Forest and Beach Trail

8 Days  |  From £1195pp

Spain ( Best airport: Malaga)

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Head to the Costa De La Luz in South Western Spain for superb horse-riding on golden beaches and sandy tracks through unspoilt forests. An ideal introduction to riding holidays, with morning rides followed by lengthy tapas lunches with time left to spend swimming or wandering around the local area, before going out for dinner in the evening. With a fantastic warm and sunny climate this stretch of Atlantic coast offers a real treat for horse riders. A warm welcome, fun atmosphere, well schooled horses and fabulous riding complete this fantastic week.

Looking for a shorter getaway? Take a look at the Cadiz Coastal Trail.

The Riding

You’ll be riding through the natural park of Barbate, known for its spectacular cliffs, beautiful woods of umbrella pines and the marshes of the Barbate river. The park offers stunning views towards the African coastline and is home to teeming colonies of herring gulls and egrets. Considered one of the most diverse and best-preserved parts of the Andalusian coast, these trails provide superb off-road riding opportunities for intermediate and experienced riders.

Your host farm borders the Barbate nature reserve so they have direct access to the fantastic riding. Over the five days you’ll cross shady forests on twisted sandy tracks and spend unforgettable days on the beach. 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. You’ll ride for around 4 hours a day or 3 hours a day during the hottest time of the year.

Level of Riding and Fitness

This trail is an ideal introduction to riding holidays as the riding is around 3 hours a day and you will have afternoons free to spend time swimming at the beach or exploring the local area.
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 out of doors at canter.

There is no minimum age limit, however there are no ponies available so riders need to be able to control a small horse in open space. The weight limit is 83kg.

Guides and Group Size

You’ll be guided by Caroline and Steve whose local knowledge is second to none. With over twenty years of organising horse riding holidays in the area they are able to lead you to really spectacular places. Groups are kept small and this creates a welcoming and friendly atmosphere and the maximum group size is six.

Any questions?

Contact us now on WhatsApp with any queries you have about this trail.

The Horses

There are 12 horses to choose from at this destination; two Andalusian geldings and ten Hispano Arab / Anglo Arab geldings and mares. All are originally trained Spanish vaquera but have been retrained by your hosts to be ridden English style. The horses are very well looked after here and are responsive and well-schooled. The tack and riding style is English.

Cadiz Coastal Trail - Horse Riding Holidays Spain

Accommodation and Dining

You’ll be staying at the beachfront Adiafa Hotel located only 50 metres from the sea. The hotel is family run, friendly and welcoming. All the bedrooms are spacious twin rooms with on-suite bathroom and air-conditioning, some have a large balcony and sea view which can be booked for a supplement (recommended). The hotel has a free wi-fi connection and some English language TV channels.

This holiday is also a great opportunity to sample some of the excellent Andalusian tapas. Relaxed lunches take place each day in traditional tapas bars and dinners are in hand-picked restaurants in the local town of Barbate. All meals are typical Andaluz fare with superb meat and fish dishes being served. Vegetarians can easily be catered for.

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Itinerary

Day 1 Collection from Malaga airport at 14:30 and transfer to the local town of Barbate. Dinner in the evening at a traditional restaurant where you can meet your fellow riders and discuss the upcoming trail.
Day 2 Today you’ll meet the horses and be matched with a suitable mount before heading out on your first forest ride. Today's ride leads through the beautiful pine forest to the 17th century Mecca tower overlooking cape Trafalgar. The route allows you to get to know your horse, with a faster pace being introduced once everyone is confident and acquainted with their horses.
Day 3 After breakfast at the hotel it’s time to head to the beach for your first beach ride. The route leads through the pine forest to the beach ‘Hierbabuena’. There will be plenty of opportunities to canter, with a memorable beach gallop.
Day 4 Today's route takes you to the cliffs overlooking Barbate. The ride has superb views of the surrounding mountains and North Africa. The ride follows roller coasters of sand and allows plenty of opportunity to canter and gallop.
Day 5 A day free from riding. There is an optional excursion to Jerez to visit the Royal Spanish riding school, or you can spend a leisurely day in Barbate (lunch not included today).
Day 6 Today you will head to the scene of the famous sea battle where Lord Nelson lost his life at Cape Trafalgar. You’ll follow the coast to El Palmar, spending most of the ride on the beach enjoying canters and gallops.
Day 7 For your last ride you will head to the beach to enjoy the fast paces that the sand allows for. The route joins the cliffs leading to Caños de Meca. Take in the views one last time, before heading back to your hotel to relax before a farewell dinner.
Day 8 A final breakfast at the hotel before transferring back to Malaga airport for your return flight.

Forest and Beach Trail

8 days / 7 nights / 5 riding days
£1195pp

The dates shown are suggested dates. The trail runs every Sunday from Feb-Nov.

Balcony supplement: £80 (for a balcony room with sea view)

Single room supplement
Low season 4 Feb – 21 Apr / 29 Sept – 24 Nov 2024: £120
Mid season 28 Apr – 9 Jun / 1 Sept – 22 Sept 2024: £160
High season 16 Jun – 7 Jul 2024: £220
Peak season 14 July – 25 Aug 2024: £360

Flights & Airport transfers

Do not book flights until you have received the Booking confirmation email from saddletravel.com.

Please plan your flights to/from as follows:

Please arrive at Malaga on the first day of your holiday in time to meet the transfer at 2:30pm.

On the final day, drop off at Malaga airport is at 10am, your return flight should depart no earlier than 12:00.

Price Includes
  • 7 nights accommodation in shared room
  • Lunches except on free day
  • Dinners
  • 5 days of riding as per itinerary
  • Airport transfers at set times
Price Excludes
  • Flights
  • Airport transfers outside of set times
  • Breakfasts
  • Lunch on free day
  • Drinks with meals