We have twice been to Tarbena on walking holidays, both times in February when getting away from cold and damp winter weather was part of the attraction. The walks are in stunning countryside bathed in bright sunshine with fantastic views of steeply terraced mountains to the blue sea, almond trees with their pink blossom, olive groves and orange trees heavy with fruit. You brush past rosemary in bloom and other aromatic herbs. We rarely met others and often the only sound was the bees droning. It was hard to believe that we were so close to the busy coast! Erik, our host, was full of local knowledge and was extremely welcoming and helpful, he collected us from the airport and set us up in very comfortable accommodation with an open fire to warm the chilly evenings. As the village is not touristy there were limited options of places to go and eat in the evenings, so self catering was the easiest option. This did not prove to be a problem because the accommodation was well equipped and the local village shop had all the basics.