Epona Spain · Doñana & Seville, Spain
Ride north to south across Doñana National Park, from Seville's countryside to the Atlantic
Epona Spain, a family-run equestrian centre near Carmona with 35 years' experience, runs a six-night cross-country ride on Andalusian horses from the tranquil Sevillian countryside through Doñana, Europe's largest wildlife preserve, to the Atlantic dunes and beaches. Three full days and two half days in the saddle follow the sandy Raya Real pilgrim trails through the closed heart of the reserve, past El Rocío and out to the coast, with nights in a former palace hotel, a Michelin-listed country lodge and a beachfront Parador.
You should be a confident rider, able to trot and canter easily, and fit enough to ride between four and six hours a day with a lunch break. The ride is designed for adults, with no upper age limit.
Well-trained, fit Andalusian and part-Andalusian horses, matched to each rider.
After an assessment ride through the haciendas and olive groves near Carmona, the adventure heads south: from Villamanrique across the Quema river and the pine forests of Doñana, along the Raya Real to El Rocío, then down to the virgin beaches at Mazagón. Full days run four to six hours with a country lunch at a local venta; the final half-day drops from the Asperillo dune for a long canter on the sand.
High-quality lodgings each night: a four-star former palace hotel in medieval Carmona, the thatched Ardea Purpurea lodge at Villamanrique, a hotel overlooking the El Rocío marshes, and the beachfront Parador at Mazagón.
Regional Andalusian cuisine and wines throughout, including a Michelin-guide lodge restaurant.
Best months: Spring and autumn
Run on set dates in the cooler months, typically February, March and October; confirm the current season's dates.
Nearest airport: Seville (SVQ)
Transfers: Complimentary pick-up from Seville train station on arrival day; other transfers on request.
