
Intro to Rock Climbing and Via Ferrata in Spain
Learn to climb and navigate via ferratas alongside expert guides on pristine limestone walls in the Sierra de Aitana
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking climbing and via ferrata guidesAccommodation
4 nights in a family-run pensionMeals
All breakfasts, lunches and dinnersTransfers
Airport transfers and everything in betweenEquipment
All of your climbing & via ferrata gearSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 10 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?




























Escape to the mountains by the Costa Blanca to develop your rock climbing skills, nailing essential techniques like top-roping, abseiling and self-rescue
Traverse some of Spain’s most dizzying routes along dramatic rock formations, featuring slack lines, steep sky ladders and Tibetan bridges
Kick back in a welcoming, family-run guesthouse where you can enjoy home-cooked meals on the terrace with epic views of the Sierra de Aitana
Key Information
Day 1
To the Aitana massif

Touch down in Alicante, meet your host at the airport, and enjoy the scenic transfer through the Guadalest Valley en route to your base for the trip, a family-run pensión. Settle in and dig into some tapas with your guides, and maybe head out on a short hike to Guadalest to stretch your legs. Your guides will talk you through the adventure to come and give a briefing on the climbing equipment and some initial rope skills. This evening there will be a welcome dinner at the pensión where you can tuck into home-cooked dishes and local wines.
Day 2
Clambering on the crag

Climbing
The climbing gets underway this morning, with a short drive to the crag in the stunning Sierra de Aitana. Your guide will sort the gear and fully run through the safety basics before getting you warmed up. Working in small teams, you’ll tackle a mix of top rope routes, starting with the easy ones. Along the way, you’ll learn abseiling techniques, communication protocols and self-rescue manoeuvres. Top rope climbing is a safe and beginner-friendly way to get started – if you slip or need a rest, you simply hang from the rope until you’re ready to either carry on or lower down. The selected routes range from very easy to intermediate, offering plenty of opportunities to test your strength, technique and route planning as you progress. Most of the climbs have generous hand and footholds, making them ideal for learning. You’ll break for a picnic lunch and a cold drink at a nearby mountain hut, then build on your skills in the afternoon. The day ends with a sundowner as the sun dips behind the Bernia ridge, before heading back to the pension for dinner and a well-earned rest.
Day 3
An epic day on the Via Ferrata Bolon

Driving
Via Ferrata
Enjoy breakfast at the pension before driving down towards the south of Alicante province to experience one of the most popular via ferratas in this part of Spain. Its popularity stems from the quality of the installation and the varied sections of progress it offers along the ascent, with rock formations to pass through, Tibetan bridges, and climbing sections where you can use the skills you learned yesterday. After around 200m of ascent you’ll reach the modest summit of Bolon, which has amazing views of Elda and the Vinalopo Valley and makes a perfect spot for lunch. After the picnic, descend via a K2 ferrata route (see the FAQs below for information on how via ferratas are graded). Although easy, the route is a great opportunity to learn down-climbing on a rocky ridge, not often found on via ferratas. If there’s enough time and the group has the energy, you might also stop off at the quality, beginner-friendly climbing crag of Marin, before heading back to the pension for a well-deserved dinner.
Please note: while the route described above is the likely option, the exact via ferrata you'll tackle on this day is variable. There are several excellent ferrata routes in the area, and your guide will choose the most suitable one based on the makeup of your group and the weather conditions at the time.
Day 4
Up the ante on the Via Ferrata Callosa

Hiking
Via Ferrata
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast and enjoy the sea views, before driving south again, but this time closer to the Mediterranean. Today you'll explore the unique and scenic Via Ferrata Callosa, known for its length, Tibetan bridges, varied traverses and sky ladders. A new route in the region, it lies in a small, sun-drenched valley, making it an especially good option in the winter. A 20-minute hike leads you straight into the action, where you can practice your technique and skills on the red rocky overhangs and test your balance on the wooden bridges and slack lines as you ascend. After tackling this unforgettable route, your guide will decide (based on the group's abilities) whether to spend the afternoon on the K4 ferrata among the villages of Redovan, or to hit the crags of the Guadalest Valley for some further rock climbing. Tonight, you'll head out to dinner at a local restaurant for a farewell meal and drinks to toast the end of an awesome trip.
Please note: while the route described above is the likely option, the exact via ferrata you'll tackle on this day is variable. There are several excellent ferrata routes in the area, and your guide will choose the most suitable one based on the makeup of your group and the weather conditions at the time.
Day 5
Time to bid farewell

The adventure comes to an end today, after one last breakfast overlooking the Sierra from the terrace. Your host will then transfer you back to the airport in Alicante around midday.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Alicante Airport (ALC)
12:30 on Day 1
Ends
Alicante Airport (ALC)
10:30 on Day 5
Transfers
Your host will meet you on arrival at Alicante Airport at 12:30 and transfer you to your base – a pension near Guadalest, which is about an hour away. If you are already in Alicante, the easiest way to get to the airport for the transfer is by the C6 bus, which only takes 20 minutes and picks up from many stops in the town. On Day 5, your host will provide a group transfer from the pension back to Alicante Airport, dropping you off at around 10:30. We advise you not to book any flights which depart earlier than 12:30 on Day 5.
Travel options
Alicante Airport is accessible via various direct flights from the UK and mainland Europe. Travellers from North America will need to transit en route to Alicante in one of a variety of major hubs across Europe, depending on the airline you choose.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?

Tuck into hearty breakfast buffets on the terrace at the pension each morning, with fresh local orange juice, cereals, bread, cold meats, manchego cheese, homemade cakes, and seasonal produce from the region such as tomatoes, olives and avocados. Lunches will be picnic-style – including your guides' legendary triple-decker sandwiches, with a variety of fillings. Dinners will be mostly Mediterranean-style home-cooked meals, with dishes such as homemade paella, lentil soup with oven-cooked peppers and onions in garlic and olive oil, lamb with sweet potatoes and prunes with rice, roasted veg and potatoes with garlic mayonnaise. Local red wine is included in all evening meals. You'll have an evening meal out at a local restaurant on the final night of the trip, where you can try some more classic Spanish dishes.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for – please just request this on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?

Pension Rincon de Pepe
Your base for the trip is in a charming, authentic local pension nestled beneath the peaks of the Sierra de Aitana in a beautiful location. It's been a family-run place for generations, with a very welcoming vibe and home-cooked meals served out on the terrace. You'll stay in simple, twin-share rooms with ensuite bathrooms on a same-sex basis. The pension is for the exclusive use of Much Better Adventures customers during the dates that this trip runs. There will be a self-training area set up at the pension where you can practice rope work at any time and at your own pace, with installed belay points, anchors and cables.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room throughout the trip can be booked for an extra charge – see Optional Extras for prices. Please note that private room upgrades are subject to availability, so please request this at the time of booking.
This trip has been rated as Moderate
This is an action-packed trip, so you'll need to be fit and happy being out for the majority of the day, either at the crag for climbing or on the via ferratas. This trip will test your endurance and physical strength, as you'll be working your upper and lower body throughout. You'll also need a good head for heights. Whilst climbing experience is not necessary, it is advisable that you give indoor rock climbing a try beforehand. Doing some upper body conditioning in the run-up to this trip will help ensure that you are in good shape to tackle the climbing involved. An introductory training and safety briefing will be provided for the climbing, so this trip is suitable for first-timers as well as those with a bit of climbing experience who are seeking to improve. You'll be doing single-pitch climbs at the crag, with routes tailored to your specific ability and experience level.
You won't need any previous via ferrata experience, just a sense of adventure and good levels of endurance to keep pushing. Needless to say, this trip is not suitable for anyone with a fear of heights or who is uncomfortable being on exposed terrain. On the via ferratas, there is one guide for every five customers.
Please be aware that the itinerary is changeable and can vary from what is published on the trip page. The exact location and duration of each activity will be determined by the guide, based on the particular physical condition and ability of your specific group.
What if i need to skip an activity?
If you need to skip any part of this trip you are welcome to do so, however alternative activities are not available. You can enjoy some downtime at the pension if you choose to skip any part out.
What will I need to carry?
You will need to bring along a daypack of 15-25 litres to carry personal items and water (plus waterproofs or additional layers on trips departing in the cooler months).
Costa Blanca is the most visited winter climbing destination in Europe for a good reason. The winters here are some of the mildest on the continent, with climbers from all over Europe flocking to the Costa Blanca over the years to continue climbing in the winter months. The Aitana Massif is uniquely influenced by its combination of mountainous terrain and proximity to the Mediterranean Sea.
October to November: The onset of Autumn brings milder conditions, with the odd rainy day but still plenty of sun. Daytime temperatures range between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).
December to February: This is the coldest period, with occasional snow on the higher peaks of the Aitana Massif. In the valleys, daytime temperatures hover between 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F).
March to May: Spring gradually brings longer days and more sunshine, and the weather becomes drier. By May, the conditions are usually very summery with long stretches of sunny weather. Daytime temperatures rise steadily from 15°C to 23°C (59°F to 73°F) in March, reaching 18°C to 27°C (64°F to 81°F) by May. Nights are still cool in March but become warmer by late spring.
Thank you MBA and Jose for a great experience
Beautiful part of the world with a great group of people! Our group could not have been nicer, and it was a challenging but doable experience. Some climbing experience definitely a good idea. Group dinner in the village was a highlight, as was the final via ferrata climb day and impromptu group sing along/ karaoke on the last night. Loved it!


Amazing Climbing in Spain
Just got back from the most incredible trip to Spain and I'm still buzzing! The views were absolutely stunning - the kind that make you stop mid-climb and just take it all in. I'd never done via ferrata or proper climbing before, but the guides were genuinely amazing. They made me feel completely safe while also being so warm and welcoming. The group was brilliant too - everyone was so supportive of each other, which made all the difference. I won't lie though, this isn't a gentle introduction to climbing! It's properly challenging and there were moments where I was definitely pushed way beyond what I thought I could do. The guides knew exactly how to push us in a way that felt safe and fun, but also heard concerns. If you're up for an adventure and don't mind being taken out of your comfort zone, I can't recommend it enough!
Not a Course — A Holiday on the Vertical!
This trip has been fantastic from start to finish. But first things first — let me tell you what it’s not. It’s not a climbing course; there are plenty of those around. What it is, is a gentle, fun introduction to the vertical world, all wrapped in a relaxed, holiday vibe.
Never climbed before? No stress at all. José, your guide, has over 40 years of experience, and you couldn’t ask for safer hands. He’s not only incredibly knowledgeable, but also an absolute joy to be around — funny, patient, and genuinely passionate about what he does. And if you have climbed before, even better — you’ll start on more demanding routes right away. Nothing is ever pushed, but if you’re up for a challenge, you’re going to have an amazing time. I promise.
The food is absolutely fantastic — practically home-made Spanish cuisine prepared and served by the lovely Raquel. Even the pickiest eaters and annoying vegans are brilliantly looked after!
To sum it all up: climbing and via ferrata in stunning scenery, surrounded by great people… honestly, you couldn’t ask for more. For me, it’s a solid 10 out of 10. Book it!
An awesome few days
Had an absolute blast on this trip. Learned plenty and got to experince some proper Via Ferrata, with amazing views and scenary. Jose was great, very knowledgeable, greta company and really supportiove of every level of skill and experienbce, ensuring everyrone got something out of the climbing regardless of experience level.
Another great group of people as well, all likeminded and great fun.
Fancy a few days in the sun, good fun, good people and a bit of time hanging off some rocks, get this trip booked!
Amazing trip!
This was a fantastic trip led by José Miguel, with Raquel as the lovely host of the pension. We had the whole place to ourselves - it was clean, comfortable and served tasty food. The views of the Sierra de Aitana visible even from the bedrooms were stunning.
The small group size made the experience all the more memorable, as we quickly got to know one another and shared lots of laughs and encouragement throughout the trip. Each day we were joined by José and another guide they were all professional, attentive and funny! They made sure everyone felt safe and supported. José took extra time to go over the basics of outdoor climbing, including knots, gear setup and belay which I really appreciated.
As someone who regularly does indoor bouldering, this was a great introduction to outdoor climbing. The routes were varied and enjoyable for both beginners and more experienced climbers, and the via ferrata's gave us the chance to reach two summits with amazing views.


Amazing intro to climbing
A fantastic few days learning Via Ferrata and climbing skills. Thoroughly professional with a degree of flexibility to adapt to whether conditions, and group needs. Pushed myself further than I imagined.



Excellent trip and the best birthday!
Ive had a fantastic few days with José and the gang! José and josB looked after us all very well. José organised the activities for each day based on everyone's skill levels so we were all happy and were able to push ourselves out of our comfort zone if we wanted to but there was no pressure. Our short visit to the beach so we could have a dip in the sea and a drink along the beach front was a perfect rest between activities. We had beautiful weather and delicious home made food, Raquel did a wonderful job keeping us all fed and watered in the hotel and our night out to a local restaurant was lovely. On the last night we played music, the dessert came out with candles in, everyone sang happy birthday to me and José opened his box of dressing up props and put something on everyone. It was the perfect end to an amazing holiday and a birthday ill remember forever!
Great introduction to Via Feratta
The right balance between intro' level via feratta, rock climbing and a holiday. 😎
Highs and lows
This was an exciting trip. The hotel is great, especially the owner who works hard to serve lovely food and there is a nice room solely for the use of the trip participants which has a fridge, kettle and fabulous array of teas, coffee, biscuits etc. nice views from the rooms which are clean and comfortable. Jose is an excellent guide and is passionate about wanting everyone to learn new skills as well as enjoying their holiday.

Fantastic trip - brilliant guides
This trip was everything I hoped for and more. The two Via Ferrata routes we tackled were both exciting and challenging, with breathtaking views waiting for us at the top. Rock climbing was a blast, and the stunning local scenery made every moment feel special.
Our guides were fantastic — knowledgeable, supportive, and always there when a little extra encouragement was needed. Nothing was too much trouble for them, and they truly made the experience unforgettable.
The accommodation was cozy, with delicious home-cooked meals and gorgeous mountain views. Sipping my morning coffee while soaking in the sunshine and scenery was such a simple, perfect pleasure. The local restaurant Jose arranged for us to eat in was excellent.
What made it even better was the group dynamic — being surrounded by likeminded, adventurous people made every laugh, climb, and conversation that much better. An unforgettable adventure shared with new friends.
Phenomenal trip! Every adventurer should do it!
I want to thank José (x2) for making the last 5 days so brilliant. Having never climbed before they were both so accommodating and adaptive to everyone’s abilities. Every experience from the rope lessons to the highest ledges and bridges were made enjoyable and a laugh by their relaxed attitudes and constant jokes. Our group was fantastic with a variety of backgrounds that all shared in the laughs and got on brilliantly. José adapted our agenda to cater for the weather and made sure we were comfortable and confident throughout. The guys are both complete pro’s! The terrain and scenery is breathtaking and the entire trip was organised brilliantly. I’d book it again in a heartbeat! One of my favourite MBA’s or holidays! Fingers crossed José gets asked to plan some other climbing trips! Thank you!
Great trip
Great trip and perfect intro to rock climbing and via ferrata. Enjoyable way to improve your mountain skills while having a good time. Took a lot from this trip in terms of skills and met awesome people. Big thanks to the guides and crew for making this trip unforgettable!



Book it now!!
The local guides José and José were absolutely brilliant. They were genuinely so keen to share their knowledge and love of climbing, they were super supportive and really good fun to be around. The weather was a bit patchy but José did an amazing job of maximising our time outdoors climbing and on the via ferratas.
The pension comfortable and clean, with great views. The food everyday was delicious (special shout out to José’s sandwiches) and the group was really great fun.
I had done indoor climbing only before but now I’m already thinking about my next outdoor climbing trip!

Great trip
The guide, Jose, was excellent – knowledgeable, kind, safe, and entertaining. He planned climbing and via ferrata routes that took into account the weather, the group's skill level, and tired muscles.
The physical exertions were well-balanced with tasty local food and wine at the accommodations and a local restaurant.
I have already recommended this trip to friends.
Fantastic short activity trip!
This was a high value short trip. It packed in so much that it felt more like a week away. Jose Miguel provided an itinerary that adapted well to changing weather conditions that allowed us to maximise our experience outside on the climbing walls and the via ferratas. He also made us amazing sandwiches for lunch everyday.
Jose Miguel and Jose Fransisco were very friendly, great fun and provided lots of encouragement, support and technical instruction. I learnt a lot during the trip and was left with a desire to learn and try more.
The hotel was a great base for the trip and the owner was wonderful and made us feel very at home.
If you'd like a fun, active, outdoor experience, I'd highly recommend that you do this trip.







First trip with Much Better Adventures
This was my first time doing such a trip and it won't be my last.
This adventure (Intro to Rock Climbing and via Ferrata) was brilliant from start to finish. Our guides, Jose and Jose were first class. They were both very good at teaching the skills required in such activities and made learning the new skills fun as well as informative. Even when weather threatened to hinder plans, Jose & Jose always had an alternative planned. It is fair to say these two guys made a potentially good trip, a brilliant trip👌
I can not recommend this trip highly enough nor can I praise Jose & Jose highly enough. 👏👏
If you are thinking about booking this trip, DO IT!! You will not regret it.
Top Class.
Really excellent, fun adventure. Our main guide - José Miguel, is very passionate about climbing - and clearly enjoyed sharing his extensive knowledge on the subject. As someone who's coming back into climbing after a long hiatus, I learned a lot from him and it was a great trip to get my enthusiasm back to get properly into it again :-) The weather threw a few spanners in the works, but José was always on top of it and had different options ready to go - no matter what happened. 10/10.
Great first outdoor climbing experience!
I highly recommend this trip to anyone who is keen to try climbing outdoors and via feratta. The trip was well organised and the guides did their best to give us a variety of climbing and via ferrata exposure that were within the group's level. The food, from breakfast to packed lunches to dinner, were delicious. The hotel was very clean and the views around it were stunning. I hope MBA organises more outdoor climbing and via ferrata trips.
Itinerary Activities
- Introductory briefing on climbing equipment and rope skills
- A day of guided top-rope climbing, with expert guidance on abseiling techniques, communication protocols and self-rescue manoeuvres (routes suitable for beginners ranging up to intermediate grades)
- Guided traverse of several different via ferratas, ranging from level K1 and possibly up to K4 (dependent on group ability)
Guides
- Expert, local, English-speaking rock climbing guides
- Expert guides on a 1:3 guide-to-climber ratio for the via ferratas
Accommodation
- 4 nights in an authentic, cosy, family-run pension
Meals
- 4 buffet breakfasts
- 3 picnic lunches
- 4 traditional, home-cooked Spanish dinners, paired with local wines
Transfers
- Group arrival transfer from Alicante Airport on Day 1
- Group departure transfer to Alicante Airport on Day 5
- Transfers during the trip
Equipment
All of your rock climbing and Via Ferrata equipment, as follows:
- Harness
- Helmet
- Lanyard
- Slings
- Screw gate carabiners
Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.
Travel to and from the trip
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Tips
Tips are not included in the trip cost; these are entirely at your discretion. If you would like to tip, the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality.
Personal expenses
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping and laundry.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures, and you'll need to provide your policy details before departure. Your insurance should offer adequate cover for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment, and the specific activities involved in your adventure. We also recommend ensuring your policy includes cancellation and curtailment cover, in case you're unable to join your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness.
Standard travel insurance may not cover all the activities included in your adventure, so it's essential to check the details carefully. There are adventure-specific providers that many travellers have used in the past, such as True Traveller (for those based in the UK or Europe), or Rise + Shield, both of which offer cover for a wide range of adventurous activities.
Please make sure your chosen policy meets your individual needs and covers all aspects of your trip.
Visas
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
What's included?
- All of your rock climbing and via ferrata equipment, as follows:
- Harness (or bring your own, if you'd rather)
- Helmet (or bring your own, if you'd rather)
- Lanyard
- Slings
- Screw gate carabiners
What's available to hire
- Climbing shoes
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Main luggage pack
- Small daypack (15-25 litres)
CLOTHES
- Rock climbing shoes (see FAQ)
- Breathable wicking layers with some stretch for climbing (shorts, leggings and t-shirts are all fine)
- Fleece jacket or similar
- Lightweight waterproof jacket with wind protection
- Lightweight long sleeve tops
- Casual clothes for downtime at the pension
- Buff or neckscarf
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Underwear and socks
- Something to sleep in
- Fingerless cycling-type gloves (for via ferrata - the metal can get hot if sunny)
- Approach shoes (for via ferrata - no running shoes or similar soft sole trainers as they have no grip on rock)
- Sandals (for leisure time, non technical)
December-February trips only:
- Warm hat
- Gloves
- Light down jacket for colder evenings
- Additional warm clothes for downtime at the pension
OTHER
- European travel plug adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Suncream
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc.)
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Reusable water bottle and/or bladder (x2 litre)
- Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
Optional Private Room Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade
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Private airport transfer - each way
Payable Before Departure
Private airport transfer - each way
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We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 37kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
- A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
In Europe, via ferrata routes are graded based on their difficulty, with factors such as physical demands, exposure and technical skill required. Although there are variations in grading systems depending on the country, we use the Hüsler scale, named after the Swiss alpinist Eugen E. Hüsler. This is a widely used grading system across Europe. It ranges from K1 (easy) to K6 (extreme). "K" stands for "Klettersteig", the German word for via ferrata. The grades in this system are as follows:
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K1 (Easy) Suitable for beginners. Mostly walking with short, protected sections. Few vertical sections, minimal exposure. Requires little to no climbing skills.
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K2 (Moderate) Some short steep sections. May have a few vertical climbs with steel rungs or holds. Protection is good, with ropes or ladders. Minimal exposure.
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K3 (Somewhat Difficult) Longer, more vertical sections. Increased exposure but still well protected. Requires good physical condition and head for heights.
-
K4 (Difficult) Steep and sustained vertical sections. High exposure. Requires good upper body strength and climbing skills. Sometimes fewer artificial holds.
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K5 (Very Difficult) Very steep, sustained vertical or overhanging sections. High exposure with more demanding technical climbing moves. Limited artificial holds and protection. Requires excellent physical fitness and climbing experience.
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K6 (Extremely Difficult) Extremely exposed, vertical or overhanging sections. Demands significant upper body strength and technical climbing skills. Few or no artificial holds, making the route very challenging. Best suited for expert climbers.
This trip goes up to a maximum of K4, which will only be attempted if your guide feels that the group as a whole has the technical and physical ability to do so.
You'll spend most of the day at the crag, heading there after breakfast a quick 10 minute drive from your pensión. You'll have 3-4 climbing guides depending on the group size, your guides will give you a run-through of the climbing manoeuvres and techniques that you'll be doing and will set up rope lines for the group to practice on, with varying levels of difficulty to cater to different ability levels within the group. In teams you'll practice rope climbing (top rope), followed by some abseiling techniques. Top rope is a very secure and safe way of climbing and is the perfect introduction method. If you were to fall from a route or need a rest, you simply hang from the rope at the point of the fall, where you can either resume the climb or be lowered to the bottom. You'll also learn communication protocols and self-rescue manoeuvres, and your guides are on hand at all times to help you with your technique and to step in if you get stuck at any point. The day is structured loosely to give you plenty of rest in between bursts of effort while testing yourself on the different routes at the crag. There is a mountain hut a short walk away where you can have a rest and grab drinks, or you can rest up at any point of the day at the crag watching your fellow adventurers attempt routes on the wall. The group will break for a leisurely picnic lunch, and there will also be sundowner drinks watching the sunset over the Aitana range. In total you'll likely be actually climbing for 3-4 hours depending on how you feel. You are welcome to do as much or as little as you like.
The selected routes are all suitable to try out as a beginner and range from very easy up to intermediate grades. Most of the routes have plenty of good hand and footholds, but as you go up the grades your strength, technique and route planning will be tested. Your guides will keep you updated with which grade route you are trying at any time, and will assess at all times which ones you are capable of tackling.
You’ll need to bring your own climbing shoes. If you don’t already have a pair, you can pick some up for around £30 from Decathlon or similar stores. Make sure to buy shoes that fit comfortably in the shop, don’t follow advice to go for a tighter or smaller size than usual. Your feet will swell in the heat during the early autumn and late spring trips, so a normal, comfortable fit is essential. If you arrive without suitable climbing shoes, your host has a range of sizes available to loan. However, it’s best to bring your own to guarantee the right fit and comfort.
In the rare event in this part of Spain where the conditions affect the ability to climb or do via ferratas, your host knows the area incredibly well and can pivot to alternative activities. If for example, conditions on Monte Ponoch don't allow for the summit to be safely reached, you may do an extra half day climbing at the crag after a hike lower down in the mountain.
The tap water in Alicante province in Spain is safe to drink. You can fill up at the pension throughout your stay, taking bottles to the climbing crag and with you to the via ferrata excursions. We recommend bringing along 2 litres worth of carrying capacity in reusable water bottles and/or bladders.
You'll be part of a small group of up to 10 adventurous people. There will be two main guides for the climbing day at the crag, and a ratio of one guide for every five customers for the via ferrata excursions.
This trip has a single-centre base, so your luggage can remain with you in your room while you head off for adventures each day.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way. Check out our Community Values – a shared code to make sure that everyone's experience is safe, inclusive and brilliantly unforgettable.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Reviews

Amazing Climbing in Spain
Ana M. November 2025

Amazing intro to climbing
Seth W. October 2025

Excellent trip and the best birthday!
Emma W. October 2025

Fantastic trip - brilliant guides
Lydia H. May 2025

Book it now!!
Holly S. March 2025

Great trip
Alexandra S. March 2025

First trip with Much Better Adventures
Iain M. March 2025
Thank you MBA and Jose for a great experience
Jennifer G. November 2025
"Beautiful part of the world with a great group of people! Our group could not have been nicer, and it was a challenging but doable experience. Some climbing experience definitely a good idea. Group dinner in the village was a highlight, as was the final via ferrata climb day and impromptu group sing along/ karaoke on the last night. Loved it!"
Not a Course — A Holiday on the Vertical!
Konrad H. November 2025
"This trip has been fantastic from start to finish. But first things first — let me tell you what it’s not. It’s not a climbing course; there are plenty of those around. What it is, is a gentle, fun introduction to the vertical world, all wrapped in a relaxed, holiday vibe. Never climbed before? No stress at all. José, your guide, has over 40 years of experience, and you couldn’t ask for safer hands. He’s not only incredibly knowledgeable, but also an absolute joy to be around — funny, patient, and genuinely passionate about what he does. And if you have climbed before, even better — you’ll start on more demanding routes right away. Nothing is ever pushed, but if you’re up for a challenge, you’re going to have an amazing time. I promise. The food is absolutely fantastic — practically home-made Spanish cuisine prepared and served by the lovely Raquel. Even the pickiest eaters and annoying vegans are brilliantly looked after! To sum it all up: climbing and via ferrata in stunning scenery, surrounded by great people… honestly, you couldn’t ask for more. For me, it’s a solid 10 out of 10. Book it!"


Need help finding flights?
From logistics and how to get there, to fitness, group dynamic and trip difficulty, Rory and his team of friendly experts are on hand to help.
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You'll be invited to join a WhatsApp group to get to know each other before your big adventure together. Full details
DEPARTURE DATES
Wednesday 10th December 2025
to Sunday 14th December 2025
Fully Booked


