Andalusian Summer Trail

5 Days | From £910pp

Spain ( Best airport: Almería or Granada)

Explore the Cabo de Gata Natural Park on horseback, with its unspoilt beaches, picturesque valleys and charming fishing villages. An exciting circular trail through this extraordinary natural park. Over the course of 3 days, the ride will take you along the picturesque coastline, across beautiful beaches and into the fascinating inland valleys. The region’s excellent climate, characterised by low rainfall and mild temperatures, allows you to enjoy this experience at any time of the year. This is the perfect way to enjoy the summer in Andalusia.

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 with lots of trots and canters when the terrain allows.

There are long canters along dirt paths and deserted beaches, which alternate with stretches of volcanic trails in Cabo de Gata. You’ll be riding for around 5 to 6 horses per day.

Level of Riding and Fitness

This trail is open to intermediate riders upwards. You must be happy at walk, trot and canter in an open environment. 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 (between 2 and 6 riders) and this creates a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.

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 dinners. Vegetarians can easily be catered for.

Get a free Andalusian Summer Trail mini-brochure in PDF format.

Trail Booking Conditions

Get Trail Brochure

Gallery

Itinerary

Day 1 This is a sample itinerary as the programme is bespoke. 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 The beaches of Indiana Jones. 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. Start of the trailhead towards the beaches of Genoveses, Mónsul and Media Luna where scenes from "Indiana Jones", "Lawrence of Arabia" and "For a Fistful of Dollars" were filmed. These beaches offer the opportunity to gallop and feel that wonderful sense of freedom. After a picnic lunch, riders return to San José through the Tesorillo Valley.

Day 3 Today's destination is Rodalquilar, to 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", where the famous scenes of "For a Fistful of Dollars" and "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" were filmed. Picnic while on the trail for lunch with dinner and accommodation at Oro y Luz hotel in Rodalquilar.

Day 4 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.

Day 5 Breakfast and check out from the hotel by 12 noon at the latest.