Spain - Forest and Beach, Andalusia

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 CL of Saltsjöbaden on 26/04/2023

Sample 7 night itinerary:

Day 1
The holiday starts at Malaga airport and guests are collected at 14:30 for the transfer to Barbate. There is a briefing over dinner to discuss the week's adventure.

Day 2
Guests are collected from the hotel at 09:30 each day. Today's ride leads through the beautiful Pine forest to the 17th century Mecca tower that overlooks Cape Trafalgar. This introductory ride allows riders to get to know the horses, with the faster paces being introduced as rider confidence grows.

Day 3
The first beach ride. The route leads through the Pine forest to the beach ‘Hierbabuena’. Plenty of opportunities to canter, with a memorable beach gallop. 

Day 4
Today's route leads along the cliffs overlooking Barbate. The ride has superb views of Barbate, the surrounding mountains and on a clear day, North Africa. This ride includes lots of long gentle canters.

Day 5
A day free from riding. An optional excursion to Jerez to visit the Royal Spanish riding school can be arranged according to availability (booked on site, additional fees apply).

Day 6 
Head to the scene of the famous sea battle where Lord Nelson lost his life at Cape Trafalgar. Follow the coast to El Palmar, spending most of the ride on the beach enjoying canters and gallops.

Day 7
The final day the ride follows roller-coasters of sand, and allows plenty of opportunity to canter and gallop. The route joins the cliffs leading to Caños de Meca. Say goodbye to the horses before a farewell dinner.

Day 8
Transfer to Malaga airport for the return flight.

Please note that the free day may be changed to Day 4 to accommodate riders joining the short break. The excursion to Jerez only operates on Thursdays and is not included in the ride price.

Sample 4 night itinerary:

Day 1
Collection from Malaga airport and transfer to Barbate. Dinner and briefing to discuss the ride.

Day 2 
Forest ride with breakfast, lunch and dinner. Today's ride leads through the beautiful Pine forest to the 17th century Mecca tower overlooking Cape Trafalgar. This introductory ride allows riders to get to know their horse, with the faster paces being introduced as rider confidence grows.

Day 3
Beach ride, with breakfast, lunch and dinner. Head to the scene of the famous sea battle where Lord Nelson lost his life at Cape Trafalgar. Follow the coast to El Palmar spending most of the ride on the beach enjoying canters and gallops.

Day 4
Forest ride with breakfast, lunch and dinner. Today's route takes heads to the cliffs overlooking Barbate. The ride has superb views of Barbate, the surrounding mountains and on a clear day North Africa. The ride follows roller coasters of sand and allows plenty of opportunity to canter and gallop

Day 5
Transfer to Malaga airport for the return flight.

Please note: It may be possible to include another ride on the beach if everyone wants to and depending on the weather and tides.

Riding is in the morning and lunch is served in the village where the horses are kept. Riders are returned to Barbate about 3.30pm and are free until the transfer to dinner arrives.

 

Summer Beach Horse Riding
Unlike most other horse riding holidays on the Iberian Peninsular, there is riding on the beach for twelve months of the year at this location. Some of the beaches in the area are hardly used, and riders have them to themselves. The law in Spain and Portugal prohibits taking horses on the beach at any time of the year. However, in practice this law is only enforced when the beaches are heavily used, like the Costa del Sol. On the Costa de la Luz the law is only enforced on busy beaches from the 1st June to 30th September. 

Optional Extra
A trip to Jerez de la Frontera to see the Royal Spanish riding school can be arranged, subject to availability. After the display there is time to visit the tack shop nearby, go to the Museo del Enganche, or even try some sherry tasting. Lunch is at a typical Spanish bar in Jerez. The trip can be booked and paid for on site.

Non-Riders
Non-riders are welcome and the area is a good base for non-riding holidays. There are many other sports available, like scuba diving, wind surfing and golf. The local public transport is good and car hire is also available locally. Information can be provided on local places of interest and there is a tourist information office in the town. Non-riders are booked on a half board basis.

Solo Travellers 
There is no single room supplement during low season. Solo travellers will be allocated a twin room without a balcony or sea view to themselves and will not have to share. During mid and  high season there is a compulsory supplement for solo travellers.

Flight Information
Flights are available from most UK airports. Transfers from Malaga airport are included for our horse riding holidays with collection no later than 14:30 on arrival Sunday and return to Malaga arriving no earlier than 10:30 on departure Sunday.

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.

We currently have 12 horses, all locally bred Andalusian and Arab crosses, ranging from 14.3hh to 16.3hh in size. Our horses are a very important part of our family and are well mannered, forward going and responsive, with a kind calm temperament. We buy all our horses locally and they stay with us for life. They are sure footed, strong and used to riding in the warm Spanish climate. The horses are very responsive to weight and seat aids and able to neck rein.

Our trails provide superb off road horse riding through the Barbate nature reserve. With our farm bordering the nature reserve we have direct access to fantastic riding through unspoilt forests and unforgettable days on the beach. With long wide firebreaks, and twisty forest tracks the park couldn't have been designed better by a horse rider. Two of our routes on our horse riding holidays take in the beach where you will enjoy a riding experience never to be forgotten. At times the pace of the beach is fast and exhilarating, at times it is mesmerising and relaxing.

This ride is for strong intermediate and experienced riders: Each day there are plenty of opportunities for long collected canters along sandy tracks, and exhilarating gallops along firebreaks. In-between canters the horses relax and walk at a leisurely pace, enabling us to take in the peaceful tranquillity of the forest. With the floor of the forest being sand the going is good for the horses whatever the weather.
The horses are prepared by grooms at the stables to ensure any specialist tack is properly fitted. Riders are expected to untack the horses at the end of each ride.
Maximum weight 13 st/187 lb/85 kg. The minimum age for this ride is 14 years.

The weight limit for this ride is 187 lb/85 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

Accommodation is an important part of any horse riding vacation. The hosts use the luxurious and well appointed 3 star hotel Adiafa in the seaside town of Barbate. The hotel is situated only 50 meters from the beach and is ideal for relaxing after horse riding. Being small and family run, the hotel is very friendly and welcoming.

From March to mid-November guests are allocated rooms at the Hotel Adiafa. However, from mid-November through to the end of February the hotel Adiafa is closed. During this period guests stay at the aparthotel Playa Barbate in an apartment with a balcony and side sea view.

Hotel Adiafa - All the rooms are spacious twin bedrooms with an on-suite bathroom with bath and shower, some units have a balcony and full sea view. Single bookings are allocated inner rooms and will have their own bathroom. Rooms can be upgraded with a supplemental charge. Air-conditioning, wi-fi internet connection and international digital TV is also provided in the bedrooms. Please note that during Low Season, alternative accommodation will be used, such as the apartment hotel Playa Barbate. 

A breakfast buffet is provided in the Hotel Adiafa's cafeteria (additional charge on site). Relaxed Lunches are eaten after the ride in traditional 'tapas' bars. Dinners are taken at a variety of quality restaurants within Barbate. All meals are typical 'Andaluz' with superb meat and fish dishes being served. Vegetarians can be catered for.

There is no breakfast service at the aparthotel Playa Barbate.

Vegetarian or other dietary requirements can be accommodated with advanced notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests.

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

Spring and autumn is generally a good time to visit and the days are sunny and warm (25 Celsius). In the summer it can be very hot with temperatures exceeding 30 Celsius on a regular basis.

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.

No special health precautions are required for visits to Spain, for further details please see your local doctor. We do advise taking plenty of sunscreen!

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.

If you want to bring a GoPro please be advised that you will have to have permission from all other guests and guides that they are willing to be filmed.

Light summer clothing is needed on most departure dates. You need a riding helmet or broad rimmed hat which must stay on firmly and sunglasses with string are recommended. 2 pairs of riding trousers / jodhpurs (cycling shorts if you like the extra padding! for men), half chaps are recommended, riding gloves, jersey, warm jacket (Spring and Autumn), shorts, long sleeve shirts, T-shirts, sarong or wrap, swimsuit, plenty of socks, raincoat (seasonal), sun block, camera on a shoulder strap with a pouch which can be secured to your belt, bum bag, shorts, lightweight riding boots or trainers.

There are only a few hats to borrow, so please bring your own to ensure a good fit.

This holiday has either a 8 day/7 night programme with 5 days riding starting on Sundays or a 5 day/4 night programme with 3 days riding starting on Wednesdays available February to November.

2023 8d/7n: Sunday arrivals from February 5 to November 26
Low Season: Feb 5 - Apr 30; Oct 1 - Nov 26;
Mid Season: Apr 30 - Jun 25 and Sept 17 - Oct 1;
High Season: Jun 25 - Jul 16 and Sept 3 - 17;
Peak Season: Aug 20 - Sept 3).
2023 5d/4n: Wednesday arrivals from February 8 to November 26
Low Season: Feb 8 - Apr 30 and Oct 4 - Nov 26;
Mid Season: May 3 - Jun 25 and Sept 20 - Oct 1;
High Season: Jun 28 - Jul 16 and Sept 6 - Sept 17;
Peak Season: Aug 23 - Sept 3).
Ride closed between 17 July - 19 August due to excessive temperatures.

Single room supplement: during Low Season guests travelling alone will be allocated a twin room at the Adiafa without a balcony or an apartment at the playa Barbate to themselves free of charge. For all other dates there is a single person supplement that will be charged for a single use twin room without a balcony.
Shared Bookings: Two guests travelling together will be allocated a shared room. If preferred these guests can pay a single room supplement to guarantee a single room without a balcony and should be paid by both guests.
Odd Numbers of Guests: During low season, three, five, or seven guests on a booking will be allocated shared twin rooms and one individual use room without charge. During all other dates the individual room will be charged the single room supplement. To avoid this charge there is a triple room option available. These rooms all have balconies and sea views. If a triple room is preferred by the guests, there will be no supplement to pay for the balcony upgrade or an individual use room.

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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

A visit to Jerez de la Fronterra to see the famous stallions of the Royal Andalucian School of Equestrian Art can be arranged when the rest day is on a Thursday (75 Euros).
Other local activities:
Scuba diving
Diving school based in Barbate harbour.
Full week open water PADI course for beginners, on completion a PADI diving licence will be issued.
Immersions for experienced divers holding a PADI licence can be arranged.
Cycling
Single or multiple day mountain bike or road bike hire can be arranged from the hotel.
Photography
Single or multiple day photography courses can be organised.
Ideal for guests with a bridge or DSLR camera wishing to learn more about getting the best from the camera.
Walking
The area is ideal for hiking, advice can be given about routes, etc.
Beach
Beautiful fine golden sand beaches for sunbathing.
Safe swimming off Barbate beach

The natural park is characterised by beautiful woods of umbrella pines with rosemary, blackthorn and palms, and rocky cliffs and outcrops. This is a protected area due to the ecosystems of the rocks and the rich offshore marine life. It is considered one of the most diverse and best-preserved parts of the Andalucian coast. The spectacular cliffs are full of nooks, which provide a safe home for birds, including herring gulls, egrets, kestrels and one pair of peregrine falcons who have decided to nest here.

There is WiFi available at the hotel

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.