Spain - Doñana Trail

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Day 1
Mon: Arrival at Seville airport for 6pm transfer to Mazagon village. Check in to the Martin Alonso Pizon Hotel (or similar). Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2:
Tue: Breakfast at the hotel before transfer to the Arte Andaluz stables to meet the horses. Meet the host, and enjoy a picnic lunch followed by a lesson in the 'vaqura' style of riding, and the allocating the horses. Once saddled and comfortable the group sets off on an introductory ride along the beach to witness the sunset. Dinner and overnight at the Martin Alonso Pinzon Hotel (or similar)

Day 3:
Wed: Breakfast and transfer to the stables before setting out to explore some of the vantage points in the area, inclusing the Asperillo Cliff, a system of fossil dunes covering 12 hectares. Head to the 28km Castilla beach for some cantering before enjoying lunch at a local seafood restaurant. After lunch, transfer with the luggage to Villamanrique de la Condesa, one of the oldest towns in Huelva. The horses will be transported here for the next day's ride. Dinner and overnight at the Ardea purpura Hotel (or similar)

Day 4
Thur: After Breakfast, meet up with the horses at a local stable. Follow a circular route around the Quema River, an important site where pilgrims on their way to El Rocio were baptized, ensuring their purity when arriving to see the Virgin. During pilgrimage season, the river bank opposite the monument to the Virgin is lined with horse-drawn carriages, women in Flamenco outfits, and people on horseback. The Rocio pilgramage is not a silent contemplation, but rather a celebration of local culture, horses and music from start to finish. Lunch at Los pinares del Alcazar, set in the middle of the forest. Head back to the stables via a different route. Dinner and overnight (Ardea Purpurea Hotel (or similar).

Day 5
Fri: After breakfast the group start the ride to El Rocio, 'the city of horses', following La Raya Real (The Royal Road), that pilgrims have traveled for generations. Private vehicles are limited, so lunch is carried in the saddlebags and taken along the way. Finally arrive at El Rocio, where cars have no preference over horses, the roads are sand, and each building has a place to tie off the horses. The afternoon is free do explore the church, shops, and look the Marismena mares and foals. This is a local breed specific to the Doñana natural park area, that live free in the Marismas (marshes) near the village. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight at El Palacete Real Hotel (or similar)

Day 6
Sat: A leisurely breakfast before meeting with the horses and a morning's riding next to the Doñana Natural Park keeping an eye open for local wildlife, and the chance for some cantering. Lunch at a local restaurant before dressing up and, like a local Andalusian, visit different parts of the village while enjoying a few drinks with locals and meeting other riders... a typical El Rocio afternoon! Say goodbye to the horses before a farewell dinner at a local restaurant and overnight at the El Palacete Real Hotel (or similar)

Day 7
Sun: Relax at breakfast before meeting with the horses and preparing for the return trip to Mazagón and a day brimming with nature and tranquility. Stop for a picnic lunch half way before continuing the journey. Overnight at the Martin Alonso Pinzón Hotel (or similar)

Day 8
Mon: After breakfast, say goodbye and transfer back to Sevilla airport to start the journey home.

Non Riders
For non-riders wishing to accompany riding companions, horse cart rides are available for a minimum of 3 passengers following the same trail as the riders (there may be some deviation according to the terrain). This is available for 5 out of the 6 riding days.

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, mainly kept stabled, shod all round and very well mannered. 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 you are sure to find your ideal partner for the week

The horses 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 riding is mainly at a walk due to varying terrain, but there are plenty (4-6) of opportunities for long and fast canters every day. Jose Manuel, your guide, is not too keen on trotting although this is possible if requested! The riding starts late morning, after 2-3 hours a break is made for lunch followed by a siesta and a similar length afternoon session to arrive late afternoon at your destination. All saddling and grooming is done for you although you are welcome to assist with your own horse.

Riders need to be able to walk, trot and canter. These 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 your own horse on this ride unless you wish to. Assistance is available for mounting and dismounting and minimal walking next to your 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 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.

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

Doñana Park has a mild, typically Mediterranean climate, characterized by dry summers and relatively wet winters resulting from variations in the polar front and the subtropical ridge of high pressure. The rainy seasons are intermediate, occurring in spring and in autumn; autumn especially can produce torrential rains caused by the accumulation during the summer of heat in nearby large bodies of water, and the arrival of polar air masses. In winter, however, thermal anticyclones may occur locally. Temperatures are mild throughout the year, with maximum temperatures varying about 17 °C from winter to summer. The most significant feature of the climate is the three to five months of dry weather in the summer, when it is dominated by the subtropical anticyclone.

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 some batteries. If using a GoPro please get the permission from the group that they are happy 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
- Gloves
- 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
- Broad rimmed hat which must stay on firmly
- Jersey/fleece
- Warm jacket (depending on time of year)
- Shorts
- Long trousers (evenings)
- Long sleeve shirts
- T-shirts
- 8 pairs of socks
- 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 - that can clip to the saddle. 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
- Toilet paper (for outdoor emergencies only!)

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 March; 3 - 10 November

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• 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


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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.

European and African migratory birds, fallow deer, Spanish red deer, wild boars, European badgers, Egyptian mongooses, and endangered species such as the Spanish imperial eagle and the Iberian lynx.

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.