Horseback riders on a trail ride in Spain
Europe > Spain

White Villages of Alpujarras

The mountains of Southern Spain offer some of the best horse riding in Europe. Between the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains and the delights of Granada, this trail ride takes you through the valleys of the Alpujarras and landscapes of outstanding natural beauty. Ride through the authentic white Andalusian villages along winding lanes and recall the Moorish past. There are two itineraries with 4 or 3 days riding, for a short riding break or a full riding holiday.
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Trail Riding
6 or 5 days/ 4 or 3 days riding
From £950
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Itinerary

Highlights

- Ride for 4 or 6 days in the Sierra Nevada Natural Park, see the amazing diversity of terrain, views and flora
- Ride through the beautiful villages of the Alpujarras and see the typical Andalusian architecture (Caipileria, Bubion, Cadiar)
- Appreciate stunning views of the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada
- Stay in small family-run hotels and guest houses, comfortable and full of charm
- Forget the pressures of daily life, ride your horse for hours and meet only the occasional shepherd or farmer
- No fences or tarmac roads as the ride generally follows old bridle paths, a wonderful sense of freedom which is rarely found in Europe today.

  • Day 1 1: EUROPE - GRENADA - CAPILEIRA

    Hotel Finca Los Llanos
    Fly to Granada (flight not included).

    You will be met at 6.30pm at the airport and introduced to your guide. You will be transferred to Capileira (1436m), a typical white Andalusian village in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Natural Park.

    Dinner and accommodation this evening at the Finca Los Llanos. You can relax by the pool, if you wish.

    If your flight lands after 6:30 pm then a private transfer will be arranged at an extra cost. Please see "dates and prices".

  • Day 2 2: BUBIÓN - TREVÉLEZ - 5 hours riding

    Hotel La Fragua
    Long route: You will be transferred (2km) to the equestrian centre in Bubión (1300 m) where you will meet your horses. Start your ride towards the village of Trevélez, the highest village in Spain (1700m) and famous for its cured hams and river trout. The ride follows a path to Ravin de la Sangre. There will be opportunities for some canters whilst taking in the panoramic views accross to The Sierra Contraviesa. Follow an old bridle path as you descend down to Trevélez in time for lunch which will be taken in a local tapas bar. Dinner and overnight at hotel la Fragua.

    Short route: After breakfast, introduction of the horses and departure for a morning ride enjoying the beautiful panorama of the Poqueira Valley. Back to Bubión, where we arrive for lunch. Free afternoon to sightseeing the villages of the Poqueira Valley. Dinner at a local restaurant and accommodation at the hotel Finca Los Llanos*** in Capileira. Four hours on horseback.

  • Day 3 3: TREVÉLEZ - LOS BÉRCHULES - 5 hours riding

    Hotel El Cercado
    Long route: Ride across the bridge and follow a rocky and steep path that leads you to the top of the slope. You will have a wonderful panoramic view of the chain of the Alpujarras and mountain tops. Descend along a dirt track that leads to Los Berchules (1319m ) from where you enjoy the diversity of landscapes. Once again you should experience the beauty of the Sierra Contraviesa and Sierra Gádor. On a clear day it is possible to look south across the sea to Morocco and north to the highest mountain peak in Spain. Picnic lunch en route.
    Dinner and overnight at El Cercado. Time to relax by the pool if you so wish.

    Short route: After breakfast walk to the riding centre. Introduction of the horses. We will start by climbing up along bridle paths with views of the villages of the Poqueira through the Blood Ravine with views now of the villages of La Taha Valleys and Portugos. Along a bridle path through a forest of holm oaks we
    arrive to the track that leads us to Trevelez. Picnic en route. During the ride there are some opportunities for gallops with a magnificent panoramic view of the Sierra Contraviesa and Lújar opposite us. Descend to Trevélez by a bridle path where we will arrive in time for some beers with tapas. Trevélez, famous for its hams and considered the highest village in Spain at an altitude of 1,700m. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel La Fragua **. A five hour ride.

  • Day 4 4: LOS BÉRCHULES - CÁDIAR - 3,5 hours riding

    Hotel Alqueria de Morayma
    Long route: From Los Berchules descend to Narila. You will visit a small Spanish stud, breeding P.R.E horses (Spanish Pure Breed). Continue your ride on horseback through the village of Cadiar (919m) and onto the beautiful Alqueria Morayama hotel, a small boutique hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

    Short route: We will start by climbing up along a bridle path with views of the village of Trevelez, to the track which will take us to the Bina Ravine where after few meters we take the Sulayr path to climb through oak woods again to the top of the Loma del Jabalí, with stunning views of the Trevélez and Guadalfeo valleys. Later on we ride to Las Alcubillas for a picnic. With an altitude of 2.240m is the highest point of our itinerary for this journey with a magnificent panoramic vista of the foothills of the Sierra Contraviesa and Lújar opposite. On a clear day, you can even see right across the Mediterranean to Africa. We ride now by a track and along a bridle path descending through pine woods with views of the villages of the Poqueira Valley that leads us to Bubion. Farewell dinner and accommodation at the hotel Finca Los Llanos*** in Capileira. A five-hour ride.

  • Day 5 5: CADIAR - BUBIÓN - 6 hours riding

    Hotel Finca Los Llanos
    Long route: Crossing the Guadalfeo river, you will join the path that will lead to Lobras, Nieles and Càstaras. You will continue until we reach the impressive gorge of Las Carihuelas de Busquístar, where you will descend to cross the Trevélez river, and you will follow the path which leads to the village of Busquístar for lunch. After lunch there will two more hours riding to Capileira to your hotel Finca los Llanos. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

    Short route: Depart after breakfast to the airport.

  • Day 6 6: CAPILEIRA - GRENADA - EUROPE

    After breakfast, transfer to the airport in time for your flight.

Dates & prices

Price details

IMPORTANT:
Some rides include 4 days riding, others only 3. Please be careful when booking your ride.

- Flights or transportation to your destination (international/domestic) are not included, but can be booked on request - please contact us for rates.

- Rates are per person, based on two riders sharing a twin or double room during the ride.

- Groups are composed of a minimum of 2 riders and a maximum of 8 international riders, plus guides.

- Transfer information:
> Granada: Transfers are organised at set times from Granada (at 6:30 pm) and are €60/£55 per person each way (based on two riders minimum and payable locally). Transfer for a single rider: €135/£115 each way.
If you arrive in Granada after 6:30 pm, a taxi will be pre-booked and will be payable locally
> Malaga: It is possible to organise a transfer from Malaga at an extra cost, but please note there is an excellent bus service between Malaga and Granada: http://www.alsa.es/compra-y-horarios. There is also a good high speed train between Madrid and Malaga. Transfers from/to Malaga at set times (at 4.30 pm): €90/£80 per person, per journey, based on two riders sharing (payable locally). Transfer for a single rider: €200/£175 each way.

- If you sign up as a solo rider and there is no one to share your room with, a single room supplement applies. This is 75% of the normal single supplement: 6-day programme: €150/£130/$150 // 5-day programme: €120/£105/$120.

- Children are welcome from 8 years of age provided they are competent riders and accompanied by their parents. Children from 15 years can come unaccompanied with parental consent, a good standard level and autonomy required.
Please Note
The itinerary may be modified at anytime for security reasons, meteorological or events beyond our control such as blocked roads, rivers in flood, drought, strikes and local holidays. Equus Journeys, our local partners and their local guides will always strive to find the best solution and will alter the itinerary as needed.
The names of the hotels and accommodation are given for information only and depending on availability, they may be modified without notice and replaced by another of a similar standard.

Price includes

Support Team

1 English-speaking horse guide

Logistic

1 assistant from 8/10 riders
1 vehicle and driver
1 horse equipped with saddle and bridle

Inland transports

Private bus

Accommodation

Double room in hotel standard 2/3*

Meals

Full board from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the final day

Extra equipment

First aid kit

Price doesn't include

Meals

Beverages and personal extras
Meals on day 1 and 6/8 may or may not be included depending on your flights

Transport

International flights

Extras

Tips to the local team
Optional visit of a Ham drying cellar

Insurance

Cancellation and travel insurance are not included in the above listed price. Please note that insurance is mandatory. We recommend taking out an insurance policy as soon as your trip is booked to cover you in case of cancellation

Optional

Accommodation

Single room supplement

Transport

Airport transfers - see above
Private airport transfers
  • Departure Return Price without flights Price including flights Status
    15/04/2023 20/04/2023 £950 €1,119 $1,178 Guaranteed departure Book now
    22/04/2023 27/04/2023 £950 €1,119 $1,178 Full
  • Departure Return Price without flights Price including flights Status
    21/10/2023 26/10/2023 £950 €1,119 $1,178 Open Book now

Equestrian info

Horses

There are a selection of horses to suit different riding levels and great care is taken in the selection of horses according to the riding abilities and preferences of each individual. The horses are Andalucian and Andalucian cross Arabs, they are balanced, accustomed to the terrain, forward going and sure footed. Horses are ridden in comfortable English saddles.




Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

These rides are suitable for competent riders. You should be able to control a horse outside at all paces and over varied terrain. You should be able to mount and dismount without assistance.

There is a maximum rider weight of 90kg/ 14st/ 198 lbs.

Pace

There are plenty of opportunities to trot and canter, but the terrain in the heart of the mountains dictates when we can do this.

Tacking ability and participation

You will tack and untack your horse and assist with feeding and watering if you would like.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

You will need to be reasonably fit as you will be required to lead your horse on some of the steep descents, and will need to be comfortable walking on rough ground.

Previous trail riding experience over several days is an advantage, but is not required.

Equestrian equipment

Very comfortable trail riding saddles.

Helmets are compulsory. We recommend our riders to wear a helmet to the correct standard and you should bring your own to ensure a proper fit.

Travel info

Comfort

Stay in small, family-run hotels, in twin-bedded rooms with en-suite bathrooms. They are comfortable, clean, pleasant and friendly. Some hotels have a swimming pool.

Meals

Local meals and beverages.

Climate

Summers are dry and hot - around 30-35°C
Due to the altitude, winters can be cold (down to -4°C). Snow is not uncommon in this part of the country.

Guide and local team

Rafael, a local from Madrid, is a graduate in political sciences. At the age of 22, he decides to settle in a small village at the heart of the Sierra Nevada National Park, where he starts his equestrian venture. A way of life that allows him to combine his passions: horses, the great outdoors, good music and good food!

Tips

It is customary to leave a tip, usually around 10% of the bill - although this is often already. You may wish to leave a tip with the guide who can split it amongst all members of the team - this is not obligatory and is entirely at your discretion.

Packing list

Head
- A riding helmet is compulsory and we recommend that you take your own to ensure a correct fit. Helmet makers (GPA, HKM, LAS Helmets, Lamicell, Troxel, Equithème) now offer horse-riding helmets that are ventilated, strong, light and comfortable.
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana for protecting your neck and face from the sun, wind or rain
- Warm hat for cold evenings/days

Upper body
- Thermals in case of cold weather
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun or extra warmth
- Down jacket or gilet for cold evenings
- T-shirts
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Warm polar fleece or equivalent (plus a spare in case one gets wet)
- Waterproof jacket - rain can be difficult to predict and it's better to be prepared. In the mountains the weather can change quickly

Legs
- 2 pairs of lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Waterproof over trousers
- Casual clothes for the evenings (jeans or walking trousers)
- Thermal trousers for cold days or for sleeping in
- A swimming costume may be useful as some hotels have a pool
- Non-irritant cotton or synthetic underwear

Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps but you may wish to take long chaps. We don't recommend taking your favourite long leather boots in case they get damaged
- Lightweight shoes or trainers for the evenings
- Sandals/flipflops
- Several pairs of warm socks
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun, wind or rain whilst riding

Nightwear
- Pyjamas or tracksuits for sleeping in

Other useful items
- Water bottle (1.5 litres or 2 equivalent)
- Headtorch or small torch for moving around at night - bring spare batteries and bulbs
- Toiletries
- Ear plugs (may be useful)
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery

Medical kit
Make sure any allergies (to medication or otherwise) and clearly stated in your medical kit
- Any medication you regularly take
- Painkillers
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrhea medication
- Vitamin C tablets
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Insect repellent
- Eye drops
- Hydrating/ soothing cream
- Plasters
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc..
- 10cm wide bandage
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Re-hydration sachets
- Antiseptic wipes
- Handwash gel


General information
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you in case you lose your originals
- In your hand luggage carry any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.
- Backpacks cannot be worn whilst riding. We recommend a small bumbag or a coat with pockets so that you can carry small items with you during the day (camera, sunscreen, lipbalm etc)
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!

Visa & Health

Formalities

British citizens: other nationalities, please contact us.

Visas - The rules for travelling or working in European countries changed on 1 January 2021:
- you can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training
- if you are travelling to Spain and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days

At Spanish border control, it is likely you will need to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens when queueing. Your passport may be stamped on entry and exit unless you can demonstrate that you are resident of Spain and are returning to your place of residence.

Passport validity
From 1 January 2021, you must have at least 6 months left on an adult or child passport to travel to most countries in Europe (not including Ireland).
If you renewed your current passport before the previous one expired, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Any extra months on your passport over 10 years may not count towards the 6 months needed.
Check your passport is valid for travel before you book your trip. You will need to renew your passport before travelling if you do not have enough time left on your passport.

Please visit for the FCO website for up-to-date information - https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements

Addresses of consulates

  • Paris | Ambassade d’Espagne
    22, avenue Marceau
    75381 Paris Cédex 08
    Tél. : 01.44.43.18.00
    Fax :
    emb.paris@maec.es
  • Ambassade de France en Espagne
    Calle Salustiano Olozaga 9
    28001 Madrid
    Tél. : +34 91 423 89 00

    Fax :
    presse.madrid-amba@diplomatie.gouv.fr

Health

UK Citizens: A UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) gives you the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the European Union (EU).

https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic/

It’s important to take out appropriate travel insurance for your needs. A GHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance and you should have both before you travel. It does not cover all health-related costs, for example, medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment and non-urgent treatment.

There are no vaccinations legally required to travel to Spain.

The health system in Spain is good. It's not exceptional, but certainly not bad. People who work in Spain are insured through a social security plan, which covers most of their needs. The only thing that is not included are dental treatments. There is also the possibility for a private insurance.
Pharmacies can be found in every town, and in bigger cities almost every street has one. Even at night it should not take you a long time to find a pharmacy that is open. Remember that more drugs are prescribed in Spain than any other country.

Insurance

It is a condition of your booking with Equus Journeys that you have travel insurance which covers you for the riding activities to be undertaken. Your travel insurance should cover you for medical expenses and repatriation. Your guides will require your travel insurance details before they allow you to ride and may refuse to let you ride if you cannot provide them. You should take your insurance documents with you.

Voltage

230 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are in use.

Budget and money

Spain has adopted the Euro (EUR, symbol: €) as its official currency. One Euro is divided into 100 (euro)cents, which are sometimes referred to as eurocents, especially when distinguishing them from the US cents.
Euro banknotes come in denominations of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500. The highest three denominations are rarely used in everyday transactions. All Euro banknotes have a common design for each denomination on both sides throughout the Eurozone. The Euro coins are 1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, €1 and €2. Some countries in the Eurozone have laws which require cash transactions to be rounded to the nearest 5 cents. All Euro coins have a common design on the denomination (value) side, while the opposite side may have a different image from one country to another. Although the image side may be different, all Euro coins remain legal tender throughout the Eurozone.

Telephone and jetlag

The international access code for Spain is +34. The emergency number for police, ambulance and the fire brigade is 112.

Time zone GMT +1

Did you know?

Did you know?

Tucked away in the southern flanks of the Sierra Nevada, Las Alpujarras are sheltered by valleys running down towards the Mediterranean. These mysterious white villages date back five hundred years and are strong indicators of the presence of the Moors in the area. There are many small villages located at different elevation (between 800m and 1500m), each boasting the picturesque architecture for which they're known - white square-shaped houses with flat clay roofs, built very closely together, and connected by narrow (and often times steep) alleyways. They make for a very scenic background to your trail riding holiday in Spain!

Aside from the villages, the Alpujarras are also known for those who enjoy bird-watching, the colourful Hoopoe being one of the most common sights.