Wednesday 28 December 2011

Horse Riding in Gran Canaria

Magnificent landscapes and year round sunshine make the Canary Islands an ideal retreat for visitors wanting to spend their holiday on horseback. Gran Canaria is one of the most popular destinations for horse riding holidays. Tourists, attracted by direct flights from most major airports across Europe, enjoy organised horse riding holidays on the island.

There are many, big and small, companies specialising in organising horse riding holidays. They often organise everything needed including equipment, tour guides and of course the horse that will take visitors on their journey.

The first step is choosing a route for the excursion. A popular trip in the South or the island passes through the mountains, Playa del Ingles and Maspalomas, always with the beautiful views of the blue sea in the background.

This journey will take approximately three hours, but there are shorter trips, taking in the fruit groves and woods off the tourist trial. Once the route has been chosen the next step is to arrive at the ranch to choose a horse to match your experience. Some of the major operators have awarded winning dressage horses in their stables.

Many excursion operators accommodate families, so parties with children can still enjoy the beautiful views, and the even more beautiful horses.

If you are a beginner you will be instructed in handling the reins, alongside other useful information, by riding supervisors. Even if you are an experienced rider, you will have the opportunity to be accompanied by an expert tour guide, to talk you through some of the wonderful sights in Gran Canaria. Excursion guides can often speak several languages (English, German, Spanish, and Norwegian) for the convenience of their clients. During escorted rides there is often the opportunity to stop for food and drink, either at the stables, or at an authentic café or restaurant. There really is no better way to enjoy the wonderful scenery of Gran Canaria than by horseback.

If you are visiting Gran Canaria with family and friends who don't share your enthusiasm for horse riding there are plenty of other activities to enjoy.

The island is particularly popular for golf, diving, cycling, hiking, surfing and fishing.

There are also some outstanding tourist attractions in Gran Canaria, suitable for families and couples alike.

The Botanical Park in Maspalomas has more than 50 different species of plants in the garden, ranging from palms to vegetables, from around the world. The park provides a perfect retreat from the hussle and bustle of everyday life. One of the most popular attractions for families is Holiday World, which is also located in Maspalomas, and moves at a faster pace than the Botanical Park. This popular attraction features a 27 metre high Ferris wheel that can be seen from afar. The family park also boasts a roller coaster and a laserdome, bowling alley, shops, restaurants and bars.

The action theme continues at the water park, which has rides and attractions for all the family, and a fantastic pool to cool off from the Gran Canaria heat.

After a day on horseback, or enjoying the tourist sights of Gran Canaria, visitors can choose from a wide selection of quality accommodation.

There are many superb self-catering accommodation complexes near to Maspalomas.

Some of the best accommodation includes private swimming pools, bars and restaurants.

Visitors can even book excursions directly from on-site adventure holiday specialists at some of the finest holiday complexes in Gran Canaria.

There are also on-site guides to provide information on the most popular destinations, restaurants and bars to ensure holidaymakers have the perfect stay on Gran Canaria.

With year round sunshine and great accommodation it's no surprise that Gran Canaria is such a popular destination with adventure holidaymakers.

Carlos Richardson writes for Adventure Included - horse riding holidays in Spain.


View the original article here

No comments: