Andalusia 7-day Itinerary
Spain
Where to go and what to see in Andalusia to get the most from your trip – a 7-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Dana Facaros.
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Overview >Bucket list experience:
Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art
Credit Shutterstock.com/agsaz
Last updated: 10 November, 2022
You don’t have to be a horsey person to marvel at the extraordinary technical skill of the Andalusian horses and their riders, at this famous and unique riding school.
The area first fell in love with horses in the 8th century, when the Berbers from North Africa brought their proud Arab steeds to Andalusia. Afterwards they were bred by Carthusian monks in Jerez, creating the strong, slender pale grey Andalusian Pura Raza Espanola breed, with their elegantly arched necks. The dressage school was founded in 1973, and has become a must-see in Jerez ever since.
A full tour takes in a film on the school’s history, its botanical gardens, the palace built by Charles (‘Paris Opera’) Garnier, the Museum of Equestrian Art, the Carriage museum with historic costumes, the stables, the saddlery, and the Picadero arena, where you can watch the training sessions for the horse ballets.
Don’t miss
The show, ‘How the Andalusian Horses Dance’, is a 90-minute flamboyant horse ballet, complete with 18th-century costumes and music where the horses demonstrate their intricate dance steps and jumps. The show’s grand finale is a precision display of dressage called the ‘carousel’.
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Price from: £9
Minimum age: 4
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
If you’re coming by train to Jerez, take a taxi from the station; if you’re based in Seville, several tour operators offer day trips to Jerez, combining the equestrian school and sherry tours.
If you’re coming independently, buy tickets online to well in advance to avoid the queues and guarantee a place; places are limited for the tours and performances.
When to do it
Full tours are available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 90-minute performances of the dancing horses take place on Thursdays, starting at 11am.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Andalusian Horses Dance Show
Cádiz
The unique show, "How the Andalusian Horses Dance", is an equestrian ballet accompanied by quintessential Spanish music and 18th c...
€27 | Rating 4.39 / 5 [285 ratings]
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Hotel Casa Palacio Maria Luisa
Jerez de la Frontera , Andalusia, Spain[0.9 miles]
Jerez de la Frontera’s former casino has been reborn as one of Andalusia’s most dazzling new five-star hotels.
Official star rating:
Bodega Tio Pepe Hotel
Jerez de la Frontera, Andalusia, Spain[1.4 miles]
In the heart of Jerez, the world’s first sherry hotel is luxuriously contemporary, with a lovely panoramic rooftop terrace.
Official star rating:
Hotel Boutique Convento Cadiz
Cadiz, Andalusia, Spain[22.9 miles]
An atmospheric boutique hotel in a 17th-century convent, in easy walking distance of the sights and beaches of Cadiz.
Official star rating:
Parador de Cadiz
Cadiz, Andalusia, Spain[23.2 miles]
A striking contemporary steel and glass hotel in Cadiz, with a gorgeous pool terrace in an exceptional seaside setting.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Andalusia
Andalusia, Spain
A big dazzling region, packed with fascinating cities, beautiful landscapes and beaches, colourful fiestas and oodles of sunshine.
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Malaga
Andalusia, Spain
A big, vibrant city with a fascinating old centre, lively contemporary art, sandy beaches, great restaurants and buzzy nightlife.
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Seville
Andalusia, Spain
Extravagant and sensuous, Spain’s fourth city entices with brilliant monuments, gardens, tapas bars, flamenco shows and full-on nightlife.
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Overview >Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Experience
Aponiente
Cadiz, Andalusia, Spain[12.3 miles]
Andalusia’s most famous three Michelin star restaurant is just north of Cadiz in El Puerto de Santa Maria, where the visionary ‘Chef of the Sea’ Angel Leon takes seafood and sustainability, to a whole new level.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
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