - this is not an easy stroll.Sadly, the weather was not as kind in March as it had been in late January 5 years ago when the sun shone every day. Be prepared for some rain in early season. 

Don't eat too much breakfast or you won't have room for Jose's superb three tier lunchtime sandwiches!

Fantastic walking with stunning views.  The beauty of this region exceeded my expectation.  And, then there was a fun group and a great guide and his humongous sandwiches.  Very enjoyable! 

First day ( Sunday pm ) of arrival walking around El Castell de Guadalest after tapas, close our first hotel and seeing the landscape of walks ahead, and feeling the warm sun after the wet, wintry and cold of the UK.  Mid week walk from Benimantell guesthouse to next stay at Sella, and walking over Aitana, 1558 m , highest point of the week, and walking through a gap in the rocks from one valley to the other.Walk up Puig Campana 1408m , mountain that backdrops Benidorm, challenging , would class as the C walk, rest all B, was windy on our day, but dry and sunny, did not quite make the top due to conditions, zig zagging up scree slope challenging but expertly lead.

Jose Miguel an excellent guide , locally based in Sella, with a great backup team of local drivers, all working in the local community of Sella, your base for second half of week. Spoke excellent English, knows the area very well, excellent mountain guide, discussed topics of interest along the way, regularly checked group for level of happiness, made some warping 3 layered sandwiches for the lunches. Helps with the options for your free day. A TV star as was shown a DVD of him with Cameron McNeish in the area for a BBC TV Adventure programme.  A big plus for this tour, being lead by a local man.

Ideal for regular hikers, anyone who can do Snowdon will find it ok. Definitely bring a walking pole or 2. And drinking water bottles, thirsty work in the warm sun. The almond blossom week went on added some pretty colour to the arid landscape.Free day options , I went to the coast, beautiful sandy bay of a Spanish resort of La Villa Joyiasa, colourful houses, quieter resort certainly in early Feb; train from here could take you to Alicante , or Benidorm ( if like skyscrapers on a sandy bay), or further up to Altea or Javea if time allows, I was happy just to stay and chill in the sun after the strains of hiking.

Hotels good, good food, comfortable, good views from both. Sella guesthouse run by an English couple, meals at their home, all home cooking, plentiful and yummy. Only negative, was that the main photo in the Exodus brochure, which partly sold the holiday to me, taken from inside a cave , looking out over a bay, with 2 walkers in, and trailing ivy,  you don't actually go here anymore, this is the Bernia ridge, so Exodus need to update their main photograph to reflect a landscape where visited now , I have plenty if they need some .  Enjoy.

A great combination of vistas, food and wine in a really wonderful location.

reaching the top after a push and a shove  to go from the dark side to the flat light side of the peak!!

Jose was funny sweet and lots of fun  my did he walk FAST A very good sandwichmaker  he even pleased the vegetarian of the group  when i was cold in one of the stops  hotel  he made sure the heating was on for me  and got me blankets

Get fit  lose weight  be prepared for challenging uphill walking

Excellent weather for a week in December  lucky or what???

Ideal for a winter break, peaceful and interesting mountain trails in the sun a few miles from the Spanish coast.

There were several inspirational moments on this trip. One was viewing the fascinating rock formations on the peaks nearby while also seeing the coast of Mallorca on the horizon. I shallalways remember the scent of thyme bushes as we walked along the paths, brushing them with our boots. On the final day we ended up at our leader's home and helped harvest olives together. That was a truly special and unique moment, when we felt we had not just walked as tourists in the region, but had been privileged to have been invited to share in a tiny way in the life of the local community

Jose was an excellent leader. He took great care to enable everyone to feel safe, informed and happy, so they could enjoy each day. When two walkers had blisters, after the first day, he put dressings on them himself in such a way that they were then fully able to do all the walks, with no further problems. He led in a warmly engaging and humourous manner, so everyone in the group felt relaxed. He is passionate about Spain and his home region and commmunicated this to group members. When we were in the coach from the airport, he produced grapes and raisins from his own garden - a thoughtful touch which we discovered was typical of his thoughtfulness and hospitality. We really gelled as a group and this was due mainly to Jose's outstanding leadership qualities.

This trek is at the higher end of the B grade, so be prepared for one or two quite long, though beautiful, walking days. Walking poles would be helpful, as some descents are quite rockyand steep. You will need very little spending money, as wine is provided at the evening meals and you won't really come across any shops. Be prepared to be amazed - it is a world away from nearby Benidorm!

I would love to go on this walk again, with the same group and the same leader, as it was such an enjoyable week. We even concluded the week with a semi-impromptu dance after supper, which was such a wonderful way to celebrate friendships made, the journey made and our thanks to Spain. It also provided much hilarity...

A strenuous but very rewarding week of hiking led by an enthusiastic local guide. Good food and comfortable accomodation.

4 climbs 4 amazing views.  An inspirational moment at the top of each.

The trip leader is Jose Garcia whose trekking expertise, local knowledge and great sense of humour make him an  excellent guide. If anyone is going to get you up the mountain he will!    

A great winter sunshine destination for some energetic hiking in the limestone mountains of the Costa Blanca, with an excellent Spanish local guide and fellow like minded friendly companions.

14.00 Reaching the highest points on each day (up to1400 metres) and having the rare privilege of views across high mountain tops and then down into hidden fertile valleys that the casual visitor to Spain might be completely unaware of.

Jose the group leader was undoubtedly the making of this trip, his dedication to the cause was unstinting, always struck the right note, kept us all going and provided prodigious amounts of food and good humour. His communication with us was outstanding and provided a complete education in regional geography and history – with a light personal touch when needed, boring he is not. His vast experience of activity leadership in this region and elsewhere in Europe really shows. He shared his life with us for the whole week, to the extent of inviting us all to his home to pick his olives and drink tea on the veranda afterwards.

Be lucky with the weather which at its best is fantastic for walking, but don’t worry if not. Bring a good appetite (good food is in plentiful supply and you may need it!). Make sure you are fairly fit, equipped and ready for regular but not excessively arduous high hill walking. Think Peaks, Lakes or Snowdonia without the mud. If you are going in the warmer months, have plenty of water carrying capacity and sun protection. As a minimum, light walking boots with ankle support are essential (not shoes or trainers) as are walking poles.

We hope you have as much good fortune with your walking companions as we did, and remember it’s what you make of the trip that counts so don’t waste time finding fault with rural Spanish plumbing etc. Enjoy the privilege of being completely involved in your surroundings and with your hosts.

This was a really enjoyable week of walks in an unspoilt and very interesting part of Spain.

There were many memorable moments.

Jose Miguel is a great leader. He is very knowledgeable about the area and the flora and fauna and he seems well prepared for any eventuality. He inspires confidence and he has a unique sense of humour which kept us entertained from the airport pick to the end of the week. No request was too much trouble.

The walks are as described ie moderate/challenging. All in our group managed them well despite it being unseasonably warm.

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

Jose was a wonderful and amusing group leader.  It was good to have someone who knew the area so well.  He could answer any of our questions, as well as sharing the history and modern farming techniques of the area.  He also made the best sandwiches I have ever tasted! 

Don't underestimate the temperature of this trip!  It was the heat that really made it challenging.

All of it really - two things in particular: reaching the summits each day to have lunch with stunning views and a real sense of achievement; and our guide Jose. Jose was ceaselessly motivational, passionate about the area, extremely knowledgeable, fun, sensitive to the group's needs, always aiming to surprise us with hidden treasures and delights of a view whilst being constantly concerned about our wellbeing. 

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.

As above - Jose was a real star.  He was ceaselessly motivational, passionate about the area, extremely knowledgeable, fun, sensitive to the group's needs, always aiming to surprise us with hidden treasures and delights of a view whilst being constantly concerned about our wellbeing. A top guy!

Lots of people advised taking trekking poles. Jose was happy to lend his out when needed, so that helped on the descents when I needed them but meant I didn't need to carry them most of the time when not needed. Jose had brought several pairs, so you could get by without taking your own, but if you rely on them do take some.   Make sure you take plenty of water bottles - we refilled at several springs but a few had dried up!

Highly recommended - catered well for everyone, whether solo or couples or more!  Go for it!!

The entire trip was pretty awesome,  The views are so varied, it is impossible to get bored with the scenery.  It seemed that at least a couple of times a day, we turned a corner and all said "Wow!  I didn't expect to see that!".  The places we stayed were friendly and clean.  The best has to be the last - a homestay with the lovely warm Violetta and her beautiful family in their rambling but awesome family farm home.  You could stay a week in that place and still have cool things to discover.

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.

Jose was witty, knowledgeable, and a real people person.  He was passionate about his local area (where we were walking) and even invited us all round to the little cottage and smallholding he was working do hard to build and grow.

Trekking poles are strongly recommended - there are many steep and rocky climbs and descents and your feet and knees do get a bit of a bashing!  I would rate this more as a C grade trip.  Long days and steep climbs / descents made for very hard work, albeit in stunning scenery.

This is such a beautiful and undiscovered place.  We saw almost no other walkers during our entire week.  Strongly recommended.  

This was a good hard week of walking, but the sense of achievement in getting to the tops of the peaks was great and the views were stunning. The area is really unspoilt which was refreshing. All three accommodations were welcoming, comfortable and served excellent food and wine and allowed us to get a taste of the real Spain.

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.

Jose was knowledgeable, friendly, good company and enthusiastic about his local area. Very good!

Bear in mind that although the weather is mostly good (and was great for us for 4 out of 5 days walking) you may encounter adverse weather conditions in winter and need to be prepared for this. On the last day though we were in T-shirts on top of the highest peak in the area and that was early February!

This is an excellent week of immersion in Spanish culture, great walking and a bit of winter sunshine.

On the top of Puig Campana on the last day - towering over Benidorm and the Med - warm sun and yet early February - a terrific achievement!

This was a challenging B Grade trek, which ensured a great feeling of achievement each day.  The accommodation was lovely and the food was amazing!

Our leader was ideal - local; passionate about the area; excellent command of English; very good with people; an excellent organiser... what more do we want?

This is a strenuous week. The mountains are rocky and steep and the distances about 12 miles most days. We managed (and we are in our 70s) but we could not have done much more.

I have rarely (if ever) had a holiday with such lovely food. It was all really good country fare, and the dietary requirements of a few of the group were handled well. The three small hotels in different villages were all lovely.

Having previously done our own treks, this was our first trial of a group holiday. It surpassed our expectations! Superb treks, great group dynamics, lots of laughs and fun, super hotels and wonderful food, and our guide Jose was absolutely brilliant - a real star!

Not a single hour went past without a "wow" moment.  Stunning landscapes, great accommodation, lovely people.   However, I would rate this more as a C grade - the walks were long and steep.

A great week in a beautiful area with fantastic food, characterful accommodation and a great guide.

We knew nothing at all about this area in advance - other than the Exodus write up. If anything, we were a bit apprehensive, because Alicante and Benidorm get a bad press in the UK. Why do we never hear of this unspoilt, fantastic scenery just inland?

Challenging trip  just as trip notes said!!! good value for money  eatable mealsthe sun shone no rain just as the brochure suggested  interesting lively guide

The feeling of being so close to the crush of Benidorm, yet a million miles away was very special. On some walks we barely saw anyone else from beginning to end, and it really felt as if we were walking ancient trails.  On the day we went to the summit of Aitana, having tackled a bit of a scarey scramble and got through a slightly tricky pass, we lunched on a beautiful, sheltered patch of grass, almost a lawn, and Jose (our guide) produced a bottle of red wine he had carried with him to accompany our lunch.  It felt so strangely civilised in such a remote place.

Jose led the group with great local knowledge, unstinting humour, skill and sandwiches. Jose's sandwiches should be the stuff of legend: it became a challenge for anyone in the group to finish them, double-deckered and full of amazing Good Things.  Don't be misled when the trip notes say lunches will consist of 'a sandwich', these are sandwiches of epic proportions!!He also displayed marvellous hospitality, inviting us to his house in Sella - although there was a cost (we had to help with his olive harvest - hardly a chore!).  Jose was an absolutely integral part of the week's enjoyment.

Take decent kit as the walks are 'proper'. That said, don't be put off by anyone that says the walks are tough - they're not a stroll in the proverbial park, but our group had quite a mixture of ages and fitness levels, and no-one really struggled.  I would recommend walking poles - I didn't take them, and could have done with them on some of the 'down's.The food in the hotels/guests houses is amazing, very local and very hearty.  You won't lose any weight on this holiday!

This is a proper walking holiday, the walks take up pretty much every day, unlike some Exodus walking holidays I've been on that have been more a mixture of walking and site-seeing (and none the worse for that).  The countryside is beautiful, Sella is a lovely village to end up and the Hort de Gloria is charming - don't plan to go anywhere on your free day, just sit in the sun at the Gloria and have excellent tapas in Sella.

This was a stunning trek in a beautiful and unspoilt mountainous area. The walking was satisfying and there were stunning panoramic views in all directions.

Looking down the valley with a beer in our hands with fantastic company after an amazing 8 hour hike, sheer bliss!

Jose was friendly, professional and his love and enthusiasm of Sierra was superb and we learnt so much and experienced amazing walks.

As this was our first hiking trip we were so relieved to find we kept up with some very experienced walkers, and walking poles are great and help with the steep descents.

My husband and I were so unsure of this trip but from the people we met, to our fantastic guide,to the fantastic views it was as my children would say truly awesome!!!!

An excellent trip.  Highly recommended.  A great walking week in lovely mountains within easy access of Alicante.

* picking almonds and walnuts straight from the trees* views from the tops* rock formations 

He was superb.  Organisation was excellent in all aspects.  His command of English and humour were fantastic.  He was justifiably very proud of his area.

We think that it must be a hard grade B and you need to be fairly fit to keep up and enjoy the pace.Paths are rather rougher than many found in the Alps.

The first 2 places we stayed were great. The last one was rather too rustic. Although it was described as having 4 bedrooms to 3 bathrooms in the main house, the reality was that one was on the floor below the bedrooms, one on the floor below that and the other outside. Our beds were quite uncomfortable.

Everything we had hoped for and quite a bit more.

Taking a few moments alone and basking in the quiet.

A fine guide but could perhaps be more considerate of the weaker members in the group; this would perhaps not be a problem if graded more accurately.

An excellent trip to a beautiful and perhaps under-explored part of Spain.  The walking is quite strenuous, but makes the wonderful dinners at the end of each day all the more welcome.

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

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.

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

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.

This was our first  hiking trip and it certaintly won't be our last as it beat all our expectations.

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.

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.

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!

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

Fantastic views and you hardly see a soul on the walks.  They are hard treks on rough paths and a fast pace is needed to complete the walks in the time.  The food was excellent in all three places in which we stayed.

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

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

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!

The area is an attractive place to walk but certainly graded as moderate to difficult would be more appropriate as many areas were challenging, especially the scrambling (I personally enjoyed that but others in our group did not).

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.

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

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

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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

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

The views on this trek were fantastic.  A world away from Alicante and Benidorm, which you could see from the peaks.  For me I got the biggest buzz from reaching the top of Puig Campana, but simple pleasures like the first beer of the day always brought a smile to my face and the incredibly welcoming hosts made the trip very enjoyable.

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.

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

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Safari Aitana (Penáguila)

Aitana Safari is an animal reserve, open to the public, in Penáguila (Alicante).

The reserve occupies over 1 500 000 m² and some of the most emblematic animals from the five continents such as lions, tigers, lynx, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, bison or llamas roam its terrain.

Visit the park as if in an authentic African safari, by car, observing the animals close up in their natural habitats. A fun way to learn more about them and take great photos.

Visitors may choose between group guided tours, free tours, private tours and VIP excursions.

To wrap up the experience the park has an authentic African restaurant, a great place to rest and recharge batteries after the day’s adventures.

Open from 2 March to 31 August, 2024.

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Aitana safari park

Aitana Safari Park is a great way to spend a day and is brilliant fun for all the family. Situated in Penáguila 1.020 meters above the sea level, it provides incredible views of the mountain ranges that form the Sierra da Aitana.

Aitana Safari park is a great place to visit which will entertain you and your whole family. Here you can take a safari around the grounds and try to spot the many different species of animal that call this home. The staff are warm and friendly and very knowledgeable and will be able to give you advice on where best to spot animals and how to approach them. The park is situated on a breath-taking mountain plateau so even if for nothing else, go for the spectacular views –they’re worth it!

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Tags: wildlife park , good views , fun day out , for the family

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Safari aitana

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L’environnement de la Sierra Aitana

Les activités proposées par le safari aitana.

Le safari Aitana propose aux visiteurs une variété d’activités, dont la randonnée, l’observation des oiseaux, la visite des grottes, la pêche, le canoë-kayak et le VTT. Les randonnées sont particulièrement populaires car elles permettent de découvrir les paysages spectaculaires de la Sierra Aitana et de voir des espèces rares et endémiques. Les visiteurs peuvent également s’attendre à voir des mammifères tels que les chevreuils, les sangliers et les loutres.

Les services proposés par le safari Aitana

Le safari Aitana propose aux visiteurs une variété de services pour rendre leur expérience inoubliable. Les services incluent des hébergements de luxe, des restaurants, des bars, des boutiques et des services de guides et de guides naturalistes. Les visiteurs peuvent également profiter d’excursions en bateau, de visites guidées des grottes et de visites de sites archéologiques.

Le safari Aitana est une expérience unique qui offre aux visiteurs la possibilité d’explorer la Sierra Aitana et de découvrir la faune et la flore exceptionnelles qui s’y trouvent. Les activités proposées et les services de qualité rendent le safari Aitana une expérience inoubliable pour les visiteurs.

Q : Quel type d’activités peut-on faire lors d’un safari Aitana ? R : Les visiteurs peuvent faire de la randonnée, de l’observation des oiseaux, de la pêche, du canoë-kayak et du VTT. Les visiteurs peuvent également profiter de visites guidées des grottes, de visites de sites archéologiques et de excursions en bateau. Q : Quel type de services sont proposés par le safari Aitana ? R : Le safari Aitana propose des hébergements de luxe, des restaurants, des bars, des boutiques et des services de guides et de guides naturalistes.

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Sierra de Aitana Trek

• Hiking & Trekking
• Mountain Hikes
• Fully Guided

• Introduction
• Day 1 Start Guadalest (dinner)
• Day 2 An enchanting walk passing the limestone needles of Penya Roc (breakfast,lunch,dinner)
• Day 3 Walk up to reach Morro Blau; descend along Peña del Rastrell (breakfast,lunch,dinner)
• Day 4 Climb Serrella Peak for vistas of the Aitana Range; descend via a magnificent gorge to Abdet. (breakfast,lunch,dinner)
• Day 5 Free day; chance to visit Villajoyosa beach or a chocolate factory (breakfast)
• Day 6 Summit Puig Campana for panoramic views to the Costa Blanca and across the region (breakfast,lunch,dinner)
• Day 7 Spectacular walk along the dramatic Simas limestone fissures; option to scale Aitana Peak (breakfast,lunch,dinner)
• Day 8 End Guadalest (breakfast)

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Operated by Exodus Travels

For almost 50 years Exodus has been a pioneer of active small group adventure tourism that gives back to the communities they visit through sustainable guided and self-guided tours, ranging from Responsible Wildlife to Walking and Trekking, Cycling, Cultural, Family and Polar adventures to 90+ countries worldwide. Winner of the 2021 National Geographic Reader Awards for The Operator, 2021 Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards, 2021 USA Today Awards, 2020 British Travel Awards and 2019 National Geographic Traveller Reader Awards they have a vast range of trips across seven continents. Their award-winning local guides have hosted over 250,000+ travellers on adventures across the globe. Whether it is solo travellers, couples, groups or families, Exodus offers an incredible choice of trips for all ages and activity levels. Operating in 90+ countries with 500+ tours, Exodus insists on low impact tourism and contributing to local communities through their registered non-profit The Exodus Travels Foundation. Exodus understands the importance of regenerative travel, now more than ever. Their recent Rewilding initiative guarantees that for every person who travels with them, they rewild 100 sq metres. Exodus is dedicated to creating incredible adventures that are run responsibly, so as the world reopens, travellers can continue to book and travel with confidence. Do we also care about the communities and environments we go to visit? Exodus has always been and will always be a responsible tour operator. It is in our DNA to work hard to look after what we so prize. We work closely with all our overseas partners to run our tours in the best possible ways, we train our leaders, we actively seek out specific projects so that we can make a real practical difference on the ground. But please do not just take our word for it. We have won several awards and we ask you, our clients, to check what we do on the ground so that we can make improvements where needed. Why do we do all this? Quite simply we love the places we go and we love sharing those great experiences with like minded people.

Sustainability Initiatives

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation policy.

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 4.5
• Itinerary Excellent 5.0
• Guide Excellent 5.0
• Transport Excellent 5.0
• Accommodation Good 4.0
• Food Good 4.0
• Tour Operator Exodus Travels 4.4
• Most Recent
• Most Popular
• Highest First
• Lowest First
• J John · 27th February 2019 This was a superb mid-winter walking trip, undertaken in glorious weather. The walking was excellent, generally good underfoot with some rough walking, and the views from the summits were breathtaking. The hotel base in Benimantell was comfortable, and... Show more Trip date: January 2019
• A Leanne Berkeley · 10th November 2013 This was a fantastic pre winter trip, close to home. The region is spectacular, walking is challenging, food was amazing and the group were great company. It exceeded all of my expectations.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Reaching... Show more Review collected by Exodus Travels
• A Beata Smoron · 7th November 2013 Fantastic walking with stunning views. The beauty of this region exceeded my expectation. And, then there was a fun group and a great guide and his humongous sandwiches. Very enjoyable! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Descending... Show more Review collected by Exodus Travels
• A Dave Grogan · 28th April 2013 A great combination of vistas, food and wine in a really wonderful location.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Very difficult to pin point any 'one' thing as everyday had plenty of very fond memories. Scenery is really magical and... Show more Review collected by Exodus Travels
• A Michael Theelke · 26th April 2013 Ideal for a winter break, peaceful and interesting mountain trails in the sun a few miles from the Spanish coast.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Great views across the Sierra to the coast.Wonderful Spanish home cooking at... Show more Review collected by Exodus Travels
• A Janina Carlisle · 9th April 2013 A strenuous but very rewarding week of hiking led by an enthusiastic local guide. Good food and comfortable accomodation.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?A wonderful full body massage after some very challenging hiking.We did this... Show more Review collected by Exodus Travels
• A Simon Bath · 13th February 2013 A great winter sunshine destination for some energetic hiking in the limestone mountains of the Costa Blanca, with an excellent Spanish local guide and fellow like minded friendly companions.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?First day... Show more Review collected by Exodus Travels
• A Liz Greene · 10th December 2012 Challenging trip just as trip notes said!!! good value for money eatable mealsthe sun shone no rain just as the brochure suggested interesting lively guideWhat was the most inspirational moment of your trip?reaching the top after a push and a shoveÂ... Show more Review collected by Exodus Travels
• A Helen Watkins · 3rd December 2012 This was a stunning trek in a beautiful and unspoilt mountainous area. The walking was satisfying and there were stunning panoramic views in all directions. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?There were several inspirational moments on... Show more Review collected by Exodus Travels
• A Alison Oldfield · 18th November 2012 An excellent trip. Highly recommended. A great walking week in lovely mountains within easy access of Alicante.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?4 climbs 4 amazing views.  An inspirational moment at the top of each.What did you... Show more Review collected by Exodus Travels

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

• Upcoming departures
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024
• December 2024
• January 2025
• February 2025
• September 2025
• December 2025
• -11% Sunday 21 Apr, 2024 Sunday 28 Apr, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €1,558 €1,380 Confirm Dates
• Sunday 28 Apr, 2024 Sunday 5 May, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €1,560 Confirm Dates
• -11% Sunday 26 May, 2024 Sunday 2 Jun, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €1,618 €1,440 Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 15 Sep, 2024 Sunday 22 Sep, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €1,620 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 120h
• Sunday 22 Sep, 2024 Sunday 29 Sep, 2024 English Almost Sold Out Multiple Room Types €1,620 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 6 Oct, 2024 Sunday 13 Oct, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €1,620 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 120h
• Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 17 Nov, 2024 Sunday 24 Nov, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €1,440 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 120h
• Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 8 Dec, 2024 Sunday 15 Dec, 2024 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €1,380 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 120h
• Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 5 Jan, 2025 Sunday 12 Jan, 2025 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €1,500 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 120h
• Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 9 Feb, 2025 Sunday 16 Feb, 2025 English Filling Fast Multiple Room Types €1,620 0% Interest Instalments Confirm Dates Hold space for 120h

Frequently Asked Questions

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Good to Know

• Currency € Euro Spain

As a traveller from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for Spain. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 12th July 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 12th July 2024, a minimum payment of 25% is required to confirm your booking with Exodus Travels. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 90 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Exodus Travels will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Exodus Travels" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
• TourRadar is an authorised Agent of Exodus Travels. Please familiarise yourself with the Exodus Travels payment, cancellation and refund conditions .
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Los más y menos afortunados looks de la semana, del día en que Aitana decidió (casi) desnudarse a la Infanta Elena de safari en la ciudad

Por: ARANCHA NAVARRO

El entretiempo da lugar a looks curiosos, cuando uno no sabe si ponerse de invierno, de verano o todo lo contrario. Las tendencias de la nueva temporada pueden llegar a crear un auténtico caos en el armario, o ser resueltas de manera estupenda. Esta semana las celebs y vips varias han demostrado que si hay algo que está más vivo que nunca son las transparencias, la ropa interior a la vista, la moda del no sujetador...

FOTOS: GTRES

Zendaya de tenista, Jenna Ortega de esposa cadáver o Margot Robbie como 'Barbie': estas son las actrices que visten igual que sus personajes en la vida real // Jean Paul Gaultier o cómo pasar de los sujetadores cónicos a reventar los escenarios de medio mundo: "Soy consciente de que hay que calmarse un poco, pero soy de esas personas que siempre tienen apetito"

Santa Cruz de la Sierra

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Radio FM 103.3

Nuestra señal al Vivo

DÍA DEL NIÑO BOLIVIANO

Siete famosos recuerdan su niñez.

Hoy viernes, 12 de abril, en el Día del Niño Boliviano, estos famosos quieren celebrar evocando cómo fue su niñez. Confiesan qué recuerdos quedan aún guardados en su memoria y comparten una tierna fotografía de su dulce infancia con Sociales

Kathryn chavez., inscrustar nota.

Dicen que en los ojos de un niño se esconde la magia pura de la vida, y en la mirada de estos famosos se puede ver que aún siguen manteniendo la magia y ternura de su niñez. La ex reina del Carnaval, Gloria Mariana Limpias, afirma que tuvo una niñez bendecida y fue muy adulada. El humorista Sergio Mier cuenta que esperaba terminar su tarea para salir a jugar al monte: era su safari.

Nunca faltó la diversión

La modelo e influencer Hanna Kusstatscher cuenta que su niñez la vivió rodeada de sus 11 hermanos y que siempre había diversión ya que vivió rodeada de naturaleza. 

Por su parte, Celita Guanella esposa del arquero de The Strongest, dice que su juguete favorito fue y son los videojuegos hasta el día de hoy. La reina del Carnaval, Aitana Tufiño, dice que su juego favorito era ser presentadora de televisión y jugar a ser modelo, algo que soñó y llegó a cumplir.

Vivirá en su corazón

La influencer Carolina Rodas recuerda que su infancia fue feliz en el campo, machucando caluchas y ayudando a su abuelita a preparar quesillo.

Por último, el cantante Javvi Elías confiesa que su niñez no se ha acabado y esa sería una etapa que volvería a repetir. Revela que su juguete favorito era la figura de acción de Max Steel.

Gloria Mariana Limpias  

• día del niño boliviano
• aitana tufiño
• sergio mier
• hanna kusstatscher
• celita guanella
• javvi elías
• carolina rodas
• gloria mariana limpias

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Electrostal History and Art Museum

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Electrostal History and Art Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (0.19 mi) Elektrostal Hotel
• (1.21 mi) Yakor Hotel
• (1.27 mi) Mini Hotel Banifatsiy
• (1.18 mi) Elemash
• (1.36 mi) Hotel Djaz
• (0.07 mi) Prima Bolshogo
• (0.13 mi) Makecoffee
• (0.25 mi) Amsterdam Moments
• (0.25 mi) Pechka
• (0.26 mi) Mazhor

Turn Your Curiosity Into Discovery

Latest facts.

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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