Andalusian Beach Trail – 7 nights

8 Days | From £1360pp

Spain ( Best airport: Almería)

A 7 night version of our popular Andalusian Beach Trail, includes 6 days of riding through the unspoilt landscapes of the Cabo de Gata Natural Park, with its open beaches and volcanic mountain paths. The ride will take you along the picturesque coastline, across beautiful beaches and into the fascinating inland valleys. The scenery you will encounter is unlike anything else in Andalusia. The region’s excellent climate, characterised by low rainfall and mild temperatures, allows you to enjoy this experience at any time of the year but is aprticuarly lovely in the spring and autumn. Hotel accommodation with swimming pools and restaurant dinners completes the experience.

The Riding

You’ll be riding through the natural park of the Cabo de Gata, known for being Spain’s least developed coast and Europe’s only desert landscape with little rainfall and magnificent beaches dotted all along this trail. The pace is walk, lots of trots, and canters and gallops where the terrain allows. There are long gallops along dirt paths and deserted beaches, which alternate with stretches of volcanic trails in Cabo de Gata. This trail is suitable for intermediate and experienced riders only.

At times the pace on the beach is fast and exhilarating, but in between the faster sections the pace is walking and you can relax and enjoy your surroundings.

Level of Riding and Fitness

This trail is open to intermediate riders upwards and the riding time is around 5 to 6 hours a day, split up by a long lunch break. This trail is not suitable for beginner or novice riders and all riding guests should be confident and able to control a well schooled horse in the open at canter. The minimum age limit is 12, and under 16s must be accompannied by an adult. The weight limit is 90kg.

Guides and Group Size

You’ll be guided by one of the team at Cabacci Trails whose local knowledge is second to none. Owners Antonio and Manolo have over thirty years of organising horse riding holidays in this unspoilt area of Andalusia. Assisted by guides Pilar and Desi they are able to lead you to really spectacular places. Groups are kept small and this creates a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. The maximum group size is eight.

Any questions?

The Horses

There are around 20 horses to choose from at this destination; mostly Andalusian, Arabian and Hispano Arab. They live in the open air in comfortable paddocks and when not on the trail, they live together in a herd and are free to roam. Chosen for their good character and strength, most of them stay with your hosts for life and are trained using natural horsemanship techniques. They are sure-footed, brave, respectful and sensitive horses who enjoy the company of people.

Tack and Riding Equipment

The tack and riding style is English. Saddlebags are provided while on the trail so you can carry daily essentials like suncream, water etc.

Accommodation and Dining

The two hotels used on this trail (Sotillo hotel or Dona Pakyta in San Jose and Oro y Luz hotel in Rodalquilar) are integrated into the national park and are surrounded by nature and next to the horses, just a few minutes from San José or Rodalquilar. Both the hotels have swimming pools and guarantee a restful and relaxing stay. Quality restaurants serving traditional Andalusian cuisine are chosen for diners and lunches are picnics on the trail, the team set up a beautiful fully laid table out in the park for lunch (the food is provided by local restaurants where you can leave the horses grazing nearby.) Vegetarians can easily be catered for.

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Gallery

Itinerary

Day 1 Collection from Almeria airport at 5pm and transfer to the hotel in San Jose (transfer time approx. 30 minutes). There will be a welcome briefing at the hotel at 8pm where you can meet the guides and ask any questions. Dinner and overnight at the hotel) either Sotillo hotel or Dona Pakyta).

Day 2 You’ll be transferred to meet the horses after breakfast, at 9.30 a.m., in the stables in San José (5 minutes walk from the Sotillo hotel, 5 minutes drive from Pakyta hotel).   Brief explanation about equipment and safety before starting the trail and heading towards the beaches of Genoveses, Mónsul and Media Luna where scenes from "Indiana Jones", "Lawrence of Arabia" were filmed. These beaches offer the opportunity to gallop on the open sands. After a picnic lunch, riders return to San José through the Tesorillo Valley stopping for a picnic at the Cortijo "El Romeral". Dinner and overnight at Sotillo hotel (or Doña Pakyta hotel) in San José.

Day 3 Today's destination is Rodalquilar, in the north. The route crosses Sierra de Gata and its lunar landscapes with craters of ancient volcanoes, stopping at the small town of "Los Albaricoques", Enjoy a picnic in "El Cortijo del Fraile", before riding on to the Oro y Luz hotel in Rodalquilar for dinner and overnight.

Day 4 The route today climbs up to La Torre de los Lobos, from where, depending on the time of year, you can enjoy panoramic views of the park and the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada. Picnic by the seaside at Cala del Cuervo. From there, after passing through a palm tree oasis, you will reach the famous beach of El Playazo, popular since Roman times and a passageway for pirates. Return to Rodalquilar. Dinner at a local restaurant on the beach to enjoy a special menu of grilled fish.

Day 5 Today, head north-west along the old gold mine route, you will pass through small ravines that were once the only link between the mountain farms and the sea. You'll cross the crater of the volcano that now forms the Rodalquilar valley, passing a series of mineral walls that still preserve some traces of gold. Picnic at the "Cortijo Montano" for lunch and dinner and accommodation at the Oro y Luz hotel in Rodalquilar

Day 6 From Rodalquilar to El Cerro Negro, in the bay of Las Negras, an impressive volcanic rock formation, in Cabo de Gata's geologic past. You will pass through orchards irrigated by the fresh water from the streams of the Rambla de las Agüillas, which collect in small ponds near the sea. Arrival in Rodalquilar at noon and transfer to the town of "Las Negras" to taste a traditional paella. Return to the hotel on the footpath or by car. Free afternoon. Lunch at beach restaurant. Dinner and accommodation at the Oro y Luz hotel, in Rodalquilar.

Day 7 Rodalquilar - Isleta del Moro - San José Back to San José, the route serpentines the coast lined with 18th century watchtowers, magnificent views and a palm oasis. Watchtowers were used to monitor the coast in case of pirate attacks. Picnic on the beach of Los Escullos, next to San Felipe fort. Picnic lunch on the beach of Los Escullos. Dinner and overnight at Sotillo hotel (or Doña Pakyta hotel) in San José.

Day 8 Breakfast and check out from the hotel by 11am. Breakfast at Sotillo hotel (or Doña Pakyta), in San José before being transferred back to the airport or bus station in Almeria.