Fun things to do and kids activities • Alhambra Granada • Mezquita Cordoba • Ferias • Semana Santa (Easter) • Flamenco • Skiing • Horseback riding • Walking & Hiking • Scuba-diving • Golf • Outdoor activities • Donkey sanctuaria • Sierra Nevada & La Alpujarra • Almeria desert • La Donana & El Rocio

Horseback riding

In Nerja you can hire a horse at several places to go riding through nature. Really a nice thing to do for a change, even if you don’t have any experience! The place we’ve been to is ‘Hidalgo’ (0034 - 630 286 239 of 0034 - 630 826 807) and we found the horses are treated right here: they have water, shade, salt, they’re well fed and their hair shines healthily.

Here they ride in Spanish ‘western style’. That means that you hardly use the rein. For some people it might feel a little strange – especially because of the huge metal stirrups on your feet, but it actually is a really relaxed way of riding if you have a well trained horse. The routes go through the farmers lands, partly through rivers and possibly over the beach. En route, you get a nice view of all the agricultural produce that is grown throughout this area.

• Usually you can ride for 1 or 2 hours (17 Euros per hour)

• If you don’t have any experience it’s better not to ride in big groups that want to trot and gallop.

• In summer it is best to ride in mornings because of the temperature.

• A t-shirt, jeans and easy shoes are most practical. Personal belongings are best left in the car (you can’t take a bag) and you’ll be given a cap for your head.

• You can also ride in the Sierra Nevada and the Alpujarras. Check first that the horses are treated well. Maybe a good idea to stay the night, because the trip might take longer than you’d think. In this area you can also book complete horse riding holidays on which you ride from one cortijo to the other.

For fans of the Spanish Lipizaner horses that don't want to drive all the way up to Jerez de la Frontera, there's also a show in Torremolinos (www.spanishhorseshow.com).