“A perfect week's walking holiday”
We will remember our holiday at Casa Carrascal for a very long time and for all the right reasons.
Sue and David proved to be excellent hosts and obviously take great pride in the quality of every aspect of the walking holidays they offer.
Although the walks became more technical as the week progressed, they were sensibly paced and never beyond the capabilities of anyone in the group. The walks were varied and the views were stunning.
At Casa Carrascal a good breakfast was enjoyed every morning, a good packed picnic lunch was provided and at the end of each day we were rewarded with a veritable feast prepared by David. All the meals were excellent but for me the tapas night and the paella night were the best!
The week's walking was enhanced by superb weather, the camaraderie of our fellow walkers (such and interesting group of people) and for us, being dog lovers, having Charlie and Ellie on most of our walks.
We have been on many group walking holidays in Spain, Italy and France but without doubt, this was the best. We would definitely recommend a holiday at Casa Carrascal. Thanks Sue and David (and Charlie and Ellie) for a superb week.
“The best walking week ever”
From start of the week to finish the level of help was outstanding. I have never felt more comfortable in strange surroundings. Parsent is a hilltop village with the hotel fitting into the surroundings and part of the community.
On the walks we were carefully matched to our abilities, although stretched never over ambitious to make us anxious. David and Sue's knowledge of the area led us to many beautiful corners of the counrtyside. The feeling of elation on completing the days expedition let us all to feel a sense achievement and eager for the next one.
The catering was excellent from breakfasts, with the occasional David specials, to the lunch packs and the freshly cooked evening meals - you really felt looked after. They even coped with my strange diet of no red meat and no dairy.
I would certainly recommend this holiday to anyone interested in walking and exploring this corner of Spain. We shall certainly see if we can come again.
“Friendly, relaxing hotel, excellent walking, beautiful scenery”
This was a superb holiday.David and Sue have discovered a magical formula. The hotel is small and friendly, the guiding is highly professional, the pathways are selected for stunning scenery and plenty of variety and the food at the end of the day is fresh, imaginative and tasty. There is absolutely nothing to worry about from the point of arrival until the holiday is over apart from selecting your lunch and dinner menu.
“Superb, relaxing walking holiday”
The perfect week with great food, amazing scenery, lovely hosts and the mountains to ourselves. In and around the pretty village of Parcent, the walks were scenic yet had enough in them. After arriving we were transport by Sue & David back to the hotel, and didn't have to think about a thing. Every day breakfast was laid out before us and coffee and juice were brought to the table, with smiles all around. Later we were taken out to picturesque villages and started the walks, expertly guided by Sue & David, who are a joy to be with. After having a drink in the local bar, dinner was laid out before us, the most wonderful Spanish food, with a different twist. Every thing was freshly prepared by Dave and Sue, giving it the most excellent flavours. It was amazing seeing the almond blossom and stunning scenery within only five minutes of walking out the front door. The week was neatly broken in two with a trip to Valencia, where we experienced the city and had a great time. All my family came back feeling really relaxed and regretted the week being over so soon. We had a great time, all thanks to Sue and Dave,
Max age 13.
“Wonderful Walking Holiday”
It's amazing how completely one can get "transported" to a new world, when a holiday is organised and executed so wonderfully. David and Sue were extraordinary in their ability to "do it all" - to guide us on the most lovely walks, to do all of the catering with meals from fresh, local produce, to make adjustments for changes in weather or personal needs, to organise all of the necessary transport, and at the same time to be so personal as to become friends. We loved the walks, with the most spectacular views, and would definitely make a return, perhaps later in the season when different flowers and trees are out. Thanks Dave and Sue for a really great week.
“Good walking, food and company”
We had the most wonderful time. The walks in the beautiful mountains around Parcent, organised by David & Sue were excellent. A completely stress free holiday, all food including packed lunches, water and wine with dinner were provided for us, From being picked up at the airport, varied walking about 4 - 5 hours a day, in a beautiful setting, train trip to Valencia and their warm, friendly company, also the freshly cooked delicious food. One of the best walking trips we have been on, Upgrade to the top floor and have your own terrace above the views of Parcent and the mountains beyond.
“Perfect Walking Holiday”
We have nothing but praise for our walking holiday with Sue and David (not to forget the loyal canine walking companions, Charlie and Ellie). From beginning to end Sue and Dave were professional and flexible catering for everyone´s needs with a smile and their expert knowledge of the area. They do everything from organising and serving breakfast, conducting the walks, sharing a post walk drink and then going back to the house to prepare and then serve delicious four course meals every night.
The house is a lovely traditional house in the village of Parcent and during our time there we were able to watch the Three King´s Festival activities and enjoy the local cooperative where many post walk discussions were held over a drink. The village was an authentic village pretty much untouched by tourism which was great to experience.
The walks were extremely varied but the one thing they had in common were incredible views. We were lucky enough to enjoy perfect westher (though one day was blowing a gale) so our experience of the beauty of the area was unsurpassed. Since leaving Parcent we have been doing our own individual walking in Andalucia and nowhere here has been quite as stunning as the walks we enjoyed with Sue and Dave.
Thanks Sue and Dave for an unforgettable week.
“A fabulous walking holiday”
Just back from a fantastic week of walking at Casa Carrascal. A lovely setting in the little town of Parcent – very untouristy - surrounded by orange trees and views of the mountains. The rooms at Casa Carrascal are warm and comfortable and the food was plentiful and delicious – particularly the paella on our last night. Sue and Dave were fantastic hosts – they know the local area so well and this adds so much to the walking as they are full of interesting information and are so enthusiastic it is infectious! Every walking day was a delight – the walks were varied, challenging and appealing – and needless to say the scenery and views were stunning. Met up with a great bunch of people from all over the world and Sue and Dave were able to accommodate all of us with various needs and minimum fuss. Loved all of it and would like to thank Sue and Dave for a truly memorable week and for their friendly, organised and warm hospitality.
“New year 2012”
Can't believe we are only one week back from our New Year walk in Spain. We had a fabulous time. A very mixed group of ten - American, Canadian, Australian, German/Hungarian, Irish/Scots and English/Scots. David and Sue looked after us very well indeed. The walks were well organised and were adjusted to allow people with quite a wide range of fitness and ability to feel that they had enjoyed a challenging and satisfying week. Having David and Sue's splendid dogs with us on the walks which allowed this was a bonus.
The accommodation was comfortable and the food good. Look forward to going back
“A super relaxing and excellent walking break”
After a very stressful year I was looking for a week away from it all with some enjoyable but challenging walking, fine company and acomondation and a chance to switch off then recharge. I couldnt have picked better. Dave and Sue were perfect hosts and my other walkers great company. The Casa Carrascal is a pretty and traditional Spanish house that is both comfortable and functional. The food is a triumph to behold and Dave and Sue could not do enough for us whilst giving us lots of space and time to relax on our own. The walks were fabulous, well planned and with marvellous views. Despite a few days of inclement weather Dave and Sue moved their plans around to ensure each day was special in its own way. And I got my swim in the Med in the last week in November. All in all a holiday memory that I will treasure. Thank you so much. Just what I needed. Louisa
“Great walking holiday"
We really enjoyed our week's guided walking holiday. We had a great group of four Canadians and three Brits. David and Sue are excellent hosts who go out of their way to accommodate everyone's preferences including arranging a wine tasting at the award winning local bodega.
The accommodation is in a converted townhouse in a quaint Spanish village. There's no television or internet access although it's possible to check email. Our bedroom was comfortable and at the front overlooking the street but we didn't find it noisy.
We had mixed weather and Sue and David adjusted the itinerary to ensure we were able to walk every day. We arrived to heavy rain and the following day it was still very misty in the mountains. Instead of the planned mountain walk, we had a coastal walk followed by lunch at a fish restaurant on the beach (paid for by David and Sue). We (two mad Brits) then had a swim in the sea (still warm enough at the end of October) whilst the others had a sedate paddle. David then cooked a delicious tapas style buffet meal in the evening.
“Really Special!”
We have just returned from a weeks walking holiday with David and Sue, they are brilliant guides, and we did some stunning walks in the mountains, and also to a smugglers cove!
Every evening David prepared fantastic four course meals, served with local wine, which we ate al fresco on the terrace at Casa Carrascal with the other members of our group who were a great bunch of people.
I would definately recommend this holiday to anyone who enjoys walking, good company and great food, we will certainly be back!
“Wonderful holiday”
Just returned from an excellent walking holiday organised by David and Sue.
Stunning views everywhere, sunny weather,excellent four course meals ( prepared by David ), charming atmospheric hotel in the peaceful village of Parcent, and extremely hospitable hosts!
Not forgetting Charlie and Ellie, the family's lovely dogs , who accompanied us on
most walks and enjoyed them as much as we did.
I particularly liked the fact that this wasnt a competitive walking holiday, with people
clocking up the number of miles and aiming to be the fastest walker. David and Sue
looked after us extremely well ; no need to be nervous even on vertiginous cliff
walks!
Would definitely recommend this for a superb holiday.
“Perfect guided hiking holiday”
The perfect "2 boot" guided hiking holiday for a solo traveler. It definitely exceeded my expectations. Sue and David are enthusiastic,energetic hosts, the food was fresh, local, with many choices including delicious fresh fish, perfectly cooked by David. Fellow hikers were most enjoyable and lively.
Best of all, and most important, were the walks: varied, strenuous and the promised 4-5 hours of hiking each day, leaving time to sit on the terrace of the cooperativa watching the sunset. Spectacular scenery greeted us at every twist of the trails, along with fall wildflowers, lingering almonds and fresh figs.
Everything was well organized from the personal meet and greet at the Alicante airport by Sue and David to the last goodby. It made for a great carefree holiday. Alicante airport is readily accessible from Great Britain, Madrid and other European cities.
“Super hosts and wonderful walking”
We were given a warm welcome by David and Sue who looked after us superbly all week. The walks suited all members of the group and we easily attained height and saw some fantastic views. The time spent transferring us to the start point was not too long and David was able to assess the forecast and changed walking areas accordingly, so we never walked in the rain!
There was a good variety of refreshment stops at the end of walks and the Cooperativa in the village made a good place to see the sun set before the evening meal. The group was very sociable and the meal-time conversation was lively! One night we had a delicious paella, and the wine was palatable and plentiful.
I recommend it for anyone who likes to walk in wonderful scenery without the strain of having to decide which way to go!
“Fantastic Walking Holiday with Great Hosts”
David & Sue - our hosts were fabulous nothing was to much trouble they cooked for us everynight and the food was excellent, well presented and most importantly delicious and all local produce!! Our walks in the Spanish mountains were excellent with spectacular views - well guided by David & Sue their knowledge of the walks, history, flowers etc. we second to none - very informative
“Great walks, great food, great hosts”
Walks great and David and sue made sure that we were going at the right pace and in the right direction!! Great opportunity to relax and enjoy great food, wine and company David and Sue are both true professionals. Guesthouse was traditional Spanish townhouse and lovely to be able to stay there. Good holiday for those who love the outdoors...
“Superb! Fantastic accommodation and food, highly recommended.”
Had a fantastic week, staying in this lovely, very individual hotel in Parcent.
The hotel has a lovey atmosphere, has only seven bedrooms. The bedrooms are all beautifully furnished and have en-suite faceilities. We stayed in a suite at the top of the hotel, that had 2 bedrooms, sitting area,
kitchen and a lovely private terrace.
Our hosts David & Sue, cooked for us everynight and the food was great quality, well presented and most importantly delicious!! Nothing was to much trouble
"One of our best holidays ever "
We had never been on a guided walking holiday before or holidayed with a group of strangers so were quite apprehensive as to what to expect. We read the reviews on Tripadvisor and they were all good so decided to go for it but were still a bit jittery as to what the others in the party would be like as this could make or break our holiday. We really needn't have worried as everybody turned out to be great fun and we all gelled brilliantly. Sue and David Eaton, the owners, made us all feel so very welcome and nothing was too much trouble
"Wow what a holiday "
To sum up our holiday in one word 'exhilarating' - but even that would not do it justice!. We had heard good reports of Casa Carrascal prior to booking our holiday and admit that we were a little apprehensive as it was our first guided walking holiday and first walking holiday with a group of people we did not know. We can only say that it totally exceeded all expectations - lovely setting, fabulous hosts in Dave and Sue - we cannot praise them highly enough, exquisite food, a first class, friendly, professional group of people walking with us - it was just superb.
"The holiday delivered everything we were promised on the website and more besides "
We have just enjoyed a fabulous winter walking holiday based at Casa Carrascal. Sue and Dave were excellent hosts with a welcome and service that was second to none. Their beautifully restored Spanish townhouse was delightful, the atmosphere they created was warm and friendly and our room was very comfortably furnished in traditional Spanish style. The food throughout the week was locally sourced and of excellent quality
“Fantastic walks with knowledgeable guides”
This was our second walking holiday in Spain and it proved to be another wonderful week. The walks were varied and most had a real wow factor. We were looked after superbly from the moment we came through the airport until we hugged our goodbyes as we left. Sue and Dave worked tirelessly to ensure we enjoyed ourselves
“A B & B with character, superb food and delightful hosts”
The all inclusive guided group walking holidays offered at Casa Carrascal make for a splendid, relaxed break in glorious surroundings. The service is exceptional and everything is thought of. The four course dinners are excellent and delicious. The room was well equipped and comfortable with a lovely walk in shower.
“Just the Best!"
A walking holiday does not sound like the chance to be spoilt with gourmet food, delightful company and have your every need thought of in advance .... but that is just what Dave and Sue at Casa Carrascal deliver.
If you enjoy a good walk .... not a race or a competition .... a walk amid the glorious Spanish mountains covered in wild flowers, than this is the holiday break for you."
“Fantastic walks, amazing view and delicious food! "
We have just returned from a fantastic week of walking at Casa Carrascal. We would normally go for independent walking, but this was walking on old moorish tracks up in the hills, hidden valleys and mountain ridges which you could never navigate yourself without a guide. We loved it! David and Sue who own Casa Carrascal and lead the walks have lived in the area a number of years and so know it like the back of their hands and they are full of interesting information about the area and are also able to tailor the walking to the group."
