Spain - Alpujarras Trail

Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.

Review received from PL of LEWES on 09/05/2023

5 Night Itinerary:

DAY 1
CAPILEIRA: Welcome and introduction by the guide. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel Finca Los Llanos*** (or similar) in Capileira.

DAY 2
BUBIÓN – TREVÉLEZ: Drive to the riding centre in Bubión (2 Km away from Capileira). Introduction of the horses. The trail starts by climbing up the GR7 path through the Blood Ravine with views of the villages of the Poqueira Valley. Descend to the village of Pórtugos. Riding along bridle paths, climb again through Oak woods to the track that leads us to Trevélez with views of the villages of La Taha Valley. Picnic en route. During the ride there are some opportunities for gallops and a magnificent panoramic view of the Sierra Contraviesa and Lújar opposite. Descend to Trevélez by a bridle path to arrive in time for a drink with tapas. Famous for its hams, Trevelez is considered the highest village in Spain at an altitude of 1,700m. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel La Fragua ** (or similar). A five hours ride.

DAY 3
TREVÉLEZ – JUVILES - LOS BÉRCHULES.: After crossing the bridge over the river, start the route on a bridle path that climbs the left slope of the ravine, leaving behind the village from which it takes its name. After a gallop, descend along a gentler path to Juviles for lunch. Once again, enjoy the beauty of the Sierra Contraviesa and Sierra Gádor. On a clear day there is a view of the Mediterranean Sea and the silhouette of the mountains of Africa in front of us. The journey continues on horseback to Los Berchules by a bridle path. Dinner and accommodation at a comfortable, family-run hotel - El Cercado*** (or similar). Option for free access to the spa. Five hours riding.

DAY 4
LOS BÉRCHULES - CÁDIAR: From Los Bérchules, descend to Narila to water the horses and visit a breeding farm of P.R.E. (Spanish Pure Breed) horses. The ride passes through Cádiar village and finishes at the beautiful hotel Alquería de Morayma**, where the group will enjoy lunch. Three and a half hours riding. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

DAY 5
CÁDIAR - BUBIÓN: Crossing the Guadalfeo river, join the path that will leads to Lobras, Nieles and Càstaras. Continue until reaching the impressive gorge of Las Carihuelas de Busquístar. Descend to cross the Trevélez river and the path which leads to the village of Busquístar for lunch. After lunch, two more hours riding to Bubión. A six-hour ride in total. Farewell dinner in a local restaurant and accommodation at the hotel Finca Los Llanos*** (or similar) in Capileira.

DAY 6
After breakfast, transfer to the airport of Granada.

4 night itinerary:

DAY 1
CAPILEIRA: Welcoming and introduction by the guide. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel Finca Los Llanos*** in Capileira.

DAY 2
BUBIÓN - POQUEIRA VALLEY - BUBIÓN: After breakfast, introduction of the horses and departure for a morning ride enjoying the beautiful panorama of the Poqueira Valley. Back to Bubión for lunch. Free afternoon for sightseeing in the villages of the Poqueira Valley. Dinner at a local restaurant and accommodation at the hotel Finca Los Llanos*** (or similar) in Capileira. Four hours on horseback.

DAY 3
BUBIÓN – TREVÉLEZ: After breakfast, walk to the riding centre. Start by climbing up along bridle paths with views of the villages of the Poqueira through the Blood Ravine with views now of the villages of La Taha Valleys and Portugos. Continue along a bridle path through a forest of Holm Oaks to the track that leads us to Trevelez. Picnic en route. During the ride there are some opportunities for gallops and a magnificent panoramic view of the Sierra Contraviesa and Lújar opposite. Descend to Trevélez by a bridle path in time for a drink and tapas. Trevélez, famous for its hams, is considered the highest village in Spain at an altitude of 1,700m. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel La Fragua ** (or similar). A five-hour ride.

DAY 4
TREVÉLEZ - BUBIÓN: Start by climbing up along a bridle path with views of the village of Trevelez, to the track to the Bina Ravine and the Sulayr path that climbs through Oak woods to the top of the Loma del Jabalí. Be rewarded with stunning views of the Trevélez and Guadalfeo valleys. Ride to Las Alcubillas for a picnic. At an altitude of 2240m, this is the highest point of the itinerary for this journey and boasts magnificent panoramic vistas of the foothills of the Sierra Contraviesa and Lújar. On a clear day one can see across the Mediterranean to Africa. Follow a bridle path descending through Pine woods with views of the villages of the Poqueira Valley on the way to Bubion. Farewell dinner and accommodation at the hotel Finca Los Llanos*** (or similar) in Capileira. A five hour ride.

DAY 5.  
After breakfast, transfer to Granada airport at pre-arranged time.

Please note:
The hotels named in these itineraries are subject to change without notice for one of similar standard.
There may be the need to amend the 5 night itinerary if less than 4 riders are booked. The number of riding days will remain the same, with a slight adjustment to the final day.

Please follow this link for a map of this itinerary: Spain, Alpujarras Trail

Single Supplement: Please note that if you are prepared to share, and we cannot find you a sharer, the single supplement is reduced by 25%.

Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

The Spanish Cross horses are fit and strong and extremely sure footed in the rocky terrain. There is a range of tack utilised, from English saddles to Spanish and Western saddles. The bridles are English with a Spanish influence.

Riders should be confident at walk, trot and canter.

The weight limit for this ride is 198 lb/90 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

Accommodation is in 2 and 3 star small, family run hotels along the way. The food is delicious and traditional of the region.

Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip.

NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures

Passport and Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country.

Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa.

In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain

In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html

In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/spain

Spring and autumn is generally a good time to visit and the days are sunny and warm (25 Celsius). In the summer it can be very hot with temperatures exceeding 30 Celsius on a regular basis.

COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.

You should always bring any regular prescription drugs you may need with you.

Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Spain and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.

In Spain the supply voltage is 230V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 230V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly

Good quality film is widely available for purchase as well as batteries (normal, alkaline and lithium).

- Riding Helmet - we strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard which is PAS015 or BSEN1384 (one can be provided)
- Gloves
- Jodhpurs - jodhpurs, breeches or other comfortable trousers (jeans may rub and can also be quite hot)
- Riding Boots - it is important to have correct shoes or boots for horse riding. Jodhpur or ankle boots with a rubber sole are recommended but sturdy shoes with a definite heel are acceptable (such as walking boots)
- Half Chaps - these are great when worn with ankle boots and help prevent the stirrup leathers rubbing against your legs
- T-shirts
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Fleece - Although the weather is generally very warm, the evenings can be a bit cooler
- Warm layers - At times the evening temperature drops significantly
- Casual Clothes - for when out of the saddle
- Raincoat - it is always a wise idea to pack a light waterproof/ windproof jacket and also light waterproof trousers in the winter!
- Sunhat
- Swimwear
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Personal Items - toiletries, any medicines you require and please be sure to take insect repellent
- Refillable Water Bottle - it's very important to drink a lot of water when it's hot, especially when doing physical activities
- Camera and Spare Batteries/Charger - an absolute must! It is also a good idea to take a camera case you can strap around your waist or onto a belt for whilst you are riding
- A copy of your passport

Provided by hosts:
- Limited helmets are available at the stables if you do not have your own

These rides are either 6 days/5 nights/4 days riding or 5 days/4 nights/3 days riding Trails can also be tailormade for 4 or more people.

2024 5 Nights: 13 - 18 (Full) Apr, 20 - 25 Apr; 19 - 24 Oct
2024 4 Nights; 22- 26 June; 14 - 19 Sep

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• SEK

• ‘The New Spaniards’ –John Hooper,


• ‘Driving over Lemons’- Chris Stewart,


• ‘The Story of Spain’- Mark Williams,


• ‘South from Granada’ – Gerald Brenan,


• ‘For Whom The Bell Tolls’ – Ernest Hemmingway,


• ‘As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning’- Laurie Lee 


• ‘Don Quijote de la Mancha’ – Miguel de Cervantes.


• For the equestrian traveller who would like to see what is possible on horseback visit www.thelongridersguild.com also a fantastic place to acquire your equestrian travel books is www.horsetravelbooks.com

Their main activity is horse-riding but they can also tailor-make trips for 4 or more people, including mixed programmes in jeeps and on horseback, picnics and visits to the most interesting places in the area such as museums, artisans’ workshops, wine bodegas and serrano ham curing establishments.

The Alpujarras are located to the south of the Sierra Nevada massif, in a Natural Park and with views over the Mediterranean. With their dramatic scenery and wild flora and fauna, they were declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1986. The village of Bubión, the starting point for the treks, is 1,300 metres above sea-level, in the Poqueira Valley.

Spain is a beautiful and diverse country, the second largest in Europe. The official language is Castilian Spanish but Catalan, Galician and Basque are also spoken. Territory includes two island archipelagos – the Balearics and the Canaries – and two enclaves on the North African coast, bordering Morocco – Ceuta and Melilla. The African influence can be found throughout Spain but especially in the south, for example the guitar was invented by the Spanish when they added a sixth string to the Arab lute. Music and art permeates Spanish culture, most obviously displayed in the fire and passion of the Flamenco and the stunning modern architecture found in the cities.

The famous siesta is still enjoyed by the majority of Spaniards, most shops close at lunchtime for two or three hours so everyone can escape the often scorching afternoon sun. Evening meals are served late into the evening with plenty of wine or sangria. Often meals can last two or three hours, especially if your host is serving Tapas, small and varied dishes of meats, bread, vegetables. Paella is also a delight and very popular across the country.

Spain is one hour ahead of GMT and they use the metric weights and measures system, so kilometres and kilograms instead of miles and pounds. There is approximately 1.6 kilometres in a mile and 2.2 pounds in a kilogram. The international dialling code for Spain is +34.