We found the site on the internet www.desertridersspain.com and booked up for a short break - Both myself and my daughter ride but my wife preferred the peace and quite and was happy to read and relax in the sun.
The closest airport is Almeria but it would be feasible to fly in to Murcia or Alicante and drive down. If you can fly into Almeria it's an easy journey and only half an hour's drive. We used easy Jet but there are other airlines that fly there.
We booked the car hire on line - There are lots to choose from and it's easy, the car hire people all speak better English than my Spanish - The car hire offices are all in the arrivals area.
When you get to the house its in the middle of nowhere but only 10 minutes from the local Tabernas village - Carole and Robs place is a combined yard and home - The bedrooms are really nice with AC for when it gets hot - There are special screens over the windows so you don't have to worry about any insect bites - When we were there we didn't see any anway!.
Breakfast was continental style with plenty to eat and set you up for the day. Then on to the riding, first an assessment in the outdoor school and then onward to the desert - the instructors taylor the rides according to the skill of the rider. It's called a desert but it's not full of sand dunes rather dried up ramblas and valleys - the scenery is beautiful with everything from deserted ruins to an old emerald mine. Oh I should add that riding hats can either be hired or you can take your own with you.
The sun can be quite burning so remember the sun cream.
Over the days we rode up to the valleys where they filmed a fist full of dollars - You can easily imagine the Indians up on the mountains - Now days it's more likely to be a Spanish farmer!
The trecks are very varied and it's hard to describe them - Just think of a place where you can ride and ride with out ever going over the same route again.
The local village is only about a mile away and has lots of local bars and restaurants - Carole or Rob can tell you the best places to go - it helps if you can speak a little Spanish but if you cant then don't worry everybody is very friendly and helpful, its how you imagine a Spanish village should be.
If you fancy a trip to the beach then there are loads to choose from within a short driving distance - if you like exploring then head down to the Cabo de Gata. It's a local nature preserve with old castles, wildlife, villages, beaches and historical ruins.
Well that's all about I can say - this holiday would suit anybody who loves riding or just wants to get away from it all. Will I be going again? To true!!
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A nicely presented first review. If you feel you would like to add or expand on the details in the review at any time in the future you can do this by pressing the edit link in the centre at the top of your review as you read it. . Welcome to Ciao. Fionaxx
Bens__mummy 16.03.2007 21:29
Great review sounds good. x
judepaw 16.03.2007 16:34
Welcome to Ciao great first review . Do they teach you to ride and how much does it cost. jude
Advantages: Stunning views, well trained horses, friendly hosts, amazing value for money! Disadvantages: Very hot in summer! Take lots of suntan lotion!
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