4-Day Horse Riding Adventure in the Sierra Nevada, Spain

What to Expect

If you fancy escaping into rugged mountains, breathing crisp air, riding Andalusian horses through pine forests and ancient mule‑tracks, and staying somewhere peaceful yet full of character, this holiday is just the ticket. You don’t have to be an expert rider the trek welcomes beginners as well as more seasoned horseback enthusiasts.

You’ll be riding around 4‑8 hours on two full days of trek, with a chance to stretch your legs (both yours and the horse’s) on trails that vary from forest‑scrub, oak, chestnut and walnut trees, high pastures and riverside gorges. Expect rustic comfort: small mountain guesthouses / farmhouses, a night in a remote mountain cottage, hearty Andalusian meals, friendly local hosts, and guides who know the land inside out.

It won’t be a luxury spa retreat (though the countryside itself is soothing!), but it will be fulfilling, real, beautiful, and uplifting.

Book here with Tripaneer.com (4 out 5 stars on Trustpilot)

Itinerary of Activities

Here’s how the four days typically unfold:

Day 1 – Arrival & Settling Into Lanjón

You arrive (usually via Malaga or Granada), make your way to Lanjón (a spa town tucked into the Alpujarras foothills). Spend your first night in a guesthouse or farmhouse up in the mountains. Time to relax, meet the hosts, have dinner prepared locally, maybe stretch with views of the hills.

Day 2 – First Trek Through Forests & Meadows

After breakfast, you’ll meet the horses and guide. The day’s ride takes you up logging tracks into pine forest, through oak scrub, up to high pastures. Trail may include ridgelines with superb vistas, picnic lunch among trees, and slower moments to take in the soundscape of wind, birds, and hooves.

Day 3 – Gorge, Waterfalls, Valleys

Another full riding day. You’ll follow river‑gorges, old cobbled mule tracks, chestnut forests to waterfalls (El Tello), mountain flats and meadows. A faster pace opportunity often after lunch. Then descent back toward the ranch or cottage. Evening spent in remote setting with local dinner.

Day 4 – Farewell Ride & Departure

Final breakfast, a shorter ride or stretch to soak up last moments in mountain air, then pack, say farewells, and transfer back to the airport (Granada or Malaga). Depart with a saddle‑sore grin and head full of scenery.

Meals included are breakfasts, dinners, and picnic lunches on riding days. Accommodation is simple but comfortable, authentically Andalusian and full of charm.

Reviews with Examples from Other Holiday Makers

To give you a flavour of what people say:

Full review here

Tricia Scott from Great Britain said: “It ticked all the boxes. I came back yesterday. I loved, loved, loved it. It was my first solo horse riding holiday. The mountain views were absolutely amazing. The hospitality exceeded my expectations. My accommodation was comfortable and clean. My horse Blossom was the perfect match for me.”

Emily Bolitho from Great Britain reported: “Wonderful experience riding in the Sierra Nevada. Our guide Judith was absolutely brilliant. We couldn’t have asked for anyone better to introduce us to the beautiful landscape on such great horses. She was lovely company, so helpful and really ensured we had the best time. We loved the different trails we went on each day and we stopped for lunch in glorious settings.”

Penny Truscot (UK) said: “Amazing experience all great throughout. Everything Organisation, Value for money, Accommodation, Food, My Horse Molly and the rides.”

Zoe Bell (UK) reflected: “Simply amazing! 100% recommend, I do hope to find myself back in the future! As a solo traveller I always felt comfortable and safe. Everyone was so lovely and easy to get along with! The accommodation was beautiful… The guides were super… The horses were beautiful, well presented and well up for the task of taking us around the mountains. Can’t say enough about the scenery it’s breathtaking!”

Why I Would Recommend This Holiday

Because it offers just the right blend of challenge and calm, adventure and peace. It’s short enough to slot into a long weekend, yet substantial enough that you feel you’ve genuinely got away from it all.

You ride through landscapes that surprise you high mountain meadows, impressive gorges, shady forests, old mule‑paths. You’ll feel alive in the saddle, breathing fresh air, seeing views that stay with you. At the same time, there’s comfort: warm beds, hearty food, good company, kind hosts.
If you love horses, nature, quiet villages, and a bit of rustic magic (not glitz), this is ideal. Plus, doing it in southern Spain means good weather for much of the year, delicious food, local culture, and that sense of being somewhere timeless.

In short: it’s not just a riding holiday. It’s an experience equine, scenic, cultural that lifts you out of everyday life for a few days, and leaves you richer for it.

Book here with Tripaneer.com (4 out 5 stars on Trustpilot)