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Holidays

Secret Sierras of the Costa Blanca

Spain, Costa Blanca
9 reviews
Available Departures: Feb, Mar, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec

8 days from

US$1,640

without flights
Walk & Trek
Guided Group
MODERATE MODERATE

A week of outstanding guided walking in the hidden Sierras of Spain's Costa Blanca

Trip Code: CBS
Holiday Grades

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

 1 - 3 LEISURELY
1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

View leisurely holidays
4 - 6 MODERATE
4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

View moderate holidays
7 - 9 CHALLENGING
7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

View challenging holidays
10 - 12 TOUGH
10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

View Tough holidays

Secret Sierras of the Costa Blanca

Highlights
  • Walking holiday in a region of Spain that enjoys more than 300 days of sun!
  • The dramatic limestone mountains of the Sierra de Aitana, Serella, Aixorta and Bernia
  • Walk and relax from our 3 comfortable hotel bases with minimum transfer time
  • The Mediterranean ambience of the Spanish Alicante countryside

At a Glance
  • Group Size 5 to 15
  • 5 days walking
  • Max altitude 1558 metres
  • Join In Alicante

Accommodation & Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts
  • 6 Lunches
  • 4 Dinners
  • 7 nights Hotel
Overview

This excellent one-week guided Spanish walking holiday explores the ‘Secret Sierras' of the Sierra de Aitana, la Serrella, Aixorta, and Bernia, which form the famous backdrop to the Costa Blanca. Just a short journey inland from the package holiday crowds of Benidorm, there is a very different side to the Costa Blanca amongst the rugged limestone peaks of these sierras and the traditional, white-painted villages of the Marina Baixa and Marina Alta regions. From three different hotel bases in Benimantell, Castell de Castell, and Albir, we will set out to walk the best routes in the region, including airy ridges and summits such as Aitana (1558m) and Puig Campana (1408m). Each of our carefully selected bases provides a comfortable place to stay in stunning locations.

Albir is an attractive traditional coastal town with a historic centre and the perfect Mediterranean ambience. This is a great walking holiday, offering a variety of moderate walks, options for more challenging days, virtually guaranteed sunshine, easy access through Alicante, and even a chance to try one of our guide's delicious home-cooked Spanish Paellas and share a beer with the locals after a great day's walking! This isn't just a taste of the region; this is living the Mediterranean life!

This holiday in the Marina Baixa and Marina Alta regions of the Costa Blanca is intended to provide a week of walking in the Spanish Mediterranean sunshine, suitable for regular hill or back country walkers. Mostly the walking is on good trails and mule tracks but we will encounter some rocky paths and very short sections of easy scrambling. We will be walking between 7 and 9 hours on most days with ascents up to and above 1300 metres. 

Why KE?

Our expert local guide, Jose Molina Lopez, has led trips for KE all over the world from Peru to Nepal and Bhutan, but he especially loves showing people around his own backyard!

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Itinerary

The holiday start at the group hotel in Benimantell. A single timed transfer from Alicante Airport will be provided. The 1 hour drive will take us through the Guadalest Valley of the Marina Baixa to our first base, which is at the foot of the Sierra Aitana.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

D

Our first walk explores the heart of the Sierra Aitana including a climb to its highest point, Aitana (1558m). Along the way we enjoy far-ranging views and have some easy scrambling on the 'Pas de la Rabosa' and simply superb ridge walking on the east side of the range. An interesting feature that we will see today are the ‘snow wells’, excavated hollows in which ice was preserved as part of a trade that was important during the period from the 16th to the 19th century. We also see a couple of springs renowned for their water quality at Font de la Forata and Font de Partagas. This first day of walking is also great for characteristic Mediterranean flora. A great way to start our week. We return to spend a second night at our accommodation in Benimantell.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D

Ascent

622 M

Descent

622 M

Time

4 - 5 hours walking

Distance

11 KM

After a short transfer to Abdet we begin a steep climb leading to one of the most impressive views in the Marina Baixa. Then, we can expect a ‘top of the world’ feeling as we hike the superb ridge between Pico Serrella (1319m) and Mallada del Llop (1361m). After this section, we descend into the scenic Barranco de la Canal, where we meet a track that will take us to the day’s second highlight, the ‘Castellet', which is one of the oldest Moorish remains in the region and was formerly a strategic outpost controlling all of the surrounding valleys. Finally we descend to Castell de Castell, a village with a wild location and great views, where we check in at our next hotel base.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D

Ascent

1070 M

Descent

1200 M

Time

8 hours walking

Distance

18 KM

Our walk today is in the Sierra Serrella, a circular route including a climb its highest peak, Aixorta (1221m). Our walk is mostly on good tracks, as we traverse the range from west to east. After the optional ascent to the mountain’s summit, we turn west again and return by the famous ‘postman trail’, an old route linking Tarbena and Castell. Back in Castell we will have time to visit the local museum if we wish.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D

Ascent

1000 M

Descent

1000 M

Time

8 hours walking

Distance

20 KM

We have a short transfer to the start of today's walk in the Sierra Bernia. Our walk takes us across this spectacular serrated range of mountains by the incredible 'El Forat', a tunnel carved through the rock. During this wonderful walk, we have views over the Guadalest and Xalo valleys, as well as having the constant backdrop of the sea to the east. We finally descend via the 'Cami de les Revoltes', a stone built, zig-zagging trail, which leads us all the way to Altea, where we check into our hotel.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L

Ascent

450 M

Descent

1000 M

Time

7 hours walking

Distance

17 KM

This is a free day to explore the old village, one of the best preserved of the whole Mediterranean coast. With its old cobbled streets, beautiful blue domed church, local tapas bars, art and craft shops and a host of great view points, Altea has managed to hang onto something of its traditional past. If you are still keen to do some walking today, there is also the option to have a half a day walk in the Sierra Gelada, a small mountain range which runs parallel to the sea and connects El Albir with Benidorm, to visit a lighthouse. Another interesting option is to hike to the top of the Penon de Ifach in nearby Calpe, a striking limestone peak that commands fantastic coastal views. Today we will also enjoy a traditionally prepared paella lunch, which we can watch being prepared (or help participate in preparing!). We spend a second night at our accommodation in Altea.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L

Our final walk starts from the village of Polop and takes us by way of the slopes of Ponoch (1183m) also known as the Sleeping Lion to reach the summit of Puig Campana (1408m). After this fitting finale to our week of walking in the Marina Baixa, we will return to spend a third night at our hotel in Altea.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L

Ascent

1025 M

Descent

1210 M

Time

8 hours walking

Distance

16 KM

The holiday ends after breakfast. A single timed transfer to Alicante Airport will be provided.

Meals

B
Download Trip Notes
The Route
Airport Airport
Point Point
Transfer
Trek

Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

  • A professional and qualified tour leader
  • Single timed airport transfers on Day 1 and on Day 8
  • All accommodation as described
  • Meals as described in the Meal Plan
  • All land transport required by the itinerary

  • Travel insurance
  • Airport transfers (other than the one or two group transfers described)
  • Some meals as detailed in the Meal Plan
  • Tips for support staff and guide
  • Miscellaneous personal expenditure - drinks and souvenirs etc...


TRAVEL TO YOUR DESTINATION

In some cases you may choose to take a ferry and/or train to your holiday start and end destination. Please see further information on Travelling by Train.

If flying from the UK there are low cost airlines available to the start and from the end of your holiday.

To benefit from full financial protection, ease your holiday planning, and avoid dealing with airlines, we can book scheduled flights from the UK as part of a flight inclusive package. Scheduled flights are usually more expensive that low cost alternatives, however potentially less stressful if your flight is cancelled or delayed. If you book flights through KE Adventure Travel we will offset the carbon of your flight.

The group will meet at the group hotel in Benimantell on Day 1.

A single transfer from Alicante Airport to the group hotel will be provided in late morning of Day 1.

On the last day of the Land Only itinerary, there will be a single transfer back to Alicante Airport timed to meet the check-in for flights departing in the late morning.

Anyone may join the group transfers by prior arrangement. Travelling as a group or on public transport saves energy. If this is not practical, we can provide private transfers at an additional cost. Taxis are also available.

Hotel contact details and an emergency number will be provided with your booking confirmation.

All breakfasts, 5 packed lunches, 1 traditionally prepared Paella lunch and 4 dinners are included in the holiday price. You will need to pay directly for dinner for the 3 nights in Altea. We recommend you allow €20 - €30 per meal for these 3 meals.

Breakfasts are typically continental - a combination of orange juice, tea, coffee, yoghurt, fresh fruit, freshly baked local bread and jam. Lunches will usually be picnic-style, made up from bread, cheese, cold meats, tomatoes, salads and fruit. Dinners are taken either in the hotel or in local restaurants which serve a range of dishes including traditional southern Spanish options, including paella and a locally famous 'farmer's stew'. Vegetarians can be catered for.

Whilst we can cater for vegetarians, albeit sometimes with a more limited choice, we cannot always provide special diets.  Due to the nature of some of the trips that we operate and the countries in which we operate them, it can be very hard (and sometimes impossible) to cater for a wide range of dietary choices and you may have to supplement your diet with food/snacks from home.  If you have specific dietary requirements please do speak to our sales team and they will be able to advise you whether or not we will be able to offer your specific choice.  Please note that we are unable to provide separate menus and cannot accept liability for any problems arising from special dietary requirements or intolerances.

There are three separate bases for this walking holiday.

We will spend 2 nights in a charming family-run hostal in Benimantell. In Castell de Castell we stay for 2 nights at a family-run rural hotel with great food. Our base for the remaining 3 nights is a hotel in either the coastal village of Albir or Altea, both located on a wide bay surrounded by an amphitheatre of unspoiled mountains. All rooms are en suite.

All accommodation is twin share. If you are travelling by yourself, you will be paired with another single client of the same sex. Single rooms are available for a supplementary cost. If you are planning to extend your holiday, additional nights are available on request.

The group will be led by a professional and qualified tour leader.

This holiday does not involve any significant ascent to altitude and we would not expect any altitude issues with this trip.

We estimate that €150 should be sufficient to cover all personal expenses, including the 1 lunch and 2 evening meals in Altea that you will purchase directly (allow €15-€20 per meal), as well as tips for your guide. Cash can be withdrawn from ATM's in Alicante Airport and in Altea. Credit and debit cards can be used to pay for most goods and services.

For this holiday you should take one piece of luggage and a daypack. Luggage with wheels is useful for this holiday. For international flights please check your baggage allowance with your airline.

For each holiday there is a minimum number of participants required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to run'. You can check the trip status for each departure in ‘Dates and Prices’ table. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this guaranteed to run status and so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements.

Europe

Your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:

  • less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)

  • valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

For the latest details on visiting countries within the EU or the European Economic Area (EEA), please check the UK Government website

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check for the latest advice before travel. For the most up to date information on entry requirements, please visit the UK Government website.

If you have a severe allergy please inform the KE office before you travel. We will do all we can to help, but we cannot guarantee an allergy free environment on KE trips. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as 'adrenaline auto-injectors' are not carried as standard by KE leaders and staff. You should inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

Vaccinations

You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you require any specific vaccinations.

GHIC / Medical cover

UK residents should carry a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment when you're visiting an EU country or Switzerland. This is not a substitute for medical travel insurance which is vital when travelling overseas.

The currency for part or all of this holiday is the Euro.

Getting some additional exercise before coming on an active holiday makes a lot of sense. The fitter you are, after all, the more enjoyable you will find the experience.


You should be aerobically fit and comfortable with walking 3 to 6 hours for consecutive days. Hill walking, with a good amount of ascent and descent, is the best training. Running, cycling and swimming are also good for developing cardiovascular fitness and stamina.

The Costa Blanca has a Mediterranean climate, characterised by lots of sunshine (3000 hours each year - that's about 325 days of sunshine). Sea breezes and the general elevation of the walks we undertake (around 1000 metres) help to moderate the temperatures that we will encounter. At the season that we travel to this region (outside of the hottest Summer months) we can expect daytime highs of between 15 and 25 degrees centigrade depending on the elevation. At night, the temperatures will fall to 10-15 degrees centigrade. 

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware’ campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that prior to travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe.  Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation.  We receive regular updates direct from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground.  If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.

  • Costa Blanca Walks (Vols 1 and 2). Cicerone Guide.

  •  Mountain Walks on the Costa Blanca. Bob Stansfield.

  • Valencia and the Costa Blanca (Lonely Planet Regional Guides)

  • Costa Blanca Berlitz Pocket Guide (Berlitz Pocket Guides)

  • Costa Blanca and Alacante (AA Essential Guides Series)

Marina Baixa: Serra d'Aitana. 1:20,000 Scale & Marina Baixa: Serra de Bernia. 1:20,000 Scale.

Marina Baixa: Serra d'Aitana & Marina Baixa areas at 1:20,000 in a series of GPS compatible maps from Editorial Piolet with cartography based on Spain’s civilian topographic survey overprinted with hiking routes and other tourist information. Road network indicates locations of petrol stations. Local villages are annotated to show what facilities can be found there, including accommodation, restaurants, etc.

 

 

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation.  When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct.  Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

Please try to keep the weight of your baggage to a minimum. See the ‘baggage allowance’ section for further details.

You must bring the following items:

  • Hiking/walking boots

  • Trainers / sandals / evening footwear

  • Socks

  • Trekking trousers

  • Lightweight waterproof overtrousers

  • Underwear

  • Baselayer shirts

  • T-shirts and/or casual shirts

  • Fleece jacket or warm jumper

  • Lightweight windproof/waterproof jacket

  • Lightweight thermal gloves

  • Sunhat

  • Warm hat

  • Sunglasses

  • Daypack c. 30 litres

  • Sun protection (including for lips)

  • Water bottles 1 Litre (x2) (we encourage re-filling water bottles rather than single use plastic)

  • Washbag and toiletries

  • Antibacterial handwash

  • Basic First Aid Kit including: Antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), painkillers, plasters and blister treatment. Glucose tablets and multi-vitamin tablets are also a good idea.

The following items are optional:

  • Gaiters

  • Shorts

  • Towel (for swimming)

  • Swimwear

  • Trekking poles

  • Headtorch and spare batteries

  • Spare laces

  • Insect repellant – (DEET)

  • Camera

  • Reusable cloth bag for shopping (to avoid plastic bags) 

Cotswold Outdoor Red PantonMany of the Equipment items listed above are available from Cotswold Outdoor - our 'Official Recommended Outdoor Retailer'. When you book a holiday with KE you will receive 12.5% discount voucher from Cotswold Outdoor and other retailers.
>> Find out more

Reviews

5 out of 5 from 9 reviews

Fabulous holiday with brilliant guide ★★★★★

What a wonderful hiking holiday this was. The scenery was incredible, with jagged limestone peaks and ridges set against the back drop of the Costa Blanca. Our guide, Jose, was wonderful. Very experienced, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, with a lovely, wry sense of humour. The three hotels were very different, but all excellent. The food was incredible and all local fare. I loved my day off exploring Altea on the coast - a lovely gem of a place. I would absolutely recommend this holiday.

By Lucy Cockermouth | 30 March 2022

A fantastic trip! ★★★★★

This was a brilliant trip from start to finish. Our guide, Jose, was outstanding. He was lots of fun, very knowledgeable about the area, and paced us well. It rained on the first 2 days and Jose took us on lower level and easier walks than planned, then later in the week added an extra walk taking us to the top of Aitana. The walking was challenging at times but Jose was so encouraging and we all made it to the top of Puig Campana, one of the many highlights of the week. The views were stunning. We stayed in 3 different places, all of which were great. Food was excellent and plentiful, and our hosts were excellent, particularly at Benimantell and Castell de Castells. We had such fun!
By Keith Cheadle | 22 March 2022

Magnificent mountain walking ★★★★★

This is a wonderful trip to an area we had not visited before. Jose had planned an excellent and thoughtful itinerary for the week (it rained for the first 2 days but Jose adapted his plans and took us on some great walks, our safety and enjoyment always his priority). Once the weather cleared, we were able to fully appreciate his careful planning and knowledge of the routes and mountain flora, as well as the stunning views. Each of the 3 bases was excellent - with fabulous food and friendly sta ff and the walks were great. Be prepared for a variety of terrain. Good boots and walking poles highly recommended! Jose's knowledge, patience, and great sense of humour made this a very special holiday in an amazingly beautiful part of the world.
By Ruth CHELTENHAM | 14 March 2022

Magical ★★★★★

Walking in the Spanish mountains with our lovely guides Jose Miguel and Nicola was a liberating experience. I always felt wonderfully supported when I was struggling up hill and also really appreciated learning all about the local flora and customs. The paella Jose Miguel cooked ( a special vegetarian one) was delicious. His leadership skills were phenomenal and my walking companions extremely friendly and considerate.

By Susan London | 18 March 2019

A great walking holiday for banishing those early winter blues ★★★★★

A very enjoyable week's walking. The group, ranging in ages from early 30s to late 60s, gelled really well and our guide Jose was excellent. A very experienced guide with a great knowledge of the local area and with a super sense of humour. Staying in 3 separate locations during the week made it feel like 3 separate holidays. Plenty of peaks with fantastic 360 degree panoramic views with "guaranteed" sunshine thrown in.

By Adrian Hatfield | 20 November 2017

Traveller Reviews
5 out of 5 from 9 reviews

Fabulous holiday with brilliant guide
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

What a wonderful hiking holiday this was. The scenery was incredible, with jagged limestone peaks and ridges set against the back drop of the Costa Blanca. Our guide, Jose, was wonderful. Very experienced, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, with a lovely, wry sense of humour. The three hotels were very different, but all excellent. The food was incredible and all local fare. I loved my day off exploring Altea on the coast - a lovely gem of a place. I would absolutely recommend this holiday.

By Lucy Cockermouth | 30 March 2022

A fantastic trip!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This was a brilliant trip from start to finish. Our guide, Jose, was outstanding. He was lots of fun, very knowledgeable about the area, and paced us well. It rained on the first 2 days and Jose took us on lower level and easier walks than planned, then later in the week added an extra walk taking us to the top of Aitana. The walking was challenging at times but Jose was so encouraging and we all made it to the top of Puig Campana, one of the many highlights of the week. The views were stunning. We stayed in 3 different places, all of which were great. Food was excellent and plentiful, and our hosts were excellent, particularly at Benimantell and Castell de Castells. We had such fun!
By Keith Cheadle | 22 March 2022

Magnificent mountain walking
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This is a wonderful trip to an area we had not visited before. Jose had planned an excellent and thoughtful itinerary for the week (it rained for the first 2 days but Jose adapted his plans and took us on some great walks, our safety and enjoyment always his priority). Once the weather cleared, we were able to fully appreciate his careful planning and knowledge of the routes and mountain flora, as well as the stunning views. Each of the 3 bases was excellent - with fabulous food and friendly sta ff and the walks were great. Be prepared for a variety of terrain. Good boots and walking poles highly recommended! Jose's knowledge, patience, and great sense of humour made this a very special holiday in an amazingly beautiful part of the world.
By Ruth CHELTENHAM | 14 March 2022

Magical
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Walking in the Spanish mountains with our lovely guides Jose Miguel and Nicola was a liberating experience. I always felt wonderfully supported when I was struggling up hill and also really appreciated learning all about the local flora and customs. The paella Jose Miguel cooked ( a special vegetarian one) was delicious. His leadership skills were phenomenal and my walking companions extremely friendly and considerate.

By Susan London | 18 March 2019

A great walking holiday for banishing those early winter blues
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

A very enjoyable week's walking. The group, ranging in ages from early 30s to late 60s, gelled really well and our guide Jose was excellent. A very experienced guide with a great knowledge of the local area and with a super sense of humour. Staying in 3 separate locations during the week made it feel like 3 separate holidays. Plenty of peaks with fantastic 360 degree panoramic views with "guaranteed" sunshine thrown in.

By Adrian Hatfield | 20 November 2017

Warm white mountains, lovely!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A three centre trip with very different accommodations from simple to elaborate, all were excellent in their way. The hiking was interesting and not too arduous for myself and wife who were both out of practice due to accident and age. Jose, our guide was great and the transport arrangements worked like clockwork. We much enjoyed the lunches and evening meals organised by Jose, especially the paella. We went on this trip partly because a previous reviewer had said it was so good she'd been twice . I can understand why!
By Anthony Rugby | 15 November 2016

Fabulous walking with an excellent guide
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This holiday has wonderfully scenic and rewarding walks, lovely locally produced food and comfortable accommodation. The icing on the cake though is the guide - Jose's passionate and good-humoured and caring professionalism shines through and brings an extra dimension to the week. If you love mountain walking in places like the Lake District or Snowdonia then this is a great next step - Slightly higher mountains and better weather! The week is graded a 5 on the KE scale but many fellow walkers w ho had done other KE holidays felt it should be graded slightly higher. Do it!
By Adrian Swindon | 15 October 2016

Well planned, organised and excellent walks. Appropriately described by KE.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Picked up at airport and taken to trek start as planned. Walks well described by leader. He was appropriately interactive and attentive at all times, keen to share knowledge of area. Account taken of weather before setting out each day. Enjoyable yet quite demanding walks at times will some gorgeous views. Loose scree on steep paths at times meant taking additional care. I didn't use my sticks but I know some of the group found theirs helpful. The accommodation in the three locations varied. For me they each had their own charm. I would happily stay at any one of them again. This was my first KE holiday and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Therefore I would not hesitate to book another.
By Stephen Doncaster | 22 February 2016

Spanish sunshine, beautiful mountains and amazing food.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I've done many KE trips - and this is one of my favourites - I love it so much I have done it twice! The walking is great - these are "proper" walks - 7 or 8 hours a day with plenty of ascent and descent and distance. Really nice rocky paths and ridges & stunning views. The food is absolutely delicious - lots of local spanish dinners, locally made olive oil (we could visit the factory and see it being made). Post-walk coffee & cake always available. And on the free day we were treated to a pae lla-making lesson - yum! We got to stay in fancy hotels - most of the many other KE trips I have done involved camping, so it was lovely to get to sleep in a comfy bed with an ensuite bathroom for a change! Packing for this trip was a joy - no camping stuff! no wet wipes! not even any emergency loo roll! Instead I went crazy and packed different clothes for the evening (nice not to eat dinner in thermals) and even ... a hairdryer!! José our guide was fantastic. Full of knowledge and passion for the area and all things spanish. And he provided great "munchies" to help us up some of the climbs... Does life get any better than sitting on top of a mountain in December, in the sun, and eating a tortilla sandwich? (although for others in our group, a highlight was having the Trek Factory cycling team staying in the same hotel and sharing a bread-knife with Fabian Cancellara at breakfast...) Tips for future travellers? Just do it - this holiday is an easy flight from the UK & really good value. So if you want a week in the sunshine (almost guaranteed...) with 5 days of full-on wonderful walking and as much paella as you can eat, go for it!
By Louise BURGESS HILL | 17 December 2015

DATES & PRICES

Private Departure?

Gather a few friends, family or club and take over your own departure.

2024

Dates

Adults from

Deposit

Status

More Information

  • Secret Sierras of the Costa Blanca
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: CBS /03/24/
  • This trip begins on Sat 23 Mar and ends on Sat 30 Mar
  • Sold Out! Call us to discuss different dates or alternative itineraries
  • Single Supplement Price: US$340
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • Secret Sierras of the Costa Blanca
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: CBS /05/24/
  • This trip begins on Sat 14 Sep and ends on Sat 21 Sep
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$350
  • Single Supplement Price: US$340
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • Secret Sierras of the Costa Blanca
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: CBS /06/24/
  • This trip begins on Sat 19 Oct and ends on Sat 26 Oct
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$350
  • Single Supplement Price: US$340
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • Secret Sierras of the Costa Blanca
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: CBS /07/24/
  • This trip begins on Sat 9 Nov and ends on Sat 16 Nov
  • This departure is guaranteed. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$350
  • Single Supplement Price: US$340
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • Secret Sierras of the Costa Blanca
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: CBS /08/24/
  • This trip begins on Sat 14 Dec and ends on Sat 21 Dec
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$350
  • Single Supplement Price: US$340
  • Download Trip Notes

2025

Dates

Adults from

Deposit

Status

More Information

  • Secret Sierras of the Costa Blanca
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: CBS /01/25/
  • This trip begins on Sat 15 Feb and ends on Sat 22 Feb
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$350
  • Single Supplement Price: US$340
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • Secret Sierras of the Costa Blanca
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: CBS /02/25/
  • This trip begins on Sat 1 Mar and ends on Sat 8 Mar
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$350
  • Single Supplement Price: US$340
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • Secret Sierras of the Costa Blanca
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: CBS /03/25/
  • This trip begins on Sat 22 Mar and ends on Sat 29 Mar
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$350
  • Single Supplement Price: US$340
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • Secret Sierras of the Costa Blanca
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: CBS /04/25/
  • This trip begins on Sat 13 Sep and ends on Sat 20 Sep
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$350
  • Single Supplement Price: US$340
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • Secret Sierras of the Costa Blanca
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: CBS /05/25/
  • This trip begins on Sat 18 Oct and ends on Sat 25 Oct
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$350
  • Single Supplement Price: US$340
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • Secret Sierras of the Costa Blanca
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: CBS /06/25/
  • This trip begins on Sat 13 Dec and ends on Sat 20 Dec
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$350
  • Single Supplement Price: US$340
  • Download Trip Notes

Land Only Information

We sell this holiday on a Land Only basis allowing you the flexibility to choose the travel method which best suits you. The holiday starts at the hotel in Benimantell and ends in Altea. A single timed transfer from/to Alicante Airport is provided.

Transport SHOULD NOT be booked until you have received your booking confirmation and the departure is showing 'Guaranteed to Run' or 'Limited'.

If flying from the UK there are a number of low cost airlines offering flights to Alicante. A flight search website such as Skyscanner or Kayak may be useful to research your options.

If you would prefer to book a 'flight inclusive package', using scheduled airlines from the UK, please contact our flights department for a quote. Whilst flight prices are likely to be more expensive, you will benefit from full financial protection.

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Changes to flights

Please be aware that the flight industry is experiencing a high level of service fluctuation and changes to your flights may occur. This may also require amends to the transfers and joining arrangements. Thank you all for continuing your patience and understanding.

BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee

The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, KE have undertaken to guarantee the Land Only price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our 'No Surcharge Guarantee'.

KE Adventure is a fully bonded tour operator. We hold an ATOL license (No: 2808) and are bonded with ABTA (Membership No: W4341)


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