Horse riding near Villamartin

There are a number of horse riding facilities in the area and we feature four of them here. The first is close to Dehesa de Campoamor, the second is close to Villamartin, the third is close to Los Montesinos and the fourth is just north of Torrevieja between La Mata and Guardamar.

Dehesa de Campoamor

Now this place can be a little tricky to find but it will be well worth the effort. As you drive South along the N332 past Cabo Roig and en route to Dehesa de Campoamor you will see this place on your right and below road level.

The best approach is to go to Campoamor beach and head West in the direction of Los Altos de Campoamor.

As well as the horse riding there's El Cortijo Spanish restaurant

You can either ride out in the countryside or use the indoor school. In either case you will be accompanied by the instructor.

The cost is 15€ per hour for the indoor school and 18€ per hour to ride out.

You can make a booking by telephone or it maybe as well to find the place first and make a booking in person.

Booking: Tlf +34629905 3968

The instructor speaks Spanish and French. If you have a problem and need to speak to someone English ask to speak to Isabelle.

Club Hipico

You will find Club Hipico on the road to San Miguel de Salinas just past Villamartin Golf course Villamartin. Lessons are provided or up to 4 people can ride out in a group into the surrounding countryside.

Coming form Villamartin, after turning right onto the San Miguel road you will see an uphill track on your right. This is the entrance drive to the Stables.

Ride out in the countryside or in the sand. A ride out (accompanied) is 20€ per hour and great fun.

Call Mustapha (perfect English) on 96 679 1126 to arrange a hack.

There is also a bar/restaurant close by which is run by an eccentric (but fun) German. The opening hours can be somewhat erratic !

Tlf: 34 965 97 15 37

El Rancho

Opened in 2005 this equestrian centre is run by a couple from Sweden. As well as the horse riding there is a restaurant (menu del dia), large swimming pool (with free sun loungers !) and poolside bar.

There are instructors available for beginners and   lessons available.

For experienced riders there is a 3 hour tour with a picnic (with wine) for 45€ and there are 1 or 2 hour tours (with or without canter) for 15€ and 30€.

El Rancho is on the road to La Marquesa from Los Montesinos. Just take the La Marquesa road (it is signposted) from the centre of Los Montesinos and El Rancho is on your right after about 3 km.

Coming from San Miguel de Salinas follow the road to to Los Montesinos (CV 940). About 1.5 km after passing over the motorway there is a right hand turn signposted 'La Marquesa 1 Torrevieja 13. Turn right here. At the end of the road is a Garden Centre. Turn left and continue for about 2km and you will see El Ranch on your left hand side.

Tel: +34 609 541 695 or +34 659 497 311 or +34 616 071 058

Website: http://www.elrancho.se

Guardamar

El Refugio equestrian centre specialises in offering comprehensive horse riding holidays.

They also offer a great range of riding facilities by the hour and by the day.

• 1 lesson (20 minutes) on a lunge line for beginners - 15€
• 1 hour (60 minutes) riding out with a guide - 22€
• 1 hour (45 minutes) lesson in the riding school - 22€
• 1 hour (45 minutes) lesson / spanish style  - Doma Vaquera/Alta Escuela in the riding school  33€
• 1 day-ride (several hours) 50€
  Start in the morning at 9.45 a.m. - prepare the horses - ride between 1hr 30 mins and 2 hours - have a break in a bar/restaurant - ride back to the stable - arriving at the stable between 2 and 3 p.m.
• Set of 12 riding lessons - 220€
• Set of 12 lessons on the lunge line (20 minutes) - 150€
• A horse to lead (for children - 30 minutes) - 15€

Visit the El Refugio website for further information.

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