Andalucia self guided walking holiday, Spain, independent reviews

These full and frank independent reviews are from travellers who have booked directly through responsibletravel.com. They are not edited by us or any of the companies we work with. Find the real story, from real travellers below.

Reviewed 3 Jan 2010 by Elysha Fairholm5 star rating

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?


The whole holiday was brilliant. Our villa was gorgeous and there was fantastic walking right on our doorsteps and plenty to do just a short drive away. We had a day exploring the coast and the villages along it were fantastic.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?


Go for it! We flew into Alicante airport and it was a really easy drive to the villa.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?


Yes definitely we were very much encouraged to shop and eat locally and support local business. Our hosts were extremely friendly and really want to promote the area

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?


We couldn't have asked for more. We went on honeymoon and it was just perfect. Our hosts made us feel so welcome - there was bread, cheese, ham, olives and wine on arrival and even in the middle of December were perfectly warm. The log fire kept us cosy and the weather was perfect for long walks. Our hosts provided maps of walks to do. Would really recommend this place for anyone who wants to get away from it all and enjoy the outdoors. Shops and restaurants were an easy 5min walk away and there is plenty to do just a short drive away to. Amazing!!!!

Reviewed 22 Feb 2010 by Emma Burleigh4 star rating

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?


Almond blossom blowing in through the doorway, picturesque old men with skin as gnarled as the almond bark greeted us with friendly "Olas" as they herded goats across the blossom studded mountains. Orange groves. The cosy wood burning stove. Tapas in friendly restaurant "El Molina".

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?


Better if it doesn't rain as there's not a lot to do besides walk, but the wood burner makes it all very cosy so you can relax and play games etc. indoors in comfort. We were unlucky as it doesn't usually rain so much.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?


Yes, we ate locally, shopped in the village, so all the money we spent hopefully went back into the local economy. The house is quite eco-friendly: recycling, eco-bulbs etc.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?


Very good.

Reviewed 14 Oct 2010 by Robert Gordon4 star rating

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?


The well planned and well documented walks prepared by John through the nearby hills surrounding the village of Lubrin. The West walk gave views across to the sea, so choose a blue sky day for this walk. Only by walking along the tracks could you appreciate the range of small scale cultivation in the area. The walks are not too demanding and take around 3 1/2 to 4 hours

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?


Be prepared to be flexible in your eating arrangements - visit restaurants in Lubrin and the surrounding villages - for value for money. Specifically Restaurante Lopez where wild boar is offered. However we went in October and a couple of restaurants were closed. Also, there are few tourists, and the local people are very friendly if you smile and say "Ola".

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?


Yes, we used local shops, including the local supermarket (a bit limited) and bread shop, a market on Wednesday, and the local restaurants - we had a hire car, but hardly needed to use it.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?


It was a very peaceful and relaxing holiday. The owners (John and Maya) who lived on site, were very friendly and very helpful without being overbearing. They are keen to develop the walks further, and are working with the local community to do this. A really peaceful place in the real Spain where you can relax in the knowledge you will not be "ripped off"

Reviewed 17 Jan 2010 by Kerrie Jopling4 star rating

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?


The great location of the peaceful and relaxing accommodation - with everything you'd need within short walking distance in a very friendly and genuine corner of Spain. Really helpful and friendly hosts who'd gone to the trouble of stocking the fridge and being on hand to help out with recommendations, walks in the locality, etc.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?


Be ready to experience the real Spain - and practice some Spanish - away from the hordes of UK package tourists.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?


Yes - we ate in local restaurants, drank in local bars and cafes, shopped in the village market and small supermarkets - and did several walks in the locality, direct from the apartment without using the car. We hope that promotion of this low-key type of tourism will benefit the local people and their economy.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?


Exceeded our expectations. Great location, friendly locals and hosts, charming village in interesting mountainous area, good value for money, and within easy reach of cultural sites for day-trips - would definitely recommend to others.

Reviewed 1 Apr 2010 by Richard Knott4 star rating

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?


Scenery and wildlife in and around Lubrin.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?


Wednesday market in Lubrin is excellent - but be aware that no other local source of fresh fruit or veg so stock up to last until the Wednesday..

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?


Yes. Location encouraged us to support local businesses and market.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?


We were extremely well looked after on our visit, and had a wonderful time (despite the unseasonally cold weather). The wildlife and scenery exceeded our expectations. A magical location combining the best aspects of remoteness with easy access to the village centre. And some fantastic walks from the house.

Reviewed 24 Feb 2010 by Christopher Andrews3 star rating

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?


Super local walks... local wines and cuisine.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?


Unable to make suggestions to other people with different interests.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?


Possibly.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?


Very enjoyable.

Reviewed 6 May 2009 by Lyn Berg4 star rating

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?


We drove right into the village of Lubrin without the exact to directions to the apartment so ended up getting lost in the narrow, winding village streets. Armed with directions in Spanish, we still managed to miss the turn-off so after another attack through the village streets, it was exciting to finally reaching our destination. Staying at such a panoramic location was memorable in itself and we also really enjoyed the rather challenging walk up to the hilltops on the other side of the village, amongst the almond trees and an incredible display of wildflowers.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?


Make sure you have the directions and be prepared to relax.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?


Yes, we purchased supplies and dined in the local village which was just a walk over the hill.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?


The holiday was excellent. We were made very welcome by the hosts and had a very relaxing and very enjoyable vacation. We awoke to morning sunshine filtering through the bedroom window and enjoyed the setting sun on the back patio with a glass or two of wine accompanied by sounds of the local goat herdsman "talking" to his goats and the tinkling of the bells around their necks.

Reviewed 18 May 2009 by Alasdair Kenwright4 star rating

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?


The beauty, peace and tranquillity of Lubrin and the surrounding country.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?


Take plenty of water when out walking. Study the maps carefully as the walking trails need to be developed.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?


Yes, as we used the local shops and bars.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?


Excellent.

Reviewed 13 Aug 2008 by Tessa Mearns4 star rating

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?


Doing a lovely walk designed by John around the outskirts of the village.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?


Arrive early in the week to take full advantage of the market on Wednesday - we arrived on a Friday so had to go to supermarkets outside of town to get fresh fruit and vegetables for most of our stay (and the market was great!). Visit 'La Tasca' restaurant/bar in town - very friendly staff and lovely meals and tapas.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?


The house had been renovated sensitively and in keeping with local architecture.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?


Very relaxing and in a lovely setting, with friendly and accommodating hosts.

Accommodation Reviews

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Unedited reviews from other travellers

5 stars
I am reborn! Simply the best holiday I have ever been on
4 stars
Some great stories to tell the grandchildren. Would recommend to a friend
3 stars
Very enjoyable
2 stars
It was OK
1 star
A bit disappointing really
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