Sotogrande offers so much more than just polo and golf.

Sotogrande offers so much more than just polo and golf. This week, I had the chance to try something different—a horseback riding tour with an overnight stay at the Castle of Castellar and back. Just 10 minutes from the center of Sotogrande, in the Alcaidesa National Park, you’ll find Ferdy’s E3 Endurance Equestrian Experience. This convenient location was a fantastic starting point. From here, we set out into the park, a pleasant ride that showcases some of the most beautiful landscapes, fauna, and flora of this part of Andalusia. The route took us through two nature parks and into the valley that leads up to Jimena, a location once planned for a new airport (thankfully never built), and further along the ancient Roman road up to the medieval castle known as Castellar de la Frontera.

The day began with a ride through a pine forest, where, if you're lucky, you might spot a red deer hiding among the trees. Continuing across the main road, we reached a high vantage point with views of the mountains stretching toward Gaucin and beyond. Then we descended into a valley filled with bright yellow rapeseed fields. Here, we stopped for a peaceful lunch prepared by our host, savoring gourmet sandwiches while the horses enjoyed a break, munching on the fresh greenery that had sprouted after recent rains. Afterward, we rode through fields dotted with cows and calves, even encountering a local cowboy (vaquero). A joyful gallop across the valley brought us closer to the castle via the winding old road, revealing glimpses of our final destination.

Once we arrived at the castle, we checked into a local hotel located within its ancient walls, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The evening concluded with a delicious dinner of homemade chicken accompanied by fresh vegetables.

After a leisurely breakfast the next morning, we saddled up and began the return journey along the old Roman road, taking a different route back. The highlight was a picturesque riverside picnic complete with chairs and a table. We then made our way through the national park and back home. Who says Sotogrande is just about golf and polo? There are plenty of hidden treasures—come and explore!