Atlantic Coast Ride - Southern Andalusia Southern Spain Spain A fabulous horseback trail which allows its riders to see all of what beautiful Andalusia has to offer. On a special departure in May we have even included some exciting days at the annual and renowned Feria del Caballo in Jerez. With or without the addition of the Feria, you will be enchanted by the breathtaking Spanish landscape, the magnificent Atlantic coast and the stunning mountain scenery Southern Andalusia. Our safe, experienced and easy to handle horses, the warm and seasoned guides which have lived for many years in the region of Andalusia, and the varied horseback riding trails make this an unforgettable experience for horse loving travelers. The highlight for most are the extensive beach canters on our glorious wide sandy beaches. For those of you who have already ridden on a beach we need to say no more. For those that haven't, prepare to make your dreams come true! We ride along the edges of the forest and down onto the long sandy beaches of Cape Trafalgar and El Palmar. These beaches stretch for 10 km, giving plenty of room to let your horse show you what he can really do. The pace of the beach is fast and exhilarating and something you will never forget.   Progressive Ride (no camping) Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Meeting: Los Canos de Meca Airport: Jerez de la Frontera Transfer: Jerez airport Riders: Min 3 riders Max 10 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Rates Note:

If you book as 'willing to share' single supplement is still applicable until we find another rider of the same gender that can share with you.

Transfer and Other Charges:

Transfers possible from Jerez/ La Parra Airport (XRY), Málaga Airport (AGP), and Jerez de la Frontera train station. Please do not arrive after 18:00h on the first day and have departing flight before 12:00 on the last day.

Sample Itinerary - Subject to changes.

Regular Coastal Weeks  (6 riding days)

Day 1: Arrival . Staying at the hotel near the beach in Zahora . Dinner at 9pm, and get to know the  rest of your group .

Day 2: After breakfast we meet our horses. We ride through splendidly scented pine forests into the natural park Breña de Barbate, where we can admire an incredible plant variety. Lunch in the restaurant of a mountain hotel. Return to the hotel in Zahora.

Day 3: Today we ride along the beach towards Conil. Splendid expansive beach gallops make our rider heart beat faster. We take our lunch in a beach restaurant, in good weather we can use the lunch break for a refreshing bath in the sea. In the afternoon we continue to El Colorado, where our horses stay in the pine forest. We drive to the hotel in Benalup.

Day 4: Today we pack our bags because we will stay in a country hotel in the village of  Benalup . Through a pine forest and varied scenery we ride towards Naveros - on old Cañadas (cattle drive way) and over vast meadows where we often encounter the “ toros bravos” (fighting bulls) Continue over mountain ranges and lonely paths to where our horses rest for the night near Medina Sidona , then back to our hotel in Benalup .

Day 5: On an old roman road we ride into the back country approaching Benalup . Today we go through a beautiful hilly landscape past big bull farms. Lunch in our country hotel, with typical Andalucian dishes. Afternoon is a short ride to the horse's quarters. Transfer back to Zahora.

Day 6: It's time again to pack our bags because today we are riding to the sea. With extensive canters/gallops beside huge rice fields, we head back to the coast which is home to rare birds such as storks, ibises , herons and egrets. In the afternoon we ride to Almarchal, tonight's accommodation for the horses. Hotel in Zahora.

Day 7: After a short ride we reach the beach in Zahora  and gallop/canter at a relaxed pace along the beach. Then we climb the steep coast of Barbate and enjoy the view of the azure sea and the other side on the lush green of the pines. Along the way we see gorse bushes and wild orchids. On clear days you can see the African coast. We stop for a rest at a historic watchtower with wonderful views out to sea, and continue at a canter through the pine forest. Our ride is almost over as we ride past Cape Trafalger and back to the stable. Hotel in Zahora.

Day 8: Departure to the airport .

The above sample itinerary is subject to changes at the tour operator's discretion.

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Sample Itinerary - Subject to changes.

Feria del Caballo Week in Jerez  (5 riding days + Feria day in May)

Day 1 to 4: same as the regular trail weeks

Day 5: Rest day for the horses. Riders transfer to the Feria in Jerez. At the feria we see impressive performances and experience first hand the hustle and bustle of the  traditional horse festival. We then visit a demonstration of the Spanish Riding School (dependent on the allocation of tickets, as no advance sales). Afterward we have the opportunity to dance and taste the odd sherry before we go to the hotel in Zahora.

Day 6: Our horses are brought to Jerez. Here they are decorated by us for the "big" appearance at the parade of the Feria . Properly dressed for the Feria we take part of the parade with pride and good humor among the festive bustle. In the evening the horses return, while we rush into the festivities of the feria.

Day 7: Return to the finca in Los Canos de Meca at the beach. A nice ride through the Brena de Barbate concludes the riding week. Dinner and overnight.

Day 8: Departure after breakfast.

The above sample itinerary is subject to changes at the tour operator's discretion.


For participation in one of the largest Spanish Ferias, it is necessary that we dress ourselves proud and authentic as the Spanish. A "traje" (short bolero jacket and striped trousers in standard sizes are made available). All you need to bring is a white shirt or blouse, black or brown boots or riding shoes with Chaps. A Spanish hat, a scarf and braces you can buy locally for about Euros 60. -- Lunches, dinner and drinks in Jerez are not included.

                                        Vejer de la Frontera area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	59	60	63	66	70	75	80	80	77	72	65	60
Average Low Temperature (°F)	48	49	52	55	59	64	68	69	66	61	54	49
Average High Temperature (°C)	15	15	17	19	21	24	27	27	25	22	18	16
Average Low Temperature (°C)	9	10	11	13	15	18	20	21	19	16	12	10
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	7	6	5	5	3	1	0	0	2	5	6	7

Source: NOAA


Seasons
The overall climate of Andalusia is similar to Southern California: hot in the summer, pleasant and moderate in the spring and fall, and cool in the winter. Rain is possible at anytime of the year, but most rare in summer. The main rainy season is from the end of October to the beginning of May. The Atlantic Ocean is warm and pleasant to swim in from May to October. The region receives about 300 days and 3200 hours of sunshine per year.

English or Western riding attire is fine for the ride. Water bottles will be provided during the ride- however they will be shared so bring your own bottle if you prefer to fill up.  For the months of January to April, and starting mid-October, we recommend rain gear.
Good sun protection (gloves, sunscreen, hat with a chin strap), sunglasses with straps, swimsuit, towel, shorts, and a windbreaker should also be taken.
 
A hard hat is not required, but recommended for safety. A belt pack in which to carry your camera and other small valuables during the ride is handy.

A jacket or sweater for the cool evenings is recommended. Attire is strictly informal throughout, though if you are planning to visit other cities on your own later you may wish to bring a jacket and tie. Regular film can be obtained locally, but special sizes may not be available-bring plenty. It is a good idea to bring your own soap, since not all hotels supply it. There will be no opportunity to have laundry done while on the ride. In general the hotels only heat the rooms during the winter months. Even newer buildings are seldom insulated. Therefore when the weather turns cool you can an impression of dampness. In case your rooms is too cool during your stay, you should find an extra wool blanket in the closet, or ask at the reception.

This list is only a guideline for you

Travel documents and Voucher

Flight tickets

Passport

Visa (check with your consulate)

RIDING GEAR

Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!)

Riding boots (short) + Minichaps

Riding helmet (recommended for all trips)

Riding gloves

Hat (with chin strap) for sun protection

Lightweight Rain coat

PERSONAL CLOTHING

Jacket or sweater for cool evenings

Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts

Jeans

Shorts

Underwear and socks

Pyjama

Bag for dirty clothes

Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes

Swimsuit

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING

Personal Toiletries

Insect protection

Personal medications

Sore cream (for an emergency)

Sewing kit

Handkerchiefs

Adapter for electric appliances

Camera and extra batteries

Belt pack

Water Bottle

Address book and pen (for postcards!)

Sun glasses with strap

Sun tan lotion and lip balm

Average ratings from 13 tour feedbacks (see details below) Horses: (5) Excellent (4) Very Good (3) Good (2) Satisfactory (1) Not Satisfactory Saddle/Tack: Accommodations: Meals: Host/Guide: other Riders: Name Date susanna rori 3/14/2019 sherrie gultz 6/30/2017 helen park 5/15/2016 michael matern 10/23/2014 marion chan 5/6/2014 lee-anne elaschuk 6/8/2013 dr. freeman towne allen 6/3/2013 mary ann liu 5/31/2013 zdenek kucera 7/25/2012 richard wohl 7/6/2012 laurel myers 11/7/2011 heidi denecke 7/8/2011 laurel myers

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so nights will be spent in different locations.

Description
You will be staying at 2 different hotels.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 2: Hotel in Zahora
Night 3 & 4: Hotel in Benalup
Night 5, 6, & 7: Hotel in Zahora

Hotel in Zahora
The family hostal was recently renovated and offers clients a cozy atmosphere. The accommodations are in nice guest rooms with private bathroom facilities, hairdryer, air conditioning, TV, fridge, desk, free wifi, and daily cleaning service. Enjoy our magnificent recreational salt water swimming pool complete with a hydro massage water feature, or, relax in the Jacuzzi. In addition you can refresh yourselves with a Mojito from the bar in the pool area whilst you sunbathe and relax on one of our sun beds in the pool area. The hotel is about a 15 minute walk to two beaches.

Hotel in Benalup
This hotel is modern but has all the atmosphere of a friendly family hotel with showers and TV in every room. From the balcony your room overlooks a traditional Spanish courtyard where you can sit and enjoy your favourite drink from a well-stocked bar surrounded by blooms of bougainvillea in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant serves traditional Spanish dishes in an area famous for its cuisine. Benalup is one of the “white villages” on the Costa de la Luz. It is a small town of approximately 6000 inhabitants. This old attractive town has an historic center where you can shop or just sit in a bar and soak up the real atmosphere of Spain. Rooms have air conditioning and heating, a flat-screen TV, a DVD player, and a minibar. The private bathrooms include a hairdryer and free toiletries. Rooms also have a balcony. This hotel offers free Wi-Fi throughout.

Room Occupancy
If we are unable to find another rider to share the room with you, a single supplement fee applied.
Single room accommodations are subject to availability.


Meals
All breakfasts and lunches are included in your package as well as 4 dinners. Three dinners need to be paid extra.
We adapt to the Spanish lifestyle: food lunch from 2 pm and evening from 9 pm.

Tack:		Spanish - Very comfortable Spanish saddles give you a firm seat - a simpler version of the western riding.
Horses:		Andalusian Cross
Pace:		Moderate at all paces.4-6 hours per riding day. 6 riding days | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(3.5 to 4 out of 5)    Good Intermediate
Weight:		Max 210 lbs
Riders:		Min 3 riders	Max 10 riders

Riding Experience
This is a trail ride for riders who are both confident and experienced at all paces. You should be fit enough to ride 5 to 6 hours a day.

Pace
The pace will be mainly at the walk with several long canters of 5 to 6 km long. The program includes 6 riding days with on average 5-6 hours of riding each day. During the week, you will ride a total of 230-240 km over varying terrain through the heart of Andalucía.

Tack
The tack is Spanish working and dressage saddles. All saddles are well prepared to get things tight, so almost every type of saddlebag can be fixed to them. The working saddles are equipped with sheepskins.

Horses
We have 26 Andalusian horses as well as a few Anglo-Arabs and Hispanic horses, many of which we bred ourselves. The herd is comprised of geldings, mares and some stallions.
We train our horses, using only natural methods that aim to create a harmonious partnership between humans and animals. We raise most of our horses and spend a lot of time with them before starting their training.
All our horses are sure-footed, forward going and very fit. They are calm, with kind temperaments and good manners.
Our aim is to match each of our guests with a horse that will suit their ability and taste. We have horses to suit all our different guests and we are very experienced at selecting the perfect partnership between horse and rider. By the end of the week, you and your horse will be the best of friends.

Staff
Since 1994, Joe shares his love of horses and Andalusia with his guests.

Passports

Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:

(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.

Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Passports held by EU nationals need only be valid upon entry to and exit from Spain. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.

Passport Note

Spain is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.



Visas

Not required by nationals of EU countries regardless of purpose and/or length of stay; 2. not required by nationals of other countries referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days.

Visa Note

Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements 

 

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.