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.
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:
Fair, 18 C
Forecast:
Sat - Sunny. High: 32 Low: 17
Sun - Sunny. High: 32 Low: 16
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
Pricing
Beginner Programme
Prices of £432 per person, based on double occupancy. Includes accommodation, breakfast and all riding.
There is a single occupancy supplement of £85
It is possible to stay for two consecutive weeks. If you would like to stay for the Saturday and Sunday
Intermediate Programme
Price of £526 includes accommodation, breakfast and riding.
Supplement for individual occupancy is £85
The Valleys of the Sierra Nevada
£679 Double occupancy
£765 Single occupancy
Prices include all riding, all accommodation, full board, transport of luggage between hotels, airport transfer.
Dark Side of The Sierra Nevada
£987
There is a single occupancy supplement of £128
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.
Cuevas Trail
£850 Double occupancy
£978 Single occupancy
Prices include all accommodation, full board, transport of luggage between hotels, airport transfers and an experienced guide.
Camarote Trail
£641 Double occupancy
£726 Single occupancy
Prices include all accommodation, full board, an experienced guide, transportation of luggage between hotels and transfers to and from the airport.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
Guadix is a beautiful Andalucian city with an outstanding historic 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.
Guadix is only 47 kilometres away from 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. It is the perfect place for horse riding.
In these lovely surroundings we offer a based holiday 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. We also offer a trail for those experienced riders who wish to explore this wonderful countryside.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
Accommodation is unique but characteristic of the region in that the hotel is built into local caves, carved into the hillside. Bedrooms are available for 2 to 4 persons. The rooms are round and dome-shaped, 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.
The basic programme includes 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. The hotel has an excellent restaurant which provides tasty Spanish dishes
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. We can arrange transfer from the airport
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 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 |
| Type of ride: | Day long trails |
| Total riding time: | 4 days, 5 nights |
| Departure dates: | 2009 dates: 20th - 25th June, 1st - 6th September, 12th - 17th 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: | 2009 dates: 4-11 July, 25 July-1 August, 13-20 September, 24-31 October |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Cuevas Trail
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This trail is for intermediate riders and takes you through a variety of villages with a chance to witness stunning scenery and access paths only navigable on horse back. Accommodation will be in a variety of hotels along the way, including several nights sleeping in luxury caves, with stunning views over the Sierra Nevada natural park. Day1: After being transported from the airport to the Caves Hotel, dinner will be served and there will be a welcome reception. Day 2: After being matched up with a suitable horse you will start the ride by heading through the Berral valley towards the natural park of the Sierra Nevada. You will rest by the Collogos lake for a picnic lunch, then continue climbing up the sides of the Sierra Nevada to the nights accommodation in the heart of the park. You will spend the night in the three star Hotel Patio de Lugros. Day 3: After breakfast your guide will lead you down through the Alhama valley. The red clay walls of the canyon are similar to those in the Colorado Canyons. You will pass through the troglodyte village of El Marchal. This is a village, typical of the region, houses are of Arabian architecture and built into the caves of the cliffs. Tonight, you will have another chance to sleep in a cave in the village of Al Magrub, in a luxury five star hotel, with fantastic views over the canyon. Day 4: You will set out towards the village of Guadix, via mountain paths that are only navigable on horseback. You will pass by stunning desert contrasted by streams surrounded by lush vegetation. You will arrive back at Guadix for an evening meal and the nights accommodation in Hotel Cuevas del Abuelo Ventura. Day 5: The final day riding will be spent gradually winding your way back up towards the Cave Hotel where you spent your first night. On the way you will pass through the Rambla del Zalabi. A final evening meal and last night in the caves will be spent in the Cave hotel. Day 6: Breakfast, then transport back to the airport for your flight home. |
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| Accommodation: |
This trail offers the chance to stay in a variety of the regions typical hotels within the caves. As well as the Hotel in the Caves in Alcudia de Guadix, you will be staying in the luxury Al Magrub Cave Complex and the Hotel Cuevas del Abuelo Ventura. One night will also be spent in the rustic Hotel Patio de Lugros. The Hotel Cuevas Abuelo Ventura has rooms nestled in caves on the rock face. This is typical of the region. The caves are comfortable and warm and fully equipped with all modern appliances (television, telephone, safe, heating, hair dryer, and views of the dark side of the Sierra Nevada). The guests can also enjoy the hotel’s swimming pool, which is half inside one of the caves and half outside, covered with transparent roofing. The restaurant serves the regions typical cuisine, made with traditionally produced local products. 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: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Intermediate but fit riders |
| Type of ride: | Day long trails |
| Total riding time: | 6 nights, 5 days riding |
| Departure dates: | 10-16 May 2009 |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Camarote Trail
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This is a four day ride, passing through the varied landscapes of the Sierra Nevada natural park. Great for intermediate riders, looking to experience the Andalucian countryside at anytime of the year. Day 1: You will be transferred from Granada airport to the Hotel in the caves in Alcudia de Guadix for your nights accommodation and an evening meal. You will have a chance to meet the other riders and be briefed on the weeks activities. Day 2: After being matched up with a suitable horse you will head out towards the Sierra Nevada natural park via the Berral valley. You will reach the village of Jerez del Marquesado for lunch in a traditional restaurant. After lunch you will head out in a westerly direction passing along beautiful tracks towards the heart of the park. The nights accommodation and evening meal will be in the Hotel Patio de Lugros in the village of Lugros. Day 3: The day will begin with a climb up to the summit of the Camarote mountain (2400 meters). The trail will take you past stunning mountain scenery, through high pastures and grazing spanish bulls. The incredible views down over the valleys of Jerez and Lugros will be enjoyed at the summit over a picnic lunch. In the afternoon you will ride back down the mountain for an evening meal and nights accommodation in Hotel Patio de Lugros. Day 4: The last days riding will be spent returning through the Alhama valley. The red, clay walls of the canyon are typical of the region and are similar to those seen in Colorado. Lunch will be in the Collogos village, and in the afternoon you will pass over high planes back to the Hotel in the Caves in Alcudia de Guadix. Day 5: Breakfast, and transfers back to the airport for your flights home. |
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| Accommodation: |
In addition to welcome and farewell nights at the Hotel in the Caves in the traditional village of Alcudia de Guadix, you will be staying in the rustic farm style hotel of Hotel Patio de Lugros. The Hotel Patio de Lugros is in the style of an Andalucian farm house. It is situated 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: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Intermediate but fit riders |
| Type of ride: | All day trails |
| Total riding time: | 4 nights, 3 days riding |
| Departure dates: | To suit |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |