Andalusian Getaway

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.

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. 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 hours per day.

Ride the beaches of Cabo de Gata, Spain's least developed coast, where Indiana Jones, Lawrence of Arabia and more were all filmed
Long canters across volcanic landscapes, lunar craters and pristine beaches with up to 5-6 hours in the saddle per day
Tiny groups of 2-6 riders, guided by a team with 30 years of local knowledge in this extraordinary national park
Beautiful Andalusian, Arabian and Hispano Arab horses raised using natural horsemanship
Charming boutique hotels nestled inside the national park, with traditional Andalusian dinners

Any Questions about this trail?

WhatsApp Us

No items found.

Day 1

Your journey begins with a collection from Almeria airport (transfers also available form Malaga), followed by a brief thirty-minute transfer to the coastal town of San José. At 8:00 PM, you will gather at the hotel for an evening welcome briefing to meet your guides. This is the perfect opportunity to discuss the trail routes, safety protocols, and horse matchmaking to ensure you are paired with the perfect equine partner for your riding style. Afterward, enjoy a welcoming dinner and a restful overnight stay at either the Hotel Sotillo or Hotel Doña Pakyta.

Day 2

After breakfast, you will head to the San José stables at 9:30 AM to meet your horse. Following a brief introduction to the tack and a quick safety briefing, you will mount up and set off toward the breathtaking, untouched beaches of Genoveses, Mónsul, and Media Luna. These wide-open, sandy shores offer the ultimate opportunity for exhilarating gallops and canters, cooling off in the ocean breeze. After a relaxing trailside picnic lunch, the ride loops back to San José, winding through the quiet, sweeping paths of the Tesorillo Valley to cool down the horses.

Day 3

Today’s ride takes you north toward Rodalquilar, guiding the horses through the rugged, dramatic landscapes of the Sierra de Gata. You will experience the incredible sure-footedness of the horses as they navigate ancient volcanic craters and striking lunar-like valleys. The trail leads through the peaceful desert hamlet of Los Albaricoques, allowing you to enjoy the serene rhythm of the ride far from the modern world. You will recharge with a picnic lunch right on the trail before completing the day’s ride into Rodalquilar, ending with dinner and a peaceful overnight stay at the beautiful Hotel Oro y Luz.

Day 4

The return route to San José winds along the dramatic coastline, offering spectacular elevated views of the Mediterranean. This day offers a dynamic mix of terrain as you guide your horse along narrow cliffside tracks, past historic eighteenth-century watchtowers, and through a lush, hidden palm oasis. The group will stop for a scenic beachside picnic at Los Escullos next to the historic San Felipe fort. The final leg of the ride brings you back to the stables in San José for a final groom and a heartfelt goodbye to your trusty horse.

Day 5

After enjoying a final breakfast at your hotel, check-out is by 12:00 PM, bringing a memorable week of beach riding to a close.

‍

Mini-brochure PDF

Download PDF

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

know before you go

Level of Riding & 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.

A small group on horseback riding through a stunning, hilly Andalusian landscape

Guides & 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 between 2 and 8 riders and this creates a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.

A group of horse riders throwing their hands into the air in celebration during

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.

Two saddled horses standing ready on a cliff with water views

Tack & 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.

Two people on horseback riding through the warm sea on a sunny summer day during a Cabo de Gata horse riding vacation.

What’s Included

Price includes

Hotel accommodation for 4 nights
All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on departure day
Luggage transfer
5 to 6 hours riding per day
Tourist taxes

Price Excludes

Drinks other than water with meals
Airport transfers
International flights

A happy traveler on horseback waving at the camera while riding on the beach

Accommodation

No items found.

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.