Dramatic Landscapes of Almería

We had a fabulous holiday - every aspect was wonderful. The Cabo de Gata is a peaceful and beautiful National Park. Most days we walked all day only seeing a few people. The walking notes are very accurate and the suggestions as to how long it would take to complete the walks were also accurate. There was also time to stop and admire the view. We came back feeling very relaxed. 

We particularly enjoyed Walk D at Rodalquilar (at the beginning of March, with lots of wild flowers) and are a pleased we added to it a diversion to Cortijo del Fraile, which would be a pity to miss (an extra 2.8 kilometres in total, no climbing). 

Great winter sun break. Interesting walking. More wildlife and birdlife than we expected to see. The highlight was seeing the flamingos at Las Salinas. Not all bars and restaurants were open in Rodalquilar and San Jose but we had no problems finding lovely places to eat and drink.

We had an excellent holiday in early October with beautiful weather, great accommodation and meals and lovely walks.  Rodalquilar was a super location to start the holiday and the hotel was very accommodating when we arrived very early.  I'd recommend Lebeche for dinner - a very friendly, local restaurant but it does have an English menu which is very handy.  We struggled a bit with dinner in San Jose.  We arrived on Sunday which was fine as all the restaurants were open but Monday was a real struggle as many restaurants were closed. The walking instructions were very good and there were several options at each location which was very handy.  I'd thoroughly recommend this holiday.

The 'Dramatic Landscapes' trip is brilliant.  We are just back and already wondering where we could go next. The whole operation was smooth and stress-free and we are hugely impressed with Inntravel.  From booking, to the documents arriving, to the transfers, to the quality of the hotels, everything was fantastic. The peace and serenity and just awe-inspiring beauty of the area was perfect. The first hotel was tranquil and peaceful, but comfortable and friendly. There was a good choice of restaurants in Rodalquilar, the staff at the hotel were friendly and welcoming and we were sad to leave after two nights there. The second hotel (at the end of a very long walk in the sun - a welcome sight to finally arrive!) is gorgeous, with the most amazing views. The breakfast was not as good as at Rodalquilar, but that was exceptional, so we had been spoiled! San Jose is the most beautiful little town and we loved that it is so much less touristy and spoiled than other parts of Spain. Not that many people outside of the hotel spoke English, which was lovely.  We were very sad to leave and will definitely be back, although the walk between the two was just a little too challenging in bits, for my very fit 78-year-old Mum. She would get a taxi at least part of the way next time!  Really the perfect break and we will recommend Inntravel and both hotels to all of our walking friends and look forward to our next adventure.

We loved our time in this massively under-rated area, and were especially taken with Rodalquilar. The walks were just right in terms of level, with spectacular views. We loved the style and sociability of the Hotel Jardin de los Suenos, and the local restaurants, such as Lebeche and Or y Luz were high class.

Absolutely loved the walking trip to Almeria! The walks were perfect and the guides given to us to help navigate were superb. Directions were easy to follow and each walk was so different I really felt I got to see the area properly. I also loved the fact that both accommodations were of really high standard which allowed us to relax after a long day of walking. Perfect holiday and can't wait to book our next adventure. 

Highlights: The interesting geology, plants, peaceful environment. Also swimming in the clear waters.

Inntravel's attention to detail means you just 'do as you are told' and enjoy your holiday instead of having to find your own way around unfamiliar terrain; and their hotel choice was spot on as usual.

One other small problem we had was finding good places to eat in Rodalquilar. Nobody knew what was going to be open - we were there for a Monday and Tuesday evening. The websites for the restaurants we selected were wrong about their opening times. We walked from the centre of town to suggested retaurants one kilometre away, only to find them all closed, and had to return to town to find only one place open. The second night even this was closed so we walked another kilometres and had to opt for a  really second rate restaurant, where the food was at best marginal. I think a suggestion to buy from the deli at Rodalquilar - El Dispensa - in the main street and to take this back for dinner on the terrace at the Jardin de los Suenos would be a good recommendation.

What a great find Inntravel was, a lovely short break in the sunshine with amazing accommodation and walks to make us feel like we had seen a little bit of the region. Am already looking for our next trip. Thank you.

The scenery on the walk around San Jose was truly spectacular. We had a swim at Genoveses beach which was fine, but wished we had swum at Monsul beach, which was really beautiful and seemed better for swimming.

The view of the landscape and the garden at El Jardinde Suenos were so beautiful. The wonderful Anna Maria who chatted to us as well as bringing us the best breakfast we had ever had, in such a wonderful setting. The flowers on the walks and the choice of walks to accommodate different levels of walkers. Ekhart was welcoming and recognised us again in San Jose, stopping to say hello on his day off. A very special place, we will be back!

The walk over the farmland belonging family of Dona Pakyta was lovely, goats, ruined farm buildings and wonderful flowers everywhere. We realise that the abundance of flora was due to the unusual rainfall earlier in the year and is not typical, so we felt especially lucky to have been in the area at this time. The beaches were windswept and almost empty. 

Honestly, this is one of the best holidays we have ever had, combining  wonderful scenery, people and service with much needed sunshine. We could easily have spent a week here, perhaps with a car for a couple of days to explore further. For example there was a fair at an inland village, Fernand Perez? that we would have liked to go to. We enjoyed contributing to the local economy by eating at some great restaurants! La Tascilla? in Rodalqular was outstanding and found a lovely bar and deli in San Jose that deserves a mention. 

We had an excellent holiday and thank you to Inntravel.

The walks were challenging and people need to be prepared.

We are both in our 60s and quite fit, but found it challenging, particularly the walk from Rodalquila to San Jose, the last section was very rough, up the views were worth it. It woud be helpful to future travellers if the route is highlighted on the map. It would just make it a bit easier.

On balance, an excellent tour, everything worked well like a Swiss clock! Well done and thank you to all.

We loved the holiday. The walking was great, quite challenging in parts but the effort was rewarded with fabulous views, very quiet routes and even a dip in the sea in February!

The restaurants in Rodalquilar were really high quality (Oro y Luz and Tarquissa) and the only downside was the quietness of San Jose which had no proper choice for a decent meal in the evening.

We were fortunate to see the area after the first rains in 4 years and so were treated to a green landscape as well as 18-20 deg temperatures. The walks are well chosen; we weren't expecting the mining areas to be as interesting as they are, and particularly enjoyed the walk from Rodalquilar to San Jose - although it was extremely windy. Look out for the different types of honey in the smaller of the Rodalquilar shops. Christine also has a selection of decent local wines. At this time of year there is limited choice of restaurant, particularly mid-week, but take note of Eckhard's recommendations for both Rodalquilar and San Jose. We had an enjoyable time and will probably return mid-winter again. 

San Jose is a gem and the Hotel Dona Pakyta makes a lovely end to the trip.  We had 2 delicious evening meals of fresh seafood washed down with wonderful Spanish Rioja.

Lack of vegetation in this area means lovely views all the time while walking but also a lot of exposure to sun and wind - factors to consider when walking in the hotter months. Even in mid-November, it could feel hot at times... particularly on the walk from Rodalquilar to San Jose.

Unlike other - perhaps more touristy - parts of Spain, restaurants in this area cater to the late eating habits of the residents - be that lunch or evening meal. Options for eating in the early evening (even for tapas) are few and far between.