This varied trail in the Andalusian region "Campo de Gibraltar" takes you to the southernmost point of Europe, where the Atlantic and the Mediterranean meet. You will ride south from Los Barillos through the Alcornocales Nature Park until you finally arrive at the sea at Tarifa. This nature park has the largest cork oak forests in Spain. Our partner has a special permission to show you this beauty from horseback. On the way you may encounter a few herds of bulls or other harmless wild animals, otherwise you can enjoy the peace and quiet of this park to the full and don´t have to fear crowds. The nature park is separated from the coastal region by a mountain range. The absolute highlight of this ride is the crossing of the mountains (incredible panorama) and arriving at the sea. Of course a beach canter is not to be missed. A visit to the Spanish Riding School in Jerez as well as a lunch with a flamenco show is also a fixed part of this program. On the way back, you will ride back north along the coast, and if the weather is good, you will have a great view of the African continent. A variety of different bird species will accompany you on your way back.

Itinerary

On this trail you do not have to change accommodation every day. During the first 2 riding days you will enjoy beautiful day rides in different directions through the Alcornocales Natural Park. In between a saddlebag picnic will strengthen you. On the third riding day you will cross the mountains that separate the nature park from the coast. The next two riding days you will be in the region of Tarifa by the sea, before you ride north again on the last riding day, this time directly along the coast. A fantastic view of the African continent is included.

Day 1: Arrival in Málaga at the airport and transfer to your accommodation in Los Barillos. Afterwards you get to know the horses or you can visit the beautiful town with its big bullring. Dinner and overnight stay in a 4-star hotel.
Day 2: Ride through the beautiful Alcornocales Nature Park. A saddlebag picnic will be provided along the way. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Ride with a view of the Ojén Valley. On the way you will have a saddlebag picnic or alternatively some tasty tapas in a local bar. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: Today you will cross the mountains that separate the Alcornocales Natural Park from the coast. You will arrive at the coast of Tarifa after a 5-hour ride. Of course a beach ride is not to be missed. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Today is a day off for riding. You will have breakfast in a typical Andalusian restaurant before you visit the Jerez Riding School. The Riding School is internationally known for its show of dancing horses, which combines the complete training programme of the Riding School in one show. During lunch today you will enjoy a flamenco show in a typical "tablo flamenco". Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6: Ride on the beach and through the pine forest to Punta de Paloma. A saddlebag picnic will be served on the way. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7: Today we will ride north again to Los Barillos. The ride takes you along the coast with views of the African continent. You will arrive in Los Barillos in the late afternoon and stay in the same hotel for the last night as in the first days.
Day 8: Breakfast and journey home. (subject to change)

Riding time per day between 4-5 hours.

Accomodation
For the first 4 nights and the last night you will stay in the 4-star Hotel la Montera in Los Barillos. In Tarifa you are accommodated in the Hotel la Pena. All rooms are double rooms or single rooms with shower/WC.

Saddle & Tack: Comfortable English saddles and English bridles.

Experience: Comfortable in all gaits. The pace is adapted to the environment: in the mountains calmer and faster on the beach. Max. Rider weight 90 Kg.

Horses: Andalusian and Andalusian-Arab mix