Sierra de Aitana Trek

8 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
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 ste...
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$2,329
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

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

What's this trip about?

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

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 13 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityGuadalest
End CityGuadalest

Travel Themes

  • Hiking & Walking
  • Trekking & Expeditions

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Spain

Activities

  • Hiking

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 4

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 13

Trip includes

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

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Start Guadalest

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

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

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...

Day 4 Climb Serrella Peak for vistas of the Aitana Range; descend via a magnificent gorge to Abdet.

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 ...

Day 5 Free day; chance to visit Villajoyosa beach or a chocolate factory

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

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 ...

Day 7 Spectacular walk along the dramatic Simas limestone fissures; option to scale Aitana Peak

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...

Day 8 End Guadalest

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.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,725
Price per day$216
Last Updated: 5/22/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Shared Room
Single Room
Availability
08 Dec 2024
15 Dec 2024
$1,725
$2,078
05 Jan 2025
12 Jan 2025
$1,875
$2,265
23 Feb 2025
02 Mar 2025
$2,025
$2,415
23 Mar 2025
30 Mar 2025
$2,025
$2,415
13 Apr 2025
20 Apr 2025
$2,025
$2,415
27 Apr 2025
04 May 2025
$2,025
$2,415
25 May 2025
01 Jun 2025
$2,025
$2,415
01 Jun 2025
08 Jun 2025
$2,025
$2,415
14 Sep 2025
21 Sep 2025
$2,025
$2,415
12 Oct 2025
19 Oct 2025
$2,025
$2,415

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
13,310
Great
3,258
Average
609
Disappointing
146
Terrible
187
A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Great walking with Jose and awesome sandwiches

A great week's walking as graded, brilliant family run hotel, superb guide and awesome sandwiches. Views from the tops Best leader, passionate about the local his...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

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 ...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

The other side of Benidorm in Benimantell.

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 Benim...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Sierra de Aitana Trek

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 wea...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Sierra de Aitana Trek

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 set...

Write a Review

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Very professional organisation

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Visas and vaccinations
    • Single supplement

Accommodation

5 days guided walking; 1 free day Some rocky paths and steep ascents/descents Altitude maximum 1558m, average 1100m Group normally 2 to 14, plus local leader. Min age 16 yrs 7 nights pension, all rooms en suite All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners included (plus local wine with dinner)
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.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
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.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (Hostel Rincon de Pepe)
  • Five days of guided walking; one free day
  • Group normally 4 to 14, plus local leader. Minimum age: 16
  • Altitude maximum: 5,112ft (1,558m); average: 3,609ft (1,100m)
  • Rocky paths and steep ascents/descents
  • Option to travel by train to your adventure
Trip ID
exodus-TSA

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