Ride and surf in sunny southern Spain

Imagine galloping on horseback along the beach in short sleeves, the sun on your face and ocean spray glittering around you – this is a riding adventure to Tarifa, Andalucia, with The Riding Company. The company’s unique equestrian hotel is located right on the beach and also has its own wave school, where guests can have a go at surfing, kite surfing and wind-surfing.

Beginner horse riders can have arena-based riding lessons on the venue’s safe, Andalucian and cross-bred horses before taking to the sands, while experienced riders can venture out on some terrific full day rides (4-5 hrs long, including lunch break). These include the Paloma Baja beach ride, which takes in beautiful pine woods in a deserted coastal region, part of a local nature reserve. Another ride takes guests up into the mountains to the ‘Sanctuary of the Light’ before riding back through the famous cork forests of Andalucia.

Not to be missed is the sand dune ride. The dunes are situated at the back of one of the most famous windsurfing bays in Europe, where guests climb up the huge sand dunes on horseback. A picnic lunch is enjoyed in a scented pine forest behind the dunes, before riding back to the stables. Most days end with a magical sunset beach ride - either a gentle stroll through the surf, or an exhilarating gallop.

The hotel’s kite surfing, windsurfing and surf school has all the equipment guests will need, and a bespoke holiday can be arranged to include as much horse riding or surfing as guests would like. Other activities include day trips to Morocco, just 30 minutes away by boat, whale watching with local marine biologists, and trips to the Royal School of Equestrian Art in Jerez, the horse capital of Andalucia.

Special courses include a weekly ‘relax riding’ course for all levels of experience, which includes ten hours of flexible lessons spread over a week, plus children and adult beginner riding courses.

The venue has a charming restaurant and bar, offers beach chalet or hotel accommodation, and provides the perfect climate for a holiday at any time of the year. Prices start from £530 per person for a short break and include transfers, riding and lunches. Excluded are fights, insurance, dinners and drinks.

For more information, visit Theridingcompany.com.