The Contraviesa mountain range lies between the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Mediterranean sea. Due to the proximity of the coast the climate during the spring and late autumn is very mild, rarely dropping below 15 C and during May reaching the mid 20C.
The main industry of the area is the cultivation of almonds, figs and vineyards. Little has changed here over the centuries; on many small holdings the mule and ox still pull the plough and the horse and mule still provide the transport.
The early winter months are another lovely time to visit this area and are rarely cold. This ride offers an extraordinary range of scenery, vegetation and climate.
On the Contraviesa and the lower slopes of the Alpujarra spring can start as early as February with the wild flowers blooming right through to May.
We follow old Roman and Moorish bridle paths, dirt tracks and dried-up riverbeds. Here you can literally ride from winter to spring and spring to summer and back again in a week.
The pace of the ride is determined by the terrain. On days 4 and 6, the paths are narrow and there is a lot of climbing. On the other days there are opportunities to trot and canter. Where the paths are steep it is necessary to dismount and lead the horses.
The Itinerary
Transfer from Malaga airport to the village of Bubion at designated time.
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 days activities.
Approximately 5 hours
After breakfast you will be collected and driven to the stables situated 5 kilometres from the village of Bubion at an altitude of 1.650 meters.
Today is a day ride local to the stables enabling you to acclimatise slightly to the area and the altitude. Also acquainting you with your horse prior to setting out for the week.
Leaving the stables we take a small mountain path up through summer pastures to join the main forestry dirt road into the National Park. Here there are opportunities to canter.
We will follow the track to approximately 2.300 metres where it joins a bridle path. Following this path through the pine woods we come out on the ridge of Barranco Jabali at approximately 2,100 metres.
Picnic lunch in the pine woods. After lunch a gentle descent through the woods down to the stables. There are a few places where it is necessary to lead the horses for approximately 10 minutes each time.
Overnight in the Casa Sevillana Bubion and dinner in one of the local restaurants.
Approximately 6 hours
Today we head east to the village of Trevelez. At 1,486 metres the highest municipality in Andalucia and one of the highest in Spain.
During the morning we gradually descend (approx. 350 metres) on forestry tracks and bridle paths. The path passes through orchards and small terraces as it skirts the villages of Capilerilla, Pitres and Portugos.
There are a few sections where it is necessary to lead the horses on some of the steeper descents. Leaving the village of Portugos below we start the 600 metre climb to our picnic spot. With stunning views to the Med, we picnic 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 some good opportunities for trots and nice canters.
At the end of the day there is 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. Use of pool June to late September.
Approx. 6 hours
The route continues east to the village of Berchules. After a 10 minute walk through the streets of Trevelez we water the horses at one of the many springs. Then mount up and head down to the river.
Once across the river the we join a very pretty centuries-old bridle path following the ancient Moorish irrigation channel. Leaving the water channel below the path climbs steeply through evergreen Holm oak and pine forests to an altitude of approximately 2,200 metres.
Picnic lunch in the shade of the pine woods with spectacular views across the valley of Trevelez to the Mediterrainean Sea. After lunch the path continues to climb for another 20 minutes to reach the top of the ridge and commence the descent to the village of Berchules.
During the afternoon a combination of bridlepaths and forestry tracks descend through pine woods, open hill-sides, pasturelands and old farms. The path will bring us to the top of the village where we will need to lead the horses down to the stables. Approximately a 25 minute walk.
Overnight and dinner in the comfortable Hotel Berchules. Pool June to end September.
Approximately 3 hours.
Today is a shorter ride with a late lunch at the hotel Alqueria de Morayma where we will also be spending the night. Our route takes us down to the Contraviesa foothills, through very different and rapidly changing terrain.
The morning starts with approximately a 15 walk down to the riverbed. Here we will mount up and ride through small cultivated terraces and orchards to the town of Cadiar.
Leaving Cadiar below we head into the foothills. the terrain becomes much more arid and eroded. Green cultivated land gives way to wild rosemary, thyme, almonds, figs and vineyards.
The hotel Alqueria de Morayma is in a beautiful setting situated amongst almond groves above the river Cadiar, approximately 2 kilometres from the town of Cadiar. A perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon.
Pool June to late September.
Approximately 6 hours riding.
To-day we head back to the village of Trevelz on a much lower route than that of day 4. The first part of the path is through vineyards to the riverbed. Crossing the riverbed we pass along a dry arroyo to join the path up to the village of Lobras. From Lobras approximately 10 minutes on a small secondry road to the tiny village of Timar. From here we climb steeply on an old stone path to the village of Juviles, and then on to the open hills of the Sierra of Juviles.
Picnic lunch in the pine woods before starting the descent into the village of Trevelez. On this descent there are places you will be required to lead your horses.
Overnight and dinner in the comfortable hotel Fragua.
Approximately 3 hours
Our final day of the trek we return to the village of Bubion following the forestry track through pine and oak woods. Here there are opportunities for some nice canters.
Late lunch in the village of Bubion, with the chance of a well deserved siesta and maybe a little shopping.
Overnight in Casa la Sevillana and farewell dinner.
Breakfast and transfer to Malaga airport.
Select Ride Date To Book!
La Contraviesa
Oct 3 - Oct 10La Contraviesa
Mar 28, 2027 - Apr 4, 2027La Contraviesa
Oct 2, 2027 - Oct 9, 2027La Contraviesa
Oct 23, 2027 - Oct 30, 2027
*Ride dates without Year shown are for the current year.
Prices (2027):
2,215 Euros
Single Supplement: 270 Euros (Payable on arrival in Spain)
Prices (2026):
2,105 Euros
Single Supplement: 270 Euros (Payable on arrival in Spain)
INCLUDES:
6 days riding.
7 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.