Ride Andalucia - Sunny Southern Spain

2024 Dates:

June 1-8
June 23-30

September 1-8 - Accompanied Trip
September 22-29
October 20-27
November 24-December 1

Duration:

8 days / 9 nights

Difficulty:

Intermediate/Advanced

An exciting circular trail through the extraordinary natural park of Cabo de Gata. Over the course of 6 days, the ride will take you along the picturesque coastline, across beautiful beaches and into the fascinating inland valleys. The scenery you will encounter is absolutely unique and surprising, offering extraordinary contrasts at every turn. Furthermore, the region's excellent climate, characterized by low rainfall and mild temperatures, allows you to enjoy this experience at any time of the year.


Horses

Spanish, Hispano-Arab, and Arabian horses, chosen for their good character and strength, trained using natural horsemanship and dressage techniques. They are sure-footed, dynamic, brave, good, respectful and sensitive horses who enjoy the company of people.


Riding

Intermediate-Advanced

Riders should be able to ride comfortably at all paces, and spend several hours in the saddle daily.

Accompanying non-riders are welcome!


Tack

Riders will ride in Spanish saddles (a bit like English saddles with slightly more security), and should be prepared for several hours in the saddle daily at all paces.


Accommodation

Exclusive hotels, integrated into the park, surrounded by nature and next to the horses, just a few minutes from San José or Rodalquilar. Hotels include swimming pool and guarantee a restful and relaxing stay.


Dining

Quality restaurants serving traditional Andalusian cuisine with a contemporary twist. Dinner on Wednesday (day 4) and lunch on Friday (day 6) in a restaurant. Breakfast and remaining dinners at hotels. Picnic lunches on the trail catered by local restaurants, served in a picturesque spot just a few meters from the horses.


Itinerary

  • Arrival at hotel in San José. At 8 p.m., welcome and briefing by guide.

    Dinner and overnight in San José.

  • The beaches of Indiana Jones. Assignment and preparation of the horses after breakfast, at 9.30 a.m., in our 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.

    Picnic at the Cortijo "El Romeral". Dinner and overnight in San José.

  • 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 in "El Cortijo del Fraile", one of the emblematic places in the park where the events that inspired Federico García to write "Blood Wedding" took place.

    Dinner and accommodation at the Oro y Luz Hotel in Rodalquilar.

  • Rodalquilar: El Playazo and Cala del Cuervo. East of Cabo de Gata. The route 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.

    Overnight at the Oro y Luz hotel.

  • Heading 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. We 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. The route leads to the original mine facilities, which were in operation between 1933 and 1986.

    Picnic at the "Cortijo Montano". Dinner and accommodation at the Oro y Luz hotel in Rodalquilar

  • Las Negras 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 of clients to the town of "Las Negras" to taste a traditional paella. Return to the hotel on the footpath or by Cabacci's car. Free afternoon.

    Lunch at beach restaurant. Dinner and accommodation at the Oro y Luz hotel, in Rodalquilar.

  • 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 hotel in San José.

  • Breakfast and check out from the hotel by 12 noon at the latest. Transfer to the airport.


Dates

2024 Dates

June 1-8
June 23-30

September 1-8 - Accompanied Trip
September 22-29
October 20-27
November 24-December 1


Rates

All-inclusive itinerary


Price Includes:

  • All accommodations

  • All meals

  • All riding activities, including tack and equipment

  • Admission to activities/sites indicated in itinerary

  • Transportation between riding locations

  • Airport transfers to/from Almeria Airport

Does not include:

  • Airfare to and from Spain

  • Travel Insurance

  • Visas

  • Gratuities and personal expenses

  • Additional excursions or activities not included in itinerary


Book Now

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