Sierra Nevada, Spain
Overview
Programmes
Horses
Type of horses:
Andalucian, Arab X, Thoroughbred X, Cobs
Nature of horses:
Horses to suit all abilities. Kind temperament
Number of horses:
14
Height of horses:
14.2 - 16 hh
Weight limit:
90 kg
Tack type:
English
Pricing
Beginner Programme
Prices of £400 include accommodation, breakfast and all riding.
Half board is £475. Full board is £560.
It is possible to stay for two consecutive weeks. If you would like to stay for the Saturday and Sunday
Intermediate Programme
Price of £495 includes bed, breakfast and riding.
Half board £560. Full board £635
Southern Heights
£1200 per person for 9 days, 8 nights, 7 days riding
Desert, Sea & Mountains
Price of £1140 includes full board accommodation, riding and transfers.
Sierra Nevada Nature Trail
£975 per person based on double room accommodation.
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 kilometers 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 although it is possible to upgrade to either half or full board for an additional cost. Half board is inclusive of breakfast and dinner with full board including lunch also. Guests who are staying on a bed and brekfast basis are welcome to book and pay for additonal meals locally.
Activities
Walking, swimming, excursions to local attractions, ceramic and pottery lessons, flamenco lessons, Spanish cooking and gastronomy lessons. There is much to discover in the local countryside.
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: Transfer to and from Granada Airport, bus terminal or train station
Not included: Flights to Spain, Car Hire, Lunch & Dinner except on Nevada ride
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: You will arrive on Sunday afternoon and settle in your chosen accommodation. Day 2: Breakfast followed by an introduction to the horses and your first riding lesson. There will be horse and tack care lessons before and after riding. You hack out in the surrounding areas for approximately two and a half hours. Day 3: 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: Breakfast is followed by a two and a half hour hack in the beautiful Spanish countryside with more horse and tack care tuition. The rest of the day is left free for you to enjoy your own activitiy or perhaps have a swim. Day 5: Breakfast is followed by a half day excursion to the Alhama river valley. This ride will take approximately three hours. Day 6: Breakfast will be followed by a ride to the “End of the World” (approximately two hours). You will be able to put into practice all you have learnt this week. Departure for the airport on Friday afternoon. 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: | Tuition |
| Total riding time: | Five days riding and tuition |
| 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: Arrival is on Sunday afternoon. You will settle in your chosen accommodation and enjoy exploring the area. Day 2: 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: After breakfast you will ride on a half day excursion. Climbing down to the "end of the world", you will arrive at the very birth of the Alhama river. You will then ascend through the pine forests of the Sierra Nevada Nature Park. This ride will enable riders to appreciate the contrasting differences of the varying scenery in the area: from badlands more typical of Colorado canyons to streams and luscious valleys and finally the Mediterranean pine forests and the highest plain of the Iberian peninsula, rising at 1400 metres above sea level from where the highest peaks of the Sierra Nevada once again become more visible. Day 4: Breakfast followed by a half day ride along the Alcomocales way. Riding through the small village of “Marchal” you will start the climb to the first levels of the Sierra Nevada Nature Park in which there are the largest number of oak trees in the Iberian peninsula. You will ride through many traditional small villages that specialiise in the production of “Vino Mosto” – a traditional local wine that is produced at high altitude. Following your ascent you will arrive at the very heart of the park where you will see the “dark side” of the Sierra Nevada where the traditional Iberian bulls are bred in the freedom of the mountain range. Day 5: Breakfast and a full day excursion. During the first half of the day, you will climb up through winding paths and arrive at the village of Cogolles, one of the portals of the Sierra Nevada Nature Park. The path leads to the spectacular pine forest and the Cogolles lake which collects its water from the melting ices of the Sierra Nevada. You will enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch next to the lake and those who wish to do so may also have a swim. This route offers spectacular views of the Zenette valley and of the Picion (2400m). After lunch you will descend and gallop across the wide plains and will finally arrive back at the riding centre in the evening. Day 6: Breakfast. 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. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Walk, trot, canter |
| Type of ride: | Tuition & Trail |
| Total riding time: | Five days riding and tuition |
| Departure dates: | Sunday departures. All Year excluding trail dates |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Southern Heights
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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 : Saturday Arrival and welcome at the airport. Reception at the Riding Centre where you will have a welcome meal in a local restaurant during which you can discuss the programme of activities. Accommodation is at the Riding Centre. Day 2 : Sunday. Guadix - Lugros Today you will ride towards the oriental side of the Natural Park. You will ride over "the end of the world" and down into the valley of the Alhama valley. From here, you will ride back up among the pine forests until you reach the Patio de Lugros hotel. Here you will stop for your evening meal and overnight accommodation. A picnic lunch will be provided. Day 3 : Monday. Lugros - Pico del Camarate - Jerez del Marquesado Today you will climb towards the occidental side of the Sierra Nevada. You will ride through a variety of terrain, from semi-arid plains to luxurious valleys, and will finally arrive at the Cogollos lake which collects all the melted water from the Sierra Nevada. Here you will stop for a picnic lunch before heading on along the ancient paths of the Santa Constanza copper mine. You will finally arrive at the small Moorish village of Jerez del Marquesado. The evening meal and accommodation will be at the Hotel Picon de Jerez *** which has stunning views of the Sierra Nevada. Day 4 : Tuesday. Jerez del Marquesado - Postero Alto After breakfast you will start your unforgettable ascent of the Picon mountain. You will eventually reach altitudes of over 2000 metres. The grassy slopes of the mountain are home to some of the famous Spanish bulls that are left here to graze in the temperate climate. A picnic lunch will be provided. The evening meal and accommodation will be at the Refugio de Alta Montana Postero Alto (1.800m). Day 5 : Wednesday. Puerto de Jerez - Trevelez You will leave your mountain accommodation in the direction of Penon del Puerto. This route will offer spectacular panoramic views over the Marquesado and its small villages. After a picnic lunch, you will ride on towards el Horcajo, from where you descend to la Isla and join the Trevelez river. You will then follow the river, crossing the mouth of the Rio Culo de Perro river in the process, until you arrive at the village of Trevelez. This is a mountain village famous for its hams, and, at over 1700 metres is the highest village in Spain. You will spend five and half hours in the saddle and your evening meal and accommodation will be at l'hostal La Fragua** Day 6 : Thursday. Trevelez - Los Berchules Having crossed the river, you will start this day by climbing up a winding little mountain path, crossing through pine forests, and finally arriving at the highest point of this area. You will once again be able to observe the spectacular views of the Alpujarras area and its snow capped mountains. You will stop along the way and have a picnic lunch among the pine trees. Your path will then lead you on to Los Berchules. Having spent five hours in the saddle, your evening meal and accommodation will be at the hotel El Cercado** Day 7 : Friday. Los Berchules - Cadiar Today you will ride down towards Narila, a small village where, during the Moorish revolution, King Fernando de Valor was crowned. You will then ride on in the direction of Cadiar, a village close to the Alqueria de Morayma** hotel and its secret wonders. You will arrive at the hotel in time to take a swim in the pool before your evening meal. You will have spent three hours in the saddle and the evening meal and accommodation is at the hotel. Day 8 : Saturday. Cadiar - Bubion. You will cross the Guadalfeo River and will follow the path towards the villages of Lobras, Nieles and Casaras. You will then continue towards the spectacular Carihuelas de Busquistar gorges. Here you will ride back down and cross the Trevelez River before having your picnic. Your path will then take you back to Bubion. After five and a half hours in the saddle your evening meal will be in a local restaurant and accommodation will be in the Villa Turistica de Bubion*** hotel. Day 9 : Sunday Departure after breakfast. |
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| Minimum group size: | 8 |
| Maximum group size: | 15 |
| Ability description: | Fit an experienced riders who are capable of long hours in the saddle and able to ride at all three paces. |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | Between three to five and a half hours per day |
| Departure dates: | 5th -12th July; 30th July - 6th August. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Desert, Sea & Mountains
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This itinerary covers all the varying landscapes of Andalusia, including magnificent desert, sea and mountain rides. You will ride through the Enchanted Forest of Lugros, across the wilderness of the desert where spaghetti westerns have been filmed, over the beautiful beaches of Genoveses and Monsul (famed for scenes from "Lawrence of Arabia") and on to the wonderful panoramic views of the mountain ranges of the Contraviesa and Lojar. Day 1: Arrival and welcome at the airport. Reception at the Hotel Patio de Lugros ***. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel Day 2: Today you will ride towards the western side of the Natural Park of Sierra Nevada and through the Enchanted Forest. This is a unique European area with Atlantic vegetation in a Mediterranean zone at an altitude of approximately 2.000 m with maples and wild cherries as well as meadows where fighting bulls are raised. Picnic for lunch is taken in the forest. You will ride back to Lugros by a different route through the ravine of Camarate. Dinner and accommodation is in the Hotel Patio de Lugros *** Day 3: After breakfast you will transfer to Fort Bravo in the province of Almería (1 hour 1 5minutes approx.). After introduction to the horses who will take you from the green valleys of the Sierra Nevada to the cactus and the wild canyons of the Tabernas desert. You ride across the desert, where several spaghetti-westerns were filmed. Close to the village of Tabernas you will stop for a picnic. After a rest you continue your ride back to Fort Bravo. Dinner and accommodation is in the air conditioned cabins. A four hour ride. Day 4: Transfer to the Hípica Aguamarga (1hour drive approx.). Introduction to the horses and then a ride by the rambla (dry river bed) to the Cortijo La Joya and on to Cala del Plomo. You will enjoy another delicious picnic. You ride back to Hípica Aguamarga by a different path, across the Natural Park of Cabo the Gata. Dinner is in the Port of Aguamarga and accommodation at Hotel Mi Kasa**. A three hour ride. Day 5: Transfer to the riding centre at hotel Cortijo El Sotillo**** en Aguamarga You take the horses by the bridle path to Torre de la Vela on the way to the beautiful beaches of Genoveses and Monsul. Another picnic in the sunshine and then back to San José riding where the movie “Lawrence of Arabia" was filmed. Dinner in the Port of San José and accommodation at the hotel Cortijo El Sotillo****. A three hours ride. Day 6: After breakfast you transfer to the riding centre in Bubión, in the province of Granada (2hour . 30m approx.). You are Introduced to your new horse. You will start by climbing up along a bridle path to Haza del Cerezo with views of the villages of the Poquiera valley where you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic vista of the Sierra Nevada, Sierra Contraviesa and Lujar are opposite you . Picnic lunch again and after a rest, back to Bubión by a different path, across the Natural Park of the Sierra Nevada, a declared protected Reserve of the Biosphere by UNESCO. Dinner and then accommodation at the hotel Finca Los Llanos*** in Capileira. A four hour ride. Day 7: Transfer to Granada (1 hour 15 min .approx.). Arrival at the hotel Real de la Alhambra****. Visit to the Alhambra for those who want. Lunch in the old part of Granada. After lunch you can walk down to Plaza Nueva and enjoy a free afternoon for sightseeing. Dinner at the hotel Day 8: After breakfast, you say goodbye |
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| Minimum group size: | 4 |
| Maximum group size: | 10 |
| Ability description: | Intermediate to experienced |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | 8 days 7 nights 5 days riding |
| Departure dates: | 2-9 November, 28 December-4 January 2009 |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Sierra Nevada Nature Trail
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This programme takes place on the north face of the Sierra Nevada, through the countryside of "La Cara Ocultra" (the hidden place), aimed at those who want constant contact with nature via horseback, sleeping under the stars and hearing the murmur of water and the breathing of horses. The programme incorporates a 7 day stay with 5 days on horseback with accommodation including high mountain shelter, tent, bivouac and rural hotel. Day 1 - Arrival at Granada Airport Pick up at the airport at 6.00p.m. Transfer to the riding centre with a welcoming dinner and settling in at the hotel. Day 2 - Valle del Zalabi - Sierra de Aldeire Leaving from the Valle del Zalabi towards La Calaharra, you will spend the morning discovering a semi-desert landscape where many "spaghetti western" movies were filmed, given its similarity to the landscapes of Arizona. You ascend the Baranico de Aldeire and enjoy a picnic lunch. in the afternoon you will ride to the point where two small streams unite to form the River Aldeire. At night you will find yourself sleeping in a tent or under the stars after 5 and a half to 6 hours on horseback. Day 3 - Sierra de Aldeire - Sierra de Jerez Departing from the Sierra de Aldeire towards the west, you will cross the Alquife Mine, a reminder of the mining past of this district and now a ghost town. You will go down through the Barranco de Jerez, enjoy a picnic lunch and then start climbing towards the Picon Mountains. In the afternoon you will arrive at the Jerez Campgrounds, next to the River Alhori and will sleep watched over by the bulls which graze next to the river, after 5 and a half to 6 hours on horseback. Day 4 - Jerez Campgrounds - Postero Alto In the morning you will start the climb from the camp to the Postero Alto (2.8000m), going up through pine forests and having a picnic lunch in the prairies of Cortuo Nuevo from where you can see the entire Valle de Jerez. In the afternoon you will reach the area around the high mountain shelter Postero Alto and will be able to sleep inside the shelter or under the stars after 5 hours on horseback. Day 5 - Postero Alto - Lago de Cogollos Departing from the Postero Alto shelter towards Jerez del Marquesado, you will cross its white streets and ride to the western-most part of the Natural Park and enjoy the typical food of the town. In the afternoon you will ride up the mountain until you find yourself gazing at the amazing appearance of the small Cogollos Lake next to which you will spend the night having spent 5 and a half to 6 hours on horseback. Day 6 - Lago de Cogollos - Lugros Today you will ascend to more than 2000m in altitude, and will border the park on a road used only by shepherds and horses. You will eat at more than 2,4000m from where you can see the three natural parks that surround the district of Guadix. In the evening you will reach the Hotel Patio de Lugros, in the interior of the natural park, where you will no doubt be grateful for a good shower after your week on horseback, before enjoying a wonderful supper. Day 7 - Farewell and transfer to Granada. |
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| Minimum group size: | 4 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Medium to advanced - a good level of fitness is required as there is 5-6 hours riding each day. |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | 5 days of 5.5-6 hours each day. |
| Departure dates: | 4th-11th May; 1st -8th June; 13th - 20th September; 5th - 12th October |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |