Hike Spain's Sierra de Aitana

The Sierra de Aitana trek more than lived up to expectations. The scenery was magnificent and the walking was challenging enough to feel like an achievement each day, but manageable enough to be great fun.

An excellent week of hiking, led by José. About 1,000m of ascent on most days, so you need to be reasonably fit - but the views are most definitely worth the climb. The hotel is simple but perfectly ok - and the food prepared by Raquel was tasty. It's a small hotel, so the exodus party takes over the whole hotel which is helpful when doing evening briefings.The weather in March was cool (c15C max most days) which was ideal for hiking.

I recently completed the Sierra de Aitana trek in Spain with Exodus, and I can confidently say it was an incredible experience. From start to finish, the entire week was filled with breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and a real sense of adventure. The trek itself was challenging but absolutely rewarding, with a variety of terrains that kept things interesting. The views from the top of the Sierra de Aitana were absolutely stunning, with panoramic vistas over the mountains and valleys below.

Spent a great week walking in Sierra de Aitana. The walks were challenging but well worth the effort. The views from the summits were spectacular. Jose was a great guide and as he was local he was so knowledgeable about the area and passionate about his country. He made us lovely sandwiches for lunch and we also had pasta one day. Jose’s mother made little cotton lunch bags for us to use for the week - a nice touch. The accommodation was more than I expected - clean, good breakfasts and a lovely 3 course meal with wine in the evening. The drinks are very reasonably priced. There was a room set aside for Exodus and coffee, tea, milk and biscuits were provided. Raquel and Pepe who ran the hostel were a joy! Jose’s dog Bobi joined us on our last 2 walks. So friendly and well behaved. It was also nice to meet Sara.

Just back from doing this tour. The walks are arduous at times but they’re well worth it as the scenery is fantastic. The accommodation was good with clean rooms and good home cooking. Our guide Jose was local and he was knowledgeable in all aspects of the terrain, history and agricultural status, he also makes great sandwiches! The group also benefited from pick ups and drop offs on our free day from Jose and lots of suggestions regarding what to do. If there was a problem it was the mosquitos….make sure you take repellents as they will eat you alive! Can’t not mention Bobi (the dog) and Sara who also did some of the pick ups and drop offs, thank you both.

Really enjoyed this hiking trip. Often travelling to Spain but it was the first time for me to experience Sierra de Aitana. Very close to Costa Blanca but felt secluded and peaceful. Hikes are interesting and varied; not very demanding, but i guess this is more of personal view as all depends on person's fitness and hiking experience (also the weather could be a factor). We started our week with rainy weather but finished with plenty of sunshine. Paths vary, some have lots of scree and stones, some approaches are very rocky...this variety keeps things interesting. I found some hikes were easier in terms of approach than expected but anyway José was always on hand. Hotel is located away from everything and this provides tranquility and peaceful environment...really enjoyable moments sitting on the terrace after hike soaking up beautiful views. Great service from friendly Raquel (the owner) who prepared our tasty meals and provided us with freshly squeezed orange juice. The sandwich lunches were impressive and this comes from someone who is not a sandwich person - freshly prepared with plenty of variety - very tasty and nutritious. The highlight - hiking in the company of Bobby (the dog).

I wanted a challenging week in good company and that's what I got.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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?’

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.

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.

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.

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.

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;

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!

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.

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.

Unfortunately there was torrential rain for the entire week - walking was cancelled after day 2, and substituted with local 'tours'. Accomodation was very basic and cold. The facilities for drying our walking gear were inadequate [consisted of a single gas Super Ser heater in a room - no hangers or proper drying cabinets]. The Hostal owners were very nice nonetheless, and the food was good home-cooked Spanish fare. The group remained friendly and positive despite the circumstances.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.