Sierra de Aitana Trek

Sierra de Aitana Trek

487 Views
8 Days From

$2130

$2029

Sierra de Aitana Trek

8 Days Starting and ending in Guadalest

Visiting: Guadalest, Benimantell, Morro Blau, Valencia, Villajoyosa, Puig Campana, Aitana

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

TSA

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 13

Physical rating:

Moderate & Challenging

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Hiking, Sightseeing

From: $2130 $2029 (USD) Travel Club discount: -$101

NB: Prices correct on 18-Jan-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

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

Highlights

  • Enjoy views over the sparkling Mediterranean on each walking day

  • Follow traditional footpaths through rugged mountain landscapes

  • Make the most of the 300 days of sunshine found here on a late getaway

  • Gain cultural insight from our local Spanish guide

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start Guadalest

Location: Guadalest

Meals Included: Dinner

The tour starts at our pension in Guadalest, halfway up the valley on the north face of the Aitana Massif. It can be time consuming to make your own way there, so we recommend you coordinate your travel arrangements to join the group transfer from Alicante Airport – please provide your travel details in advance. There will be a welcome briefing at the pension this evening.

Day 2 : An Enchanting Walk Passing The Limestone Needles Of Penya Roc

Location: Benimantell

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We make our way to Racó de Tovaines, where we access the spectacular limestone peaks and needles of Penya Roc and walk through El Salt up to Collado Papatxi. This area enchants people with its soaring towers and surrounding rock walls. Early sunset rays will highlight the spine of the jagged Castellets Ridge that stretches down to Orxeta. We return through Pas del Comptador back to Benimantell.

Day 3 : Walk Up To Reach Morro Blau; Descend Along Peña Del Rastrell

Location: Morro Blau

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

Day 4 : Climb Serrella Peak For Vistas Of The Aitana Range; Descend Via A Magnificent Gorge To Abdet.

Location: Valencia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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



After lunch we begin our long descent. Initially the descent is a fairly steep gradient on a rocky/scree surface, which we zigzag down. Scrambling is required on some sections. During the last stretch, the gradient lessens and we enjoy pleasant views of terraced olive groves and centenary carob trees, which lead us to the village of Abdet. Afterwards we transfer back to our accommodation.

Day 5 : Free Day; Chance To Visit Villajoyosa Beach Or A Chocolate Factory

Location: Villajoyosa

Meals Included: Breakfast

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

Day 6 : Summit Puig Campana For Panoramic Views To The Costa Blanca And Across The Region

Location: Puig Campana

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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).

Day 7 : Spectacular Walk Along The Dramatic Simas Limestone Fissures; Option To Scale Aitana Peak

Location: Aitana

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

From the pension, we walk along the northern slopes up to the Font de Partagat and then scramble through Pas de la Rabosa, the only natural break on the Aitana, which gives access to the summit from this north side. We have lunch at the Simas limestone fissures, which are up to 295ft (90m) deep, situated on a ridge near the summit of Aitana. It is an impressive geological formation and a perfect picnic spot. Weather permitting, it’s possible to climb the summit (optional). We then have another long descent.

Day 8 : End Guadalest

Location: Guadalest

Meals Included: Breakfast

The tour ends in Guadalest after breakfast and we begin our return journey home. If you have not booked flights through Exodus but would like to join the group transfer back to Alicante Airport you must request this at the time of booking.

What's Included

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

  • All accommodation

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Visas and vaccinations

  • Single supplement

Food

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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Accommodation

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



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



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



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



Amenities



Restaurant serving traditional dishes using local ingredients

Outside terrace area

Wet gear room and clothes dryer

Living room area with comfortable seating

24-hour tea/coffee facilities, books and card games



Worth knowing



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

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Check out our Q&As

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    International flights are not included with this tour.

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes, our local guides are English speaking.

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.

  • Who is Exodus Travels?

    At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Fabulous Winter Walking

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!

Just Fantastic!

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.

Fantastic trip

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.

Discover the Sierra Aitana

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.

Wonderful walking in Spain

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.

Fantastic Trip

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.

Wonderful hike with great views

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.

Sierra d'Aitana

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

Sierra d'Aitana

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.

Trekking in Aitana

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.

Read all 127 reviews

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