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Horse Riding Holiday in Sierra Nevada Mountains

Highlights

  • Spend 5 full days trekking through the stunning Sierra Nevada Mountains
  • Immerse yourself in the breath-taking Spanish countryside
  • Meet your horse on day one and bond over the course of your journey
From £1544 pp*
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Children
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6 nights

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Room #
Adults
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Children
7-16
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What you'll do

Overview

Discover the Sierra Nevada Mountains on horseback with 5 full days trekking through the magnificent and panoramic valleys, where you’ll also have the chance to stay in a remote mountain cottage during your trip.

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Discover the Sierra Nevada Mountains on horseback with 5 full days trekking through the magnificent and panoramic valleys, where you’ll also have the chance to stay in a remote mountain cottage during your trip.

Embark on a one-of-a-kind horse riding holiday in the heart of Andalusia, Spain. Ride through the enchanting Alpujarra hills and the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains, where every trail reveals sweeping views and unspoiled natural beauty. Between rides, unwind in charming accommodations tucked away in serene, remote settings—an experience unlike anywhere else. This is your chance to fulfil the dream of exploring breath-taking landscapes on horseback.

Your home base will be a traditional Spanish farmhouse near the historic spa town of Lanjaron. known for its pure mountain air, lush natural surroundings, and renowned mineral waters—famed for their rejuvenating properties and bottled for enjoyment throughout Spain.

Perched 1,200 metres above this picturesque town, the stables offer unrivalled access to some of Andalusia’s most stunning scenery. As you ride across the ridges and valleys, you’ll discover panoramic views stretching across the Sierra Nevada, and on the clearest days, you may even glimpse the distant coastline of Africa shimmering on the horizon.

Please note, the itinerary and accommodation locations may vary and be altered according to the abilities of the group, the weather, and at the discretion of the guide.

*From price based on two people sharing a twin room

Arrival

You may check-in any time after 3pm on the day you choose to arrive.

Your accommodation for the night will be high in the mountains and close to the Ranch.

Dinner prepared by your host and cook, Emily, at the simple and beautiful local guesthouse.

Accommodation: Alpujarra Guesthouse

Full Day Trek to Mountain Cottage

You will have breakfast at the guesthouse and then you will be driven to the stables (with your luggage) to meet the horses and your guide.

Trekking out today to the impressive Rio del Guadalfeo. This river is born in the Sierra Nevada mountains from rain and snow melt above the town of Bercules and heads out to the Mediterranean sea at Salobreña.

The 71 km river can be torrential and fast flowing, but in the summer months the flow is slow and the horses enjoy a dip in the river. Trekking out from the ranch you will be passing down through the tiny hippie village of Beneficio.

This ´village´ is a sustainable, ecological and self-managed village that was created back in 1992 on small private land between the towns of Órgiva and Cáñar, villages impregnated by the hippie movement.

You will ride on ancient mule paths following barrancos and the Rio Chico to the main river for a plash.

Lunch on the hillside on the Southern slopes of Las Alpujarras with stunning views of Mount Lujar, part of the Contraviesa mountain range.

A valley ride in the afternoon through Orange and Almond groves to Cortijo de la Cueva del Pescado above the Rules lake and dam.

Accommodation: Cortijo de la Cueva del Pescado

 

Trek to Órgiva

After breakfast you will trek to Orgiva town.

Órgiva is located in the southwestern part of the region of the Alpujarra Granadina, and is the capital town of the Alpujarras with nearly 6,000 residents. A pretty town with it´s two towered Church and cobbled main street. Plenty of time to look round the town for souvenirs and artisan products.

You will be riding past century old olives and through young olive plantations today.

Returning to your accommodation late afternoon for a dip in the pool (when in season).

Accommodation: Cortijo de la Cueva del Pescado

Mule track towards Lanjaron

After breakfast you will head out on the Ruta del Pescado mule track towards Lanjaron.

Following the river gorge climbing high into the mountains on a 600 year old cobbled mule track through the Chestnut forests to the waterfalls of El Tello.

Lunch at high altitudes in walnut orchards and alpine meadows.

A fast pace ride after lunch to take you the Tello ridge road mountain track.

Dropping back down to the Ranch in the afternoon.

Accommodation: Alpujarra Guesthouse

Trek back to the Ranch

Today, enjoy a high mountain trek with plenty of canters on the logging tracks.

Through scrubby oak forests to high mountain pastures of the Sierra Nevada.

Trekking through the pine forests of Puente Palo (the bridge of the sticks) and through El Prado de las Liebres (the meadow of the hares).

A picnic lunch to be enjoyed in the pine forest before returning to the Ranch via the Mirador de Cañar to the west.

Accommodation: Alpujarra Guesthouse

Cañar & Sierra Nevada National Park

After breakfast you will have the chance to visit the white washed high village of Cañar to the East. With a population of less than 300 residents, this tiny town with it´s pretty church of Santa Ana has only has one small supermarket and a few small bars.

Stopping at the bar for refreshments in the town before climbing high above into the Sierra Nevada National Park.

This is a longer trek of at least 6 hours in the saddle.

Transfer to the local town of Lanjaron.

Evening meal (not included) in the local town. Chance to explore the town in the evening.

Lanjaron translates as “place of springs” in Arabic (Al-lancharon) and is a spa town famous for it’s natural abundance of springs. With it´s old Moorish castle, a small medieval fortress constructed around the 12th-13th century it was dedicated mainly to surveillance, shelter and defence of the population. However, the current remains date back to the 14th century.

The town is very lively with fiestas during the summer months and we can keep you informed of all the local fiestas.

Accommodation: local hotel in Lanjaron

Departure

Enjoy breakfast before checking out of your accommodation.

 

What's included

Included

  • 6 nights accommodation
  • 2 nights accommodate at a local guesthouse
  • 3 nights accommodation in a mountain cottage
  • 1 night in a local hotel
  • *FB - Breakfast, lunch and dinner included (dinner is not included on day 6)
  • 5 days horse riding/trekking
  • All horse riding equipment (please bring suitable clothing and boots for riding)
  • Assistance of a horse riding instructor

Accommodation

Alpujarra Guesthouse (or similar)

Alpujarra Guest House has been modernised, more than 200 years old it was a traditional farmhouse (cortijo), situated on over 3 hectares, located on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range above the village of Lanjarón, between Granada and the Mediterranean Sea.

The property consists of three separate guestrooms, all en-suite and accessed from their private terraces. Communal living room and dining area.

There is a sun terrace, garden, bar and seasonal outdoor swimming pool all within privacy.

Cortijo de la Cueva del Pescado (or similar)

Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains

The original cortijo was a staging post for the mules transporting fresh fish from the port of Motril on the coast to the provincial city of Granada.

During the summer months, the mules carrying the fish, travelled by night and during the hot days the fish was stored in the cool cave from which the Cortijo derived its name.

This cortijo has been comprehensively rebuilt by the present owners to provide a luxurious family home with 2 separate apartments located within the extensive landscaped grounds. These well-appointed apartments allow guests comfort and privacy while being situated close to the main family house.

Within the grounds there is a large, heated swimming pool with a pool bar providing an ideal area to relax with a cool drink at the end of a day in the saddle!

Some bedrooms have ensuite and there are two bedrooms which share a bathroom.

Hotel El Sol (or similar)

Located in Lanjaron town - perfect end to your holiday.

Guests can enjoy a fitness centre, terrace, restaurant, and bar.

Your local host

Sarah Vesey

Sarah is originally from the New Forest and grew up around the wild ponies, with whom she fell head over heels in love. Any spare moment she could, she would spend with friends’ horses or in the forest and soon became the ‘go-to’ person for any horses with behavioural problems. When visiting friends in southern Spain, she decided it’d be even more fun riding in the warm! There’s no finer place to work with rescue horses, rehabilitating them in the mountains. The treks across the landscape are extraordinary, with views across to Africa, and getting up close with nature. The variety allows people to ensure that everyone from beginners to experienced equestrians have the ride of a lifetime. The riding centre is a few minutes from the pretty spa town of Lanjaron bursting with Moorish influences. People come here to drink the water which is said to contain minerals for eternal youth. Nearby is Orgiva, a busy market town with bustling tapas bars and small streets to discover.

Sarah is originally from the New Forest and grew up around the wild ponies, with whom she fell head over heels in love. Any spare moment she could, she would spend with friends’ horses or in the forest and soon became the ‘go-to’ person for any horses with behavioural problems. When visiting friends in southern Spain, she decided it’d be even more fun riding in the warm! There’s no finer place to work with rescue horses, rehabilitating them in the mountains. The treks across the landscape are extraordinary, with views across to Africa, and getting up close with nature. The variety allows people to ensure that everyone from beginners to experienced equestrians have the ride of a lifetime. The riding centre is a few minutes from the pretty spa town of Lanjaron bursting with Moorish influences. People come here to drink the water which is said to contain minerals for eternal youth. Nearby is Orgiva, a busy market town with bustling tapas bars and small streets to discover.

Sarah Vesey image

Location

Lanjarón is famous for its water springs which are dotted all over the hills. Many Spanish come here to drink the water which is said to contain minerals for eternal youth. The towns in the surrounding area are heavily influenced by Gothic and Moorish architecture. While out on the hills, you will be surrounded by almond, olive, and citrus groves which are still tended to by “man and his mule”. This area of Spain really is steeped in history and rich in culture.

The stables are situated on a small plateau at a height of 1,200 meters above the spa town of Lanjarón in the Las Alpujarras region of Andalucía, close to Granada, Spain. Wonderful views of the surrounding countryside, hills, and Sierra Nevada Mountains are evident in all directions. You can even see the coastline of Africa on a clear day. It is also near to the busy market town of Orgiva which is boasting many bustling tapas bars.

Nearest airport:
Granada (45 minutes) or Malaga (90 minutes)

Airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost (paid locally):
Malaga: 110 euros transfers each way per car for up to four persons
Granada: 60 euros transfers each way per car for up to four persons

From airport to riding school by bus:
A cheap and reliable bus service runs from Granada to the nearby village of Lanjaron takes around 1.5 hours and on arrival at the village you’ll be collected by your hosts and driven to the house. You can also get a bus from Malaga to Granada and change for the bus to Lanjaron (takes about 3 hours).

 

FAQs

Key information required with enquiry. Please make sure you add this information to your enquiry notes.

- Rider’s Age
- Height
- Weight*
- Riding experience
- Dietary requirements

Please note: Although the riding school have a wide range of horses to choose to ride, the horses on our Horse riding holidays unfortunately cannot take riders certain limits:

Weight limit:
90 kgs for experienced riders,
80kg for novice riders and
75kg for beginners

Who is this suitable for?

Hosts speak both English and Spanish

Riders should be fit enough to be able to walk downhill for at least 15 minutes, leading a horse in order to do some of the trails. The itinerary will be changed for riders that are not able to manage the walk.

This fun horse riding holiday will take you out on treks to enjoy the beautiful and extremely diverse surroundings of the Alpujarras mountains, as well as the wide choice of easy hacks right through to challenging trail rides in this spectacular area of Southern Spain. With the stables situated 1,200 meters above the wonderful town of Lanjarón, during your treks, you will see some of the most incredible views of the surrounding Andalusian countryside with the coastline of Africa visible on very clear days.

You will follow old Moorish mule paths and valleys where the horse, mule, or oxen still to this day, pull the plough to harvest crops. This is more than just a horse riding holiday but a chance to discover the remarkable Andalusian scenery and to witness the culture where tradition remains very much part of everyday life.

This horse riding holiday is suitable for all levels from complete beginners to advanced riders. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, and must be supervised on a ratio of one adult to three children.

I'm a solo traveller - can I join?

These horse riding holidays in Spain make perfect singles holidays, you’ll meet like-minded people

What is the nearest airport and how do I get there?

Nearest airport:
Granada (45 minutes) or Malaga (90 minutes)

Airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost (paid locally):
Malaga: 110 euros transfers each way per car for up to four persons
Granada: 60 euros transfers each way per car for up to four persons

Do I need to bring boots and helmet?

Helmet will be provided but you will need to bring your own boots.

Can you provide information regarding the horses?

The centre has 20+ well-trained and schooled horses varying in ages to suit the beginner and advanced rider. The horses range in height from the smallest horse at 12 hands to horses up to 17 hands and they are mainly Andalusians, PREs, Andalusian crosses with Arabs, and also Cobs and ponies. All horses are fully trained to be ridden either Western style or traditional style.

Please note that although the riding school has a wide range of horses to choose to ride, the horses on the working holiday, unfortunately, cannot take riders over 15 stone (95 kilograms). Moreover, the type of tack that is used is mainly English tack, although Caballo Blanco Horse Riding & Trekking Centre does have some Western saddles.

Are meals included? What will the food be like?

Meals are included except dinner on the last night.

You’ll have a picnic lunch during your treks as well as a Spanish breakfast and full dinner each day.

Although all meals are provided, the horse riding company also offers a "stop to shop" service with transfers where you will be taken to a large city supermarket, if you would like to shop for one hour before arriving at your accommodation. The transfer service costs an additional 10 EUR.

The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for: regular (typically includes meat and fish), vegetarian, and other diets can be catered for upon request.

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