Sierra Nevada & Granada

24 Reviews

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• RD

  Reinhold
  Written on June 15, 2018

  4.5 - Excellent

  George is a very fit, knowlegeable, and entertaining guide.

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• N

  NoreenJennison
  Written on May 2, 2018

  3.0 - Average

  I have trekked and been on walking holidays all over the world, some with Exodus. This was my first holiday in Spain and the experience was distressing. I will never holiday in Spain again. This was not due to Exodus nor the walk leader but due to the local people. When I arrived at the hotel (Hotel Los Berchules) the proprietor Alejandro checked us in and also checked that I was vegetarian. When I asked him if their was a lift (my room was up a few flights of stairs and I have slipped discs in my back so lifting a heavy load could cause problems) he said that if I ate meat I would be strong enough to carry my own bag! During the week I saw many cases of animal cruelty. Emaciated dogs chained up with no food or shelter. All the dogs I saw (and there were many roaming free in the villages and countryside) had been mutilated with their ears cut off. There was also posters in the village of Los Berchules advertising a village 'event'. On Sunday 29th April the villagers collected in the square to watch animals being tortured to death. The walk guide told us that the villagers put down a lot of sawdust in the square presumably to soak up all the blood. This distressed me really for the whole week. I have trekked in the High Atlas Mountains and In the High Andes staying with local people and have never come across this level of cruelty. We walked through several villages but hardly saw anyone. A few bars we went into were busy but the local people were not at all friendly. Whilst walking in the countryside we were shouted at by the local 'cowboys' gesticulating to us to move on. (We were on proper paths and walked a proper authorised route). The Hotel was fine but as a vegetarian I was hoping for better quality meals that the vegetarian equivalent to chicken nuggets. My meals were mostly convenience junk food that I would not have eaten at home. I thought George, the walk leader, did the best he could to make an uninteresting walking environment as interesting as he could. Also after the hotel proprietor had been so rude to me when I first arrived (about being vegetarian) George, who overheard him' carried my bag upstairs for me. If you care about animal welfare and are distressed at seeing animal cruelty then don't do this holiday. If you are vegetarian and would like a decent meal at the end of a days walking then don't do this holiday and don't stay in this hotel. If you would like to meet friendly locals on holiday then don't bother with this holiday. If you are used to seeing fantastic scenery on walking holidays then this probably isn't the holiday for you. The holiday seemed like a case of trying to make the best of nothing very much. At the airport on the way home one of the other walkers in the group said that of all the Exodus Holidays she had been on this was the worst.

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• 

  Anonymous
  Written on April 28, 2013

  5.0 - Excellent

  An excellent introduction to walking in Spain.  A comfortable hotel and breathtaking scenery topped by an opportunity to visit the Alhambra Palace on the final day.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Every day revealed some new delight, whether it be understanding the complex irrigation systems, lunching in a spot where it was impossible to avoid sitting on an orchid, watching birds of prey circling above in a clear bue sky or just enjoying a good walk in excellent company.  The Alhambra was perhaps the icing on the cake.What did you think of your group leader?Jeremy was a great walking companion with lots of local knowledge, real enthusiasm for the area and clear explanations of the various walks.  He paced us well and was usually able to encourage us along the final kilometre with the promise of refreshment in a local bar.  It is a great luxury to walk in stunning countryside knowing that the route has been thoroughly researched and adapted to the group's needs.He was also a massive support when the Alhambra ticket facility crashed just as we arrived to pick ours up.  The half hour it took to get re-started was frustrating but we got there in the end. Do you have any advice for potential travellers?We were lucky with the weather and had glorious sunshine all week.  Instead of the waterproofs and thermals we had thought we might want, we needed sunhats and sunblock, so be prepared for any conditions.  As others have indicated, also be prepared for it to be wet under foot - it's all down to those extensive irrigation systems.If you want to visit the Alhambra, book on line before you travel. Is there anything else you would like to add?This is a superb holiday option if you like spectacular scenery and varied wildlife.  The hotel in Berchules is friendly, provides tasty food and has great views.  Although the staff speak excellent English, they are happy to encourage you to practice your Spanish.
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  Anonymous
  Written on October 1, 2012

  5.0 - Excellent

  Stunning scenery, wonderful, informative guide and excellent family run hotel.Well organised giving a trouble free holiday.
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  Anonymous
  Written on September 10, 2012

  5.0 - Excellent

  Our first Exodus trip, but on the strength of this trip, not our last! Every aspect of the holiday exceeded our expectations. A good deal of attention had been paid to the details, and it showed - everything went like clockwork. We felt very well looked-after throughout.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?So many highlights... seeing a Golden Eagle soaring above the mountains, walking through varied and beautiful scenery, learning a little about the history and culture of this fascinating region.What did you think of your group leader?Jeremy was superb in every way. He had designed the walks to be suitable for a wide range of abilities, and to provide a wide variety of scenery and terrain. Every day he briefed us about what the practicalities would be - whether we'd be able to re-fill water bottles en route etc. The pace of the walks seemed to be fine for everyone in the group. He was very knowledgeable about the history and culture of the area, and was able to enrich the walks with anecdotes and useful information about the villages and countryside we passed through. He was very good at what he was doing, and a thoroughly nice bloke too. I can't praise him highly enough.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Just Do It. We were thoroughly glad we'd chosen this trip for our first Exodus holiday. It's a lovely region ideal for outdoor pursuits, and I'd imagine there's something for most people to enjoy, whether you're into history, wildlife or just enjoying the walking.The pace and length of the walks was generally relaxed, but the terrain added a degree of challenge. There were a lot of fairly steep climbs and descents over rocky terrain, plenty of spiky vegetation, and some muddy patches where the path followed streams. Nothing too extreme, but definitely not suitable for sandals... boots required, really. We found walking poles very helpful. Some days we needed to take water for the whole day, and when we went (early Sep) it was pretty hot, so we needed to drink plenty - so take a couple of big bottles or (probably preferably) a Camelback-type system. I wouldn't have been without a good sunhat, too, as shade could be hard to come by at some points. The village where we were based (Berchules) was pleasant and the hotel very friendly and comfortable, but the village is small and quiet. If you're planning to take a rest day, you'll need a book or something to occupy yourself as you probably won't be hitting the shops...A small tip for book fans.. read Chris Stewart's 'Driving Over Lemons' before you go.Is there anything else you would like to add?Just thanks to Jeremy and everyone else who made this trip so enjoyable and memorable. We were slightly apprehensive about taking a group holiday, but we needn't have worried - everyone was really nice and just there for a relaxed good time. By the end of the holiday everyone felt like old friends, even though we'd only known each other a week! It was excellent.
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  Anonymous
  Written on May 19, 2012

  5.0 - Excellent

  A superb trip which exceeded my expectations.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?For me, just being surrounded by the sublime landscape of the region.What did you think of your group leader?Jeremy Rabjohns is an excellent group leader who is considerate of all the needs of all individuals and the group alike.At no time did I feel like just another group member,Jeremy really took time to get to know each of us on a one to one level,which enabled us as individuals to get the most from our trip. Personally I was interested in photographing the landscape  and so at times needed to be apart from the group,either in front or behind,I was never inhibited or made to feel a burden.Jeremy has a very good knowledge of the local flora and fauna alike and thus is able to answer most questions in this regard.He is also very knowledgeable of the local history regarding the Moorish peoples who once inhabited these lands,he has even written a book on walks in the area and so is more than qualified to lead.He is also able to speak Spanish and is very helpful to those who wish to shop and order food etc.In general I found Jeremy to be an exceptional leader,and a decent, down to earth,good to honest bloke which these days seems to be the exception rather than the rule.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?I personally did not feel that poles are necessary.Ankle length (short) walking boots were fine for me.I used a hydration pack as opposed to bottles which I think is better.Is there anything else you would like to add?The hotel Berchules is good and clean with a well stocked bar,plenty of hot water,great food and the most brilliant staff.I did have my doubts about this trip and was the last to book,however, I had a brilliant time and I think you will too so just book it!! 
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  Anonymous
  Written on April 12, 2012

  4.0 - Good

  Lovely walking, friendly hotel, good food and great weather - what more can you want from a holiday?What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Sitting on the hill sides with the views of the snow covered mountains, enjoying the sunshine, dreaming of living in such a landscape.What did you think of your group leader?Excellent, Jeremy understood the needs of all the group and ensured everybody had a great time. The pace of the walks was good and he adapted them to ensure we got the most from the days.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Make sure you go with a good appetite - there's no shortage of good food to eat.Ensure you book tickets for the Alhambra in advance, whilst it does take half a day to see it is well worth it in my opinion and save any worries about getting tickets on the day.Is there anything else you would like to add?I've done a couple of other walking trips in Spain and this was definitely the best. The variety of the scenery was great, the hotel is an excellent comfortable base providing good food and the trip to Granada at the end allowed for a bit of sightseeing. I'd always wanted to visit the Alhambra and this trip allowed that box to be ticked and I could have easily spent another day just wandering around.
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  Anonymous
  Written on October 7, 2011

  4.0 - Good

  I had never been to Spain before and my first impression was that I wouldn't enjoy my week as the area was hot, barren and dry.  By the end of the week I couldn't wait to go back and I am now contemplating living in the area for a year to get to know it better.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Probably the last day when we walked in the home valley of our guide George.  This was a valley full of varied flora and views.  We had an excellent lunch in a village hotel and as we walked through the picturesque villages and countryside, we enjoyed eating figs, almonds and walnuts washed down with mineral water from the local springs, including a naturally sparkling spring. Or maybe it was sharing a beer in a village cafe and discussing the day with the group as we waited for the hotel minibus to pick us up and return for a shower, more beer, a swim and supper.  Or perhaps just walking with a great group of people.What did you think of your group leader?Our original group leader Jeremy had a medical emergency, so  having met us at the airport he was only able to walk with us on day 1.  He was friendly and sensitive to different walking speeds of the group.  He was replaced by another local british guide, George.George had a great knowledge of the area, an interest in the history of the Sierra Nevada, a good command of Spanish and knew many of the locals.  He was an athletic walker and inspired confidence and curiosity.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?I found the area to be hotter than I expected, and only wore half the clothes I took. I washed my walking kit every night and it was ready to wear in the morning.  I didn't spend much money as there were few shopping opportunities.  Food and drink was limited in the villages as this is quite an impoverished region.  Having said this it was wonderful to meet shepherds in the hills with their flocks of sheep and goats, and to see the "cowboys" who still roam the hills on hores-back checking their stock.My wife and I spent a day in Granada visiting the Alhambra.  The visit was very worthwhile but Granada was hot.  Great ice-creams and tapas. 6 of us went together in a taxi to make it cost effective.  The hotel organised the taxi for us.   Is there anything else you would like to add?We opted out of walking on one day, to explore the village of Berchules and to enjoy the hotel pool.  We had personal service - the pool and garden to ourselves -  bliss. This was our 4th Exodus holiday and our guides and hotel exceeded expectations.  The hotel was very comfortable, twin-bedded rooms with ensuite bathrooms, plenty of hot water, balcony with view over the surrounding countryside.  The hotel staff were friendly, food plentiful with a large packed lunch provided every day.  Even the dog was friendly, excitedly accompanying us all day when we walked from the hotel.If you've ever considered this holiday - take it! 
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  Anonymous
  Written on October 7, 2011

  4.0 - Good

  I had never been to Spain before and my first impression was that I wouldn't enjoy my week as the area was hot, barren and dry.  By the end of the week I couldn't wait to go back and I am now contemplating living in the area for a year to get to know it better.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Probably the last day when we walked in the home valley of our guide George.  This was a valley full of varied flora and views.  We had an excellent lunch in a village hotel and as we walked through the picturesque villages and countryside, we enjoyed eating figs, almonds and walnuts washed down with mineral water from the local springs, including a naturally sparkling spring. Or maybe it was sharing a beer in a village cafe and discussing the day with the group as we waited for the hotel minibus to pick us up and return for a shower, more beer, a swim and supper.  Or perhaps just walking with a great group of people.What did you think of your group leader?Our original group leader Jeremy had a medical emergency, so  having met us at the airport he was only able to walk with us on day 1.  He was friendly and sensitive to different walking speeds of the group.  He was replaced by another local british guide, George.George had a great knowledge of the area, an interest in the history of the Sierra Nevada, a good command of Spanish and knew many of the locals.  He was an athletic walker and inspired confidence and curiosity.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?I found the area to be hotter than I expected, and only wore half the clothes I took. I washed my walking kit every night and it was ready to wear in the morning.  I didn't spend much money as there were few shopping opportunities.  Food and drink was limited in the villages as this is quite an impoverished region.  Having said this it was wonderful to meet shepherds in the hills with their flocks of sheep and goats, and to see the "cowboys" who still roam the hills on hores-back checking their stock.My wife and I spent a day in Granada visiting the Alhambra.  The visit was very worthwhile but Granada was hot.  Great ice-creams and tapas. 6 of us went together in a taxi to make it cost effective.  The hotel organised the taxi for us.   Is there anything else you would like to add?We opted out of walking on one day, to explore the village of Berchules and to enjoy the hotel pool.  We had personal service - the pool and garden to ourselves -  bliss. This was our 4th Exodus holiday and our guides and hotel exceeded expectations.  The hotel was very comfortable, twin-bedded rooms with ensuite bathrooms, plenty of hot water, balcony with view over the surrounding countryside.  The hotel staff were friendly, food plentiful with a large packed lunch provided every day.  Even the dog was friendly, excitedly accompanying us all day when we walked from the hotel.If you've ever considered this holiday - take it! 
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  Anonymous
  Written on December 26, 2010

  5.0 - Excellent

  This was my third Exodus trip within the past 3 years and probably the best yet. The organisation, as I've come to expect from the company, was first class in every way.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?There were probably too many to list on this page!The initial drive up the spectacular road to the beautiful little village of Berchules where we were based for   the week, the view from the hotel room balcony across the sweeping valley to the mountains beyond, the variety of brilliant walks, visiting the highest village in Spain, the trip to the Alhambra Palace in Granada - I could go on!    What did you think of your group leader?Jeremy was an absolutely brilliant leader in every way. His leadership style was exactly what you would wish for - excellent knowledge of the entire region, highly experienced and, above all, everything was done in a very friendly & relaxed manner.Basically, nothing was too much trouble for him.   Do you have any advice for potential travellers?The main advice would have to be - go for it!!!This is a brilliant way to discover the spectacular scenery of the Sierra Nevada!With regard to the weather - be prepared for all conditions.The temperature on one day was around 35 degrees, even in September, whilst we also experienced a spectacular lightning storm on another day! Is there anything else you would like to add?Special mention must go to all the staff at the Hotel Los Berchules where we were based for the week.Our driver/barman/waiter Andrew was a very friendly chap and really made us feel welcome.Wendy was also a superb host with a great sense of humour!I would definitely repeat this trip some time in the future.