There are so many wonderful pedestrian areas on the Spanish mainland and islands that it is difficult to understand where to start looking for a hiking holiday. In this article, we will look at Las Marinas in the province of Alicante, one of Spain’s undiscovered jewels, and some of the things you might want to consider before parting with your hard-earned money and reservations that deserve a break in the sun.
In an ideal climate for autumn, winter and spring walks, this area is located inland from the famous tourist places of the Costa Blanca, such as Benidorm, Calpe and Dénia. Geography consists of a series of limestone Sierras with typical karst and marsh landscapes divided by farmer valleys dotted with whitewashed villages belonging to the Moorish occupation of Spain. With traditional Mediterranean agriculture and exceptional biodiversity, the area has many landscapes within a small geographical area.
Everyone wants to be sure to spend a relaxing and unforgettable vacation, whether it is to disconnect from the routine, get to know another part of the world or meet people from a different culture. Whatever the reason, choosing the right walking holiday in the first place ensures that you get the most out of your time and resources and get the holiday you need. So, what are the factors that you should consider?
If you are used to going to the United Kingdom, you can think about becoming independent ... find a place to stay, buy a local card, get leaflets from tourist information offices, or buy one of the many guides available in the UK.
However, if your time is precious, it can be a risky way of booking your holiday: first, do not assume that markings and signposts in Spain are made according to British standards, because it is not. Secondly, the coverage of the card is not uniform; the cards do not conform to the standard British ammunition survey cards and are often outdated or inaccurate. Thirdly, public transport in the interior is almost inexpensive, so you have to hire a car to get to walks.
Once a week I spend a new route somewhere in the mountains of Las Marinas, I have been doing this for many years and I always speak this language perfectly and know the area well, I almost always get lost, irrelevant or doubt in some direction along the way. I live here, so for me this is a slight inconvenience, but do you really want to spend a week struggling with the quirks of the local signpost?
Another factor to consider is that the little-used footpaths in Spain will eventually become overgrown with blackberries and undergrowth, at least one of the routes published by a famous British guide along the nearby Sakos River is now completely impassable years after appearing in print. So be careful with dates that may harm your holiday!
So, if the transition to independence is a bit uncertain, what other alternatives exist? First, you need to decide whether you want to go on a walk or to walk on your own, and whether you want to go hiking, take a walk or go on a vacation, as you will need the help of a local walking company that can provide you with updated information, directions and maps, as well as accommodation and meals, if necessary.
So what is best for you, guided or self-governing? For me, the answer is quite simple, if you are not sure that you can travel on your own walk or want to learn about the countryside, lifestyle and culture of this area, or if you want to go to the company of others, then choose a walking tour. Guided walking gives you security, confidence, and company; you need to make the most of your vacation, but you must also be prepared to keep up with the slowest member of the group and the inflexible route.
If you are sure to make your own travel, self-guided walks and hikes include city tours, walking tours or hikes.
1. The village is concentrated, a series of walks through the village where you stopped. A good example of this is a hidden vacation in Spain, located in the picturesque village of Tarban in the mountains of Las Marinas. This option gives you more flexibility regarding your walking route, allows you to set the pace and choose where and when to stop again.
2. Walking tours where you walk up to 100 kilometers for six or seven days at a leisurely pace from village to village, usually with luggage transferred to you. See a tour of the Moorish villages through the valleys of Guadel and Pop Valley. You set the pace and choose where and when you stop.
3. Trekking where you walk between 15 and 25 km from the village to the village, as a rule, with the luggage transferred to you. More complex than walking tours, are becoming increasingly popular, for example, the path of the Majorcan path. Again, you set the pace and choose where and when you stop the rest.
Navigation is carried out either using maps and route descriptions provided by a local pedestrian company, or with a GPS handheld device or smartphone. They have the advantage of having been tested and regularly updated by previous walkers, so unpleasant surprises are the most illiquid.
Whichever option you choose, each one offers a great way to enjoy the Spanish countryside, get sunlight and have a really relaxing walking holiday without worrying about your accommodation, speaking in language or about being lost and stressed. Choosing a reputable and experienced walking company is the safest way to ensure an unforgettable walking holiday.
