Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

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129 Reviews

4.9 out of 5

Gowtham Avula

Reviewed November 2024

Amazing Trip

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

I really enjoyed hiking on Serella peak, Aitana Peak and Puig campana. Where you enjoy the panoramic views.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was an outstanding guide—friendly, approachable, and deeply knowledgeable. Being a local, Jose had an incredible understanding of the region’s history, culture, and agriculture, which he shared with us throughout the trek. His passion for the area was contagious, and it really enhanced the experience. Whether it was explaining the geology of the mountains, the history of the region, or the agricultural practices in the area, he made everything feel alive and relevant.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I highly recommend this trek for anyone looking for an immersive hiking experience in Spain. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or someone looking to push your limits, the Sierra de Aitana trek offers a perfect balance of challenge and reward. And with a guide like Jose, you're guaranteed to have an experience that’s both enriching and enjoyable. Thank you, Exodus, for a fantastic adventure

Susan Houston

Reviewed October 2024

Fantastic Trip

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

I loved all the walks, there was something different every day but I really enjoyed the Simas Limestone fissures and scaling Aitana Peak.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was lovely, funny, kind, approachable and safe. We had a briefing every day about the next days walk so we knew what to expect

Advice for Potential Travellers

Mosquitoes! Make sure you have a good repellent. Study boots/walking shoes as lots of scree. If you use walking poles bring them. Plenty of water bottles or water reservoir - the hostels tap water was drinkable. My trip was in October and the sea was still quite warm so you may wish to bring your swims as Jose took us to Villajoysa after one of the walks.

Sylvia Meldrum

Reviewed October 2024

Wow

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me it was the all of the summits

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very knowledgeable, fun and nice

Advice for Potential Travellers

Mosquito Spray!!!

Jo Lisowska

Reviewed May 2024

Hidden gem near Costa Blanca

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).

Most Inspirational Moment

Hiking Sierra de Serrella (my favourite hike, away from crowds, varied terrain, a bit of scrambling on the top, beautiful views). I also enjoyed Puig de Campana ascent.

Thoughts on Group Leader

José Miguel was very professional, well organised, approachable, upfront about hikes challenges and always on hand.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take hydration bladder (plus water bottle), thermos (if you like hot drinks at hotel /on hikes), hiking poles and plenty of varied layers; even at the beginning of May the weather was rapidly changing from rain / cold at the start of the week to rather hot weather on the final ascent. Note that there is no nearby shop, the closest village is about 1hrs walk or you need a taxi to get there. You can buy some local products at hotel - honey, olive oil, chocolate etc.

Pete Grist

Reviewed May 2024

Great Trip

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

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. It's great having a local guide who lives in the area.

Ann Cockburn

Reviewed February 2024

Sierra Aitana-spectacular and challenging

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

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

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was great in all respects

Advice for Potential Travellers

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

Jade Rolph

Reviewed February 2024

A fantastic trip in an unexpectedly beautiful area

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

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

Thoughts on Group Leader

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!

Advice for Potential Travellers

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!

Jane Hallett

Reviewed November 2023

Challenging Trek With An Excellent Guide and Support Team

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

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.

Thoughts on Group Leader

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.

Advice for Potential Travellers

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.

Michael Dunford

Reviewed November 2023

Outstanding week's walking with a great guide and a relaxed environment

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

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!

Thoughts on Group Leader

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!

Advice for Potential Travellers

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.

Sally James

Reviewed November 2023

Fantastic Adventure

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!

Most Inspirational Moment

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.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fabulous, always smiling and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

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.

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