Spain, Almeria - Cabo de Gata
You've probably seen Andalusia's largest nature reserve, Cabo de Gata without knowing it. It has been featured as America's Wild West, the exotic Arabia and the desert covered North Africa in a large number of movies. So it is difficult to find a better location for a trail ride.
Antonio, the owner of the ranch, is a born horseman and a true "horse man". With his ability to communicate with both horses and people, he guarantees the well-being of the horses and the comfort and safety of the riders during the routes and rides. Antonio and his team will make sure riders and horses are in good hands!.
You can choose between two trail rides. On both trails you will stay at least two nights in a cozy hotel in San Jose. It is close to both the beach and the horses' pastures.
If you choose Cabo de Gata star ride, you will stay all nights at the hotel San Jose and ride half dayrides in different directions. If you are a beginner, you can get lessons and learn to ride and at the end of the week you can safely trot outdoors.
On Cabo de Gata beachride you stay the two first and last night at *** / **** hotel in San Jose and four nights in Rodalquilar.
If you want to experience the genuine Spanish coast outside the tourist route, you should go here!
Accommodation & Food
The riding is based near the Natural Park of Cabo de Gata.
For Cabo de Gata Star ride you stay at a hotel situated in the village of San José on the edge of the Caba de Gata national park. The hotel is ideally located close to the beach and within easy walking distance to the horses. The hotel is clean, fresh and modern with nice views out toward the national park and the Sierra Nevada beyond. Each room offers an independent entrance, private patio and en-suite bathroom. The restaurant on site invites you to enjoy delicious gourmet meals in a calm and peaceful environment. The food here is typical Spanish with plenty of fresh vegetables and fish. In the hotel restaurant they cook with many organic ingredients.
On Cabo da Gata Trail Ride you stay the two first and the last night in San Jose and rest of the nights in a hotel i Rodalquilar. Hotels include swimming pool and guarantee a restful and relaxing stay.
Horses
Horses - Spanish, Hispano-Arab, and Arabian - live in the open air in comfortable paddocks and in times of rest, they are together in a field and free to roam.
Chosen for their good character and strength, we train them using "natural" dressage techniques. They are sure-footed, dynamic, and good, horses who enjoy the company of people.
Tack type: Saddles
Most of the saddles are trail saddles inspired by the legendary Mac Clellan saddles. Lightweight and easy to fit, these leather saddles distribute the rider's weight efficiently. They include front and rear brass grips for attaching the breastplate and saddle bags. The V-girth system ensures a stable hold and a larger contact area when working the horse. The leather-covered fibreglass stirrups complete this functional saddle. The size is the same as the English 18'.
Leather English saddles are also available for those who prefer them. And for the western enthusiast we have a Villa Cook Reining and a Working Ranch Rawhide.
Program - Cabo de Gata beachride
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, characterised by low rainfall and mild temperatures, allows you to enjoy this experience at any time of the year.
Get ready to live an unforgettable adventure in a beautiful natural environment!
7 nights, 6 days riding, 5-6 hours per day.
Preliminary day-by-day program
Day 1. Arrival. You will meet your guide and horses and learn about the route you will undertake over the next few days. Dinner and overnight in the hotel el Sotillo or Dña Pakita http://www.playasycortijos.com/hotel-cortijo-el-sotillo/
Day. 2. SAN JOSÉ - MÓNSUL - 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.
Day 3. SAN JOSÉ - RODALQUILAR
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.
Night at the Hotel www.oroyluz.com or similar.
Day 4. RODALQUILAR - EL PLAYAZO - 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.¨ Night at the Hotel www.oroyluz.com or similar
Day 5. RODALQUILAR - GOLD MINE - RODALQUILAR
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.
Dinner and night in a hotel www.oroyluz.com
Day 6. RODALQUILAR- LAS NEGRAS -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. Night at the hotel www.oroyluz.com
Day 7. RODALQUILAR -LA 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. Dinner and overnight at Sotillo hotel (or Doña Pakyta hotel) in San José.
Day 8. Breakfast and departure.
Program - Cabo de Gata Star Ride
This is the programme for riders looking to explore the Natural Park of Cabo de Gata-Nijar with a knowledgeable guide and excellent horses. The park features virgin beaches, valleys and small fishing villages - all of which you can experience whilst staying in the same comfortable accommodation each night in San Jose. 5 half days riding (ca 3 hours/day).
If you are a total beginner or have little experience and would like to have more confidence in the saddle you can instead learn to ride. By the end of the programme you should be happily walking and trotting in open countryside, having learnt good riding techniques from Manolo. He has great horses for beginners and years of experience in giving riders confidence.
The Beginners Programme combines riding lessons with trails in the beautiful Spanish countryside and can be done at your own pace
6 nights B&B, 5 half days riding (ca 3 hours/day)
PRELIMINARY DAY-BY-DAY PROGRAM
Below is an example of day program. If you are a beginner you will get lessons instead and in the end of the week you should be happily walking and trotting in open countryside
DAY 1. ARRIVAL
Arrival at accommodation, short briefing with the team at 8pm
DAY 2. GENOVESES BEACH
After a short explanation about our tack and security, we saddle up our horses and are ready to ride to the famous Genoveses beach. The white sand dunes, used in many movies, can be identified by the mere sight of the beach: Indiana Jones, Lawrence of Arabia… This is undoubtedly one of the last unspoiled beaches in the Mediterranean.
DAY 3. THE CLIFFS OF LOS ESCULLOS: THE PIRATE TRAIL
Traveling on horseback along the cliffs of the Cabo de Gata Natural Park offers us the most spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea in its best-preserved area. The trail passes through an ancient itinerary that served as a connection between the castles and watch towers. Indeed, during the 18th century, there were coast guards to prevent and protect in the event of a pirate invasion.
DAY 4. THE VOLCANOES VALLEY
To the north of the park, the Sierra de Gata mountains have preserved the boilers of ancient volcanoes, creating a lunar-like landscape. They were active 15 to 16 million years ago. We can observe the remains of fodder plantations and some rain crops. Cabo de Gata is an arid area, and its people went a step ahead by using this huge volcanic cone to collect the rainwater, which satisfied the crops located at the bottom.
We will ride our horses on the hills of the volcanoes, and we will gallop along the paths that lead to the water of the rare rains from the summit to the sea.
DAY 5. THE ANDALUSIAN “CORTIJOS”
As we make our way into the Cabo de Gata Natural Park, we pass some typical Andalusian constructions: the famous “cortijos “, some of Arabian origin.
These are isolated houses where the families who worked in the fields lived, some of which became “small white”, self-sufficient towns with rainwater harvesting systems (“aljibes”), rudimentary installations for the cultivation of cereals (“eras”) and windmills to make flour. We will take a tour of some of them to learn more about the history of Andalusia.
DAY 6. MONSÚL BEACH
Mónsul is a 400 metre long beach surrounded by rock formations of volcanic origin on its sides and a huge dune of fine sand at the back. There is a large rock in the middle of the beach that has become the emblem of the beach and the natural park: “La Peineta de Mónsul”. La Peineta is shaped like a giant wave that seems to want to return to the sea. Steven Spielberg decided to use this beach and other locations in Almeria to film Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade, starring Harrison Ford and Sean Connery.
DAY 7. DEPARTURE
After breakfast, you will be transferred back to the airport, bus terminal or train station in Almeria.
Program - Cabo de Gata - Short Week
5 days – 4 nights – 3 riding days
Join us for a wonderful long weekend in Cabo de Gata in Andalusia, one of Spain’s most spectacular and unspoilt natural areas. Here you will discover a fantastic combination of dramatic volcanic landscapes, desert-like valleys, small fishing villages and beautiful, almost untouched beaches.
During three days on horseback, you will ride along the coast and through the fascinating landscapes of the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park. The days include long rides with plenty of opportunities for trotting and cantering where the terrain allows, with picnic lunches served in beautiful locations along the way. Riding is approximately 5–6 hours per day.
You will stay in comfortable hotels in San José and Rodalquilar and enjoy delicious Andalusian cuisine in the evenings. A perfect trip for those who want to combine extensive riding and spectacular scenery with comfortable accommodation and good food.
Preliminary day-by-day program
Day 1 – Arrival in San José
Arrival in San José and check-in at the hotel. In the evening, you will meet your guide for an introduction to the trip and a briefing about the riding ahead.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel in San José.
Day 2 – San José – Mónsul – San José
After breakfast, you will head to the stables in San José, where you will meet your horses and prepare for the day’s ride. Following a briefing on the horses, equipment and safety, you set off towards some of Cabo de Gata’s most famous beaches – Genoveses, Mónsul and Media Luna. The dramatic coastal scenery and beautiful beaches have been used as filming locations for movies including Indiana Jones, Lawrence of Arabia and For a Few Dollars More. There are also opportunities for wonderful canters along sandy tracks and beaches, where the terrain allows. After a picnic lunch, you ride back towards San José through the beautiful Tesorillo Valley.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel in San José.
Day 3 – San José – Rodalquilar
Today’s ride takes you north towards Rodalquilar. You ride through the Sierra de Gata and a fascinating landscape shaped by ancient volcanoes, craters and almost lunar-like scenery. During the day, you pass the small village of Los Albaricoques, which also has strong links to the classic western films. You then continue towards El Cortijo del Fraile, one of the natural park’s most iconic landmarks. Here you stop for a picnic lunch before continuing the ride towards Rodalquilar.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Rodalquilar.
Day 4 – Rodalquilar – Isleta del Moro – San José
Today’s ride takes you back towards San José, once again following the spectacular coastline. You ride through a varied landscape with sea views, beautiful valleys and dramatic volcanic formations. Along the way, you pass old watchtowers dating back to the 18th century, which were once built to keep watch for pirates along the coast. You continue towards Isleta del Moro and then follow the coastline. Today’s picnic lunch is served on Los Escullos beach, beside the historic San Felipe fortress. Afterwards, you continue riding back towards San José.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel in San José.
Day 5 – Departure
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out by 12.00.
It is time to say goodbye to Cabo de Gata and your horses after some wonderful days exploring the dramatic coastline and landscapes of Andalusia.
Feedback from our travellers
Luxurious Accommodation and Exciting Riding in Stunning Nature!
"Very well-organized with clear information, including a schedule and a map of the riding routes. The accommodation was excellent—Don Pakyta in San José was fantastic, and Rodalquilar was also lovely. Plenty of food, with three-course meals both at picnics and hotel dinners.
Exceeded expectations! A lot of walking due to high altitudes, steep slopes, and rocky terrain, but as soon as the ground allowed, we enjoyed long, fast gallops. Many Arabian crosses—insanely fast! Skilled horses that were confident navigating the occasionally challenging terrain.
Beautiful summer weather, even more stunning nature than expected, a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and very luxurious accommodations."
– Marika Skantze
Travel Information
Riding ability: Trail ride level 2-3 Cabo da Gata starride. Trail ride level 2-3 Cabo da Gata beach ride.
Included in the price:
Cabo da Gata beach ride: 7 nights, 6 days riding, full board incl. water.
Cabo da Gata star ride: 6 nights, 5 days ridning (5 half day rides). Breakfast.
Not included: Flight, transfer, beverages and meals except above mentioned. Insurance (compulsory) and tips.
Travel: Fly to Almeria. Alternative airport Malaga.
Transfer: Book in advance with HorseXplore, pay on site.
From Almeria to the riding centre by car about 45 minutes. Price 68 EUR/way/car, 1-4 pax.
From Malaga airport to the riding centre about 2½ hours. Price 263 EUR /way/car, 1-4pax.
There is a bus from Malaga to Almeria https://www.alsa.com/en/web/bus/home, between the airport Malaga and Almeria. About 2½ – 4½ hours depending on stops.
Rental car: We recommend to rent a car, it is very interesting to see all the Natural Park Cabo de Gata
Single room: Can be booked with a supplement. For price click on ”Book on request” under Dates & prices. If there is no one to share a room with, a single supplement will apply.
Group size:
Cabo de Gata Beach Ride: Min. 4 max 8. If 3 riders: supplement, per rider 168 EUR. If 2 riders supplement, per rider 640 EUR.
Cabo de Gata Star Ride: Min. 2 max 6.
Credit card: Yes in the hotels.
Wi-fi: Yes
Climate
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Spain, Almeria - Cabo de Gata Beach Ride
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,...Read more
Spain, Almeria - Cabo de Gata Beach Ride
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,...Read more