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 a welcome briefing to meet your guides and the other riders. This is the perfect opportunity to discuss the upcoming trail and the horse you have been given. Afterward, enjoy a welcoming dinner and 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 untouched beaches of Genoveses, Mónsul, and Media Luna. You'll get to know your horse on a few long, steady canters on the dirt tracks before breaking for lunch round 12:30 where you'll be met by the support vehicle. Food is provided by local restaurants and cold drinks include wine, beer, soft drinks and tinto verrano. After eating your fill, all guides, horses and riders find a shady spot for a siesta before continuing the trail. In the afternoon, you'll hit the beach, wide-open, sandy shores offer the ultimate opportunity for exhilarating gallops and canters, cooling off in the ocean breeze before the ride loops back to San José, winding through the 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 a peaceful overnight stay at the beautiful Hotel Oro y Luz. On nights when the hotel's restaurant is closed, your hosts will take you to the tradiitional whitewashed fishing village of La Isleta del Moro for dinner at a restaurant next to the sea.

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 offers a long, fast gallop on a road cut into the cliffside and offers incredible views before you return to base. Untack and wash off your horse before raising a glass with the team and saying goodbye. A final dinner at the hotel is served around 8pm.

Day 5

After enjoying a final breakfast at your hotel, check-out before 11am and take a transfer back to the airport or train station.

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 accompanied by an adult. The weight limit is 90kg. All riders take care of their horses during the trail so get the horses from the paddock, groom, tack and untack them. Help is always available and the guide will check stirrups and girths before you depart. A mounting block is provided both at the stables and at the lunch stops.

Guides & Group Size

You'll be guided by one of the team at Cabacci Trails whose local knowledge is second to none. Owner Antonio (who speaks Spanish and English) took over the business 5 years ago inspired by a passion for horses and by the fantastic riding offered in this national park. Assisted by local Spanish guide Eneas (who speaks Spanish, English, French and German) 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. Trails are often accommpanied by 'the boss' Pilar, Antonio's rescue dog.

The Horses

There are 27 horses to choose from at this destination; mostly Andalusian, Arabian and Lusitano ranching in height from 14.2hh to 16.2hh. 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 relaxed temperament and forward-going nature, most of them stay with your hosts for life and are trained using natural horsemanship techniques. They are surefooted, brave, respectful and responsive horses who enjoy the company of people and life on the trail.

Tack & Riding Equipment

The tack used is mostly French trail saddles which are similar in style to Western saddles and are extremely comfortable. There are also some good quality (Stubben) English saddles which are used. Each horse has their own saddle and bridle which are used with thick saddlepads for the horses comfort. Saddlebags are provided while on the trail so you can carry daily essentials like suncream, water, an extra layer, waterproof etc. On the first day all riders are provided with a metal resuable water bottle with built-in straw for easy drinking while riding. At the stables and at the lunch stops mineral water is provided for riders to fill up their bottles.

What’s Included

Price includes

Hotel accommodation for 4 nights
All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on departure day
Wine, beer and soft drinks with meals
Mineral water throughout the day
Luggage transfer
5 to 6 hours riding per day
Tourist taxes

Price Excludes

Airport transfers
International flights
Travel insurance

Accommodation

No items found.

You'll stay in San Jose for the first two and final night of the trail. This is a pretty whitewashed fishing town right on the beach and offers lots of bars, small shops and lovely swimming on the main beach. Dona Pakyta hotel is in the town and the Sotillo hotel is about a 10 minute walk from the town (next to the stables). On the third night, you will stay at the Oro y Luz hotel in Rodalquilar which offers comfortable suites, pretty gardens and a pool (the pool is closed from mid-October to March). All the hotels used have good Wifi, TVs, comfortable beds, aircon and provide towels and hairdryers.

During the trail, breakfast is provided at the hotels and offers a choice of bread/pastries, yogurt, eggs, bacon, tortilla, sliced meats and cheeses alongside tea and coffee. Lunch is eaten at a picturesque spot on the trail, the support vehicle meets the riders and food is provided by local restaurants and is provided hot. A sample menu could be tortilla, grilled meats, salad, rice dishes or a chickpea and fish stew. There is always a choice of 4 or 5 different items at lunch. Alongside the food riders can enjoy cold beer, red or white wine and various soft drinks. Some days you may even have the local refreshing drink of Tinto Verrano with ice! After lunch there is coffee and squares of chocolate or biscuits available.

Dinners are provided either at the hotel (3 courses with a choice of two options) or on the night in Rodaquillar when the hotel restaurant is closed at an excellent local restaurant right on the seafront. Owner's Antonio and Anna will accompany the group here. Most dietary requirements can easily be catered for with advance notice.