• Horseback riding adventure in the Tabernas Desert
  • Horseback riding adventure in the Tabernas Desert
  • Horseback riding adventure in the Tabernas Desert
  • Horseback riding adventure in the Tabernas Desert
  • Horseback riding adventure in the Tabernas Desert
  • Horseback riding adventure in the Tabernas Desert
  • Horseback riding adventure in the Tabernas Desert
  • Horseback riding adventure in the Tabernas Desert
  • Horseback riding adventure in the Tabernas Desert
  • Horseback riding adventure in the Tabernas Desert
  • Horseback riding adventure in the Tabernas Desert
  • Horseback riding adventure in the Tabernas Desert
  • Horseback riding adventure in the Tabernas Desert
  • Horseback riding adventure in the Tabernas Desert
  • Horseback riding adventure in the Tabernas Desert
  • Horseback riding adventure in the Tabernas Desert
  • Horseback riding adventure in the Tabernas Desert
  • Horseback riding adventure in the Tabernas Desert
  • Horseback riding adventure in the Tabernas Desert
  • Horseback riding adventure in the Tabernas Desert
  • Horseback riding adventure in the Tabernas Desert
  • Horseback riding adventure in the Tabernas Desert
  • Horseback riding adventure in the Tabernas Desert
  • Horseback riding adventure in the Tabernas Desert
  • Horseback riding adventure in the Tabernas Desert
  • Horseback riding adventure in the Tabernas Desert
  • Horseback riding adventure in the Tabernas Desert
  • Horseback riding adventure in the Tabernas Desert
  • Horseback riding adventure in the Tabernas Desert
  • Horseback riding adventure in the Tabernas Desert
  • Horseback riding adventure in the Tabernas Desert
Tabernas / Spain

Horseback riding adventure in the Tabernas Desert

Réf : JVKJOZ

In summary

  • Sports
  • Duration
    6 days
  • Level
    Advance

    Levels

    Horseback riding

    Beginner
    A ride accessible to everyone—ideal for beginners and families—with no requirement to canter.
    Intermediate
    For those who know how to trot and are in good physical condition. You hold a Galop 1/2 (or equivalent level) but do not necessarily ride on a very regular basis.
    Confirmed
    For those who are balanced and proficient at all three gaits. You must be able to spend the day engaged in an outdoor sporting activity (up to 6 hours a day). You ride regularly and hold a Galop 3/4 certification or an equivalent level.
    Advanced
    For riders who are balanced at all three gaits and capable of riding across all types of terrain. You must be able to spend the day engaged in an outdoor sporting activity (up to 7 hours a day). You ride regularly and hold a Galop 5/6 certification or an equivalent level of proficiency.
    Expert
    For independent riders accustomed to riding at all three gaits over varied terrain for several hours a day over multiple days. The route may include challenging sections (stony ground, steep gradients). You hold a Galop 7 qualification or an equivalent level of ability.
  • Destination
    Tabernas / Spain
  • Age
    From 16 - 70 years
  • CO₂-Emissions
    183.03 kg CO2
  • Type of stay
    This group trip is perfect for travelers who want to experience a sporting adventure with other enthusiasts and be guided.
    Type of stay
    In a group
  • Languages
    🇬🇧
    English
    🇪🇸
    Spanish
    🇫🇷
    French

In a few words

Cross the mythical Tabernas Desert , the only true desert in Europe, on an exceptional horseback riding trip reserved for experienced riders .

Nestled in southeastern Spain, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains , this spectacular region enjoys exceptional sunshine year-round. Nicknamed the "Hollywood of Europe ," this arid and wild landscape has served as the backdrop for legendary films, from Zorro to The Sisters Brothers . Explore these vast, unspoiled, and geologically unique spaces in the footsteps of cinema's greatest legends.

At a pace of 25 to 30 km per day , this technical route is for enthusiasts who have mastered all three gaits (walk, trot, and canter). A sporty and immersive experience for an unforgettable equestrian adventure amidst the most beautiful natural scenery of Andalusia .

The highlights

  • By definition, the only desert on the European continent.
  • Horses that are well cared for and eager to give their best
  • Accommodation at the ranch or inn: a shared space with desert views
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Photos

Sport

Level

Horseback riding

Advance

Levels

Horseback riding

Beginner
A ride accessible to everyone—ideal for beginners and families—with no requirement to canter.
Intermediate
For those who know how to trot and are in good physical condition. You hold a Galop 1/2 (or equivalent level) but do not necessarily ride on a very regular basis.
Confirmed
For those who are balanced and proficient at all three gaits. You must be able to spend the day engaged in an outdoor sporting activity (up to 6 hours a day). You ride regularly and hold a Galop 3/4 certification or an equivalent level.
Advanced
For riders who are balanced at all three gaits and capable of riding across all types of terrain. You must be able to spend the day engaged in an outdoor sporting activity (up to 7 hours a day). You ride regularly and hold a Galop 5/6 certification or an equivalent level of proficiency.
Expert
For independent riders accustomed to riding at all three gaits over varied terrain for several hours a day over multiple days. The route may include challenging sections (stony ground, steep gradients). You hold a Galop 7 qualification or an equivalent level of ability.
For riders who are balanced at all three gaits and capable of riding across all types of terrain. You must be able to spend the day engaged in an outdoor sporting activity (up to 7 hours a day). You ride regularly and hold a Galop 5/6 certification or an equivalent level of proficiency.

The expert's opinion

This 5-day activity includes one or two challenging mountain sections, characterized by steep slopes through vegetation, slippery ground, and obstacles to overcome on horseback.

Due to the fragility of the materials that make up the landscape, it may happen that a landslide has occurred on certain sections, forcing the group to take a detour to reach the destination.

If the rider's skill level is insufficient to complete these sections, no refund will be given. The rider will then have to return to the starting point on foot, with their horse, until they are picked up by the support vehicle.


Given the nature of this activity and its inherently adventurous character, it will not be cancelled in case of adverse weather conditions, except in the event of torrential rains causing flooding of the ravines through which the route passes. In that case, there is no other solution.

This does not entitle you to a refund once the activity has started.

Depending on the circumstances, it may be possible to propose alternatives such as other dates or compensation in the form of other activities that can be carried out in the region.

In figures

Horse riding course

  • Average duration/day: 2h

Horseback riding

  • Average duration/day: 6h

Management

During this stay, several supervisors will be present to guide and assist you, ensuring your comfort and safety throughout the trip.
Band : 1 supervisor for 4 to 6 people
Languages ​​spoken:
🇬🇧
English
🇪🇸
Spanish
🇫🇷
French
Théo Bocher
Théo Bocher

Certified riding instructor. Extensive experience in show jumping and trail riding. Fluent in French, Spanish, and English. He has worked at the ranch for over six years, accompanying our clients on their rides. He is an excellent professional.

Andrés Jiménez
Andrés Jiménez

Andrés is a young guide who speaks Spanish, French, and English fluently. A passionate horseman, he is currently working towards his riding instructor certification. With extensive knowledge of the desert, he leads both horseback riding and 4x4 excursions.

Our instructors speak English, French, and Spanish and are experts in organizing horseback riding tours in the Tabernas Desert. Théo is our head instructor; he handles the internal management of the department. He works alongside Andrés and Birgitt, both with many years of recognized experience in the equestrian and tourism sectors.


On the other hand, the ranch manager is Cristina, also bilingual, Spanish/French, who takes care of all the logistics and management necessary for the rides.

Management

Security

Helmet use: For safety reasons and in accordance with our insurance rules, wearing a helmet (riding helmet) is mandatory for all riders.

Disclaimer and level: Upon arrival on the first day, you will be required to sign a document certifying that you are aware of the nature of the activity and that you possess the required riding level to participate.

Learn more about supervision

Program

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
  • map

    Welcome to the Tabernas Desert

    • Activity Horse riding course
    • Duration of the activity 2h
    • Accommodation B&B
    • Breakfast not included
    • Lunch not included
    • Dinner included

    The riders arrive the day before their first horseback ride to settle comfortably into the hostel. The hostel has a kitchen and two shared showers/toilets, as well as a terrace with desert views.


    Once settled in, you'll have your first contact with the guide/instructor and the horses. During approximately one hour, the instructor will conduct a briefing/training session to determine which horse and saddle are best suited to each rider. After the training session, the group will set a departure time for the following day. For the training session, it's advisable to wear riding attire to test the saddle and horse.


    Tonight, a convivial dinner for the group of riders at the inn: On the terrace. Informal buffet: Salads, savory pastries, kebabs, potato omelet, montaditos, and various mini snacks and fruit. Coffee. Drinks: water, juice, and beer included.


    A brief, friendly introduction to the desert and details of the optional activities offered, to be discussed and confirmed with the group (these vary in duration and format depending on the season). All the optional activities, apart from horseback riding, focus on discovering nature, local crafts and traditions, and/or cultural experiences, as well as relaxation.

    Day 1

Note

Western Studio Tour and Itinerary: The western village visited varies depending on the dates. Some sets may be closed or rented for filming. The first day's ride will then be adjusted accordingly. It is very rare that we have to change the order of the riding days; if this were to happen, you would be informed before your arrival.

Weather and climatic conditions: In the event of a severe storm, the situation will be assessed on site. Rainfall in the region can be torrential and disrupt all activity. However, this remains exceptional, as the Tabernas Desert is the driest area in Europe, and our trips are organized during periods when the risk is minimal. Generally speaking, pack clothing suitable for different seasons, especially for trips in October, November, and April.

Safety equipment: the company provides helmets and back protectors free of charge.

Accommodation

During this stay, you will sleep in several different accommodations.

Access

Departure
Paraje Balsa de Gérgal, Tabernas, Espagne
Day 1 : 17h00
End of stay
Paraje Balsa de Gérgal, Tabernas, Espagne
Day 6 - 16h00

You can come on your own (rental car, taxi or bus). We will send you all the necessary instructions for your arrival.

  1. By taxi: Expect to pay around €50 to €60 from the airport.
  2. By bus: First, go to the Almería bus station from the airport (regular shuttles). Then take a bus to Tabernas. Be sure to check the timetable in advance as buses are infrequent. Once you arrive in Tabernas, we will pick you up by car to take you the last 2 kilometers to the ranch.
  3. By rental car: Bookable online or directly at the airport. It's the ideal option for exploring the region freely during your stay.


Go to the starting point

Access by car
Travel to the place of stay with parking available

The day before your arrival, you will receive a WhatsApp message (remember to provide us with your number when booking) containing all the instructions to reach us.

It is very important to follow these instructions carefully: once outside the city, the GPS no longer works in the desert because this area is not accessible to private vehicles.

The road to the ranch is fully paved and marked with signs. If you are arriving by taxi and have any questions along the way, please don't hesitate to call us.

Would you like to travel on other dates?
Create an alert and we'll notify you by email if new departures are added.
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Bonus: You can also let us know the date that interests you and we will do our best to offer it to you!

Price details

The price includes

  1. 5 nights
  2. Breakfast, lunch and dinner (picnic, typical restaurant or mobile catering)
  3. Snacks for the courses, water, first aid
  4. Experienced tour guide
  5. Accommodation and breakfast every night, from day 1 to day 5 inclusive: camping, hostel, small aparthotel or equivalent
  6. Sleeping bags, tents and outdoor sleeping equipment + meals + campsite setup
  7. Logistical support and catering throughout the route with a vehicle
  8. Horses with saddles (western or English) and saddlebags
  9. Activities in contact with the traditional environment of the region
  10. Visit to a Western village with lunch + overnight stay and breakfast
  11. Helmets
  12. Transfer of horses and riders on the first day of the ride to the starting point
  13. General liability insurance is mandatory for the activity.

The price does not include

  1. Personal insurance for each rider
  2. Access to the place of stay
  3. Transfers (except the one mentioned in the previous point)
  4. Personal expense

Options

  1. Flex fare and insurance

Practical information

Specific formalities
Equipment
The CRISTINA SERENA SEGUÍ team
Decathlon Travel Partner

The CRISTINA SERENA SEGUÍ team

• 7 stays

A pioneer of active tourism in Tabernas since 2003, our local expert specializes in exploring this unique desert in Europe. Less than 2 km from the village, he offers a ranch with a guesthouse featuring six private rooms, each with a terrace. He organizes excursions by 4x4, on foot, or on horseback for all levels, from beginner to experienced rider, as well as group activities. His passionate and experienced local guides are fluent in French, Spanish, and English.

Discover their team and their trips
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