Spain - Beach and Thermal Spa Trail

Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.

Review received from ZA of Tlučná on 21/10/2024

Day 1 
Arrival in Bilbao or Santander Airport, and transfer to the first night hotel.

Day 2 
LIENCRES – LIENCRES: The trail begins by exploring the natural park of Dunas de Liencres, galloping along its long Valdearenas beach and crossing its pine forest. Ascend to the Picota mountain to enjoy the fantastic view of the mouth of the Pas River and the Picos de Europa. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park itself, and after a siesta, return to the stables overlooking the sea. Tonight riders will stay at the Hotel Playa de Portio or a similar one by the sea.

Day 3 
LIENCRES – SANTANDER: Today the route starts in Liencres and continues along the incredible Costa Quebrada, until reaching the hermitage of La Virgen del Mar (patron saint of the city of Santander), for lunch at a famous restaurant or enjoy a picnic (depending on the weather) at the hermitage itself. After lunch, continue along the coast to Cabo Mayor lighthouse and Mataleñas coast. It's possible to visit the city, the Magdalena Palace, and the Botín Center. Dinner at a typical restaurant, the city has a wide gastronomic variety. Stay overnight at the Silken Rio Santander hotel (or similar)

Day 4 
SANTANDER – RIBAMONTÁN AL MAR: The day begins by crossing the beautiful bay of Santander on a boat to reach the village of Somo, where the horses await. Traverse the beautiful beaches of Somo and Loredo (internationally known for surfing) and continue the trail along the cliffs of Langre and stop for a picnic on the coast of Galizano. After a relaxing siesta, stroll through green meadows and eucalyptus forests, ending up in Suesa. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Las Torres de Somo (or similar)

Day 5 
RIBAMONTÁN AL MAR – SOLARES: After finishing the coastal days, head towards the interior of Green Cantabria, passing through meadows with cows, forests, and well-preserved villages until reaching the town of Solares and it famous spring, home to the Grand Hotel Balneario Castilla Termal, where the group spend the night and enjoy some relaxation.

Day 6 
SOLARES – LIÉRGANES: Leave Solares and head towards the slope of Peña Cabarga mountain, crossing Los Pozos de Valcava amidst oaks and beech trees, to arrive and have lunch near Cabárceno Nature Park. After the siesta, head across the mountain to another quaint village where a spa is located, Liérganes, surrounded by mountains and green meadows, with well preserved stone houses. Enjoy dinner and spend the night at the Hotel Balneario de Liérganes.

Day 7 
LIÉRGANES - LIÉRGANES: This unique village, full of mythology stories (like the legend of the Fish Man), surrounded by mountains, offers beautiful trails with stunning landscapes. On the last day embark on one of these circular routes and return for a picnic lunch or dinner at a restaurant in the village itself. Spend the last night at the same spa, Hotel Balneario de Liérganes.

Day 8 
Departure: In the morning transfer to Bilbao or Santander Airport following a final breakfast and farewells.

Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

The owner breeds and competes Pure Spanish horses (PRE). The horses are Spanish, Arab X and some Andalusian X, and there are 35 excellent riding horses to choose from. They range in height from 15hh-16.2hh with some ponies available. They are all in well rounded condition and beautifully polished on a daily basis with traditional flowing manes. They are mainly kept stabled and shod all round, and very well mannered.

They are ridden in traditional deep seated Spanish saddles with soft sheepskin covers and traditional big stirrups. The bridles are mainly curb bits and the horses are ridden loose reined and respond easily to weight shifts and subtle signals. This is a very easy and relaxing style of riding similar to Western, some instruction will be given if wanted.

The horses are all experienced and sure footed trail horses with temperaments that vary from quiet and reliable through responsive to fiery and showy. With 35 horses to choose from, riders are sure to find the ideal partner for the week. The riding is mainly at a walk due to varying terrain, but there are plenty of opportunities for long and fast canters every day. The guide, is not too keen on trotting although this is possible if requested. The riding starts late morning, after 2-3 hours riding there is a break or lunch followed by a siesta. Another similar length afternoon ride arrives back in the late afternoon. All saddling and grooming is done for riders, although they are welcome to assist with their horse.

This trail involves 3 days riding along beaches and coastal cliff and 3 days riding in the mountains and the green Cantabri.

Riders need to be able to walk, trot and canter comfortably.
The horses are trained in the Spanish style and are used to being ridden with a loose rein when at walk, and a light contact at canter. There are some large and strong horses, so there is a higher than usual weight limit of 105kg.
Due to the long rides, this ride is not suitable for children under 12 and all children should be competent riders.
There is no need to saddle or clean the horses unless wished. Assistance is available for mounting and dismounting and minimal walking next to the horses is required.
Please bring your own riding helmet

The weight limit for this ride is 231 lb/105 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

The hotels used en-route are all very comfortable with twin or double rooms and en-suite shower, toilet, bidet and basin in the bathrooms. They are always located in spots of particular interest and have a local character all of their own. The meals cover a range of local dishes and are always freshly prepared. Continental breakfasts, extensive lunches and 3 course dinners are the norm.

First 4 nights are spent in hotels next to the coast, the last 3 nights are spent in thermal spas. Many of the hotels have outdoor pools or thermal pools available, so don't forget your swim suit!

Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures Passport and Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/spain

Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions

The climate in this area is dependent on the altitude.

COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.

You should always bring any regular prescription drugs you may need with you.

Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Spain and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.

In Spain the supply voltage is 230V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 230V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly

There is electricity in the hotel rooms and camera equipment can be recharged each night. Most towns and villages will sell batteries. There is good mobile signal, the hotels will all have wifi. If using a GoPro lease ensure you have the permission of the group to be filmed.

- Riding Helmet - we strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard which is PAS015 or BSEN1384
- Jodhpurs - jodhpurs, breeches or other comfortable trousers (jeans may rub and can also be quite hot)
- Riding Boots - it is important to have correct shoes or boots for horse riding. Jodhpur or ankle boots with a rubber sole are recommended but sturdy shoes with a definite heel are acceptable (such as walking boots)
- Half Chaps - these are great when worn with ankle boots and help prevent the stirrup leathers rubbing against your legs
- Jersey/fleece
- Warm jacket (depending on time of year)
- Shorts
- Long trousers (evenings)
- Long sleeve shirts
- T-shirts
- 8 pairs of socks
- Trainers
- Waterproofs
- Sarong or wrap
- Swimsuit
- Sunglasses with string
- Sunscreen
- Personal Items - toiletries, any medicines you require and please be sure to take insect repellent
- Refillable Water Bottle - it's very important to drink a lot of water when it's hot, especially when doing physical activities
- Camera, spare Batteries/Chargers - an absolute must! It is also a good idea to take a camera case you can strap around your waist or onto a belt for whilst you are riding
- Binoculars
- Toilet paper (only for emergencies while out riding)

Provided by hosts
- Riding Helmet

This is an 8 day/7 night programme with 6 days riding available on set dates. Other dates may be arranged for groups of 6 or more.

2025: 17 - 24 May; 11 - 18 Oct

• £
• €
• US $
• SEK

• The New Spaniards’ –John Hooper,


• ‘Driving over Lemons’- Chris Stewart,


• ‘The Story of Spain’- Mark Williams,


• ‘South from Granada’ – Gerald Brenan,


• ‘For Whom The Bell Tolls’ – Ernest Hemmingway,


• ‘As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning’- Laurie Lee 


• ‘Don Quijote de la Mancha’ – Miguel de Cervantes.


• For the equestrian traveller who would like to see what is possible on horseback visit www.thelongridersguild.com also a fantastic place to acquire your equestrian travel books is www.horsetravelbooks.com


•  

Non riders are welcome to accompany the ride in the luggage transfer vehicle. Each night is spent in interesting local villages and hotels and there is plenty to do and see. The main cultural items are visited with your guide en route and non riders can join in here.

Spain is a beautiful and diverse country, the second largest in Europe. The official language is Castilian Spanish but Catalan, Galician and Basque are also spoken. Territory includes two island archipelagos – the Balearics and the Canaries – and two enclaves on the North African coast, bordering Morocco – Ceuta and Melilla. The African influence can be found throughout Spain but especially in the south, for example the guitar was invented by the Spanish when they added a sixth string to the Arab lute. Music and art permeates Spanish culture, most obviously displayed in the fire and passion of the Flamenco and the stunning modern architecture found in the cities.

The famous siesta is still enjoyed by the majority of Spaniards, most shops close at lunchtime for two or three hours so everyone can escape the often scorching afternoon sun. Evening meals are served late into the evening with plenty of wine or sangria. Often meals can last two or three hours, especially if your host is serving Tapas, small and varied dishes of meats, bread, vegetables. Paella is also a delight and very popular across the country.

Spain is one hour ahead of GMT and they use the metric weights and measures system, so kilometres and kilograms instead of miles and pounds. There is approximately 1.6 kilometres in a mile and 2.2 pounds in a kilogram. The international dialling code for Spain is +34.