On this Andalusian Horse Riding Holiday we follow centuries-old bridle paths traditionally linking White Village to White Village in La-Alpujarra.
Discover Moorish irrigation channels and forestry tracks as we ride through an ever-changing landscape. Passing through different terrain each day, varying from mountain pastures and pine forests, to almond and olive groves.
Here is an opportunity not only to discover spectacular landscapes and scenery, but also a culture where tradition remains very much part of everyday life. The average riding time per day is between five and six hours.
The Alpujarra is the name given to the South of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, a region of much botanical and geological importance, in an area with a rich cultural and historical heritage.
On some days there are plenty of opportunities to trot and canter, other days it is mainly walking (due to the rough terrain). No matter what the pace, it is a beautiful ride.
The Itinerary
Transfer at designated time from Malaga airport to the village of Bubion. Two to two and a half hours.
While in Bubion you will be staying in the charming Casa la Sevillana. A comfortable 19th Century town house, 7 bedrooms with private shower-rooms, large patio, sitting room, breakfast room.
Located in the heart of the village within minutes’ walk from the local restaurants and cafes.
Dinner with the rest of the riders and a briefing on the following day’s activities.
Approximately 5 hours riding.
After breakfast you will be driven the 5 kilometres to the stables, situated above the village of Bubion at an altitude of 1.650 meters.
The first day of the Alpujarra week ride is a circular route, enabling you to acclimatise slightly to the area and the altitude. Also ensuring you and your horse are comfortable together prior to setting off for the week.
The trail takes us high into the Poqueira valley, claimed to be one of the most beautiful in the whole of the Sierra Nevada National Park. Spectacular views with the high peaks reaching over 3,000 metres at the head of the valley, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south.
Following a combination of old bridle paths and forestry tracks we ride up through open mountain-side and pine forests, crossing ancient Moorish irrigation channels, gullies, streams and summer pastures watered by the snow melt.
Mid-morning we join the main dirt forestry track providing places for some nice trots and canters before lunch.
Picnic lunch at approximately 2,400 metres in the shade of the pine woods. An idyllic spot with spectacular views, on a clear day all the way across the Mediterranean Sea to the mountains of Morocco.
Gradual descent through pine and oak woods to the stables.
Dinner and overnight in the village of Bubion.
Approximately 6 hour
Today we head east to the village of Trevelez, at 1,486 metres the highest municipality in Andalusia and one of the highest in Spain.
During the morning we gradually descend (approx. 350 metres) on forestry tracks and bridle paths. Passing orchards and small terraces the trail passes by the villages of Capilerilla, Pitres and Portugos, White Villages of the Alpujarra.
There are a few sections where it is necessary to lead the horses on some of the steeper descents, also through the narrow street of Portugos. After watering the horse in the village of Portugos the path winds up through oak and pine woods to our picnic spot in the shade of the pine woods.
After lunch we join the main forestry track to Trevelez, this track maintains pretty much the same altitude as it winds its way through woodlands and small mountain farms. There are good opportunities for trots and canters. At the end of the day approximately a 15 minute walk down an old stone path into the village.
Overnight and dinner in the comfortable Hotel Fragua situated in the old Berber quarter of Trevelez. Swimming pool June to late September.
Approximately 5 hours riding
The route continues east to the village of Berchules. Starting the morning with approximately a 15 minute walk through the streets of Trevelez, we water the horses in the village square before mounting up and head down to the river.
Crossing the river Trevelez the centuries old bridle path following the course of one of the ancient Moorish irrigation channel. Leaving the irrigation channel below we climb approximately an hour and 30 minutes through oak and pine woods to the open pasture lands of the Sierra of Juviles. Here we start a gradual descent across open hillside with wonderful views to the south of the Contraviesa mountains and to the east the Mediterranean and the coastline of Almeria. Picnic lunch in the oak woods above the village of Juviles.
Following lunch the trail continues through the woods to join up with a secondary road leading to the village of Berchules. Here we will have approximately 15 to 20 minutes on tarmac.
Overnight and dinner in the comfortable family run Hotel Berchules.
Pool available June to late September.
Approximately 5 hours.
To-day taking an alternative and much higher trail we head back to the village of Trevelez. Leaving Berchules we join one of the main dirt forestry tracks up to approximately 2,000 metres. Once the track levels out there are places for trots and canters until rejoining the bridle path through the pine woods.
Picnic lunch on the edge of the pine woods. Wonderful views over the valley of Trevelez and of the Mulhacen 3,486 metres (the highest mountain on the mainland) to the north.
During the afternoon we descend on the bridle path through the woods to the village of Trevelez. On sections of the steeper and rockier descent it is necessary to lead the horses for short periods.
Overnight and dinner in the comfortable Hotel Fragua. Pool June to late September.
Approximately 3 hours.
Today is a short ride. Following the forestry track through pine and oak woods we return directly to the stables high above the villages of the Poqueira Valley.
This route offers wonderful views out over the Contraviesa mountains and the Mediterranean sea, and some good opportunities for canters.
Late lunch in the village of Capileira or Bubion. Afternoon free for some last minute shopping and a well-deserved siesta. Overnight in the village of Bubion and farewell dinner.
An early breakfast and transfer to Malaga airport.
Select Ride Date To Book!
La Alpujarra
Sep 13 - Sep 19La Alpujarra
May 15, 2027 - May 21, 2027La Alpujarra
Jun 12, 2027 - Jun 18, 2027La Alpujarra
Sep 11, 2027 - Sep 17, 2027
*Ride dates without Year shown are for the current year.
Prices (2027):
2,150 Euros
Single Supplement: 250 Euros (Payable on arrival in Spain)
Prices (2026):
1,955 Euros
Single Supplement: 250 Euros (Payable on arrival in Spain)
INCLUDES:
5 days riding.
6 nights accommodation with breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Guide, backup vehicle for luggage.
Transfer to and from Malaga at pre-arranged time.
Transfer on the day of arrival will be no later than 17.00 hours.
On the day of departure the transfer will return you to Malaga airport for 10.00 hours.
NOT INCLUDED:
Flights.
Personal and medical insurance.
Riding Experience:
Intermediate to experienced riders. Comfortable outdoors at all gaits and comfortable handling a horse on the ground.
Weight Limit:
90kg experienced riders,
75kg intermediate.