ESCAPE THEOVERCOMMERCIALISEDCHRISTMASPERIODwith a walkingholidayintheMountainsof Alicante
OurChristmassmallgroupguidedwalkingholidays are back.
These are fullboardTasteofSpainholidaysfeaturinggreatwalksandPat's wonderfulcuisineintheevening. Don't believeus?Thencheckoutreviewsfromourguestbookhereandfromresponsibletravel.com.
AccommodationisinourvillagecottagesCasa L'AmetlerandCasa Dianica , both are recentlyrestoredto a highstandardandverycomfortablewith central heating plus anopenlogfireinthe case of Casa Dianica. Eveningmeals are takeninourwinecellardiningroomjust a fewshort
metresfromthecottages . Thereisalso a small bar hereforsocialisingwith a predinnerdrink.
Meals are fromPat's renownedTasteofSpainselectionfeaturingthebestoffreshSpanishcuisinewith a celebratorydinneronChristmasday. A 1/2 bottleof fine Spanishwineisprovidedwithdinnereachevening.
Walkingwill be a mixofmoderateandstrenouswalkingwiththeoptiontomissoutonthestrenuouswalksifyou don't fancythetougherwalks.
Theholidayis a flexible holidayand can be bookedfor 5 nights and 7 nights. Arrival either 21st or 22nd December. Pricesincludereturnairporttransfersto Alicante airport, all local transport , guidedwalks , accommodationwithdailyservicingwithbreakfast beingsuppliedfor a serve yourselfbasis,includingsuppliesfor a packedlunchwhenneeded, eveningmealwithgourmetstylemenuswithwineincluded. Wehave 5 roomsavailable. Themaximumnumberofplacesavailableforthisholidayis 8 . There are no single supplements.
Prices:-
7 nights795€ perperson( or 725 pounds)
A 100€ or 100 poundsdepositispayableonreservationandthe balance isdue 30 daysbeforearrival. Poundpayments can only be acceptedbybanktransfer. Euro payments can be paidbydebitorcreditcardsecurelyonline.
During the summer months of July and August the Quatretondeta swimming pool opens.
It is large 25 metre pool located above the village and only 150 meters from the centre.There are superb views of the mountains and over the village roof tops. It is a great location to swim, relax and take the sun.
There is a life guard on duty during opening hours.
The pool rebuilt in 2010 is largely under used but very well maintained. There is a small daily charge for using the pool.
Along side the pool is a bar which serves drinks, tapas and meals. This bar stays open into the evening after the pool closes and is a great place to mingle with village life particularly at weekends.
The area of LimestoneMountains at the south of the ValenciaProvince and north of the AlicanteProvince has one the richest variety of flora to be found in Europe.
As well as the richness provided by the rugged limestone terrain there is a confluence of 3 climate influences; Mediterranean, Continental and Alpine.
Rich flora is to found all year round, but March to early June provide the greatest riches and variety. Walking holidays organised by Mountain Walks at this time of the year always give particular attention to the rich flora and the highest concentration of endemic species to found on the Iberian peninsular as well as Europe as a whole.
We were fortunate to have a keen botanist on our guided walking holiday that took place week commencing 2nd May 2009. Ans Gorter from the Netherlands has been kind enough to supply us with an exhaustive list of the plants she identified during here week in the mountains of Alicante. Photographs were taken by Ans or by the guide for the week, Jem Wilcox.
Look at for our flora walking weeks during 2010. Up to date information is available from our web site www.mountainwalks.com
Plants - Quatretondeta 2nd-9thMay 2009
If not specified, the variety is unknown to me.
If no English name, I didn’t find one.
Aceras anthropophorum (male orchis)
Adonis annua (pheasant’s eye)
Allium roseum (rosy garlic)
Anagallis arvensis (scarlet pimpernel)
Anagallis foemina (blue pimpernel)
Anchusa azurea (large blue alkanet)
Antirrhinum majus (snapdragon)
Anthyllis tetraphylla (bladder vetch)
Aphyllanthes monspeliensis (aphyllanthes)
Asphodelus aestivus (common asphodel)
Biscutella laevigata (buckler mustard)
Bituminaria bituminosa (pitch trefoil)
Borago officinalis (borage)
Cardaria draba (hoary cress)
Carpobrotus edulis (Hottentot fig)
Catananche caerulea (Cupidone)
Centaurea pullata (Southern knapweed or biennial cornflower)
Located in a quiet traffic free square near the centre of the village of Quatretondeta.
Casa Dianica derived its name from a new species of orchid that was discovered in the surrounding mountains in 2001.
This beautiful cottage which once served as the village girls school was fully restored during 2006/7.
The cottage now provides accommodation for up to 6 people.Accommodation comprises of 2 double bed rooms and 1 twin room , there are 3 very large shower/wet rooms , 2 of which are ensuite.
A roof top terrace provides excellent views over the arabic tiled roof tops to the mountains.
Other facilities include a comfortable lounge dining area with open log fire, and a fully equipped kitchen which includes hob and oven , microwave, toaster, electric kettle, automatic washing machine .
The cottage is well equipped throughout and has central heating via electric night storage radiators. An ideal base for joining the guided walking holidays provided by mountainwalks.com. On our guided walking holidays the accommoadtion is fully serviced with breakfast an packed lunch provisions being provided in the cottage.
Evening meals are taken at the near by wine/cellar dining room and bar and on warm spring evenings on the outside terrace with superb mountain views.
The cottage is also available for those wishing to do their own thing either as a self catering cottage our as a fully serviced accommodation with either dinner and breakfast our with full board.
It is a great location for a get away from it all summer holiday, when you can make use of the nearby swimming pool.
Quatretondeta is an excellent base for discovering the unspoilt and mostly unknown mountain region of the North West Alicante province.
It is 60 minutes drive from Alicante airport or 75 minutes from Valencia city.
There are nearby rail and bus links to Valencia or bus links to Alicante from Alcoy just 12 miles from Quatretondeta.
The nearest motorway link is on the new A7 route from Alicante to Valencia and is just 20 minutes away.
For information on our Guided and self guided walking holidays check out our web site mountainwalks.com.
If you would like information on rates for the cottage for either self catering or fully serviced with meals please email us:-
Visit our other cottage in Quatretondeta; Casa L'Ametler ( Almond Tree cottage)
A traditional village cottage fully restored to offer comfortable accommodation in quiet and relaxing surroundings.
Fully reconstructed and restored during late 2003 from an old ruined cottage , Located in a quiet street with no traffic in the heart of the village of Quatretondeta , Casa L'Ametler or Almond Tree Cottage now offers the following accommodation for up to 5 people over 4 floors.
Ground floor entrance, from a narrow traffic free street, to the Diner/kitchen. The kitchen is equipped with an electric 4 ring hob and oven, fridge freezer, automaticwashing machine and granite work tops.
First Floor double bedroom with built in wardrobes , ensuite shower room looking out onto the narrow street.
Second Floor twin bedded room with built in wardrobes and ensuite bathroom with views over the roof tops to the valley beyond.
Third floor Sun lounge - with sun terrace with fantastic views over the village roof tops to the valley and mountains. This terrace catches the sun from mid morning until sunset all year round.
The cottage is centrally heated throughout with electric night storage heating to ensure a cosy ambiance during the winter months and is fully insulated to ensure coolness through the hot summer months of July and August. Hot water is provided by combined solar and electric. The cottage has free WI FI access.
It is traditionally and comfortably furnished throughout and painted in traditional colours of the region with locally produced fabrics.
An ideal base for those who want the flexibility of self catering accommodation or with fully serviced accommodation with breakfast and dinner, in this beautiful and unknown mountain region of the Alicante province of Spain. Activities include guided or self guided walks, birding painting, photography and family holidays.
During the summer months it offers a safe escape for families who wish a true Spanish experience. It is located close to the village swimming pool. The pool offers safe bathing during July and August with a qualified life guard on duty when the pool is open. Visit the Quatretondeta swimming pool.
The photograph above is the village of Quatretondeta and right a view from the roof top terrace.
If you choose one of mountainwalks.com full board walking holidays , evening meals are served in the wine cellar dining room located a few metres from the cottage. Picture below.
These are comments left by recent guests in our visitors book.
You can also find over 50 independent reviews left by guests on the responsibletravel.com web site.
Go to the responsibletravel.com reviews (PLEASE NOTE, as this is an independent site there is no return link to our site. To return to mountainwalks please use the previous page button on your browser)
mountainwalks.com. Quatretondeta . Holidays based in our cottages Casa L'Ametler( Almond Tree cottage) and Casa Dianica, Quatretondeta, Alicante, Spain.
October 2011 - Bob and Angela Jenner (INNTRAVEL)
...."we had a fantastic short stay with yourselves, it was full of welcome, ready assistance and joy whether out walking (and the vultures were a splendid sight in their own right), enjoying the peace and quiet of Quatretondeta and our Casa or the splendid feasts that you modestly call meals".
18th May 2011 - Kathy and Ian Smith ( mountainWALKS - guided walking holiday)
Our second visit to Quatretondeta has not disappointed. Excellent walking, superb food and drink, and good company in the evening. What more could you want from a holiday. Thanks Brian, Pat and Tom
5th April 2011 - Michael and Liz Sudlow, John and Agnes Watson ( INNTRAVEL)
We have been here such a short time, 2 nights in a wonderful cottage with NO CHURCH BELLS, and our final walk in these magnificent mountains. We can only agree with everybody else has said about the food,( we are seriously replete tonight) and the hospitality from Pat and Brian. Thank you both very much.
24th January 2011 - John Croxen (INNTRAVEL)
The cottage was a delight and the food provided was really good. Altogether a good end to my 9 day holiday in Spain. I would have wished for slightly higher temperatures but nonetheless had some good walks. Thank you Brian and Pat for your tremedous hospitality and kindness.
22nd January 2011 - C Borrow ( Mountainwalks - guided walking holiday)
Thanks for a peaceful relaxing week of walking. Food,wine and converstation made feel very welcome. Thanks Pat and Brian
12th January 2011 - Jared and Po Yan , USA ( INNTRAVEL)
Had a lovely time, the best of the holiday! Wish we could spend more time, but we'll have to come back again! Next time - to "Africa".
5th January 2011 - Sue and Chris Pratt (INNTRAVEL)
A wonderful and enchanting end to what has been a brilliant walking holiday. Thank you Brian and Pat for making us so welcome and for the excellent converstaions, wine and food.
26th November 2010 - Frances Read
A return visit after 10 years-will try not to leave it so long next time. Excellent walks, interesting villages, superb scenery and leisurely dinners with Pat's marvellous meals.
12th November 2010 - Robert and Elizabeth Lewis (INNTRAVEL) Great walks + great food = great holiday. We'll be back!!
4th November 2010 - Margaret and David Stamford (INNTRAVEL)
A lovely end to our walking holiday. The trip to the winery was excellent, and rounded off really well with the meal at night. Thank you
Thank you so much for a wonderful holiday. The food was excellent, weather was marvellous and the company genial. The walks were both exhilarating and breathtakingly beautiful and always "just" at an end just a mile further on.. Good luk with the future guys and perhaps we'll meet again.
23rd October 2010 - Rachel and Keith, Exeter ( mountainWALKS - guided walking holiday)
We very much enjoyed our week of wonderful hospitality, walks and relaxation. Thank you for the outstanding meals and local knowledge. Jem shepherded us up and down dale (and mountain) with skill and good humour. ......
Thank you so much for a fantastic weeks holiday. The hiking was superb. I thought I was coming for a rest but Jem had different ideas. Thanks to his experience and manner I really switched off and enjoyed the magic of my surroundings. Thanks also Pat for the totally delicious food - it was the icing on the cake at the end of each day. You have a lovely place here and I wish you all the very best with it. Till next time,
20th September 2010 - Peter and Liz Dawson (INNTRAVEL)
An extremely enjoyable last 2 days of our week in the Alicante mountains. The walk up the Serrella and back down to the village was magnificent - great views, spectacular rock formations, soaring eagles ( we think) and a view of "Africa"! All this was matched by your warm hospitality and absolutely delicious food, which is what made our stay so memorable. Only sorry we cannot stay for longer, but we hope to return soon.
28th June 2010 - Mike and Nick Pointon
Pat and Brian
Thank you both for a most enjoyable holiday. The "cottage" is fantastic. Walking in the mountains is pure joy, the sound of silence is magic. Fine wines, Excellent food and the company of your good selves. What more could we ask for.
22nd to 28th May 2010 - John and Sue Darshill
`............ pretty damm good, serious it was marvellous, great walks, great food and great banter.
21st April 2010 - J &J + S & A
Last day - for too soon!!! Due to volcanic eruption in Iceland we hoped our flights would be delayed to no avail- looks like we shall leave as scheduled. So sorry to leave the wonderful scenery, unrivalled views and friendly people. Cottage just as we remembered - so comfortable and welcoming. Hopefully we will return soon.
7th March 2010 - Sue and Malcolm Fordyce
We had no idea what a fantastic walking area this is. We certainly hope to come back. Thank you for looking after so well. The meals have been superb.
2nd to 16th May – J Ambrose, BarnardCastle
Pat – you ruined all my plans to walk some weight off these past 2 weeks – your evening mealswere delicious!
Tom – thanks for replenishing the fridge with lots of breakfast and lunch choices.
Inma – Gracious, for keeping the cottage so clean and tidy – a great welcome at the end of a tiring day.
Jem- what a professional and competent guide- your walks were always interesting and enjoyable.
Brian – what can I say – “ the host with the most”!
2nd to 9th May – A Gorter- Netherlands ( via France)
Thank you all, Brian,Pat, Tom ,Jem and Inma for this lovely week. Everything was perfect: great meals , splendid walks, a full fridge, nice room. What else could I have wished for. I felt very welcome and found you all very thoughtful and caring and very professional.
I hope I will be back.
18th to 25th April - L Ventry , Scotland
Hi Pat, Brian and Jem, Arrived home safely all according to plan, quite a nice warm day here. Starting to feel a little tired with the 1 hour time change. Diet starts tomorrow!! Jem should not feel at all concerned about missing us- beyond the call of duty to get up by 7.30 unless essential had a great week, surpassing my expectations. You are wonderful hosts, so friendly, which made me feel very comfortable- I think the others felt the same, I know Patti definitely did. I am quite comfortable with the newsletter photo- too small to be recognised, but would love to see some more. I didn't take many but will download them from my camera later and se if any are worth passing on. Good luck with the rest of the season.
9th to 16th April -J & A Cooke, UK
Due to your resourcefulness, Brian & Pat, yet a new form of unforgettable holiday around Quatretondeta. We really hope to come back – for orchids, birds, food and especially people.
5th April – D & G Chapman , UK
What more could you want – sitting on top of the world – sipping cold wine admiring the view in the evening sun after a long walk. Our stay here was too short – a wonderful welcome and delicious food.
7th to 14th March – C&R Hartree , UK
Excellent cuisine, excellent walking, sunshine and cool breezes everyday. Thank you very much for a very restorative holiday
28th February to 7th March – C O’Leary, UK
A wonderful holiday. Thanks to Brian,Pat , Tom and Inma for amazing walks through rain, hail, wind , thunderstorms and the best veggie food I have tasted.
28th February to 7th March – B & M Riggs , NY, USA
Some of the above and we also loved all the beautiful flowers, whispering pines and song birds. Thanks to all for making our stay so enjoyable!
25th February- T & J Kerr, UK
A wonderful end to a really lovely holiday. Will enjoy recommending this spot to anyone willing to walks and able to enjoy the food!
18th February – L&D Mackinnon , Harpenden, UK
Fabulous food, fabulous walks and fabulous company. Many thanks.
15th February – M Clare ( Newcastle) & I&L Sutcliffe( London)
Left snow bound Britain – greeted by wonderful sunshine and beautiful Almond blossom here. Food wonderful - as usual! Thanks for a lovely stay.
Two days later the city is filled with the roar of battle, the smoke of gunpowder covering the city as a fog. The Moors and the Christians do battle during the whole day; the Christians, are defeated in the morning and the Moorish crescent can be seen on the ramparts of the castle were the red cross had once flown. When the fighting is at its fiercest, Saint George himself appears at the top of the castle to aid the Christian armies. The tide is reversed; the Moors retreat.
Every year, in April, the Saint gives victory to the Christian hosts as Alcoy, in the Valencia, re-enacts the famous, and largely mythical, battle. The celebration is one of the great fiestas of Spain, the greatest in the world, according to many an Alcoyano. From our experience of over 20 years of enjoying and joining in the fun we would certainly agree with this.
La fiesta is a year-long business for the people of Alcoy, as they prepare for those four days. Membership in one of the 28 Moorish or Christian armies, called filaes, is much more than a hobby. The participants meet regularly throughout the year to commune with their brethren, raise funds, organize banquets, and plan out the many activities that make up the fiesta. For them the year starts and ends in April, the time when they don their costumes and march to the sound of the bands. The euphoria is topped off during the battle, when they fire hundreds of blanks with their blunderbusses in this, the noisiest of Spanish fiestas. Money and time are spent prodigiously by the members of the filaes. Many save up throughout the year, and more than a few make yearly visits to the local pawn shops. The matter of clothes is expensive enough. Every army has its own traditional costume design, both fancy and fanciful. Many of them, especially those of the captains, cost a small fortune. Every year, the Christian and Moorish captains are provided by different filaes on a rotation basis. They always vie for the best-dressed captain ever. At the end of the fiesta the captains, usually well-to-do businessmen, donate their costumes to the Moors and Christians museum.
Although no effort is made to achieve strict historical accuracy in the clothes, plenty of attention is given to the details, and the costumes have to follow certain rules. Some modern things are allowed, like eyeglasses and watches, and most of the soldiers, even non-smokers, chomp on cigars. These cigars are a tradition of the fiesta, although nobody seems to know exactly why. "They're just part of the fun," says one Alcoyano.
But this is no costume party, no carnival. No tell-tale trouser legs or modern shoes remind you that this is all make-believe. Maybe because, in a sense, it isn't make-believe; it seems, rather, that you are seeing these insurance salesmen, shopkeepers or bank presidents emerge from drab existences into their true, glorious selves. After the flags and drums, horses and castles, feathered helmets and shining armor, the rest of the year seems like mere Clark Kent stuff.
But you don't go to Alcoy to see grown men and women make fools of themselves, either. A welcome balance is struck between all-stops-out abandon and respect for traditions kept alive over the centuries. This is fun taken seriously. Even in the wildest moments there are some set forms. At the end of the fiesta, Alcoyanos are always sad. But there remains a consolation: "only 361 days till the next one".
This full board walking holiday includes a full day at the fiestas on 22nd April to witness the spectacular parades. We have prime seating booked on the parade route and an excellent lunch booked in a local restaurant. A long day but loads of fun. You will have plenty of time to wander about and meet the locals and join the fun.
