Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It’s the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you’re interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.
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129 Reviews
4.9 out of
5
Reviews
Lesley Dunford
Reviewed November 2023
Wonderful walks with a super guide
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.
Most Inspirational Moment
The 360 view from the top of Aitana peak was fantastic. I felt we were on top of the world with the sea visible on multiple sides.
Thoughts on Group Leader
José was amazing. Such a lovely character, kind, entertaining and extremely knowledgeable about the local area as he has been leading groups around Aitana for 25 years!
Advice for Potential Travellers
We hadn’t really walked much before this trip for various reasons, unusually for us. I’d recommend doing some long hill walks before you come to get your legs primed!
Lucy Hamilton
Reviewed October 2023
Excellent walking and superb guide
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.
Most Inspirational Moment
Achieving difficult walks that stretched my ability.
Thoughts on Group Leader
As above, Jose was exceptional.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be fit enough! The walks are tough, especially in the heat, and much more enjoyable if you have done a good number of ten mile walks before you go!
Paul McDonald
Reviewed October 2023
Great Trip - Superb Guide
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.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent. I have done a number of walking trips in Europe and elsewhere with good guides but Jose was the best that I have encountered.
D L
Reviewed October 2023
Secluded trekking !
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.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were a few. One was when I completed day three (which ended with a refreshing swim) having been suggested not to do it as it was deemed difficult. Another was when I walked a few Km’s solo while the group summited on day 4. I was discouraged from that part but decided to walk a bit alone to find some solace and enlightenment. The third was finishing off the week and being told I exceeded expectations. However I never doubted my ability to persevere. This is why I trek mountains.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jose is very knowledgeable of the area, both geographically and historically. He has the week organized like a well oiled machine and is available to the trekkers throughout. He sleeps in the hostel and dines with the group after briefing us of the next day’s expectations. He makes our sandwiches in the morning which shows his nurturing side. He will tell you if he thinks your abilities may not be up to par for the upcoming trek. So not so much a cheerleader but a realist. You have to adjust to that vibe. But I would trust him in all situations. He was really a hands on guide.
Advice for Potential Travellers
You’ll need to carry a lot of water so take two large refillable bottles with you. There are thorns along the paths so although there is heat, I recommend wearing pants. Bring poles and a sun hat as well as a lot of sun block. Rooms are very comfortable and well equipped. Only the group stays there so it’s relatively quiet. This trek is hard. The footing is unsteady and the sun is a factor to contend with. Book a massage on the free day
Brian Salter
Reviewed October 2023
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.
Most Inspirational Moment
Scrambling up to the Aitana ridge.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Guide Jose is excellent - my best ever guide. He lives locally, and so is very knowledgeable about the terrain, history, culture and wildlife in this area.
His itinerary is carefully chosen to acclimatise the group for the more challenging walks later in the week. Every walk was a different delight, with rock pinnacles, forest glades, ridge walks and expansive views into the mountains and down to the coast.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The route descriptions and gradings are accurate so read carefully in order to decide if it is suitable.
Note that the temperatures are still warm even on the summits (This was September), so lots of water will need to be carried (2.5+ litres).
Anna Banfield
Reviewed February 2023
Fabulous holiday
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.
Sally -Ann Burnett
Reviewed February 2023
Brilliant Trip
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.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jose was great. I have only good things to say about him
Advice for Potential Travellers
Make sure you are fit enough for the level of hiking
John Dain
Reviewed February 2023
Great trip...made special by Jose who is a great guide
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
Most Inspirational Moment
The walks.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Simply excellent. He had the measure of everyone in the group and (unobtrusively!) managed us all.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go for it.
Rachel Blackamore
Reviewed February 2023
Fantastic week
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?’
Clare Williams
Reviewed November 2022
Brilliant trip led by an outstanding guide!
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.
