Sea and desert
5 days, 4 nights. 4 days on horseback. Accommodation and full board included.
The essential landscapes of Almería
Cabo de Gata, Tabernas.
This itinerary offers the opportunity to visit two different ecosystems in just five days: the stunning Cabo de Gata Natural Park, with its beautiful beaches, and Tabernas, the only desert in Europe.
A "sporting" experience that allows you to enjoy impressive natural landscapes while crossing them on horseback to the rhythm of exciting gallops.
A tour full of cultural richness that will take you through scenes from famous films.
And, of course, a gastronomic journey where you can enjoy traditional Andalusian cuisine: tapas, salmorejo, fried fish, spiny dogfish, special rices, grilled fish...
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in an authentic natural environment!
As a general rule, if the usual hotels are not available, we will make sure that our guests are accommodated in establishments of a similar level of quality and comfort.
Highlights
An unforgettable experience
An exceptional equestrian experience that offers the opportunity to explore unique landscapes: one of the most beautiful coastlines, and a stunning desert that dates back to the Quaternary era.
A tour of iconic destinations: the beaches where famous scenes from “Indiana Jones”, “Lawrence of Arabia” and “The Neverending Story” were filmed, and the decadent charm of the Fort Bravo/Texas Hollywood film studio in Tabernas, where films like “A Fistful of Dollars”, “The Price of Death” and "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” were made.
An ideal setting for horse-riding: the entire ride passes through protected nature reserves, where the countryside, flora and fauna have not been altered.
An itinerary designed to get closer to the authentic culture, gastronomy and essence of the region.
Quality restaurants serving traditional Andalusian cuisine with a contemporary twist. Full picnic lunches catered by local restaurants, served in a picturesque spot just a few meters from where the horses are tied up.
A vigorous route with long gallops along deserted beaches and dirtroads.
An ideal climate for riding from May to October. Click here to see average temperatures.
Itinerary
Day 4 -Wednesday
Tabernas Natural Park In the footsteps of Clint Eastwood. In the heart of the Tabernas Desert, known as Spanish Hollywood, we will explore canyons once ridden by legends such as Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef and Eli Wallach. The setting is reminiscent of Arizona and the Sonoran Desert in Mexico. In the 1960s, this place was the backdrop for the filming of famous spaghetti westerns.
Picnic lunch at the Cañón de la Emboscada. Dinner at a local restaurant or barbecue at Hotel Los Albardinales, depending on the weather.
Day 2 - Monday
Cabo de Gata Natural Park. 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 hotel). Start of the trail head 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. After a picnic lunch, riders return to San José through the Tesorillo Valley.
Picnic at the Cortijo "El Romeral". Dinner and overnight at Sotillo hotel (or Doña Pakyta hotel) in San José.
Day 5 - Thursday
Tabernas Natural Park The oasis where Lawrence of Arabia was filmed. Heading south, we follow the canyon of the oasis, with its surprisingly small, scattered trickles of water, until we reach the oasis where Lawrence of Arabia was filmed. From there we head to Fort Bravo to gallop through its streets and watch the sheriff catch the bandits who robbed the bank. Picnic inside Fort Bravo, next to the Mexican town.
Picnic at "Fort Bravo" in Tabernas. End of the itinerary after the picnic. Transfer back to Almeria and/or hotel accomodation, which are not included in the price. Thank you and see you soon!
Díay 3- Tuesday
Cabo de Gata Natural Park San José - Los Escullos - San José The Pirates' Path. From San José we head towards Los Escullos, following a wide path that runs along the coast, offering impressive panoramic views of the sea and secluded coves with crystal-clear waters. As you progress, you will come across small forts and watchtowers, which in the past were used to warn of possible incursions by Genovese, Barbary or Turkish pirates. In San José, we will have paella at around 3 p.m. After lunch, we will take you by car to Tabernas in a journey of more or less 1 hour.
Lunch: paella at a restaurant in San José. Western style dinner in a local restaurant or on the terrace of the Los Albardinales hotel (depending on the weather). Overnight at Los Albardinales hotel.
Click here to see the average temperatures and rainfall in Cabo de Gata.
Please note, this is a suggested itinerary only and subject to change at the discretion of our guides due to weather and other influencing factors.
Useful information
Schedules
→ Breakfast: from 8 a.m. → Meeting time at the stables in San José or at the hotel reception in Tabernas: 9.30 a.m. → Picnic time: from 13h30/14h to 15h30. Rest included. → Daily tour ends at approximately 5:30 p.m. → Dinner timetable: from 20:30 p.m.
Where are the horses?
On the first two days, the horses are 5 minutes walk from the hotel (San José). If you are staying at the Pakyta Hotel, which is a 5 minute drive from the stables, Cabacci provides daily transfers to and from the stables. In Tabernas, the horses are next to the hotel.
Don't forget to bring
✔︎ Helmet. ✔︎ "All-terrain" riding boots (preferably waterproof) to walk beside the horse in rocky terrain. ✔︎ Appropriate riding pants. ✔︎ Riding gloves. ✔︎ Gaiters, if you use them habitually. We will provide you with saddle bags for you to carry with you if you wish: ✔︎ Non-breakable canteen. ✔︎ Sun protection (we recommend long sleeves). ✔︎ Lip protection. ✔︎ Insect repellent. ✔︎ Mosquito bite relief ✔︎ Swimsuit. ✔︎ Windbreaker. ✔︎ Extra battery to take pictures if your phone runs out of power. We have a basic emergency kit, but don't forget to bring any specific medication you may need.
Remember
→ Meet at the hotel reception at 8 p.m. on the day of arrival. → Remember to leave your luggage at the hotel reception before 9.30 a.m. on the day you change accommodation. → It is your responsibility to prepare your horse during the ride and to look after it and its equipment when you return to the stables. →Special diet: let us know in advance!