Fantastic scenery on forward going horses, with great Spanish food along the way.
These rides explore the real Costa Brava (which means Wild Coast), a diverse region of extraordinary natural beauty and heritage. Medieval fishing villages dot the wild coastline where secluded, rocky coves sheltered by pine covered hills alternate with long sandy beaches.
Highlights of the trips include rides through charming unspoilt villages, long canters through coastal wilderness and beach rides at the crack of dawn. All this is set against the beautiful backdrop of the Pyrenees.
You stay overnight in carefully chosen country guesthouses, pensions and small family-run hotels where your hosts spoil you with delicious Catalan and Spanish food.
These trails will have a lot of riding hours in the saddle each day, often not reaching your guest house until early evening.
It's easy to see why this area was a home to of some of Spain's greatest 20th century artists including Gaudi, Dali and Picasso. There are a number of different riding routes, some of which include visits to Dali's home and it's worth extending your stay to take in Gaudi's distinctive architecture and the Picasso museum in Barcelona.
Please note that the Pirate Trail is the most challenging of these itineraries and you are required to get off and lead your horse most days, sometimes for 30 minutes at a time. The ground can be rocky
and uneven and the hiking will be both uphill and downhill. We therefore recommend that you ride in shoes that provide ankle support , non-slip soles that you can comfortably walk in.
The horses are mainly Andalusian and Spanish horses ridden in English or Spanish tack. You should be confident at all paces riding a forward going and responsive horse outdoors. The pace is varied and there are opportunities for long trots, canters and occasional gallops. Some of the trail rides are up to 6 or 7 hours in the saddle on some days and so you should be riding fit. Weight limit is 90kgs.
Please note that between June and September (inclusive) we do not ride close to the ocean’s edge due to the number of people on the beach. Instead we may ride in the sand dunes and paths beside the beach in sight of the water.
These are participatory riding holidays and you are expected to groom and tack up your horse in the morning and at lunchtime as well as make sure they are settled into their corral at the end of the day.
This ride has 3 choices of itinerary.
The Dalí Beach and
Coast Trail is based on the so-called Dali triangle that consists of the
villages Pubol, Figueres and Cadaques. The Dali Beach and Coast Trail
connects the charm of the Empordanet region with the long sandy beaches
of the Bay of Roses and the wild coast of the Cap de Creus. The life of
the famous artist Salvador Dali will be brought closer to you by this
wonderful ride through diverse countryside.
You should be at
least an intermediate rider fit enough for between 4 to 6 hours in the
saddle each day. The total distance ridden is about 180km.
Please note that between June and September (inclusive) we do not ride close to the ocean’s edge due to the number of people on the beach. Instead we may ride in the sand dunes and paths beside the beach in sight of the water.
You
ride across the very easternmost part of Spain, crossing green hilly
landscapes, through medieval towns and onto the beaches of the
Mediterranean.
Highlights of the trail include:
The
following is the proposed itinerary but please note that changes are
possible due to weather and local conditions. The itinerary may run in
reverse.
Please note that you are not accompanied by the riding
guide to the castle of Púbol, the Dali Museum or Dali house so you can
wonder around at your own pace. There are local guides at the Dali house
and if you are particularly interested in Dali and wish a local guide
with you at the castle and museum this might be possible to arrange (at
extra cost).
Day 1
You are collected in Barcelona (5pm) or Girona (6.30pm) and transferred to the family-run horse riding farm Mas Alba.
Mas
Alba is a typical Catalan natural stone house dating from the 16th
century. Since then, this wonderful farm has been run by the same
family. From here you overlook green meadows, forests and horse
pastures. The unique light transforms the surroundings into a
picturesque painting. What a beautiful place to start your Dali Beach
and Coast Trail.
Overnight at Mas Alba (or at another similar guesthouse nearby).
Day 2
A
relaxed first day's riding. From Mas Alba, enter into the magic of
the Empordanet- from its rolling hills and soft countryside you can see
century old villages in the distance. These magical villages were built
of honey-coloured stones and their narrow alleys, gardens and planted
fields give you an idea of the strong inheritance of farming roots in
the area. There will be a picnic stop near the river Ter and in the
afternoon you can pick up the pace as you ride through Mediterranean
woodland areas towards the village at the foot of the Gavarra hills. Stay overnight in a Catalan guesthouse.
Day 3
Continue
riding through the magical old villages of the Empordanet. With echoes
of the horses' hooves on the old paving stones, you will be taken back
in time in this hidden area of Catalonia. When you reach the village of
Pubol you can visit the 14th Century castle of Gala, which Dali gave to
his wife, Gala, as a gift. Here you tether the horses and have the
chance to visit the castle before carrying on to your picnic lunch stop.
After stopping for lunch, continue riding to the beautiful village of Peratallada. Overnight in Peratallada.
Day 4
This
morning you may trot and canter across the plain of Ullastred, which
was a big lake in the Iberian times. A smooth trail leads you through
mellow sand dunes and Mediterranean pine forests, up to the rough
looking coastal mountain of Montgri.
Ride onwards through the meadows and forest, stopping for an 'open air Restaurante Buffalo' lunch.
Later
you follow paths that lead you through sand dunes to the sea. Stay
overnight in a hotel directly at the "Playa Grande" (or another similar
guesthouse nearby). This hotel provides basic old fashioned guesthouse
accommodation.
Day 5
Awake to the sounds of the waves.
Smell the coast, the wind and the salty air - you are right at the sea
with your horses. You will want to enjoy the beach ride before the
crowds and so its an early start so that you on the beach by 6am (this
early start isn't necessary if the weather is cooler and there are few
people on the beach).
As the sun rises, you canter along the water's edge; your horses playing in the waves - they love the refreshing water.
Please
note that the speed on the beach depends on the rivers, weather, sea,
sand and waves and the pace is always with the best interests of the
group in mind. It isn’t always possible to canter or gallop along the
water’s edge.
In the afternoon you can go to Figueres and visit
the theatre-museum of Dali. According to the painter, anyone who wants
to be up to date with the latest culture must come to Figueres. Dali
built his museum over the charred remains of the city's old main theatre
and his idea was to convert it into a centre of Western and European
spirituality. Going shopping (or just window shopping) in the late
afternoon was a common activity for Salvador Dali. After the visit to
the museum you can enjoy the city too.
Day 6
After riding inland through the rice fields of a natural park, you reach Castelló de Empuries with its magnificent cathedral.
Ride through
sunflower and corn fields over the plains of the Alt Empordan. In long
canters you cross the marshlands of Aiguamolls. This protected land is
surrounded by the coastal mountain range of Rodas. At the foot of the
mountain enjoy a picnic in the open air 'restaurante Buffalo'.
Afterwards you ride up the hills of Rodas into the Cap de Creus, where the last mountains of the Pyrenees descend into the sea.
Your
accommodation tonight is usually at a typical Catalan farmhouse in
Roses (on occasions an alternative guesthouse may be used of a similar
standard).
Day 7
A long morning's ride along an old
merchant path which winds its way through stony terrain, until you reach
the home of Salvador Dali.
Today you will picnic at the beach next to Dali's unique house.
You will be transferred to your accommodation for your final night and farewell dinner. This
is usually at a guesthouse in the Bay of Port-Lligat. Here you may be
given the choice of upgrading to a room with a sea view (this costs €25
per person and is payable locally). Please note on occasions an
alternative hotel is used of a similar standard.
Day 8
After breakfast you are transferred to Barcelona or Girona or you might choose to join another trail.
The Mediterranean Trail is a 6 night circular trail ride with 5 days riding. You should be at least an intermediate rider fit enough for between 4 to 7 hours in the saddle each day. The total distance ridden is about 180kms/110 miles.
You ride across the very eastern most part of Spain, crossing green hilly landscapes, through medieval towns and onto the beaches of the Mediterranean.
Please note that between June and September (inclusive) we do not ride close to the ocean’s edge due to the number of people on the beach. Instead we may ride in the sand dunes and paths beside the beach in sight of the water.
Highlights of the trail include:
The following is the proposed itinerary but please note that changes are possible due to weather and local conditions. On occasions the itinerary may run in reverse.
Day 1
You are collected in Barcelona (5pm) or Girona (6.30pm) and transferred to the horses’ base at Mas Alba (on some rides you stay at Bordils or other accommodation of equal standard). Mas Alba is a typical Catalan natural stone house dating from the 16th century. Since that time, this wonderful farm has been run by the same family. From here you overlook green meadows, forests and the horse pastures. The unique light transforms the surroundings into a picturesque painting. What a beautiful place to begin your holiday.
Day 2
Setting off from Mas Alba, sunlight breaks through the deep green of a tropical, jungle like area. Bamboo narrows the paths and the atmosphere reminds us of Costa Rica. The trail leads you along the river Fluvia winding across hilly terrain.
You ride through lovely river valleys and discover a nice place for the first picnic. In the afternoon, you continue your way, trotting and cantering until we arrive at a beautiful old mill near to the river; the accommodation for tonight or similar guesthouse.
Day 3
The river Fluvia winds its way through the country to the sea. At a small lake, a friendly Catalan named Dani welcomes you with a glass of cava, the Catalan champagne, and a mid-day table prepared with love.
After lunch, you follow the river Fluvia. You cross the river and ride through a wild river landscape. At its estuary, you have a spectacular view of the Gulf of Roses. You are at the Mediterranean Sea in Spain!
A palm grove leads us to the cosy country house "Mas Joncar" or similar accommodation. With a drink on the terrace is the perfect way to end the day.
Day 4
This morning you have an exciting ride along the beach. Please note that the speed on the beach depends on the rivers, weather, sea, sand and waves and the pace is always with the best interests of the group in mind. It isn’t always possible to gallop along the water’s edge.
The path gently follows through the continental sand dunes and the Mediterranean pine forest up to the mountains of Montgri Massif. On top of the cliff, you are rewarded with a fantastic view of the endless sea. Seabirds glide over the coast in the wind. Amongst the scent of lavender, rosemary, and thyme, lunch is delicious saddle bag picnic.
Later you descend into the plain of the river Ter. With long canters through the river dikes you reach again the Mediterranean Sea.
Please note that this route may alter if it is too hot or too wet.
[NB: In the summer months and busy holiday times, you may need to be up early to ride onto the beach by 6am.]
Day 5
After breakfast, you head back to the beach! You may be able to see the protected islands of "Medes". A canter through the soft sand of the bay brings you into the rice fields of the wide plain, up to the pine trees near the coast. You pass the pearls of the Catalan coast: Pals, Palau-Sator and Peretallada. Old city walls surround the nested natural stone houses. On the patterned paving stones of the narrow streets, you can still see the grooves and bursts of the horse-drawn carts of the past days. Tonight, you will stay in farmhouse accommodation or similar.
Day 6
The terrain is flat, the ground soft and sandy. At a fast pace, you trot and canter to the river "El Ter". Fruit plantations alternate with grain fields and deep green poplar forests which give us the necessary shade. On a romantic hillside, next to a small church, we see a red-and-white tablecloth shining. You can look forward to another, delicious picnic.
After a siesta, you ride though a softly curved hillside landscape back to the horse farm Mas Alba. After this long riding day and an adventurous trail, you can relax n the swimming pool of the farm.
Day 7
After breakfast transfer to Barcelona or Girona or stay for another riding trail.
The accommodation is clean and comfortable and ranges from hostals to guesthouses. These include rural guesthouses, pensions and small hotels. On most rides the horses are corralled in nearby paddocks and you walk a short distance to your accommodation for the night.
Twin and double rooms are available and in most cases these have private bathrooms, although the bathroom is not always adjoining. Occasionally some bedrooms may share a bathroom. One of the places you might stay in is a renovated old Mill which has small apartments which have a double bed on a balcony and two beds downstairs with one bathroom. This may be booked as two single rooms.
If you are willing to share but end up in a single room when on your holiday, then a single supplement is payable. An exception is made if you book more than two months in advance of the date of your holiday and then, if you are willing to share, but end up in a single room on one or more nights, no single supplement is charged.
It is possible to request a single room but they are subject to availability and not guaranteed.
Upcoming Dates
CATALAN COASTAL TRAILS
RIDE PRICE per person sharing
Rides Commencing in the Period |
Mediterranean Trail (6 nights) | Dali Beach & Coast Trail (7 nights) | Pirate Trail (6 nights) |
5 Feb - 22 December 2018 |
$1,527 |
$1,771 |
$1,527 |
The New Years Eve Mediterranean Trail costs $1,758 per person sharing (2018).
The rides require a minimum of five people to confirm. It may be
possible to guarantee a departure with fewer people on payment of a
small group supplement which is payable locally. Please contact us for the price of a small group supplement for any particular week.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT If you are in a single room then a single
supplement is payable of $38 per night. An exception is
made if you book more than two months in advance of the date of your
holiday and you are willing to share but end up in a single
room on one or more nights, then no single supplement is charged. Single rooms are subject to availability and not guaranteed
PAYABLE LOCALLY Entrance fees to Museums and Monuments; drinks/food in bars; alcoholic beverages and soft drinks; coffee at dinner; Mediterranean Trail - one lunch; Dali Trail - lunch or dinner on three days; Pirate Trail - two dinners; (cost of restaurant meal from €10 - €20); tips (c. €35-€50). On the Dali Trail, possible room upgrade on last night to include a sea view (supplement of €25 per person payable locally).
NEAREST AIRPORT Girona. Transfers also available from Barcelona
TRANSFERS Shared transfers (set time only) are payable locally at €30 per person each way from Girona and €45 per person each way from Barcelona. If you cannot meet these shared transfer times taxis can be arranged at a cost of €80 - €120 per vehicle (one-way) from Girona or €200 - €250 from Barcelona.
In The Saddle Gallery
These rides are in Catalonia, which is the easternmost part of Spain, bordering on France and Andorra.
The climate of Catalonia is typically Mediterranean, with many hours of sunshine, mild in winter and warm in summer.
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Min. Night (°C) |
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Fantastic scenery on forward going horses, with great Spanish food along the way.
Your luggage is moved on for you each day, but you will have to take it to and from your bedroom so do try and pack as lightly as possible. The airline may also have a low weight limit.
It was fantastic and more than met my expectations. The organisation was faultless, horses very well chosen and the attention to detail was superb. It's one of the best rides I've ever been on.
Liz, Kinross
Overall Rating 4.7/5. Based on 60 reviews in the last 12 months.
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