Short break in Cabo de Gata

A short break in the heart of the Cabo de Gata Natural park. Enjoy the lovely bays and beaches of Andalusia, and ride through villages that witnessed the era of piracy in the Mediterranean.
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Trail Riding
5 days (3 days riding)
From £930
Open to non-riders

Itinerary

Highlights

- A short itinerary for a quick getaway!
- Discover the untouched beauty of the landscapes of Andalusia on an active trail ride
- Ride along the white sand beaches and discover hidden bays
- Enjoy being on the set of some of the most famous Wild West films
- Relax in the comfort of local hotels
  • Day 1 1: EUROPE - ALMERIA

    Sotillo Hotel
    Fly to Almeria. You will be transferred to the accommodation where you will meet your guide and fellow riders (transfers are not included).
    Enjoy your first night in Spain with a delicious locally cooked dinner.

    Overnight at the Sotillo hotel (or Dona Pakyta)

  • Day 2 2: SAN JOSÉ - GENOVESES BEACH - SAN JOSÉ - 5-6 hours riding

    Sotillo Hotel
    After breakfast, your guide will introduce you to the safety procedures, and pair you with your horse.

    Start your trail ride towards Genoveses - arguably one of the most famous beaches in Spain. Discover the pristine coastline of the Mediterranean as you allow your horse to stretch their legs across the white sands of Mónsul and Media Luna. A perfect photo opportunity set in one of the most iconic film sets for films such as “Indiana Jones” or “Lawrence of Arabia”. Enjoy a picnic at the foot of the Cortijo “El Romeral”, an Andalusian farm. End your day on a high as you ride up into the Del Tesorillo valley. Dinner and overnight at the Sotillo hotel (or Dona Pakyta).



  • Day 3 3 : SAN JOSÉ - RODALQUILAR - 5-6h riding

    Oro y Luz Hotel
    After breakfast, you will start today’s ride in the north of the park where the Sierra de Gata Mountains are located. Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the mountain range as your ride across fields and hills, and pass through an original Spanish village of Los Albaricoques. Today, most of the village houses have been refurbished, stripping away the original Old West style theme, but as you ride through the narrow streets, you may see some familiar street names of famous films and actors that were made here. Let your horses have a well deserved break close the iconic El Cortijo del Fraile, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch. You will ride back to the hotel in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
  • Day 4 4: RODALQUILAR - ISLETA DEL MORO- SAN JOSÉ - 5-6 hours riding

    Sotillo Hotel
    Your final day in the saddle. As you leave behind Rodalquilar, you will ride along the beautiful coast line on a track that was once used to protect the local villages from pirate attacks. Take a look back into history as you pass the small castles and watch towers of this idyllic region. After an adventurous morning, enjoy a picnic in a small oasis, under the shade of large palm tree leaves on the beautiful beach of Escullos.

    Overnight at the Sotillo hotel (or Dona Pakita)
  • Day 5 5: ALMERIA - EUROPE

    The last breakfast with your group and your brilliant guides, before saying goodbye.

    Note: Check out from the hotel at 12 noon at the latest.

Dates & prices

Price details

- Please note that for some departures the riding requirements can be adjusted and low intermediate riders can be welcomed.

- International flights are not included, but can be booked upon request.

- Rates are per person based on two riders sharing a twin or double room.

- The group is made up of 3 to 6 riders.

- Please note: the ride will also confirm for 2 riders on payment of a supplement: €100/£85/$105 per person. Once the group has reached 3 people, we will remove this supplement from your invoice and refund you if you have already paid it.

- If you sign up to the ride as a solo rider and there are no other riders likely to share your room, you will be charged a single room supplement. You will then be reimbursed if a sharer is found for you at a later date.
2025 - €115/£95/$120 in the low season; €140/£120/$145 in the mid season; or €215/£180/$225, Easter-July-August-Semana Santa-New Year

- Transfers from/to Almeria are not included. The rate is around €65 per car, per way (up to 8 people). The pick up/drop off timings are flexible.
- A transfer to and from Malaga airport can be organised and is payable locally. Rates are per car, per way:
> 1-4 people = €220
> 5-8 people = €270

- It is also possible to take a bus from Malaga or Granada to Almeria: see here (needs to be prebooked to guarantee space).

- Children must be accompanied by an adult and are welcome from the age of 14, provided that they have the required equestrian level.

- On request we can also organise tailor-made itineraries to combine riding lessons, horsemanship, trail rides, yoga, hiking....

- Non-riders are welcome and benefit from a 40% discount (B&B, shared room)

- The rider weight limit is 90 kilos / 14,1 st / 198 lbs


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SEASONALITY DETAILS:
- Low season: 5 January to 6 April / 27 April to 29 June / 12 October to 27 December
- Mid season: 31 August to 12 October
- High season: 6 to 27 April / 29 June to 2 August / 28 December to 4 January 2026
Please Note
The itinerary may be modified at anytime for security reasons, meteorological or events beyond our control such as blocked roads, rivers in flood, drought, strikes and local holidays. Equus Journeys, our local partners and their local guides will always strive to find the best solution and will alter the itinerary as needed.
The names of the hotels and accommodation are given for information only and depending on availability, they may be modified without notice and replaced by another of a similar standard.

Price includes

Support team

1 English speaking horse guide

Logistics

1 support vehicle

Accommodation

Full board accommodation in hotels

Meals

Full board from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on the final day

Additional equipment

First aid kit

Price doesn't include

Meals

Beverages and personal extras

Accommodation

Single room supplement

Transport

International flights
Return airport transfers

Extras

Tips to the local team
Small group supplement - see above for the details

Insurance

Cancellation and travel insurance are not included in the above listed price. Please note that insurance is mandatory. We recommend taking out an insurance policy as soon as your trip is booked to cover you in case of cancellation

Optional

Extras

Trip extensions or additional activities
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    02/03/2025 06/03/2025 £930 €1,125 $1,153
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    05/03/2025 09/03/2025 £930 €1,125 $1,153
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    30/03/2025 03/04/2025 £930 €1,125 $1,153
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    02/04/2025 06/04/2025 £930 €1,125 $1,153
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    27/04/2025 01/05/2025 £930 €1,125 $1,153
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    30/04/2025 04/05/2025 £930 €1,125 $1,153
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  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    25/05/2025 29/05/2025 £930 €1,125 $1,153
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    28/05/2025 01/06/2025 £930 €1,125 $1,153
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    22/06/2025 26/06/2025 £930 €1,125 $1,153
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    25/06/2025 29/06/2025 £930 €1,125 $1,153
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  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    15/09/2025 19/09/2025 £959 €1,160 $1,189
    Guaranteed departure
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    18/09/2025 22/09/2025 £959 €1,160 $1,189
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    12/10/2025 16/10/2025 £930 €1,125 $1,153
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    15/10/2025 19/10/2025 £930 €1,125 $1,153
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  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    09/11/2025 13/11/2025 £930 €1,125 $1,153
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    12/11/2025 16/11/2025 £930 €1,125 $1,153
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    07/12/2025 11/12/2025 £930 €1,125 $1,153
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    10/12/2025 14/12/2025 £930 €1,125 $1,153
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Equestrian info

Horses

The herd has a total of 20, ranging from Andalusian, Hispano-Arab and Spanish bred horses. They are sure-footed, respectful and sensitive horses.

They are usually kept in paddocks. During their time off, they are kept in a field where they are free to roam.

Guide & local team

You guides are Antonio, Michel and Desi. They are extremely professional and very good at what they do meaning you will be in safe hands throughout your trail ride. They speak Spanish and a reasonably good English.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

This holiday is suited for intermediate riders who ride regularly, or are planning to get back in the saddle before the trip. You will have to be in good physical condition and be ready for long hours riding under the sun. Riders must be able to ride confidently over varied terrain, but this is not a very technical or challenging trail.

The rider weight limit is 90 kilos / 14,1 st / 198 lbs

Pace

The pace is varied to include trots and canters, some long ones.

Tacking ability and participation

All riders are responsible for grooming and tacking their own horse. You are also expected to help the team to feed and water the horses when required.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

Good levels of fitness and endurance are needed since you will spend long hours in the saddle every day. The trip does not offer many technical difficulties but you must remain in control of your horse at all times and be comfortable riding in the outdoors.

Equestrian equipment

McClellan or English saddles. The horses are ridden with snaffle bits, or bitless.
Small saddlebags are provided.
Helmets are mandatory. We recommend our riders to wear a helmet to the correct standard and you should bring your own to ensure a proper fit.

Travel info

Comfort

This is a semi mobile ride with two different hotels on this riding holiday. The accommodation is of 3 or 4**** and have a pool.

Riders stay in double or twin rooms (or single room for solo riders, with a supplement), which are comfortable and have a private bathroom.

During the winter months, Sotillo hotel is closed so you will be staying in Dona Pakyta hotel.

Meals

The Spanish cuisines are varied and will give you a taste of the Mediterranean flavours.
Lunch will be mostly picnics of local, home-made food (no sandwiches).
Typical Spanish dishes will be served for dinner every night at the chosen hotels.

Special diets can be accommodated with advance notice.

If there are less than 4 riders in the group, the picnic lunches will be replaced by local restaurants.

Climate

During springtime temperatures generally reach 15-20°C, where as in summer the temperature rises at around 25°C (June) and can even reach 35°C
In Autumn temperatures are approx. 20 – 25°C. December temperatures can get to 15°C with cool evenings.

This ride does not run in July/August due to high temperatures and busy beaches.

Tips

Tips are welcome but not expected. You should tip what you feel is appropriate and you are comfortable with.

Packing list

Head
- Riding helmets are mandatory and we recommend that you take your own to ensure a correct fit.
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana for protecting your neck and face from the sun and dust

Upper body
- Thermal long-sleeved tops are a lightweight way of providing extra warmth if you need it (in the winter)
- Long sleeved shirts to provide protection from the sun
- T-shirts
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Warm polar fleece or equivalent
- Waterproof jacket - rain can be difficult to predict and it's better to be prepared.

Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Waterproof over trousers
- Casual clothes for the evenings (jeans or walking trousers)

Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps.
- Lightweight shoes for the evenings
- Several pairs of socks
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun, wind or rain whilst riding

Nightwear
- Pyjamas etc

Other useful items
- Swimsuit - there are pools on some nights
- Small backpack for accessing items required during the day.
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding
- Water bottle (2 litres or 2 x 1 litre)
- Ear plugs (for light sleepers)

In your luggage
- Any liquids, such as shampoo, moisturiser, deodorant unless they are less than 100ml and all bottles can fit in a small, clear, plastic ziplock bag.
- Swiss army knife or equivalent

In your hand luggage
- Any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.
- Your riding hat

Medical kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Insect repellent
- Any medication you regularly take
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Eye drops
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrhoea medication
- Re-hydration sachets
- Antiseptic wipes
- Handwash gel

General information
- We recommend taking any valuables, such as your camera, iPod, iPad, medicines and glasses etc. in your hand luggage. Travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes is highly recommended - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you in case you lose your originals.