Holiday Reviews
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same trip can have different views!
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Walking holiday in Alicante, independent reviews
 Reviewed 5 Jun 2009 by Donal Lawton |  |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The most remarkable aspect was that just one hour's drive from crowded Benidorm you can trek beautiful countryside without a tourist in site. Being able to see the ordinary lives of the local farmers, harvesting their fruit etc. and staying in villages that seem to stand still in time, was great.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't expect lively nightlife and avoid from June to August, it gets quite hot.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Definitely. The people who operate the hotels also own them and they depend on the few hikers etc. that pass through.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Great. Each place where we stayed was different and our hosts could not be more helpful. The meals they cooked were excellent. I must also add that Eric, who collected and returned us to the airport , gave us a great insight in to our weeks trek and was only ever a phone call away should we get lost. However the maps and guide notes we got covered the treks in great detail, so there was no problem.
| Reviewed 14 Jun 2009 by Kate MacAulay | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The hospitality and friendliness of everyone we met. We had a fabulous time and enjoyed the walks immensely. We were given fresh cherries picked from the tree and almonds from the area as nibbles for our walk. Packed lunches were a highlight of each day - wondering what we would have! Varied each day which was great. Casa Pilar offered fantastic food.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Never underestimate the heat. We went slightly later than we had hoped to go (June) and it was really too hot on a couple of days. Travel light - we took way too much gear. Wear walking shoes, they are up to the job and boots would be just too warm. Make full use of the fonts to fill up with ice cold water.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, locals were our hosts and a great wealth of knowledge and information about the area. Great way to cover many miles with fabulous views.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic holiday, we only covered 5 days but would return to the area.
| Reviewed 9 Dec 2008 by Gayle Sutherland | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Walking in the hills and mountains on footpaths empty of other people, fabulous views - esp down into the Guadalest Valley. Excellent regional food aplenty, particular star was the Bennimantel restaurant.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We went at end of Nov to find the coldest spell in the area for 47 years - you will prob be luckier buts lots of layers are important, rooms not as warm as you might expect although again our weather experience was untypical. Apparently the almond lossom in Feb make it a magical time to be there. The self guiding was relatively straightforward (although be prepared for the occasional lost moment soon to be rectified with a bit of thinking - although we are not the most experienced navigators so you may find it v easy). Take very little money - you won't need it. The trip was excellent value. The wine situation is a bit complicated - supposed to be included with the meal but a couple of places offer you wine lists that you then pay the full price for. We were told by the operator that he keeps talking to them about this, just something to be aware of. We found a high level of generosity overall though and were happy to pay for a bit of wine here and there.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Many of the places we stayed had no-one else there - this was really bringing out of season tourism and allowing some earnings in difficult months. The hotels/guest rooms were all small local businesses - no chance of corporate cream off here! The walking was on established tracks and footpaths thereby minimising any additional environmental wear - we walked between places and although the luggage did depend on cars they were very short trips in comparison - no need for transit to the start or from the end of walking days. Tour operator is living locally, married into a local family, and most of their income is from this tourism and sympathetic farming of long owned family land.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. All that is promised (well minus the warmth but no-one could have predicted that).
| Reviewed 20 Nov 2007 by Doug Brown | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The climb to the pass to Castell de Castell. The scenery was beautiful the whole way.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Estimates of the time it took for each day’s walk tended to be low - or perhaps I'm more out of shape than I thought. But the guide gave excellent options for longer or shorter route choices.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Minimal impact on the environment, and income for the tour industry.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent trip. Eric went above and beyond to help us enjoy ourselves and deal with unexpected events/problems. In our case, that included floods and road closures.
| Reviewed 31 May 2007 by Irmgarde Horsley | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Wonderful walks with varied scenery and terrain. Erik was kindness itself and quickly assessed our modest ability and tailored the walks appropriately, while providing options. He was very informative about the flora and wildlife of the area as well as local customs conditions, which was fascinating. We were facilitated in every way. Extra bonus was meeting his family.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
End of March can be cold and wet so take appropriate gear. Tarbena is a quiet village full of charm with two small supermarkets so you can get most things. Also there is a small market once a week with fresh local produce available. Vegetarians will find limited, but good, choices in local restaurants. Tarbena is very easily accessed from Alicante.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
We stayed in a village house, used local restaurants and shops. Hopefully this was of some benefit to the village. Impact on environment was minimal or nil.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Wouldn't hesitate to recommend this holiday--all so very memorable.
| Reviewed 19 Feb 2006 by Carol Ni Chormaic | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The walks were very well thought out and designed through a beautiful scenic area. Every corner one turned had breath taking scenery. Eric (who owns the walking company) was extemely helpful, friendly and great company. The little village Tarbene where stayed for the week was in a lovely location in the hills and the local people made us feel welcome and at home.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't pack too much- just walking clothes and a change of casual clothes for the evening.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
It definitely benefited the local economy as we ate in the village where we stayed and purchased all our requirements for the week from the local shops. The holiday has minimal impact on the environment as we followed well established paths on our walks.
4. Any other comments?
We really enjoyed the holiday- would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys walking. We are looking forward to going back!