Sierra Nevada, Spain
Reviews
“The countryside is delightful and you ride through fertile valleys irrigated by ancient water courses bring water from the mountains; you can see eagles flying overhead and enjoy a horseback view of the stunning Andalucian scenery.”
Lucy M., Read review
“This was something new to me, the experience was quite superb, the scenery spectacular, the horse 'Mobi" quite beautiful and the instructor excellent. I couldn't fault it Manolo, the Spanish host and instructor couldn't have been more friendly and helpful. I'll be back!
” Geoffrey G.
“A happy experience that will continue to warm us up for the winter months ahead, it has inspired us all to ride more frequently. Overall it was excellent, a lovely rural Spanish experience with good riding, great teacher, tasty food and brilliant sunshine. Memories include the Spanish countryside, increasing confidence in riding, relaxing by the pool and dining outside. ” Anthony T.
“We both had a fabulous time. Manolo was great as were the horses, forward going but not too lively! We both grew in confidence over the week and really enjoyed the galloping.” Helen P.
“An excellent mix of hacks, relaxation and Spanish life. We all felt that we had progressed greatly, learnt a lot, relaxed totally. What more do you need?
We were very happy with the horses. Tuition was excellent. Ideal for beginners.” Fiona M
“A quiet, relaxing time in an area of Spain which is uncommercial and where the backdrop to the experience is the North face of the Sierra Nevada. A pleasant break in good company. I enjoyed riding up the foothills of the mountains and the horse I rode was lovely. I would like to return for a trail through the Sierra's. ” Robert A.
Horses
Type of horses:
Andalucian, Arab X, Thoroughbred X, Cobs
Nature of horses:
Horses to suit all abilities. Kind temperament
Height of horses:
14.2 - 16 hh
Weight limit:
90 kg
Tack type:
English
Weather
Current Conditions:
Partly Cloudy, 11 C
Forecast:
Fri - Partly Cloudy. High: 9 Low: 1
Sat - Sunny. High: 10 Low: 0
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
Pricing
Beginner Programme
2010 Prices:
Prices of £485 per person, based on double occupancy. Includes accommodation, breakfast and all riding.
Single supplement of £91
Intermediate Programme
2010 Prices;
Price of £584 includes accommodation, breakfast and riding as detailed by the programme.
Single supplement: £91
The Valleys of the Sierra Nevada
2010 Prices:
£793 Double occupancy
Single supplement: £91
Prices include all riding, all accommodation, full board, transport of luggage between hotels, airport transfer.
Dark Side of The Sierra Nevada
2010 Prices:
£1064
There is a single occupancy supplement of £136
Includes collection from Granada airport, bus terminal or train station, all riding, all meals, accommodation, an experienced guide and transport of belongings between overnight stays.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
This relaxed riding centre is located next to the Valley of the Zalabi on the northern side of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. It is situated just outside the Sierra Nevada National Park, the perfect place for a horse riding holiday.
Alcudia is a typical little Andalucian village, its streets are lined with little white houses which wrap around the valley in the dramatic footholds of the Sierra Nevada. Views from here are spectacular.
Guadix is only 47 kilometres away from the stunning city of Granada and is linked to the rest of Spain by train, bus and the A92 Highway. The riding centre is surrounded by the Sierra Nevada, la Sierra Baza and las Sierra de Huetor nature parks and only 100 kilometres away from the Cabo de Gata.
Guadix offers outstanding historical heritage. It has a cathedral built in the sixteenth century, a Moresque citadel, a Latin quarter with Arabic palaces and the largest number of inhabited “casa cueva” in the world. More than three thousand people live in the cave houses.
In these lovely surroundings we offer based options suitable for all riders and non riders to enjoy Spanish culture and hospitality. We can arrange a programme specifically for you and your experience and requirements. For the more experienced riders we offer various trail rides where you will stay in different accommodation along the way. A truly wonderful destination.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
Accommodation is in the unique caves that are typical of the region. The 'hotel' offers individual apartments that are built into the local caves, carved into the hillside. Bedrooms are available for 2 to 4 persons. The rooms are simple and basic built in a round and dome-shape. They are decorated and furnished in rustic style, and whilst the temperature is a constant 18 degrees all year round the caves are also equipped with heating.
There are spectacular views over the Piena valley and Sierra Nevada National Park. Although it is referred to as a hotel, this accommodation appears more like a series of apartments as they are spacious but do not have a maid service. There is also a lovely pool here and although it is only small, it is great for a cooling dip after a ride.
The based programmes include bed and breakfast accommodation only. Guests who are staying on a bed and breakfast basis are welcome to book and pay for additonal meals locally at a reasonable cost. The 'hotel' has an simple restaurant which provides tasty Spanish dishes.
Activities
The local area offers typical small white town houses, several small supermarkets and food shops. The small town of Guadix is 3km away which is home to the largest group of inhabited caves in the area and a XVI century cathedral. It has all services, including a hospital, supermarkets and shops. The immediate area is great for walking or you can simply relax with a book or take a dip in the pool.
Granada is a beautiful and magical city well worth visiting so we highly recommend you hire a car on the 'Beginners' and 'Intermediate' programmes.
Further Details
Languages: English & Spanish
Health requirements: No special vaccinations are required. We recommend a reasonable level of fitness.
Age limit: None
Tuition: Included as per itinerary
Included: Bed & breakfast accommodation. Transfer to and from Granada Airport, bus terminal or train station, Transfers are included for Sunday arrivals but not on tailor made programmes starting on a different day
Not included: Flights to Spain, Car Hire, Lunch & Dinner except on trail rides
Travel Information
Ryanair from Stansted and Liverpool and Monarch from Gatwick both fly into Granada.
Airport transfers from Granada are included in the set programme arrival and departure days. We can also arrange transfer from the airport on other days at an extra cost.
However, we highly recommend car hire for the 'based' itineraries as you will have free time to explore.
Airport: Granada (GRX)
Alternative Airport: Malaga
Programmes
Beginner Programme
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The Beginners Programme will alternate between classes in the arena and rides out in the surrounding areas. By the end of the stay, you should be able to walk and trot whilst out on rides while controlling your horse safely. Riding takes place either in the morning or the afternoon. Day 1, Sunday: You will arrive on Sunday afternoon and settle in your accommodation. Day 2, Monday: Breakfast followed by an introduction to the horses and basic lessons on how to look after and prepare your horse for riding activities, including brushing and tacking up. You will then receive your first riding lesson, basic balance, turning and impulsion. You hack out in the surrounding countryside. Day 3, Tuesday: Breakfast followed by a riding lesson where you will be taught the art of trotting.- again with horse and tack care lessons. You will then practise your skills which you have learnt in the area with a two and a half hack in the surrounding area. Day 4, Wednesday: Breakfast is followed by another riding lesson, in which you will consolidate your ability to control the horse in a rising trot. The rest of the day is spent on a long hack in the surrounding Spanish countryside. Day 5, Thursday: A final riding lesson in the morning will bring together all you have learnt during your week in the Sierra Nevada. The afternoon is spent on a hack around the Sierra Nevada. Day 6, Friday: On your final day, you will have the chance to practice all you have learnt on a full day hack around the local surroundings. If you wish you may stay for two consecutive weeks so you may continue to improve on your new skills. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 6 |
| Ability description: | This programme is designed for total beginners and for people who have ridden a little and want to improve their riding skills. The week long course will alternate between classes in the arena and rides out in the surrounding areas. |
| Type of ride: | Based Tuition and trails |
| Total riding time: | Approx. 2.5 hours a day |
| Departure dates: | Sunday evening arrivals and Friday afternoon departures. All Year excluding trail dates |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Intermediate Programme
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Intermediate riders on this programme will gradually increase their hours in the saddle as they develop the necessary resistance and improve their outdoor skills through the practice of Le Trec techniques. All of this takes place in the beautiful surroundings of the Sierra Nevada footholds. Day 1, Sunday: Arrival is on Sunday afternoon. You will settle into your accommodation and enjoy exploring the area. Day 2, Monday: Breakfast followed by introduction to the horses and riding lessons in the arena. In the afternoon you will ride on the high plains of Guadix with spectacular views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Day 3, Tuesday: Half day excursion, you will be taken out to the Zalabí river valley, and explore the pine forests deep inside the Sierra Nevada natural park. This trip will take you through a variety of stunning scenery, from the bad - lands, similar to those in Colorado canyons, and past luscious green streams bubbling with fresh flowing mountain water. Eventually you will be led up to the highest plane of the Iberian Peninsula, where you will have stunning views over the mountains of the Sierra Nevada. Day 4, Wednesday: Full day excursion The day will begin an ascent up the cliff of Berral. The sides of the cliff plunge down over 100 meters. As this path is protected from the mountain winds, a small micro-climate has formed, allowing almonds, cherries and other fruit trees to grow. You will then pass through the mountain village of Albuñan into the Sierra Nevada natural park. Here the horses will be given a break and a chance to drink the cool mountain water. If the weather is good there will also be a chance for the riders to go for a swim. The ride continues into a mountain village in the footholds of the Sierra Nevada called Jerrez Del Marquesado where you will eat a meal in the traditional restaurant. Day 5, Thursday: Half day excursion The scenery in this half day excursion is quite dramatically different from that seen previously on this holiday. You will ride out into a western style canyon where many of the Spaghetti Westerns were filmed in the 60's and 70's. You will then continue on to a crater that used to be used as an iron mine at Alquife. The trail takes you around the rim of the crater with a chance of look down into the crater's depths where a lake lies at the bottom. Day 6, Friday: Two and a half hour excursion On this final day of the stay you will ride east into the Nature Park. In this direction, the scenery is different, spectacular and moon like with red earth and semi desert terrain which hide an abundant wealth of life, aromatic plants, mountain goats and once again amazing views of the surrounding areas. This is a half day excursion leaving you free to pack for your journey home. This itinerary may vary |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Walk, trot, canter |
| Type of ride: | Based Tuition & Trail |
| Total riding time: | Five days riding and tuition |
| Departure dates: | Sunday departures. All Year excluding trail dates |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
The Valleys of the Sierra Nevada
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A five day ride exploring four different valleys of the Sierra Nevada natural park, The valleys of the Sierra Nevada trail is perfect for the intermediate rider looking to soak up the Andalucian countryside. You will be led by an experienced guide and spend the nights in typical villages along the way. Day1: Arrival After arriving at the airport, you will be transferred to the Hotel in the Caves in Alcudia de Guadix, have an evening meal and settle into your first nights accommodation. You will have a chance to meet the other riders on your trip and be briefed on the weeks activities. Day 2: The Zalabí valley After being matched up with a suitable horse, you will begin your first days riding through the Zalabí valley. You will pass through the valley's red, clay canyons which are typical of the region. You will then climb up to the plateau of Marquesado. You will see some of the Arab architecture which is reminiscent of it's Moorish occupation as you pass through the village of Albunan. The horses will rest while you have lunch next to the Collogos lake. After lunch you will get back in the saddle and head towards the heart of the Sierra Nevada natural park. You will be staying in the typical Andalusian village of Jerez del Marquesado for the evening meal and your nights accommodation in the Hotel Patio de Lugros. Day 3: The Alhorí river valley The third day will be a circular walk, returning to the village of Jerez del Marquesado in the evening. You will begin by climbing up through mediterranean pine forests and crossing crystalline streams to reach the Postero Alto summit (1850m). Lunch will be enjoyed next to the Alhorí river deep inside the valley. The afternoon will be spent following old cattle trails back towards the village and another night in the Hotel Patio de Lugros. Day 4: The Aldeire valley Today, after breakfast, you will set off from Jerez towards La Calahorra. You will climb to the high plateau of Aquile. Here, there is a spectacular view of the old mining craters. The craters are now beautiful blue lakes and are over 100 meters deep. A picnic lunch will be served in Aldeire. You will pass back through the community of Aldeire in the afternoon and get a chance to view the complicated network of irrigation channels left from the Moorish occupation. Dinner and accommodation will be in La Calahorra in the Hospedería del Zenete. This is a luxury four star hotel set in a replica medieval castle. Day 5: The Piena Valley Today will begin by exploring the ancient castle of La Calahorra. This is a medieval castle which hides within it’s walls the first renaissance palace of the Iberian Peninsula. The ride back to Alcudia will be eventful, climbing down the Olla de Guadix and throught the Zalabi river valley. Old flour mills in this valley are powered by the streams from the Zalabi river. You will arrive back in Alcudia by lunch time and the afternoon will be free for packing and exploring the local area. The last nights accommodation and the evening meal will be in the Hotel in the Caves. Day 6: After breakfast you will be transported back to Granada for your flight home. |
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| Accommodation: |
In addition to a welcome and farewell night in the Hotel in the Caves in Alcudia de Guadix, guests will stay in two beautiful hotels within the natural park. The Hospederia del Zenete sits amongst an area of natural beauty surrounded by white villages, and snow capped mountains. It is at the foot of the Castle of Calahorra – a castle built for Marques del Zenete in XV centrury. It is a luxury four star hotel. Each room is equipped with all telephone, television, safe and minibar. Hospederia del Zenete also has a health suite, equipped with a gymnasium, sauna and a jacuzzi with fantastic views over the countryside. The restaurant an Arabic – Andalucian cuisine, conserving the cooking techniques of the regions history. The Hotel Patio de Lugros is in the style of an Andalucian farm house. It is situatied in the middle of the Sierral Nevada natural park at an altitude of 1300 metres. The restaurant and bedrooms surround a communal patio and there is an additional garden and swimming pool for the guests enjoyment. The restaurant is rustic with an open fire place. There is a covered terrace as well as a BBQ. A generous buffet is served for breakfast in the morning and the evening meal is a three course menu of regional specialties. The bedrooms all have views of, Picón of Jérez (3094 m) or to the village of Lugros and the plateau of the area. All rooms have private bathrooms, television, safe, underfloor heating. Each room has a rustic, farmhouse feel. |
| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Intermediate but fit riders with a balanced seat. |
| Type of ride: | Day long trails |
| Total riding time: | 4 days, 5 nights |
| Departure dates: | 2010 dates: 13 - 18 March; 24-29 April, 22 - 27 May; 19 - 24 June; New date: 27 June - 3 July (novice week); 23 - 28 October |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Dark Side of The Sierra Nevada
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This programme is designed for experienced fit riders who are capable of spending full days in the saddle in all three paces. The day long treks are without doubt an exciting adventure for horse lovers and combine spectacular scenery with wonderful riding. Temperatures remain temperate during the day in both summer and winter and the sun shines in these parts for over 300 days in the year Day 1: You will be met at the airport and transferred to the Hotel in the Caves in Alducia de Guadix. You will enjoy an evening meal and you can discuss the week's programme. Day 2: The ride begins by passing through the Zalabí valley. You will then ride through beautiful red canyons to the village of Albuman. The Arab architecture, reminiscent of it’s Moorish occupation is interesting to admire. A picnic is served next to the lake Cogollos, followed by a climb up through the pine forest into the Sierra Nevada natural park. The nights evening meal and accommodation is in the three star Hotel Patio de Lugros. Today you ride for 5 and a half hours. Day 3: Today you enjoy a ride through the Natural Park. Going over the “end of the world” you will follow the bed of the Alhama river and climb up through the pine forests. A traditional picnic lunch will be eaten and you will continue riding through the forest. You will arrive at the Patio de Lugros Hotel which is located at the heart of the Park in the late afternoon. Here you will enjoy dinner and spend the night. Riding time 6 hours. Day 4: After breakfast at the hotel, you will explore the Camarate hillsides, reaching peaks of over 2000 metres in altitude. Bulls graze freely at these heights which are perfect for breeding cattle. After a picnic lunch, the trail follows old mining paths to the ancient arab village of Jerez del Marquesado. The nights accommodation and evening meal will be in Complejo Rural los Moralillos. Riding time 5 and a half hours. Day 5: The morning is spent climbing up to the Postero Alto summit. The ascent will take you through Meditteranean pine forests, following crystalline streams. The summit stands at 1850m high. A picnic will be taken and the horses given a chance to rest next to the Alhorí river. The afternoon tracks are ones which are commonly used by local cowboys, rounding up their cattle. The night and evening meal will be spent in Jerez de Marquesado at the Complejo Rural los Moralillos. Riding time 5 and a half hours. Day 6: Today, after breakfast, you will set off from Jerez towards La Calahorra. You will climb to the high plateau of Aquile. Here, there is a spectacular view of the old mining craters. The craters are now beautiful blue lakes and are over 100 meters deep. A picnic lunch will be served in Aldeire. You will pass back through the community of Aldeire in the afternoon and get a chance to view the complicated network of irrigation channels left from the Moorish occupation. Dinner and accommodation will be in La Calahorra in the Hospedería del Zenete. This is a luxury four star hotel set in a replica medieval castle. Day 7: Todays will begin by exploring the ancient castle of La Calahorra. This is a medieval castle which hides within it’s walls the first renaissance palace of the Iberian Peninsula. The ride back to Alcudia will be eventful, climbing down the Olla de Guadix and throught the Zalabi river valley. Old flour mills in this valley are powered by the streams from the Zalabi river. You will arrive back in Alcudia by lunch time and the afternoon will be free for packing and exploring the local area. The last nights accommodation and the evening meal will be in the Hotel in the Caves at Alducia de Guadix. Day 8: After breakfast you will be transferred back to the airport in Granada.. |
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| Accommodation: |
You will be accommodated in a variety of stunning hotels during your trail through the Sierra Nevada natural park. These include the rustic farm style Hotel Patio de Lugros, and the luxury four star Hospederia del Zenete. The Hospederia del Zenete sits amongst an area of natural beauty surrounded by white villages, and snow capped mountains. It is at the foot of the Castle of Calahorra – a castle built for Marques del Zenete in XV centrury. It is a luxury four star hotel. Each room is equipped with all telephone, television, safe and minibar. Hospederia del Zenete also has a health suite, equipped with a gymnasium, sauna and a jacuzzi with fantastic views over the countryside. The restaurant an Arabic – Andalucian cuisine, conserving the cooking techniques of the regions history. TheHotel Patio de Lugros is in the style of an Andalucian farm house. It is situatied in the middle of the Sierral Nevada natural park at an altitude of 1300 metres. The restaurant and bedrooms surround a communal patio and there is an additional garden and swimming pool for the guests enjoyment. The restaurant is rustic with an open fire place. There is a covered terrace as well as a BBQ. A generous buffet is served for breakfast in the morning and the evening meal is a three course menu of regional specialities. The bedrooms all have views of, Picón of Jérez (3094 m) or to the village of Lugros and the plateau of the area. All rooms have private bathrooms, television, safe, underfloor heating. Each room has a rustic, farmhouse feel. |
| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 10 |
| Ability description: | Intermediate but fit riders |
| Type of ride: | Day long treks |
| Total riding time: | 6 days, 7 nights. 5 days riding. |
| Departure dates: | 2010 dates: 20 - 27 March; 10-16 May, 3 - 10 July; 4 - 11 September; 25 September - 2 October; 28 October - 4 November. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |