The horse riding programme Dark Side of Sierra Nevada (Granada, Andalusia, Spain) is designed for regular riders who are capable of spending full days in the saddle in all three paces. The day-long treks are without a doubt an interesting adventure for horse-lovers and an unique combination of spectacular sceneries, exercise and fresh air together with luxurious commodities offered by our specially selected accommodation along this route. Temperatures remain temperate during the day in both Summer and Winter and the sun shines in this southern part of Spain for over 300 days a year.

Programme:

Day 1: Sunday
Arrival and pick up at airport, train station or bus terminal
Welcome at the riding centre
Evening meal in local troglodyte restaurant and discussion of the week´s programme

Day 2: Monday
Day trip in the surroundings of the Sierra Nevada Natural Park and of Guadix. During this ride we will asses the riding abilities of the group and introduce them to the rigours of long distance trekking in groups.

Picnic lunch in the traditional local style
Dinner and accommodation at the riding centre

Day 3: Tuesday. Day trip towards the oriental limits of the Natural Park. Going over the “end of the world” we will then follow the bed of the Alhama river and climb up through pine forests. We will arrive at the Patio de Lugros hotel (3 stars), which is located in the heart of the Natural Park, late afternoon. Here we shall have dinner and spend the night.

Picnic lunch in the traditional local style

Day 4: Wednesday. After breakfast in the hotel, we will start climbing up the Camarate hillsides, reaching peaks of over 2000 meters in altitude. Bulls graze freely at these heights which are perfect for breeding cattle.

Picnic lunch in the traditional local style
We will return to the Patio de Lugros Hotel in the evening.

Day 5: Thursday. Today we will climb to the most occidental areas of the Natural Park and ride through its contrasting sceneries: Semi-desert plains, luscious valleys etc will take us through to the Cogollos lake, which collects the melting waters from the heights of the Sierra Nevada. After a picnic lunch, we will start the afternoon off by climbing up the old mining paths that once served the Santa Constanza mines (Copper) and the craters of the Alquife mines (Iron). We will then pass through the old Moorish village of Jerez del Marquesado and arrive at the Calahorra village with its impressive medieval castle.

Picnic lunch in the traditional local style
Accommodation and evening meal at the Hospederia del Zenete (4 stars hotel), a magnificent hotel inspired by the ancient Arab palaces of the area.

Day 6: Friday. Today we will climb the sides of the Sierra Nevada and reach altitudes of over 2400 meters, discovering the northern, and less well known, face of the mountain. We will ride along routes that were once used by bandits and contraband traffickers to get from the sea to the interior of the Granada province. Centenary trees line our unforgettable route and welcome us to the Dark Side of the mountain. On a clear day, we should be able to see both the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada and the Mediterranean sea.

Picnic lunch in the traditional local style
Return to the Hospederia del Zenete for evening meal and accommodation

Day 7: Saturday. The last day of the programme will not be monotonous. We will descend from the heights through the Zalabi valley which receives its water directly from the heights of the Sierra Nevada and still hosts ancient windmills.

Picnic lunch in the traditional local style
Arrival back at the riding centre in the evening
Accommodation and farewell meal

Day 8: Sunday. This day is for relaxing. Guests can spend the day visiting an authentic Hammam (Arab baths), relaxing in the thermal waters and have a professional massage in the traditional Moorish customs of the region. It is also possible to visit the historical and cultural side of Guadix. End of program.

The dark side of Sierra Nevada: Rate per person 1.100 Euros. Price includes:

Pick up from Granada airport, bus terminal or train station
Accommodation in log cabins, Patio de Lugros Hotel and the Hospederia del Zenete
Breakfast, picnics and evening meals
Riding
Qualified instructor
Maximum safety measures
Horses trained for all levels of riding and instruction
Insurance (except repatriation)

Available dates: