Spain.
For walking in winter we recommend Spain, the most mountainous country in Europe apart from Switzerland. We favour 'La Sierra Marina' the mountain ranges inland of the Costa Blanca in the province of Alicante which is part of Valencia. The Costa Blanca has the mildest and pleasantest winter climate in Europe. It is warmer, drier and sunnier than the UK is in summer and you can walk in shorts (but for the cacti) and T-Shirt. The winter avoids the crowds and the scorching heat of summer.
Our holidays are available from Saturday to Saturday. En suite accommodation offering half board with the choice of single, double or twin rooms is available in good hotels. Benidorm the ideal centre from which to enjoy these mountains is a fascinating place with much to offer.
WalkAbout Walking holidays offer a choice of Easy, Moderate and Hard walks each day in a different and contrasting part of the Costa Blanca mountain ranges as the sample programme makes clear.
There will be the opportunity to visit historic villages such as Guadalest, to explore and enjoy Benidorm or to simply relax in the sun. Achieved by alternating easy short days walking with moderate to hard longer days. Alternately the group may opt for a rest day, permitting visits to Valencia or Alicante or participation in an Adventure Day. Adventure Days offer a choice of a Via Ferrata, Ridge Scrambling, Canyoning, Downhill Mountain biking or Jeep Safaris.
The choice (in consultation with and on the advice of our leaders) is yours.
Typical one week programme in Spain
- Day One - Saturday
- Flight to Alicante with pick up for journey to hotel in Benidorm.
- Check into the hotel, Buffet supper reception and an Introductory Talk about the weeks programme of walks and discuss ideas for the evenings and day or half day visits.
- Day Two - Sunday
- Easy/Moderate Walk - the Penon d'Ifach. A spectacular promontory which towers 397m or 1089feet above the port of Calpe.
- Moderate/Hard Walk starts early in order to join the Moderate/Easy group for a late lunch.
- After this spectacular walk we have lunch in an al fresco restaurant fronting onto the Calpe fish harbour. This is the local custom on Sunday. We recommend grilled gambas with Rioja Corto.
- Day Three - Monday
- Easy/Moderate Walk - the circuit of the Puig Campana (4 hours) starts and finishes at the font d'Moli in the village of Finestrat.
- Hard Walk - Ascend the Puig Campana and descend by a scree run to rejoin the path back to Finestrat. (5hours).
- An evening out of the hotel will be discussed.
- Day Four - Tuesday
- Easy, Moderate and Hard walks explore the Bernia Ridge by different routes.
- In the evening we recommend the Casa Aragonesa tapas bars in the old town of Benidorm.
- Day Five - Wednesday
- Easy Walk - through the Echo Valley to Sella or Finestrat.
- Moderate/Hard Walk - to the summit of the Ponoch.
- An evening dinner out in a distinctive local restaurant.
- Day Six - Thursday
- Easy/Moderate Walk - will take a route in the Jalon Valley which is well known for its orange groves, vineyards, ancient small often fortified villages and its excellent tapas bars and bodegas or will start and finish at the dramatic village of Guadalest.
- Hard Walk - Will do a seven hour walk on the Costa Blanca Way. This is 135km (84 miles) and 4,000m (14,000 feet) of ascent. Normally done in 5 or 6 days it awaits a record attempt? If you complete this walk you qualify as a Companero de la Via de la Montanosa de la Costa Blanca and a certificate is available.
- An evening out of the hotel will be discussed.
- Day Seven - Friday - Depart.
Some information about the Costa Blanca.
The Costa Blanca has the driest, warmest and sunniest winter climate in Europe. The winter does get some rain but on average the wetter conditions are experienced in the autumn months of September and October and again in spring that is late March and April. Conditions in Winter are ideal for walking, T shirt and shorts is usually quite adequate wear and after the walk we sit outside in the afternoon sun enjoying the tapas and a glass of San Miguel, the sun strong and the light magical.
This coastline is one of great sandy beaches, small hidden bays, towering cliffs and headlands. Dominating this coast is the 1089 foot high Penon d'Ifach rising straight out of the sea. For centuries it has been of great significance in this areas long affair with traders and marauders coming over the sea from the Barbary Coast of North Africa. The cliffs and mountain ranges as they come down to the coast are eroded in places by spectacular canyons. Between the sea and the mountains are fertile coastal plains and valleys all under intensive cultivation. Productive for 12 months of the year every imaginable vegetable is grown, but dominating the eye are the vast groves of lemons, oranges, almonds and peaches. The fruit and the blossoms from these are colourful and exotic as of course are the palm trees and high grass fronds in the barancos. As also are the egrets and flamingos of the lowlands; the hoopoes, wild boar, and lynx occasionally seen in the mountains. Inland the mountains dominate but there are many small market towns and villages like Polop, Finestrat and Guadalest. These ancient places nearly all have communal springs and fountains and ornate churches in the squares. Alongside the towns stand fortified hills, bygone strong points against attack by the Moors or local rivals.
Our walks explore the hills and the mountains of the Sierras las Marinas beyond the coastal plain. These are rugged limestone mountains with rock coloured yellow, orange and red become luminous in the sun. As do the shades of green in the forests of diverse pine trees that grow wherever possible on the mountain sides. The Puig Campana at 1410m (4625 feet) is the highest mountain in these coastal ranges, beyond is the Aitana 1558m (5,100 feet) beyond which is the vastness of Spain.
The tourist industry has brought great wealth and development to the ancient fishing villages on the coast. The coastal strip is an international phenomenon, a mix of the most advanced architecture in Europe towering over the ancient fishing villages and small ports. Impressive features of civic splendour stand alongside garish clubs, bars restaurants and shops for the tourist. Parts of the coast are an endless variety of bars, restaurants and avenidas, a teeming mass of life and colour; a kaleidoscope of music, interest; a clash of cultures and centuries.
Benidorm is the biggest development on the coast, this amazing place has more bed spaces available for the visitor than London and Paris combined and it is still growing. It has a tremendous number of three and four star hotels all offering adequate accommodation and food. The "English Quarter" has a wide variety of pubs clubs and other diversions that are maybe worth a visit - at least once! or to be avoided subject to your taste. The old town of Benidorm is teeming with life, interest and character. The beaches are amongst the best in Europe.
Benidorm is the ideal centre for walking holidays as it is the most accessible centre with good accommodation from which to explore the most fabulous mountains and rugged country side in the province of Valencia. Benidorm is also served by Alicante airport which is a 35 minute drive away. Alicante is served by most of the cheap airlines such as Easyjet which have flights to and from Alicante from most British airports on a daily basis. The Costa Blanca is easier to reach from much of England than either the Lake District or Snowdonia!! And the weather is incomparably better. Think about it!!
WalkAbout Walking Holidays
Phone - 0151 724 2006
Mobile - 0773 403 8266
