Horseback Riding in Spain

Sulayr Short Break

Overview

Ride beautiful Spanish horses along the ancient bridle paths and mountain trails traditionally linking the small whitewashed villages on this short break. Sulayr translated from Spanish means “mountain of the sun” and it is what the Arabs called the Sierra Nevada mountain range.  This unique region allows one to ride all day through unspoiled nature, meeting few if any other people. Discover the magic of this ever changing landscape with its snow capped peaks, hidden valleys, ancient waterways and high snow fed streams and rivers. During the evenings explore the steep cobbled streets of picturesque villages of Berber origin. An unforgettable experience.

Lodging is in small village hotels  providing twin bedded rooms and en-suite bath or shower rooms. Although clean and comfortable they are fairly simple (no porters, elevators or room service). Single accommodations are available at an additional charge.

Breakfast, lunch and three evening meals are included in the price of the trip. The local cuisine is excellent and much consideration is taken when planning the meals to provide visitors with a sampling of the many different dishes produced in the area. Vegetarians can be accommodated with advance notification.

  • Overview:
    The horses are pure and cross-bred Andalusians ranging in height from 15-16 hh. All the horses have been carefully selected for their intelligence, good nature and endurance and have been broken and schooled by the guide (there are no stallions used on the trek).
  • Horse Breeds:
    Andalusians and Arab cross
  • Trip Pace:
    slow to moderate with opportunities to canter
  • Tack:
    English trekking
  • Weight limit:
    165 lbs novice/low intermediate riders; 190 lbs experienced riders

Malaga - Group transfer from Malaga airport no later then 5PM on the first day

Trip Itinerary

The Sulayr Short Break offers three full day rides. The first day is in the Poqueira Valley. On the second day head east to the village of Trevelez, where you spend the night. On the third day climb high into the mountains and return to the home base in Bubion via a different route.

The rides follow ancient bridle paths and drovers routes, dating back to the Moorish occupation and before. Many of these paths have been in use for a thousand years or more, as have the terraces and irrigation channels they transverse.

Day 1

Group transfer from Malaga airport no later then 5PM to the village of Bubión where you will be met by the ride organizer and guide.  Transfers are an out of pocket expense. Those making their own way to the village should arrive no later then 8PM. 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 house the guests. Located in the heart of the village within minutes walk from the local restaurants and cafes. Dinner and accommodations in the comfortable and friendly atmosphere of the village.

Day 2

After breakfast you will be driven to the stables situated 5 kilometers from the village of Bubion at an altitude of 1.650 meters. The ride will vary slightly depending on the weather and time of year. During the morning the trail takes you along an old bridlepath through pine woods to open hillside high above the Poqueira Valley. The path winds its way passed old terraces farms, follows the acequias (ancient Moorish irrigation channels) up through the high snow-fed summer pastures to the base of the Mulhacen, at 3,486 meters the highest mountain on the Spanish mainland. Picnic lunch at 2,400 meters by a small snow fed stream.  On a clear day the views down the valley are fantastic, across the Contraviesa, the Mediterranean and even Africa. After lunch the route follows the open ridge of the Mulhacen for about an hour. The final two hours of the ride the path takes you down through the welcome shade of the pine woods to the stables. Dinner is not included tonight and an out of pocket expense, the outfitter is happy to make suggestions. Overnight at the casa again. 5 hours in the saddle

Day 3

Heading east, set off for the village of Trevelez, which at 1.476 meters, is the highest village in Spain. During the morning the old bridle paths and tracks take you through chestnut woods, orchards and terraces to the villages of Pitres and Portugos. After leading the horses through the narrow village streets mount up and ride a further hour through small terraced farms and oak woods to the picnic spot in the shade of the pine woods. Following lunch join the main forestry track leading to Trevelez. During the afternoon there are opportunities for some canters as you ride through pine and oak woods. The final descent into the village is on a narrow path and it is necessary to lead the horses for 15 minutes. Trevelez has a long tradition of animal husbandry, the cattlemen and their horses heading out to the hills are a common sight in the early morning and late evening. Overnight in the hotel La Fragua, the swimming pool is open from June to September. Dinner at a local restaurant. 5 hours in the saddle

As you are coming into the village of Trevelez there will be a 15 min walk down an old stone path. Arrive in time to freshen up before dinner and overnight at the comfortable Hotel Fragua situated in the old Berber quarter of the town. Use of the pool at the hotel June through September.

Day 4

Returning to Bubion by an alternative route that takes you high into the mountains above Trevelez. The dirt road out of the village lends to some good canters before joining the path leading into the high Sierras which climbs steeply through oak woods and open pasture lands to approximately 2,400 meters. Picnic with stunning views over the Mediterranean, the valley of Trevelez and the foothills of the Contraviesa. During the afternoon leave the open pasture lands behind and follow the path descending through pine woods to the stables.
Final evening in the village of Bubion and overnight in Casa La Sevillana.

Day 5

Breakfast and departure at the designated time.

Itinerary Addendum

This itinerary is flexible and changes may occur a the guide's discretion due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Trip Map

Trip Dates & Pricing

Departure Dates

Trip Starts
Trip Ends
Mar 2, 2024
Mar 6, 2024
Mar 23, 2024
Mar 27, 2024
Apr 24, 2024
Apr 28, 2024
Jun 1, 2024
Jun 5, 2024
Jun 26, 2024
Jun 30, 2024
Aug 10, 2024
Aug 14, 2024
Sep 14, 2024
Sep 18, 2024
Oct 12, 2024
Oct 16, 2024
Nov 2, 2024
Nov 6, 2024
Nov 23, 2024
Nov 27, 2024
Nov 30, 2024
Dec 4, 2024
Dec 14, 2024
Dec 18, 2024

Pricing & Options

  • Base Price
  • $1,110
  • Single Supplement
  • 150 Euro payable locally in Spain on arrival

  • Transportation
  • Group transfer from and to Malaga airport, cost 55 Euro one way per person, at specific times
Additional Pricing Information:
Prices are based on the dollar/euro exchange and are subject to change. Ride price is set, guaranteed, and final at the time deposit is paid.


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Contact Biggi Hayes

Epona November 2018: Super trip! Fernando and team were terrific, accommodations were great, fun riding (dressage lessons and trail rides) and extra activities, excellent food. THANKS

Susan Mercer