Sierra de Aitana Trek
Sierra de Aitana Trek
Sierra de Aitana Trek
8 Days Starting and ending in Guadalest
Visiting: Spain
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TSA
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 13
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Although close to the Costa Blanca, the dramatic massif of Sierra de Aitana has remained a secret from all but a few discerning visitors. We follow traditional footpaths and mule tracks, mostly along ridge lines, giving us spectacular panoramic vistas, and then descend to beautiful valleys with natural springs, fantastic limestone amphitheatres, and where castles dot distant hilltops. The rocky peaks and steep valleys which sweep down to the Mediterranean coast, benefit from the privilege of a warm climate for over 300 days of the year, making it an ideal location for out-of-season walking.
Highlights
Itinerary
Those travelling on the group flights will be met upon arrival and
transferred to our pension, located in the little village of Benimantell,
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.
Day 2
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 walls
of rock all around. 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
From Benimantell we walk down to Guadalest water dam and climb on a track to
Peña del Rastrell. From here, we make our way up Tossal Redó and Almedia
above Callosad'en Sarria, where we are rewarded with breathtaking views of
Altea Bay and Guadalest Valley. We then descend along the spine of Tossal
Redó down through the old town of Callosa where we join the short transfer
(approx. 25mins) back to Benimantell.
Day 4
After a short transfer to Abdet, we begin by ascending to Pico Serrella
(1,323m) and follow the western spine of Serrella to Mallada del Llop
(1,361m). We usually stop for a picnic lunch here to take in the sweeping
views of the Aitana Range, and even the Valencia Mountains on a clear day.
After lunch we begin our long descent on the spectacular and remote Barranc
de la Canal Gorge, with its two parallel fins of upturned limestone strata
leading to an abandoned farmhouse at Penyeta de la Hedra. Inititally 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 Beniardá.
In Beniardá there’s time to visit the local olive oil factory, a small
scale outfit producing award-winning olive oils. Afterwards we can either
walk or be transferred back to our accommodation in Benimantell.
Day 5
Today is a free day to relax or perhaps take the chance to head to the the
beach at Villajoyosa or visit a chocolate factory.
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Day 6
A fairly tough walk to complete the week - the summit of the Puig Campana
(1,410m) with 360º panoramic views! Almost all of the peaks and ridges
traversed on 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 actual 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.
Day 7
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, up to 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 today.
Day 8
The tour ends in Benimantell after breakfast. Those who are travelling on the
group flights will be transferred to Alicante airport for your flight back to
London.
**
What's Included
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Transfer for group flights
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All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners (local wine with dinner)
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All accommodation
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Meals
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners.
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All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners (local wine with dinner)All accommodationTransfer for group flights
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— All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners (local wine with dinner) — All accommodation — Transfer for group flights
What's Not Included
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Single supplement
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Travel insurance
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Visas & Vaccinations
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Travel insuranceVisas & VaccinationsSingle supplement
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— Travel insurance — Visas & Vaccinations — Single supplement
Food
All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners (plus local wine with dinner) are included. Breakfast: Continental style - local fruit, fresh orange juice, different types of bread, cakes, cheese, ham or bacon, tea and coffee. Lunch: Picnic lunches will usually consist of bread rolls with cheese and salad/meat, fruit, and muesli bars, biscuits or nuts. 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) and oven-baked rice. 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. 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. Vegetarians, vegan and gluten free are well catered for given prior notice, and most other dietary requirements can also be accommodated as long as you let us know in advance (at the time of booking). Mealtimes in Spain are later than in many other countries; dinner is usually taken between 20:00 and 21.30.
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.
Check out our Q&As
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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.
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, our local guides are English speaking.
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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.
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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.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.