Pony Trekking in Spain - The Equine Lover's Vacation

Pony trekking has gained immense popularity in Spain in recent years. Few better ways exist to combine balmy weather, gorgeous scenery and horseback riding into one vacation. Pony trekking holidays draw equine fans from all over the world to sunny Spain. One travel publication lists Spain as one of the top 10 destinations for pony trekking holidays.

Spain is already renowned the world over for its climate and geography. Spain's biggest tourism draw is its nearly year-round sunshine, particularly on the coasts. Falling a close second on the tourist-favorites list is Spain's vast terrain and stunning natural resources. Tourists are urged not to spend too much time in a car while holidaying in Spain. This spectacular country is best seen up close and personal. Horseback riding makes the A-list when it comes to ways to do just that.

Spain has been acclaimed as one of the best locations for pony trekking holidays in the world. This fact makes Andalucia, Spain the best of the best. Foreign tourists and travel journalists have acclaimed it as the premier location for pony trekking holidays in Spain. Situated at the southern tip of mainland Spain, it covers an area of over 87,000 square kilometers. Andalucia's coastline, which measures over 800 kilometers long, is perfect for idyllic rides along the beach. Riders can also take in Andalucia's mix of ancient and modern architecture and pastoral countrysides.

When you look at a map of Spain Andalucia's Sierra Nevada mountain region is another ideal pony trekking holiday location. Known for its pristine winter skiing, the mountains are a haven for riders during the spring and summer months. Riders find breathtaking views stretching from sea to sky in this popular area.

Pony trekking holidays are not just for the experienced rider. Horseback riding is an ideal way for family members of all ages to get close to nature in Spain. Tourists who lack riding experience can usually find competent instruction from professional riders. Treks are accompanied by experienced guides who know both the trails and the horses. Guides offer support to riders plus firsthand intimate knowledge of the trails and their inhabitants.

Hundreds of pony trekking holiday companies have sprung up in recent years all over Spain. Many of Spain's popular tourist resorts also offer a pony trekking option as part of their tourism packages. Visitors can often choose from a variety of trails and lengths of trips. A typical trail ride usually lasts five days to one week.

The hard-core rider may want to choose a pony trekking holiday that includes remote trails and camping under the stars at night. Other tour packages lead riders on less remote trails, often between small villages. Participants typically bed down in hotels for the nights on these gentler treks. Tourists who aren't confident in their equestrian skills may prefer to start with a day trip. Day trips are almost always available as an option to week-long rides. Day trips are often the perfect solution for families with small children who love horses but not long trips.

Few experiences match the feeling of pounding hooves splashing through waves on a white sand beach. Exhilarating and refreshing, a pony trekking holiday is a superb way to explore the vastness of Spain's outdoors. Tourists of all ages typically recount their Spanish pony trekking holiday as one of life's most memorable.

Tribune produce a series of travel guides for Spain, including one for the island of Lanzarote at yourlanzarote.net

Their holiday information includes a Lanzarote map

Where to Find the Best Car Hire in Spain

Spain is a spectacularly diverse country offering an extensive array of regional landscapes, cities, towns, villages and cultural hot spots which are all must visit places for any one going to the extent of a car hire during their holiday.

Spain has a rich variety of regional foods which to be fully appreciated must be sampled whilst you are there. Whilst on vacation a hire car is often the fastest and most convenient way to visit these locations and enjoy all of the culinary fare on offer.

From Spain’s vast towering mountain ranges to the crystal blue seas of the Mediterranean a rental car will mean you wont miss a thing.

Spain enjoys a celebration of life every year during the festival season, colorful vibrant Fiestas small and large alike take place in most towns and cities. From streets carpeted in flowers in Cordoba, films by the sea, to the raucous running of the bulls, and the perplexing burial of the sardine in Murcia or the rather sophisticated ballets and concerts in the gardens of Calphis there is something for every taste.

As a tourist what ever you feel like taking in can be more than easily accommodated at relatively small distances. Spain quite literally has it all on offer, Barcelona is a feast for the eyes and senses, marvel at Gaudi’s cathedral and art works or sit back and enjoy the ‘hustle bustle’ of everyday Spanish life over a Coffee. Madrid boasts over 50 museums, the home of the Royal family and parliament; it just doesn’t get any more cosmopolitan than this. There are tropical islands, romantic hidden hill towns, Roman architecture left over from Spain’s colorful history. The flawless mountain ranges of the Pyrenees are perfect for a week of skiing and throughout the summer the sun streams down on mile after mile of clean white sandy beaches.

When the sun finally sets Spain’s effervescent medley of night life will keep you entertained until the small hours.

For those on with a slightly more flexible itinerary a hire car means you can fully appreciate what makes Spain quite so unique.

With extensive numbers of hire companies to choose from, all of which guarantee a clean affordable modern car the choice is really with the consumer. Driving in Spain is relatively simple and very much like the driving you are used to in the UK.

When it comes to cost, a hire car makes a lot of sense; think about your airport transfer, quite often this equals the cost of a weeks car hire to begin with. Then when you consider the cost of any taxis used during your stay it becomes the clear choice.

The best element of hiring a car has to be that you will get to see so many of Spain’s hidden treasures which would otherwise remain unknown to you. If you’re on a longer vacation it can be the perfect method of getting away from resort on a day trip and soaking in the local culture.

With temperatures in summer reaching in excess of 40 degrees centigrade you’ll want to have a car with air-conditioning; purely because it will make your journeys more comfortable. You’re like to keep the children happier and avoid any stressful moments behind the wheel. The majority of hire cars in Spain include this but be sure to check when you book. Nothing is stopping you, go ahead book a hire car, and realise what a different type of holiday you could have been having.

A Car Hire Murcia is the perfect way to explore the region. With so many interesting places to discover a Car Hire Spain is the recommended and most cost effective transport option.

Spain is Scotland's Top Holiday Destination

The holidays and flights business has been hit hard by the recent economic downturn. Many hotels, resorts and airlines are cutting costs in an effort to keep their businesses running even when the guests aren't coming in the numbers they used to.

In at least one place, though, the tourists are still faithfully keeping their vacation plans. Spain's tourism industry continues to thrive despite the euro's strength against other world currencies.

Scottish tourists in particular have always been fond of Spain and the Spanish island such as Tenerife and Lanzarote. More commercial flights arrive in Spain from Scotland than most other countries. Every year, Scots flock to Spain for its gorgeous beaches, its lively culture and its relatively cheap prices.

Despite the euro gaining strength on the British pound, Spain is less expensive for Scottish tourists to visit than many other countries in the European Union. Since the Spanish economy thrives on tourism, prices have remained affordable for holidaymakers.

But Spain's attraction isn't about tourist traps or cheap thrills. The country's long and fascinating history is what draws some visitors. Others come for the robust nightlife in Spain's cities. Many tourists come to Spain to revel in some of the world's most treasured art and architecture. From the Prado in Madrid to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain is a dream come true for anyone who enjoys admiring the works of masters.

Winter holidays in the warmth of Lanzarote are popular too, with many Scots opting to have holidays in Lanzarote while their own winter is on.

Recently, tourist destinations outside of the European Union have become very popular for British tourists. Egypt and South America have been named as among some of the most affordable destinations for British visitors.

However, many prefer to remain closer to home. Spain is only a short journey away, meaning that Scottish holidaymakers can save money on airfares. Even if the local currency in Spain means that they will pay more once they arrive, the Scots don't seem to mind. To them, the pleasure of being in Spain is worth paying just a little more due to the currency conversion.

Some Scots, however, are choosing to stay at home rather than travel abroad, and they're not alone. Tourists come from all over the world to see the natural and historical richness of Scotland.

Among the most popular Scottish tourist destinations are Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands. Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, has a rich history dating back many centuries. Today it is one of the rare cities that manage to seamlessly blend the ancient and the modern.

Edinburgh features some of Europe's most beloved music and arts festivals. Local history and culture permeate the modern atmosphere to create a wholly unique experience. In Edinburgh, you can visit the ancient Edinburgh Castle, admire the art in the National Gallery of Scotland and dance to modern music in a club all in the same day. And August sees the Edinburgh Festival in full swing.

The Scottish Highlands have been immortalized in many books and films, but nothing can prepare you for the real thing. As one of the most diverse wildlife habitats in Britain, the Highlands contain a fascinating array of birds, seals, dolphins and many more animals. The rough terrain and famously fickle weather make every outing an adventure, but one that is very much worth embarking on.

Spain clearly remains Scotland's favourite tourist destination and will do so far into the future. But Scots continue to holiday inside Scotland as well, enjoying the beauty that their homeland has to offer - Scotland must have a lot going for it as most of the British Royal Family spend their summer at Balmoral!

Travel and holiday details for the Spanish holiday island of Lanzarote are available with yourlanzarote.net

Information about European based Lanzarote flights and for first time visitors hoping to find their way around Lanzarote a map of Lanzarote are both accessible with the Lanzarote holidays guide.