sunshine tour montenmedio

Sunshine Tour

Andalucia sunshine tour.

by Saskia Mier

7th February - 25th March 2023

III Andalucia october Tour - 12th to 29th October 2023

The Sunshine Tour was created in the early nineties and has become the biggest equestrian winter competition in all of Europe. Its official name was the Circuito Hípico del Sol changed in 2022 to become the Andalucia Sunshine Tour as the regional tourist board became the main sponsors.

The inaugural Sunshine Tour was held in 1995, the first competition of its kind, and it has since become a template for other competitions of the same style. The idea was to create a major event with several disciplines during the winter months when the weather is usually bad in the U.K., France, Germany, the Netherlands, etc. Riders, horses and their teams could travel to the Montenmedio complex and compete in far better weather conditions in preparation for the spring/summer season.  

An arena was built at the Montenmedio Golf and Country Club in 2002 and it has since become a vast complex covering a total of 15,600 square metres. The complex has state-of-the-art facilities including 17 arenas of different sizes, stables, veterinary and blacksmith installations, driving tracks and a cross country course, not forgetting four restaurants. A large covered area provides the perfect space for competitions regardless of the weather, with neither intense rain nor blazing sun interfering with events. Olympic qualifying events are included among the many scheduled competitions at this prestigious venue.

During the months of February and March riders from all over the world come to compete on the Sunshine Tour in driving, jumping, dressage and three-day eventing. They are set up as an extensive series of equine events held at a single venue in order to reduce travelling arrangements for the participating horses - as they come from over 20 countries. Once there, however, they are able to settle in, relax and usually enjoy the excellent weather conditions.

Autumn Tour

An event known as Circuito de Otoño (Autumn Tour) is a more recent event and is held from October to November, but dates vary each year, the same as for the Sunshine Tour . It is therefore best to consult the dates of events before visiting.

Montenmedio

The Montenmedio complex is located about 10 kilometres south ( N-340 km 41.3 ) of   Vejer de la Frontera , in Cádiz province, which is home to a vast stretch of Mediterranean coastline known as the  Costa de la Luz - thanks to the tremendous quality of light in this part of the region. The climate is also ideal for year-round outdoor activities, with facilities such as Montenmedio in Vejer designed to cope with hot Iberian summers. However, Atlantic breezes do temper the heat in this part of Spain.

The Sunshine Tour  is open to spectators, and there is plenty of parking and free admission. The dedicated entrance is located on the N-340 km 41.3 a few hundred metres west (in direction of Vejer) of the Montenmedio estate entrance.

Book Hotels in Montenmedio

Hotel hacienda montenmedio.

This luxurious hotel is set next to the de Montenmedio Golf Course, 15 minutes’ drive from the beaches of El Palmar and Faro Trafalgar. It offers an 18-hole golf course, art museum and free WiFi.

Hotels outside Vejer village

Book hotels in outside vejer, cortijo el indiviso.

Cortijo El Indiviso is set in large grounds, 15 minutes’ drive from Barbate Beach. Built in 1895, the renovated property features free Wi-Fi, a seasonal outdoor pool and barbecue facilities.

Hotel El Paso

Hotel El Paso is a 5-minute drive from the Andalusian hill town of Vejer de la Frontera. It offers an outdoor pool with hill views, 24-hour reception and free Wi-Fi.

Air-conditioned rooms come with a TV, desk and safe. They have tiled floors and a private bathroom with a bath tub or shower.

Casa Rural El Cubillo

Located just 34 km from Novo Sancti Petri Golf, Casa Rural El Cubillo provides accommodation in Vejer de la Frontera with access to a garden, barbecue facilities, as well as a shared kitchen. This property offers access to a patio, free private parking and free WiFi. When staying at the country house, guests can use private entrance.

Casa La Siesta

Surrounded by olive groves and herb gardens, Casa La Siesta features an infinity swimming pool and beautiful accommodation with balconies and views. It offers a peaceful setting in Los Parralejos, 10 km from Vejer de la Frontera.

Casa Montecote Eco Resort

Easily accessible from the A48 Motorway, this eco-resort is set in a 15,000m² estate just outside Vejer de la Frontera. It offers an outdoor pool and rustic accommodation with a terrace.

Andalucia Sunshine Tour Event Report 2022

World class horses along with some of the best riders have been arriving non-stop from all corners of the world, especially from Central Europe, to compete at the highest level at Montenmedio. The stables are bursting with activity as teams arrive to the state-of-the-art complex, with a total of 3,500 horses and their entourage of approximately 9,000 people expected to pass through the facilities during the 2 month period. More than 50 nationalities will be represented over the weeks with over 750 riders registered to compete in driving, jumping, dressage and three-day eventing. This year there are over 300 classes, with 42 classes scoring for the FEI Longines ranking, qualifiers for the World Championships, and more than €2,000,000 in prizes.

Despite the complex being known for its warm weather during this time of year, there can be days of rain and wind. The major innovation of the Andalucia Sunshine Tour is the 90x62m removable roof covering 5,850 square metres, making it the largest removable roof in the world. The structure cost €750,000 and covers 19 arenas. One can say that it is these modern facilities and buzzing atmosphere that make the Andalucia Sunshine Tour a great attraction for those involved in equestrian sports.

What to watch? A great fun favourite is the Jump&Drive Class, sponsored by Suzuki, which will inaugurate the show-jumping events. This class is made up of two sections, and is against the clock.  Riders jump a small course of fences set at 1.10m,  dismount and run, themselves jumping a fence on foot, to a waiting Suzuki car.  They then have to negotiate a short course set between cones as fast as they can without incurring penalties. The class is designed to be great fun for both the riders and spectators. Anyone may enter the class, and adding to the atmosphere there will be free beer provided to spectators, by Cervezas Victoria, who is also sponsoring the event.

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LA DEHESA MONTENMEDIO WILL HAVE THE WORLD'S LARGEST INDOOR REMOVABLE ARENA

The director of the Sunshine Tour, Teresa Blázquez, pointed out that the new track, which has involved an investment of 750,000 euros and will be inaugurated in January, "is the icing on the cake for the Dehesa Montenmedio".

The Dehesa Montenmedio will have the world's largest detachable indoor arena for equestrian jumping competitions, an attraction that will be added to the more than twenty grass and sand competition arenas at Europe's largest equestrian facility. The new indoor arena, which has required an investment of 750,000 euros and will be ready in November, but will not be inaugurated until the competitions in January, will allow competitions to be held when the weather conditions are not favourable and also offers great versatility and functionality due to its dismountable nature. It is 90 metres long and 45 metres wide, for a total surface area of 5,850 square metres, and has a two-layer roof of polyester textile membrane coated in PVC with high-frequency welded Keder. The two layers form an air chamber that provides high thermal insulation and improved wind resistance.  The director of the Sunshine Tour, Teresa Blázquez, pointed out that "the new track is the icing on the cake for the Dehesa Montenmedio. We have made a firm commitment to it, because it means closing the circle completely".  Blázquez understands that "one of the keys to the success of the Sunshine Tour is that when in the rest of the world it is impossible to compete on outdoor tracks due to the climate, we are the Oasis of Europe. Everyone knows that with us they are guaranteed to be able to compete outdoors, which is essential for young horses. Inexperienced horses come to the circuit and leave Montenmedio in good shape. Now with the new indoor arena we give them the possibility to alternate the indoor arena with the others".  The President of the Spanish Equestrian Federation, Javier Revuelta, checked first-hand the execution of the project during the celebration of the Spanish Show Jumping Championships in the Dehesa Montenmedio and was very satisfied that Spanish equestrian sport has a new facility of this magnitude and scope, which represents a definitive boost for the Circuit to establish itself among the world elite of equestrian facilities.

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Sunshine tour in Montenmedio Vejer de la Frontera

Best activities to do during sunshine tour in montenmedio.

I will be giving ideas about what activities to do if you are coming to compete in the sunshine tour in Vejer de la Frontera. For some other related topics, if you want to follow a quick route through Vejer de la Frontera please click here . If instead, you are looking into what self-guided hiking routes can you do around Vejer de la Frontera, click here . Moreover, for our favourite places to eat here , and our favourite places to stay here . Depending on when you come, there will be different events in Vejer de la Frontera, click here to see them.

Montenmedio in Vejer de la Frontera

The Montenmedio dehesa (managed Mediterrranean forest) is spread over approximately 500 hectares of a unique natural area. The dehesa de Montenmedio has a hotel, the NMAC foundation museum, horse riding, the sunshine tour horse competition, and golf.

Hacienda Montenmedio

The rooms of the estate are designed with the exquisite simplicity typical of old Andalusian country houses. The rooms have all what you need to feel like at home, such as a wireless internet connection and satellite TV.

NMAC Fundation

The NMAC Foundation is located in the interior grounds of the Dehesa Montenmedio in the Cadiz province of Vejer de la Frontera. The NMAC Foundation was created as a point of interaction between its social, cultural and territorial context.

Following the current model for a relationship-based centre, the NMAC Foundation project started as a mediating museum. NMAC commits to support contemporary artists promoting social dialogue and understanding through art.

It is situated in a rural setting, far from urban centres. The Foundation invites artists from all corners of the world to undertake site-specific projects in the form of installations, sculptures, photography, video-painting, performances and architectural projects within nature.

Montenmedio Equestrian Centre: Sunshine Tour

Montenmedio has the most extensive equestrian facilities in all of Europe for the equestrian sport in all four disciplines; Jumping, Dressage, Driving and Eventing.

The equestrian centre in Dehesa Montenmedio is perfect for international and national competitions, as well as national championships. Their facilities have two main areas so there may be different competitions happening at the same time.

The Sunshine Tour for both jumping and dressage are in February and March with 450 riders from 46 different nations and 1.500 horses.

The Montenmedio equestrian centre has 1300 permanent stables, 11 training and competition arenas, parking for 250 lorries and trailers, village area and restaurants. It is only 5 minutes away from the beautiful white town of Vejer de la Frontera, if you need a break.

Golf in Vejer de la Frontera Cadiz

The Montenmedio golf course (6.260 meters, 18 holes and par 72) is different from all other Spanish courses. Not a single building affects its fairways and Greens. Forests of wild olive, cork oak and pine trees surrounds this golf course. It has impressive views of the Atlantic, of white towns such as Vejer de la Frontera, Benalup and Medina Sidonia, and also of the African coast of Tangiers and Espartel.

Playing its 18 holes is always fun and surprising: deer, rabbits, ducks and other animals accompany the player along this gentle round. The club house is designed in neoclassic Andalusian style with Asian influences and subtle furnishings and offers excellent golf services. As Severiano Ballesteros said in an edition of the OKI Tour, “Montenmedio is one of the Golf Courses that no golfer should miss”

Selfguided tour of Vejer de la Frontera

If you are interested in a selfguided walking tour of Vejer de la Frontera you can download my tour in Voicemap. Here you will follow a path to see and learn about the most emblematic buildings in Vejer in an hour. Click the following button to download it for a very affordable price.

Private tours from Sunshine tour in Montenmedio

My name is Carlos and I have a tour agency based in Vejer de la Frontera, Explore la Tierra . I focus on doing private culinary tours, cultural and hiking tours within Cadiz province. Please, read below what type of activities I do. I am certain you may want to join some of them!

Food and culinary Tours

Cadiz province is home of one of the most known international wines, the famous sherry wine. I do private sherry and Andalusian wine tastings throughout Cadiz province. Join our culinary and cultural tours where we go and visit the famous white towns of Cadiz. You will learn about the traditional bluefin tuna fishing method, almadraba , or visit a local olive press, almazara . I look forward to showing you the incredibly diverse gastronomy and traditions that the province has to offer.

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Hiking tours in the natural parks of Cadiz

In these private guided hiking tours in Cadiz province I offer incredible hikes in La Breña, El Estrecho and Los Alcornocales natural parks. You will learn about local traditions and about the culinary, medicinal and gastronomical use of the Mediterranean plants. I worked in the environmental and conservation fields in Canada, UK and Spain for over 5 years and know many of the species in the area.

Cadiz province is one of the most biodiverse provinces in mainland Spain. Habitats range from dense forest reminiscent of cloud forest to Mediterranean forest, dune systems, and more. Moreover, enjoy the majestic views of Cadiz and the Strait of Gibraltar. Cadiz has the highest % of protected habitat in Andalusia, while its climate and sunlight hours are similar to Canary Islands. I look forward to showing you this incredibly diverse province in the most southern point of mainland Spain.

There are many activities and tours to take if your are coming to Sunshine tour in Montenmedio. If you want to join me in any of these tours, please do not hesitate to visit my website and contact me at [email protected].

To learn more about sherry, culture and Andalusia travel guides, please click the big blue button to read other blog posts. If you have any ideas and suggestions, please do not hesitate to write us an email at [email protected]. Please read our privacy policy before you get in touch with us. We will take your new recommendations into consideration.

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Equestrian sports: Sunshine Tour

Ovohorse, present at Sunshine Tour 2024

Andalucía Sunshine Tour 2024 kicks off on February 6th at Dehesa Montenmedio in Vejer de la Frontera (Cádiz). The venue will host seven weeks of competitions, which bring together top show-jumping riders to enjoy this benchmark event of the equestrian world.

Once again, Ovohorse and Ovoclone will be present at Montenmedio. Our booth will showcase science and avant-garde, to be able to offer a wide range of services to those interested in finding out more.

Thanks to our expertise in human reproduction and cell cryopreservation, our services are pioneering in Spain . Reproduction techniques and cloning processes such as the preservation of cell lines allow us to protect the genetic legacy of competition stallions and mares without interrupting their sporting careers. This specialised procedure, which allows for the creation of high-quality replicas of champion horses, is already making an impact in the equine industry.

Andalucía Sunshine Tour is celebrating its 30th anniversary with over 2,000 riders and 3,500 horses from 60 countries participating in a series of competitions that will make it the global hub of show jumping.

Ovohorse and Ovoclone would like to welcome all those interested in obtaining offspring from highly competitive horses by means of our OPU-ICSI service and our gene bank .

We will have a team of experts with the most advanced technology at our booth, located next to Arena 5 (and the Meeting Point) . They will be available to provide information to anyone who is curious to learn more about the wide range of services we provide.

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Montenmedio is humming with activity in anticipation of the imminent start of the Andalucía Sunshin

Top level showjumping returns to the equestrian installations this week and continues right up until the 27th of March

Just watching the practically non stop arrival of horses from all over the world, and especially Central Europe, travelling in style in specifically designed lorries,  it is obvious that competition at the highest level of our sport is about to start up here again at Montenmedio,

The office and the stables are busy and vibrant with staff working really hard to efficiently organise arrivals, check in and place the 2,250 caballos that can be simultaneously housed in the facilities.  As this year’s Andalucía Sunshine Tour progresses, with horses coming and going, a total of 3.500 horses will pass through this fabulous Cadiz showground.

Activity across the showground is at its height during this preparation time here at the show.  Competition and training arenas must be made ready with the relevant equipment, from judges’ and stewards’ boxes to the jumping equipment and arena decoration.  Equipment and consumables that horses need on arrival and during their time here, must be on site and ready for distribution.  The restaurants and kiosks within the show area, must be made ready and supplied and the shopping area is given its final touches.  Nothing is left to chance where almost 9,000 people will pass through the installations during the next two months.

Indeed a small city grows up right here inside Montenmedio, where the main protagonist is the horse.  Over 300 staff will be busy working on site:  those from the offices;  the arenas,  the stables;  the judges;  arena timing;  catering;  cleaning;  farriers;  veterinarians and many, many more!

Up to now, around 750 riders have registered to compete, with many coming from distinct parts of the globe.  In all, 50 nationalities will be represented here over the whole show.  Two to three people is the usual number in each rider’s entourage, grooms, owners, trainers and also, many riders bring their families for their stay here in Vejer.  The economic impact of the arrival of such a large number of visitors to the area, amounts to around 40 million euros and is widely spread amongst a variety of businesses in the local community. 

Many hotels and restaurants open earlier in the year than they used to.  By extending their seasons, this helps to place less financial dependency on generic tourist seasonality, which is mostly centred around beach based vacations.  Up to a few years ago the traditional start of the tourist season was not until Easter.  With the demand so high from Andalucía Sunshine Tour visitors, and the high level of purchasing power that they bring with their presence, opening earlier in the year has become very profitable to local businesses and their seasonal workers.  Many indirect work opportunities also open up during the Tour, benefits are also felt by the local supermarkets, clothes and shoe stores, hairdressers, beauty parlours and health establishments, electrical appliance vendors, veterinarians, physiotherapists, and even dentists and petrol stations!

This year the Andalucía Sunshine Tour, is sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism, Regeneration, Justice and the Local Administration of the Junta de Andalucía, Tourism and Sports of Andalucía (Consejería de Turismo, Regeneración, Justicia y Administración Local de la Junta de Andalucía, through Turismo y Deporte de Andalucía).

The high sporting level at Montenmedio is undeniable, it includes some of the best known and respected figures on the international showjumping circuits.  Between them we are proud to see Olympic athletes from both showjumping and eventing spheres, World Champions and the very best riders National Spanish riders. 

Amongst the riders, one name that stands out is 29yr old Swiss rider, Martin Fuchs, who is currently Ranked world number 2*.  Martin is the son of the legendary Thomas Fuchs,  and he has become a phenomenon on the equestrian scene over the last few years.  His name is synonymous with his wonderful grey, Clooney 51, who has recently recovered from a shoulder break in the field.  Clooney 51 is now retired, but is gently ridden from time to time, and his rehabilitation touched the hearts of the whole horse community.

Another Swiss rider who will be here, needs very little introduction, Steve Guerdat, with five Olympics behind him, he was part of the team taking fifth place in Tokyo and he won Individual Gold in the London Olympics.  Belgian rider, Gregory Wathelet is also a regular at the Tour, he has three Olympics behind him and won Team Bronze in Tokyo.  Gregory specialises in training young horses and has a very impressive list of champions that have passed through his capable hands, these include the legendary 'Cortes C', Coree, Conrad de Hus, Copin van de Broy and Corlap. 

Also competing here will be the French rider Penélope Leprevost, who has an impressive list of results, she was part of the team that won Gold in the Rio de Janeiro Olympics;  we will also welcome the legendary rider from America, Laura Kraut, and among her many top results we must mention that she won a Team Silver medal in the Tokyo Olympics and a Team Gold medal in Beijing.  These riders are all Ranked in the top 50 showjumpers in the world, and we are delighted that they choose the Andalucía Sunshine Tour as a place to start off their season’s jumping.

There will be more than 300 classes taking place over the Tour weeks, with more than 2 million euros in prize money up for grabs.  There are also 42 FEI Longines Ranking classes.  Mondays are rest and/or hacking and training days for all horse ages.  From Tuesdays through to Thursdays, are the Young Horse classes for the 5, 6, and 7yr olds.  Thursday is a busy day as the adult horses also begin their week, which finishes on Sunday.  From Thursday to Sunday you can see classes from 1.10m to 1.60m, not to forget the qualifiers for the World Championships, the Grand Prix  classes.

Most riders that come to the Tour agree that it is a great advantage for their seasons to start here and begin to compete outdoors in the fresh air and in large arenas.  In the rest of Europe at this time, the climate and low temperatures only allow indoor competitions and external jumping usually doesn’t start up until April.  The Tour is also well known as the place to produce and source quality young horses and to buy mature  horses with great potential for a riders stable and the new season. 

Without a doubt the mild temperatures here are a big draw to the Andalucía Sunshine Tour, the great atmosphere of the Tour is famous and the amazing installations make it possible for everyone involved, to enjoy their work in a really privileged environment and to relax in a wonderful part of the world after a days work is done.

The largest removable arena roof in the world!

Despite the wonderful climate here, there are still days when the weather isn’t as favourable. The biggest innovation at the Tour this year is the installation of the removable roof over arena seven.  It is 90m by 62m and covers 5,850 meters squared.  That is just under 1 1/2 acres!  Its innovative design is specific enabling it to withstand any bad weather conditions we get here and it is insulated to protect from both rain and wind.  The structure cost 750.000 euros and complements the installations here at Montenmedio, with its 19 arenas, seven of which are grass. 

The structure of the roof is very modern, consisting of a double-layer cover of PVC-coated, polyester textile membrane with Keder and fused together.  The thermal insulation and wind resistant properties come from the presence of the air chamber trapped between them.  The structure is unique with no other like it in the world. 

The arena will be inaugurated on Saturday 12th of February with a Jump&Drive class that is sponsored by Suzuki.  Riders will need to demonstrate both their riding and driving skills to win this class!  It will be a very exciting event and streamed live on our normal media outlets.

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