Marbella Lifestyle

Horse riding in Marbella & the Costa del Sol

A guide to horse riding in Marbella and the Costa del Sol, including local stables, countryside routes, beach riding and equestrian living.

Written by Alex Clover

· 8 min. read

Peaceful horse riding in Marbella with two riders enjoying a beach ride along the shoreline.

Horse riding in Marbella: stables and riding centres on the Costa del Sol

From established riding centres and regular lessons to children’s activities and countryside trails, this guide brings together some of the best horse riding options in Marbella and the wider Costa del Sol.

Horse riding in Andalusian culture

Horse riding is deeply rooted in Andalusian culture, from local ferias and traditional romerías to classical dressage and the famous Pura Raza Española, or PRE. Around Marbella and the wider Costa del Sol, that connection is part of the landscape, with riding centres and stables offering everything from children’s activities and countryside hacks to regular lessons, livery services and professional training.

Equestrian centres in Marbella and the Costa del Sol

Most stables and riding centres around Marbella are situated just inland, where the landscape quickly becomes more rural. This gives riders access to mountain paths, pine forests, riverbeds and open countryside, while still remaining close to the coast.
The most convenient options for those based in Marbella are found just outside the town itself or within a short drive towards Benahavís, Estepona, Fuengirola and Mijas. Together, these areas offer a good range of riding schools, livery yards, children’s activities, countryside hacks and more structured equestrian training.

Centro Hípico El Repique, Marbella

Horse exercise walker at an equestrian center for horse riding in Marbella surrounded by lush greenery.

Centro Hípico El Repique is one of the most accessible equestrian centres for those living in or visiting Marbella. Located around 10 minutes from Marbella town centre, it sits in a natural setting and offers a broad range of riding services for different ages and levels. It is a good option for families, beginners and those looking for regular riding close to Marbella.

Services & Facilities: Riding lessons, Pony Club, countryside excursions, horse boarding, box boarding and paddocks, horse walker, solarium, hot-water horse showers, daily horse care, bar-cafeteria and terrace.

Marbella Club Equestrian Centre, Benahavís

Stable courtyard for horse riding in Marbella with horses standing outside traditional stalls.

Part of the Marbella Club Golf Resort, the Marbella Club Equestrian Centre is set in the elevated countryside of Benahavís, within easy reach of Marbella. The riding stables offer treks through the countryside as well as training for high-level competition.
The centre has 36 large boxes and facilities suitable for international competitions, making it one of the more polished equestrian environments in the area. It is especially appealing for riders looking for a refined setting with strong facilities and a countryside backdrop.

Services & Facilities: Horse riding, countryside treks, dressage lessons, competition-level training, modern boxes, international competition facilities and equine care.

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Marbella Horses, Villacana / Cancelada

Outdoor riding arena near the coast for horse riding in Marbella with palm trees and sea views.

Marbella Horses is located in Villacana, Cancelada, close to the beach between Marbella and Estepona. It offers lessons, classical dressage, pony activities, birthday experiences and seasonal beach rides.
Its “Walk along the beach” experience is available from October to April and is listed at €70, or €60 per person for two people or more. Morning rides usually take place around 08:00 to 09:00, with evening availability also mentioned on the centre’s website.

Services & Facilities: Beach walks, private lessons, classical dressage, pony trekking, Pony Club Villacana, summer camp, birthdays and celebrations.

Escuela de Arte Ecuestre Costa del Sol, Estepona

Aerial view of an equestrian facility dedicated to horse riding in Marbella with arenas, stables, and surrounding landscape.

The Escuela de Arte Ecuestre Costa del Sol is one of the most established equestrian centres in the area. Located in Estepona, it is recognised by Turismo Costa del Sol as one of the most important equestrian centres in Andalusia.
Its facilities make it suitable for beginners, families, regular riders and those looking for a more structured equestrian environment.

Services & Facilities: Riding lessons, courses for different levels, equestrian training, children’s riding, competitions, events, boarding, indoor and outdoor riding areas, Pony Club, catering service and restaurant.

Ranch Siesta Los Rubios, Estepona

Two riders practicing horse riding in Marbella on chestnut horses in an outdoor training arena.

Ranch Siesta Los Rubios is located just a short drive from Estepona and offers riding routes through the Sierra Bermeja mountains. The ranch focuses on mountain trail riding and is led by Caroline Grahm, a many-times Andalusian endurance champion.
This is a good choice for riders looking for a more relaxed, countryside experience. Routes are available for different levels, and the ranch also offers lessons and livery.

Services & Facilities: Mountain hacks, beginner-friendly riding, lessons, saddle-up experiences, livery and countryside riding.

Finca La Alegría, La Cala de Mijas

Finca La Alegría is a family run livery yard and riding stables located around 1km inland from La Cala de Mijas. It offers lessons, hacks, kids’ clubs and parent-led rides, making it a practical option for families based in Mijas Costa, Calahonda, La Cala or nearby areas.
The setting gives riders access to countryside routes while remaining close to the coast. It is also a useful option for those looking for regular children’s riding activities.

Services & Facilities: Riding lessons, countryside hacks, children’s riding, kids’ clubs, pony camps, parent-led rides, livery, Club Bar & Restaurant and animals on site.

Rancho La Paz, Fuengirola and the Mijas mountains

White horses at a scenic stable for horse riding in Marbella with mountain views in the background.

Set in the Mijas mountains above Fuengirola, Rancho La Paz is home to around 80 Andalusian / PRE horses, most of which were born and raised on the finca. Its riding experiences focus on safe, memorable trail riding through mountain paths, valleys, pine forests and open countryside.
For experienced riders, Rancho La Paz also offers the Zahara Trail, an Atlantic Coast Ride for groups of six or more. The route begins on the beaches of Zahara de los Atunes (near Tarifa), before heading inland through coastal pine forests, open meadows, cattle country and the Alcornocales Natural Park.

Services & Facilities: Riding holidays, daily outdoor rides, weekly riding programmes, mountain trails, Andalusian and PRE horses, beginner and experienced rider programmes, yoga and riding retreats, and countryside excursions.

Club Hípico El Ranchito, Torremolinos

Traditional equestrian show during horse riding in Marbella with a white horse, rider, and flamenco performer.

Club Hípico El Ranchito in Torremolinos is one of the best-known equestrian venues on the Costa del Sol. This long-established equestrian centre even has a flamenco show, held every Wednesday. The show combines horsemanship, Andalusian style and flamenco, making it a good option for visitors who want to experience the cultural side of horse riding without necessarily taking part in a ride.

Services & Facilities: Riding lessons, countryside rides, dressage, children’s camps, equestrian shows, flamenco experiences and events.

Polo Valley, Sotogrande

Polo players enjoying horse riding in Marbella on a palm-lined field under a sunny sky.

Polo Valley is located on the outskirts of Sotogrande and offers a more specialist equestrian experience centred around polo. The setting makes it a strong addition for those interested in the polo lifestyle, or for riders looking to experience one of the Costa del Sol’s most established equestrian traditions further west of Marbella.

Services and facilities: Riding and polo lessons, beginner polo programmes, polo training, chukkas, horse riding experiences, river rides, family and kids’ polo, summer camps, livery and membership, accommodation, weddings and events.

Private equestrian living in La Zagaleta

Andalusian equestrian center entrance for horse riding in Marbella surrounded by gardens and traditional architecture.

La Zagaleta is one of the most exclusive private estates near Marbella, set in the hills of Benahavís around 20 minutes from the coast. For residents and members, its private Riding Club adds a distinctive equestrian dimension to the country-club lifestyle, offering a secure and refined environment for riders of all different levels in a stunning surrounding.

Services and facilities: Private Riding Club for residents and members of La Zagaleta. Stabling, grooming, coaching, recreational riding, competition riding, 20 stables, six paddocks, covered training area, dressage, show jumping and access to nature trails.

Beach riding on the Atlantic Coast

Sunset horse riding in Marbella with two riders on the beach and a dog walking beside them.

While most horse riding around Marbella and the central Costa del Sol takes place inland, Tarifa offers another element to beach riding further west, on the Costa de la Luz. Around 90 minutes from Marbella, its Atlantic beaches, dunes and protected natural areas create some of southern Spain’s most memorable coastal riding routes, with centres such as Hurricane Hípica and Aventuras del Sur offering beach rides, nature routes, yoga stays and horse riding holidays.

FAQs about horse riding on the Costa del Sol

Where can I go horse riding in Marbella?

Some of the most convenient options near Marbella include Centro Hípico El Repique in Marbella and the Marbella Club Equestrian Centre in Benahavís. Estepona and Mijas also have several riding schools and trail riding centres within easy reach.

Are there English-speaking horse riding centres on the Costa del Sol?

Yes, many equestrian centres on the Costa del Sol are used to working with international residents and visitors, and several offer services in English. It is still best to confirm language availability when booking.

Are there riding lessons for beginners on the Costa del Sol?

Yes. Many equestrian centres on the Costa del Sol offer beginner lessons, including options for children and adults. Centres such as Centro Hípico El Repique, Escuela de Arte Ecuestre Costa del Sol, Finca La Alegría and El Ranchito offer riding lessons or beginner-friendly activities.

Can children go horse riding in Marbella and nearby areas?

Yes. Several centres offer children’s riding, Pony Club activities, kids’ clubs or pony rides. It is always best to contact each stable directly to confirm age requirements, availability and whether lessons are private or group-based.

Can I go horse riding on the beach in Marbella?

Beach horse riding is limited in central Marbella, but there are seasonal beach-riding options nearby. Marbella Horses, based in Villacana / Cancelada between Marbella and Estepona, offers beach walks from October to April. For longer coastal rides, many riders travel further west towards Tarifa on the Costa de la Luz, where beach riding is more widely available.

Written by
Alex Clover - Panorama Real Estate in Marbella
Alex Clover Member of the Board of Directors

A visionary in PR and real estate, shaping Marbella’s success and legacy.