The Group
Picture the scene, Faro airport arrivals area, November 2018. Three blokes each travelling solo, arrive from two regional airports ready for a walking week on the Algarve with Preferred Travel Services (PTS). Greg, Guy and Martin start chatting before taking the back seat of the minibus for the transfer to our resort – Armacao de Pera.
A few kilometres down the road, a lady turns and asks “so, how long have you guys known each other?” Martin checks his watch and responds “oh, about half an hour.” And so, the bond had formed.
During the next few days, the “Portuguese Men of Walk” were becoming known to and popular with the other walkers – and were even the subject of a case of mistaken identity in the outdoor pool; consequent of that, Peter was invited to join the group as Guy’s twin – obviously separated at birth – along with Kath.
On day two in the Algarve, Martin was hooked; he called PTS to book Walking in Cyprus the following February and was then introduced to Glenys and Liz as they were already booked to go.
Fast forward exactly six years to November 2024. Six of the original travellers (Greg, Guy, Peter, Kath, Glenys and Martin) decided to meet up in Calpe with Involved Holidays (IH), again flying in from three regional airports along with some additional faces. Deb (had met Martin and Karma from Canada) on another walking break; Claire had met and married Greg. All the ‘newbies’ have been seen on many IH walks since in both Europe and the UK.
In the meantime, between them they’ve clocked up over sixty holidays with PTS / IH; Martin currently holds the record at ten followed by Greg with eight. Obviously it would have been more had Covid kept a low profile but during that time, WhatsApp kept the group in contact as we all looked forward to a return to normality and travelling again. So, it’s time to meet the group and see some of the things they got up to walking together in the interim; and then join us here on our Calpe adventure in November 2024, staying at the Diamante Beach Hotel for seven nights.
DAY ONE
Thursday – four of the group take an early morning flight from B’ham to Alicante and one from East Midlands; a little later, three fly in from Newcastle. The regional flights offered by IH are a major attraction and convenience to many thus avoiding flying out of London airports.
On arrival at Alicante airport, we were greeted by our Tour Guide Jose and make the smooth transfer to Calpe. We checked in to the impressive Diamante Beach hotel, slipped into something more comfortable – shorts and T shirts – and set off along the promenade in search of the fish restaurants on Calpe harbour and lunch in the sun.
Pre dinner drinks in the bar that evening provided an opportunity to catch up on the conversations where we left off the last time we all met in person before heading off to the restaurant with the other seventeen guests in the group this week.
DAY TWO
Friday – walk one: a gentle 5 mile walk today around the Serra d’Olta hills offering captivating views over Calpe and the impressive Ifach rock which dominates the skyline.
Walking provides great opportunities to continue our conversations with our Team and to get to know our fellow guests.
On our return journey, we jumped off the coach to explore the Old Town of Calpe, find the Spanish flag steps and climb all 135 of them – well it is a walking holiday after all! We then had free time to take in a beer and patatas bravas before heading back to freshen up for dinner, followed by some Latin dance lessons – just to get our steps in for the day!
DAY THREE
Saturday – a free day in resort for some but after breakfast, four of us set off heading north, taking the coastal path to Moraira. It was a beautiful day with warm sunshine and blue skies – a mere 28 degrees! The path was most impressive. A great deal of money had obviously been spent on its creation and maintenance. It followed the contours of the coast with frequent information points in three languages, explaining its creation, history, flora, and fauna. “Usted està aquí” (you are here) on all maps was a most useful indication of our location.
We passed some lovely coves and some interesting villas in both traditional and ultra modern styles, a diving school, marina and some small sandy beaches. The walking – although constantly up and down slopes and steps – was not difficult until we came to a point where we had to climb down through a narrow stretch of rock and along a very rocky beach where a local fisherman was trying his luck.
When we came to Cala d’Avocat, the path ended without any prior warning. From there onwards we followed the main road for the last two and a half miles in order to reach Moraira. This was a most pleasant coastal town with a marina, with plenty of restaurants opposite, shops and a large statue of a huge male figure in a most interesting pose! After pizza, beer and ice cream, we explored a couple of shops before finding a local taxi to take us back to the hotel. A great walk of around 8 miles. So much for ‘a non-walking day!’
Peter and Kath spent their day exploring Calpe in greater detail and had a close encounter with the wild pigs living near the salt flats, whilst other folks who wish to remain anonymous set out on a mission to find the best sangria in Spain.
DAY FOUR
Sunday – walk two – Archs of Castell de Castells – a 4.5 mile walk. “A day of remembrance and making memories” when we visited the Archs of Castell de Castells. En route, we stopped off at the Sanctuary Pla de Petracos. We were expertly driven by our coach driver on a sometimes precarious, narrow route to see some examples of Neolithic Art, some of which would not be out of place in today’s modern art galleries.
Being Remembrance Sunday, Jose had the good grace to join us for two minutes silence in the most tranquil valley setting so we could all remember our fallen heroes, whereupon he produced his harmonica and performed a commendable rendition of God Save the King. He had only learnt this on the morning of the walk. This was such a poignant and emotional moment, which for many will never be forgotten.
We then proceeded to the Archs of Castell de Castells for a stunning view of the Archs clinging precariously to the Serra Xorta mountain.
It was then off to Bolulla for a hearty Tapas meal featuring local mushrooms and paella before heading back to Calpe where the more energetic of us joined in a Merengue Dance Class hosted by the talented entertainment team at the Diamante Hotel.
DAY FIVE
Monday – a free day with an optional walk to Albir Lighthouse and Altea which all eight of us joined; well, we had to be together today as this marked the sixth anniversary of our first meeting in the Algarve in 2018.
The optional excursion took us along the edge of the Sierra Helada Natural Park, in pursuit of the Albir Lighthouse. The path ambled its way gently up and down the edge of the mountain. The views of the Mediterranean coastline were spectacular! The colours seen on route added much to the amazing scenery: autumnal colours of the trees and plantation, set against the background of whitewashed buildings, the browns, yellows and greys of the mountain side, that nestled the side of the path, the fantastic dark blue sky with the sun’s white reflection glistening on the beautiful deep blue sea, all of which made our walk a most wonderful and memorable experience from our week here. The Lighthouse museum gave some historical background and insight into the harsh realities of life for those who had lived and worked there. The remains of the Ochre Mine were visible from the path, giving an historical glimpse into the area’s past.
From there we travelled to the town of Altea. Starting at its highest point, we explored the older part with its narrow streets, flower adorning doorways, a beautiful church depicting the life of Jesus Christ, and a lovely square where people were enjoying a relaxing drink in the sun. Our wonderful guide Jose, revealed interesting facts about various aspects of Altea’s past and present times. We meandered our way down to the coast where we enjoyed Spanish cuisine for lunch. A great day out for us all with super photo opportunities to mark six years of friendship.
DAY SIX
Tuesday – walk three – “Sunshine, Showers and Strudel”; Jalon to Coll de Rates – 6 miles.
The final walk of the week started in a wine shop in Xalo which had an impressive stock of liquor and deli delights for sale. The walk progressed on a rocky path passing vineyards and olive trees reported to be over 1000 years old! We continued ever onward and upward on the “Raisin Trail” to the excellent viewpoint at Coll de Rates (neck of the rats). Our steep 2k climb was rewarded with stunning views – along with an enormous, delicious Apple Strudel at the restaurant, whereupon the rain that had been forecasted all week arrived with absolute perfect timing once we were all comfortably settled inside and our walks completed.
When we arrived back in Calpe, special thanks were given to Jose for making it such a brilliant holiday. Martin eloquently described the appreciation felt by the entire group for Jose’s willingness to go the extra mile and helping to make it an exceptional and memorable holiday for so many reasons; nothing fazes him. Jose gracefully accepted the group’s tokens of appreciation and pledged to forward them to the relief fund set up to help the victims of the recent devastating floods in neighbouring Valencia.
DAY SEVEN
Wednesday – our last free day: so time to write a new book – ‘Five went down to Benidorm’ (The Latest Enid Blyton?)
After a jolly good week of walking, fine dining and sophistication, it was time to let our hair down and head to crazy town. Only five were prepared to ‘drop their standards’ and had no fear of the potential ridicule. On that note, it must be said that “What happens in Benidorm stays in Benidorm” and therefore you will only get the watered down version. (The uncensored version can be made available should you wish to subscribe). Suitably attired for the occasion we waited with baited breath for our taxi from the hotel.
It’s November Fiesta week in Benidorm and our hope was to take in some of the celebrations for la Virgen del Sufragio and San Jaime Apóstol, the city’s patron saints. Yes, it’s a party town, but it does have a rich local history and culture, just like any other Spanish city.
Ably driven by Maria, we arrived in the old town for a multi-faceted day starting with a walk to the stunning view point, stepping inside the chapel and then catching the first parade of marching bands and costume clad locals, before taking a coffee at the hotel where Martin had stayed only a few days before this break. On our way to the market, we met the “Tooth Fairy” in person – for the first time in our lives. We thanked him for all the money we’d received as kids; and then encountered two cavemen – it’s partytime! After the most amazing cheesy chips and pizzas at a cafe in the sun overlooking Levante beach, we set about locating some of Darren Litten’s “Benidorm” TV film locations including “Mateo’s bar”. A walk back to the taxi rank required a re-fuelling stop at an ice cream bar and our crazy day out was over. Until next time Benidorm!
Taxi back to Calpe and our final dinner together, followed by a farewell drink of the locally produced wine Jose had purchased the previous day in Xalo and a few more photos taken on the hotel’s impressive sweeping lobby staircase. Time to pack ahead of an early start for some and our return from 21 degrees in Calpe to 12 in the UK, dropping to 3 overnight!
A great time was had by all eight of us; watch this space Involved Holidays, we’ll be back – both individually and hopefully all together again! We’ll be eagerly watching out for new destinations – again enjoying the attraction of flying from regional airports to tempt us to get together again; as if we need an excuse!
Thanks to everyone at Involved Holidays, the staff of Diamante Beach hotel, our courteous drivers and of course Jose.
Martin, Greg, Guy, Peter, Kath, Glenys, Deb and Claire.
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