geocalia

What to do · Doñana and El Rocío

Horse Ride through the Fossil Dunes of Matalascañas

Horse riding · 1 to 2 h · From €30 · Fossil dunes and the sea in the distance from Matalascañas, for first-time riders; all year except Rocío week.

InformationFrom €30 per person
From
€30 per person
Duration
1 h
Season
All year, except the week of the Rocío pilgrimage
Who it's for
Beginners aged 12 to 65; ages 6 to 11 with a year of lessons

Doñana Hípica El Pasodoble leaves from the Parque Dunar in Matalascañas and rides through the fossil dunes of the Doñana coast, with the sea and the national park in view. It is the company's most visited route and is designed for people riding a horse for the first time: the horses are trained for it, are calm and know the way.

What routes there are

There are three formats. The Dunar lasts one hour and costs €30. The Relax lasts an hour and a half and costs €35. The Clásica lasts two hours and costs €40; in July and August the sunset departure goes up to €45. Departures are at 10:00, at 12:00 and, for the sunset one, at 18:00. There is also a private two-hour departure with an aperitif facing the Atlantic (€120 per person from two people, €150 if just one) and beach rides that the company reserves for experienced riders.

Who can go

No experience is needed between the ages of 12 and 65, but you do need to be fit enough to keep your balance and follow instructions. Children aged 6 to 11 need at least a year of riding lessons. If you have any physical or medical limitation, check before booking: the company will assess it with you.

When to go and how to book

It runs all year, except for the week of the Rocío pilgrimage. In winter they give a glass of local sweet wine on each ride. Book online, by phone (959 448 241) or by WhatsApp. If you cancel more than 24 hours ahead, you get 70% back on the Clásica, private and private beach rides; with less notice, there is no refund. If they cancel because of bad weather, they give you a voucher valid for a year.

What to bring

Long trousers, closed shoes, a cap or hat for the sun and water. For the sunset departure, something warm.

Combine with

Afterwards, the El Rocío hermitage and its marshland, or the 4x4 tour from El Acebuche if you prefer to see the interior of the park.

Frequently asked questions

Can I ride on the beach?

The beach rides are only for experienced riders and are requested separately from the company.

Is there a weight limit?

The website does not publish one. Ask when you book.

As a familyWith teenagers

Who runs it

Opening hours and prices can change: check them before you go.

Round off the plan

Where to eat, where to stay and what else to do

To eat nearby

The El Rocío hermitage lit up, seen from the restaurant© Aires de Doñana

Aires de Doñana

Restaurant · El Rocío · €€€€

What to order: ortiguillas from La Rocina to start, the ragout or the rangers'-house-style mostrenca, and the Doñana dessert

The Toruño dining room with the window onto the marsh© Toruño del Rocío

Toruño del Rocío Restaurant

Restaurant · El Rocío · €€€€

What to order: the creamy mostrenca rice, the mostrenca cannelloni or the Punta Umbría squid, and poleá with Doñana honey for dessert

The LaBoca restaurant dining room© Hotel La Malvasía

LaBoca Restaurant (Hotel La Malvasía)

Restaurant · El Rocío · €€€€

What to order: something seasonal from the traditional cooking menu and a Condado de Huelva wine.

To stay nearby

The entrance of the Toruño del Rocío hotel© Toruño del RocíoHotel

TdR Hotel Toruño del Rocío

Plaza del Acebuchal · Marsh views · Restaurant · 30 rooms

Why we like it: Thirty marsh-style rooms on the Plaza del Acebuchal, next to the hermitage, many with views of the marsh; restaurant and breakfast with local produce.

From €63 / night View details
The illuminated façade of the Hotel La Malvasía, with palm trees and courtyard© Hotel La MalvasíaSmall hotel

Hotel La Malvasía

Facing the marsh · Rocío houses · LaBoca restaurant · Doñana experiences

Why we like it: Two rocío houses turned into a hotel on Calle Sanlúcar, facing the marsh and near the hermitage, with carefully designed rooms and the LaBoca restaurant.

One of the bungalows at La Aldea Campsite© Camping La AldeaCampsite

La Aldea Campsite

El Rocío · Bungalows and marsh huts · Pool · Horse stables

Why we like it: Campsite in El Rocío, at the entrance to the village, with pitches, bungalows, marsh huts, a pool, a mesón restaurant and horse stables.