The virgin beaches
8 days, 7 nights. 6 days on horseback. Accommodation and full board included.
Riding along the coast
Cabo de Gata, where the sun spends the winter
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!
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
A unique ride that will allow you to discover the unspoilt landscapes of the Cabo de Gata Natural Park, with its extraordinary contrasts, people and culture.
Exclusive hotels, integrated into the park, surrounded by nature and next to the horses, just a few minutes from San José or Rodalquilar. Hotels include swimming pool and guarantee a restful and relaxing stay.
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 metres from the horses.
Long gallops along dirt paths and deserted beaches, which alternate with stretches of volcanic trails in Cabo de Gata.
Ideal riding weather from September to June. Click here to see average temperatures.
Itinerary
Day 4 - Wednesday
Rodalquilar: El Playazo and 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.
Picnic on the beach, in Cala del Cuervo. Dinner at a restaurant on the beach. Overnight at the Oro y Luz hotel
Day 7 - Saturday
Rodalquilar - 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.
Picnic lunch on the beach of Los Escullos. Dinner and overnight at Sotillo hotel (or Doña Pakyta hotel) in San José.
Day 2 - Monday
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.
Picnic at the Cortijo "El Romeral". Dinner and overnight at Sotillo hotel (or Doña Pakyta hotel) in San José.
Day 5 - Thursday
Rodalquilar: the mines. 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.
Picnic at the "Cortijo Montano". Dinner and accommodation at the Oro y Luz hotel in Rodalquilar.
Day 3 - Tuesday
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.
Picnic at the "Cortijo del Fraile". Dinner and accommodation at the Oro y Luz Hotel in Rodalquilar
Day 6 - Friday
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.
Lunch at beach restaurant. Dinner and accommodation at the Oro y Luz hotel, in Rodalquilar.
Click here to see the average temperatures and rainfall in the 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. → Morning meeting time at the horse stables: 9.30 a.m. → Picnic times: from 1:30 p.m. / 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Rest included. → Lunchtime at the restaurant on Friday (day 6): 2:30 p.m. Transfer from the hotel to the restaurant at 1:30 p.m. → Dinner at the restaurant on Wednesday (day 4): 8:30 p.m.. Transfer from the hotel to the restaurant at 8 p.m.. → Hotel Dining Hours: from 8:30 p.m.
Where are the horses?
Less than 5 minutes! The walk from the hotels to the stables and back takes less than 5 minutes. 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.
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
→ Meeting at the hotel reception on Sunday (day 1) at 8 p.m. → Remember to leave your luggage at the hotel reception before 9.30 a.m. on the days you change accommodation: Tuesday (day 3) and Saturday (day 7). → During the trail, you will be responsible for preparing your horse and taking care of it and its equipment when you return to the stables. →Special diet? Let us know in advance!