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Axarquia Mountain Hideaway

Overview

This beautiful, Andalucian-style finca offers all-inclusive, tailor made holidays in the ideal setting of the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama National Park. The finca is a working olive farm which has been owned and run by a British family who, for the last 20 years, have lovingly created th…

Highlights

  • All-inclusive stay for riders and non-riders
  • Forward-going, safe Spanish horses for all levels
  • National park location with fantastic scenery
  • Traditional Andalucian accommodation with pool
  • Approximately one hour from Malaga airport

Essential Facts

  • 1 itinerary available
  • Max 6 riders per group
  • Average of 2 - 3 hours riding per day
  • Weight limit: 16stone/224lbs/102kg

Description

This beautiful, Andalucian-style finca offers all-inclusive, tailor made holidays in the ideal setting of the Sierras de Tejeda, Almijara and Alhama National Park. The finca is a working olive farm which has been owned and run by a British family who, for the last 20 years, have lovingly created this hideaway haven featuring extensive organic gardens, a pool (with bar!) and a terrace with spectacular views of the Mediterranean coastline. Your hosts include Donna, Ricky, Steve and Lorna. The surrounding park offers mountain peaks, waterfalls and trails fragrant with the aroma of wild rosemary, sage, lavender and thyme. This is the perfect setting for an authentic Andalucian holiday and riders of all levels and their non-riding companions are welcome.

The western part of the park, in Malaga province, is known as Axarquia and is famous for its attractive villages which date back to Moorish times. The mountainous region is also home to a wide range of flora and fauna including eagles, ibex (mountain goats) and wild boar, whilst butterflies and bees enjoy the wildflowers clinging to the rocks - the locally-produced honey is delicious. The bird life is spectacular and enthusiasts are encouraged to bring their own binoculars and enjoy the finca’s perfect vantage point for spotting!

Horses & Riding

Tack

Spanish and English.

Horses

Well-schooled Andalusian horses. They are all forward-going, safe and well cared for.

Riding

There is 1 itinerary:

  • Mountain Retreat is a based ride

Ages

None

Health

No special requirements

Weight

16stone/224lbs/102kg

Food & Accommodation

Food

Full board is provided during your stay and this includes soft drinks as well as local beer and wine. The finca's organic garden provides an abundance of sustainable produce including lemons, oranges, limes, tomatoes, peppers, aubergines, artichokes, chillies, ginger, butternut squash, courgettes and more. These fresh ingredients are used to prepare delicious, fresh meals at breakfast, lunch and dinner each day - your hosts are very happy to cater to specific diets including vegetarian, vegan, coeliac and wheat & gluten intolerances. Traditional tapas are often prepared and if you decide to upgrade to a full day ride then a Spanish-style picnic is provided.

Accommodation

The finca provides traditional, Andalucian style accommodation with rustic beams and Moorish colours. It features a range of guest rooms to suit couples, families, solo travellers and friends wishing to travel together, as well as a swimming pool with pool bar and extensive terraces and gardens for guests to enjoy. The dining room provides spectacular views to the Mediterranean coast. Excellent WiFi is provided and you are welcome to sit here for a drink, to read a book or to chat with other guests. In the winter there is a log fire and cosy atmosphere.

Itineraries

Mountain Retreat Standard accommodation.

Other Activities

Non-riding partners, friends and family are welcome and pay their own price. We can arrange a variety of other activities including pilates/personal training, massages and beauty treatments on site (provided by qualified instructors and therapists) or guided walks, village and market tours, wine-tasting experiences and trips to the local beaches - ideally these should all be pre-booked, they come at an extra cost.

The area really is a joy for walkers and nature-lovers with so much wildlife in the park. Keen birders should bring binoculars! Star-gazing is also a popular activity due to the lack of light pollution.

Travel

The finca is located approximately one hour from Malaga airport. We can organise transfers for you at additional cost - please ask.

The nearest villages of Competa and Frigiliana are around 10km away. It is possible for the adventurous to hire a car but the finca is situated in a rural area, high up in the mountains and accessed by a dirt track road - technical driving skills are required and possibly a four-wheel drive!

Testimonials

Sarah P., Oct. 19, 2023

It was super. The horses were amazing. Such a pleasure to ride. Donna and Steve were superhosts and I loved all the care and thought that they took in their home and the guest quarters. (Favourite memory?) Just the lovely feeling of being so welcome and cared for. As well as wonderful memories out riding.


Alexandra C., June 9, 2023

Fantastic. The location, horses, riding and food were wonderful. We were matched to suitable horses and both horses and tack were in good condition. Favourite memory? Getting to handle and gentle a young horse. Happy with the accommodation? Yes, very. The bed was comfortable, the food - oh, the food! It was fabulous!


Glenna and Becca, Dec. 30, 2021

FANTASTIC! We could not have had a better birthday trip! Everything from our delightful hosts to fantastic horses to delicious food. The scenery is beautiful with breathtaking views. We had wonderful horses – Bolero and Alfie – willing and enthusiastic, but well-mannered and responsive. We fell instantly in love! My sister and I stayed in a charming and comfortable, 3-bedroom apartment called 'The Cottage'. It had a nice-size kitchenette and large bathroom. The furnishings and finishes felt very Spanish! Donna is a masterful chef; everything she prepared was delicious. Restaurant-worthy meals! We were definitely spoiled! Probably the best paella we’ve ever had! Our hosts, Donna and Steve, were delightful! Fun, charming, entertaining. It was so much more than we expected!


Haley B., Sept. 20, 2021

The hosts (Donna and Steve) were nothing short of fabulous and the scenery was breathtaking. I enjoyed getting to know a variety of horses and covering an impressive amount (and type) of terrain. I absolutely loved the trip to Competa and the views on the ride home. It was also really fun to hear the horses come up for breakfast each morning. The food was unbelievable. Undoubtedly, the best “holiday” food that I’ve ever had and I’m still dreaming about some of the dishes that Donna made.


Itinerary & Pricing

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

Arrival at the finca in time for an arrival ride, dinner and overnight. Arrival times are very flexible and if you don't have time for a ride this day then you can have one on departure day instead.

Days 2 to 7

Riding: 2 - 3 hours

Your stay can be any duration from three nights or more. Each day you will ride out in the park for a couple of hours, enjoying the spectacular scenery, beautiful wildlife and the company of your Andalusian horse and fellow riders. The rides usually include a drink stop, either at a bar or with drinks carried in your saddle bags. The riding is primarily at a relaxed pace, allowing for the interesting and mountainous terrain, but there are opportunities for trots and canters along the way too of course.

On arrival back to the finca many guests like to enjoy a cold drink, perhaps a gin and tonic with a slice of lemon picked from the finca trees. After lunch the afternoon is your own to relax or explore the area. We can help you to organise other activities or you can simply relax by the pool, explore the gardens or take a walk in the beautiful surroundings.

Day 8

Riding: No riding.

Departure is generally after breakfast. If you didn't have time for a ride on your arrival day then you are welcome to ride before leaving on departure day instead.

Accommodation

Accommodation is in the beautifully-restored finca.
Experience Beginner / Intermediate / Experienced

Horse riders of all levels are welcome.
Minimum group size 1
Maximum group size 6
Departure windows

At any time during: Jan. 1, 2024 - Dec. 31, 2024  (Dates to suit with flexible arrival and departure.)

Pricing

2024
Non-Rider		 £141 $174 €163 per night
2024
Rider		 £215 $265 €250 per night
Included Accommodation, all meals, drinks (inc. local alcohol), half days of riding.
Not included Flights, airport transfers, travel insurance, additional riding, extra activities and tips.

Extras

2024 - Airport Transfer €90
Paid locally
Transfer costs are one way from and to Malaga Airport. They can be shared with other guests.
2024 - Extra hour of riding €30
Paid locally
Extra riding by the hour.
2024 - Single Supplement £20 $25 €23 per night
Paid to Far and Ride
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.