Sierra Nevada Rides Southern Spain Spain   Without doubt, the Sierra Nevada-Tabernas Desert Route, with 6 days on horseback, is one of our most varied programs. It goes through two Nature Reserves of unique natural beauty which give the route its name: The Sierra Nevada, with its snowy peaks and mountainous landscape, and the Tabernas Desert, the most important desert-like zone in Europe. The route starts high up in the Sierra and makes its way down to the fertile slopes and valleys where olives, ­almonds, and even wine are produced. Then, suddenly, the unique topographical conditions render the route into a true, western movie style desert, of canyons and dry riverbeds where numerous spaghetti-westerns films have been made. The expedition ends in Granada with the option to visit the Alhambra.   Progressive Ride (no camping) Meeting: Bubión Airport: Granada / Malaga Transfer: Granada or Malaga Riders: Min 4 riders Max 12 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Rates Note:

* Sierra Nevada - Tabernas Desert - needs a minimum of 6 riders to run trip.

Transfer and Other Charges:

Pick-up from Granada airport is included (6:30 pm at the latest) on the first day. Transfers from/to Malaga are available at extra cost.

Sample-Itinerary - Subject to changes

Day 1: Capileira
Welcome and introduction of the guide. Dinner and accommodation at the Hotel Finca Los Llanos.

Day 2: Bubión — Trevélez
Drive to the riding center in Bubión (2 Km away from Capileira). Introduction of the horses. We will start by climbing up along bridle paths through the Blood Ravine to the track that leads us to Trevélez with views of the villages of the Poqueira and La Taha Valleys. Picnic enroute. 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. There will be the opportunity to visit some of the ham drying houses of 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.
Riding: 5 hours

Day 3: Trevélez — Cádiar
After crossing the bridge over the Trevélez river, we will start this route by a bridle path that climbs the left slope of the ravine, leaving behind the village from which it takes its name. Once again, we will enjoy the beauty of the sierras Contraviesa, Lújar and Gádor, this one already in the province of Almería. Descent along a gentler path to Juviles, where we will have lunch. Descend to Tímar along a narrow path through the gorge. Then we will take the bridle path to the beautiful Hotel Alquería de Morayma, close to Cádiar. We have descended over 1,000 m. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.
Riding: 5 hours

Day 4: Cádiar — Picena — Laroles
Riding first over the hills with stunning panoramic views of Sierra Nevada and the sierras of Contraviesa and Gádor, then we will ride to Ugíjar along the dry riverbed. Picnic on the way. In the afternoon we will ride up to Picena where we leave the horses. Drive to Laroles (3Km). Dinner and accommodation at the Refugio de Nevada.
Riding: 6 hours

Day 5: Laroles — Picena — Benecid
After breakfast, drive to Picena to meet the horses and start our ride crossing the village of Picena and the Bayarcal river, where we enter the Almería province. Picnic at Guarros. Leaving for Benecid passing
by Laujar de Andarax, important wine-growing area. Dinner and accommodation at Hotel La Marmita de Ahlam.
Riding: 6 hours

Day 6: Benecid — Alcora — Rágol — Canjayar
Across Sierra Gádor, riding on a track enjoying the open view of Sierra Nevada, on the other side of the Andarax river, towards the old “Venta de Alcora” where we will arrive after some short gallops on time for a good lunch. After a short rest, we ride for nearly 2 hours enjoying the first views over the Tabernas Desert. Descend to Rágol by a very nice bridle path. Drive to Canjayar (4Km). Dinner and accommodation at Posada del Calvario.
Riding: 5 hours

Day 7: Canjayar — Rágol — Alboloduy — Granada
Drive to Rágol to meet the horses for our last ride to the desert. Crossing the Andarax River to the mountain of Montenegro through the Rambla (dry river bed) of Guadix, with some opportunities for canters and where we start to discover the first desert landscape. Descend through a labyrinth of canyons similar to those seen in numerous spaghetti-western films. At the end of the Rambla de Los Yesos, we will arrive at Alboloduy, at the eastern-most edge of the Sierra Nevada Natural Park.
After saying goodbye to the horses, lunch in the village. Drive to Granada (2 hours). Farewell dinner in a typical restaurant and visit to the old part of Granada with views of the Alhambra right opposite us. Accommodation in Hotel Maciá Plaza.
Riding: 3 hours

Day 8: Granada
Farewell after breakfast.
Option: For those who want, there is an opportunity to visit the Alhambra or enjoy a free relaxing bath at the Arab Hamman in Granada on day 8. Reservation required well in advance. Subject to availability.

                                            Granada area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	69	70	71	72	74	77	80	81	81	79	75	71
Average Low Temperature (°F)	59	59	59	61	63	66	69	71	70	68	64	61
Average High Temperature (°C)	21	21	22	22	24	25	27	27	27	26	24	22
Average Low Temperature (°C)	15	15	15	16	17	19	21	22	21	20	18	16
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	2	2	2	1	0	0	0	0	0	2	3	3

Source: NOAA


Seasons
The summer months (June to September) are usually too hot to ride, which is why we do not have any trips scheduled at that time.
The best times to visit are in spring when the flowers burst into bloom and when the temperatures are around 23°C (73°F), or in autumn when the winter chills are still a way off, but the tourist hordes have receded. Winter days and nights can be chilly but they have their own charm.

This list is only a guideline for you

Travel documents and Voucher

Flight tickets

Passport

Visa (check with your consulate)

RIDING GEAR

Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!)

Riding boots + Minichaps

Riding helmet  (not provided- we strongly recommend you bring your own)

Riding gloves

Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection

Rain coat/Wax jacket

PERSONAL CLOTHING

Jacket or sweater for cool evenings

Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts

Jeans

Shorts

Underwear and socks

Pyjama

Bag for dirty clothes

Light summer jacket

Warm jacket

Comfortable shoes/sneakers (some walking downhill leading our horse is required on 2nd day)

Swimsuit)

Bandana

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING

Personal Toiletries

Insect protection

Personal medications

Sore cream (for the emergency)

Sewing kit

Handkerchiefs

Adapter for electric appliances

Camera and enough extra films

Belt pack

Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!)

Sun glasses with strap

Sun tan lotion and lip balm

Your luggage is transported to each hotel, all you need to do is relax and enjoy the ride.

Boots with grips on the sole and ankle support (i.e. lightweight walking boots or jodphur boots with tread). Traditional long riding boots and smooth-soled jodphur boots are not recommended. A combination of light trousers, light boots and half chaps for calf protection can be ideal.

* Please limit your luggage to one bag per person. Full range of clothes including t-shirts, a good jumper and a jacket – it  can get very chilly at night and first thing in the morning while very hot during the day.

Spring and Summer Months (March, April, October and November)
Full range of clothes including t-shirts, a good jumper and a jacket - it can get very chilly at night and first thing in the morning while very hot during the day.

** No trip reports found with the tour ID you provided.

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so nights will be spent in different locations.

Description
The hotels we use on our rides are all country inn hotels - not luxurious, but traditional with a lot of personal charm. All with private bathroom facilities. Shampoo and bath gel will be found in all accommodations, and hair dryers in some of them. Swimming pool during the summer (roughly June to September) in are available in Capileira, Trevelez, Cadiar, Laroles and Benecid. WIFI is available at all accommodation except for Laroles. Laundry is available at an additional cost at some accommodations.

Hotel Itinerary

Night 1: Finca Los Llanos, Capileira
In quiet and beautiful natural surroundings, the Finca Los Llanos offers amazing views and an outdoor swimming pool where guests can relax. All of the hotel's rooms are full equipped with heating, TV, fridge, hairdryer and a telephone.

Night 2: La Fragua, Trevélez
The hotel and restaurant La Fragua are situated in the village of Trevelez, at the highest point of the Alpujarra. Hotel La fragua was thought for mountain lovers, trekkers and, people who come to enjoy the nature. The rooms have been decorated thinking on the mountain and alpine environment, and giving each of the rooms a rural style proper of the rural area it is placed. Built respecting the local tradition, Hotel La Fragua sits perfectly with its natural setting. You can also enjoy fabulous views over the mountains of Sierra Nevada.

Night 3: Alquería de Morayma, Cádiar
“La cortijada” (A traditional group of homesteads and farm buildings) has been transformed into an hotel/apartment complex; situated on the southern flank of the Sierra Nevada mountains on a rise above the river Guadalfeo , it enjoys panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada National Park. All furnishings, fabrics, paintings and decoration are different in every unit – antiques, ceramics and local textiles predominate.

Night 4: Refugio de Nevada, Laroles
Refugio Nevada is a small family hotel that offers rooms with private bathrooms and equipped with television and telephone. 

Night 5: La Marmita de Ahlam, Benecid
On a hill, surrounded by holm oaks and olive trees, is this hotel that presides over the valley of Fondón with magnificent views towards the Alpujarra Almeriense. All the rooms have wonderful views of the Sierra de Gádor and the Fondón valley. In front of the rooms there are ample grounds of olive and almond trees, and in summer you will be able to enjoy a refreshing swim in our pool while contemplating in the background the white peaks of the Sierra Nevada.

Night 6: Posada de Eustaquio, Canjayar
The Posada de Eustaquio is an old house-inn that has been recently refurbished but still retains the charm of the traditional architecture of the area.

Night 7: Hotel Maciá Plaza, Granada
The hotel is located on Plaza Nueva, in the city of Granada right at the foot of the Alhambra. The simple rooms feature stylish black and white décor.

Room Occupancy
When clients do not request a single room, but there isn't another rider to share a room with them, they will need to pay 75% of the single supplement fee.


Meals
All meals are included from the dinner on Day 1 to the breakfast on Day 8. You will be served traditional southern-Spain dishes from locally sourced natural ingredients. Healthy, hearty meals are served throughout the ride.
In general, a full breakfast is offered in the hotels; lunch is in a restaurant in some village at midday (except for two picnics on the trail), sometimes a drink/tapa snack is taken when we arrive at the end of the trail for the day, and later a three course dinner in a restaurant. Please note that in Spain, we have lunch at 2pm and dinner at 9 pm. Beer and wine are included when served with the meals. Additional wine or other drinks or those taken besides the regular eating time are not included.

Meal Itinerary
Day 1: three- course dinner at hotel restaurant
Day 2: full breakfast at hotel, basic sandwich on the trail for lunch, a bit of drinks and tapas at a bar on arrival to Trevelez, three course dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 3: full breakfast at hotel, lunch at a terrace restaurant in Juviles village, a bit of drinks and tapas on arrival to Alquería de Morayma hotel usually on their outside terrace with views over the Sierra,  three- course dinner at hotel restaurant
Day 4: full breakfast at hotel, hearty picnic under a big carob tree in an olive grove (with table, chairs, full meal,coffee, dessert...) ,  a bit of drinks and tapas at a bar on arrival to Picena where the horses will stay, three course dinner in a local restaurant in Laroles
Day 5: full breakfast at a restaurant , BBQ lunch in a restaurant in Guarros next to a river, three- course dinner at hotel restaurant in Benecid
Day 6: full breakfast at hotel, lunch at an old post stop usually paella, three- course dinner at hotel restaurant
Day 7: full breakfast at hotel, lunch in a local restaurant in Alboloduy, farewell dinner in a local restaurant in the old part of Granada
Day 8: full breakfast at hotel

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to dietary restrictions given prior notice.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		English trekking, some Spanish and Western
Horses:		Andalusians and Arab cross, French Trotter
Pace:		Moderate. 4 to 6 hrs of riding per day at all paces. Partially slow with difficult riding on steep mountain trails. Some canters where the terrain allows | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(2.5 to 3 out of 5)    Low Intermediate+
Age:		Min 8	Max 80
Weight:		Max 200 lbs
Riders:		Min 4 riders	Max 12 riders

Riding Experience
The minimum riding ability for this ride is intermediate. Riders need to be comfortable at all paces in open country and on various terrains (including mountain tracks). At times, the ride includes trot and canter on curvy mountain tracks.

Pace
We go mostly at a walk but also at the trot and canter (not possible every day - depends on the terrain). On average, we spend 4-7 hours in the saddle per day. The program includes 6 riding days.

Guide
The guide, Rafael, is a political science graduate who preferred the peace of a small village in the mountains to the hustle and bustle of his home city, Madrid. He moved to the Alpujarras more than 20 years ago, when he started his horse-riding adventure. He is an entertaining and charming man who is fluent in Spanish, French and English.

Insurance
It is a condition of booking that you have full holiday Insurance that covers horseback riding and emergency medical insurance. We are happy to provide this. Simple check the appropriate box in the booking form.

Passports

Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:

(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.

Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Passports held by EU nationals need only be valid upon entry to and exit from Spain. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.

Passport Note

Spain is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.



Visas

Not required by nationals of EU countries regardless of purpose and/or length of stay; 2. not required by nationals of other countries referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days.

Visa Note

Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements 

 

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.