Dali Beach and Coast Trail

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:

• Visiting the castle of Púbol
• Riding through villages built of sandstone
• Fantastic beach ride
• Visiting the "Theatre Museu Dalí" in Figueres
• Riding through the natural reserve of Cap de Creus

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.

Mediterranean 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:

• Some faster riding through the lowlands of the River Ter
• Riding through sand dunes and pine forests
• Picnic on the highest point of the steep coast of the Costa Brava
• Clatter through interesting old villages
• Two days of riding along the beach

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.

Pirate Trail

Day 1
The Pirate Trail is a challenging 6 night trail ride along the coast of Catalonia with 5 days riding. You should be a competent rider, fit enough for between 3 to 7 hours in the saddle each day. The total distance ridden each day is between 15 to 30 kms.

You ride along the Costa Brava coastline which combines steep cliffs, hidden coves and lovely beaches. This coastline was home to one of Spain’s most notorious Turkish pirates - Barbarossa Khair ad Din known as “red beard”. Along this coastline he attacked small seaside villages, stole spices, wine and ceramics and ran an oppressive slave trade. To forewarn against pirate attacks,
many forts and Moorish towers were built along the coast.

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.

The following is the proposed itinerary for 2016 but it is yet to be confirmed.

Please also note that on every day it is necessary to lead your horse on foot on some sections of the trail. Sometimes the ground can be rocky and the walking can be both uphill and downhill, sometimes on uneven terrain. This could be for 30 minutes at a time. It is essential that you wear riding boots that are suitable for walking over rough terrain and which provide good support at the ankles and have rugged non-slip soles.

The first night is at a little fishing village near to the French border.
Supper will be around 9pm and you will have a chance to meet your fellow travellers and learn more about the week to come.

Day 2
After breakfast you will get to meet your horses for the week. Your morning’s ride climbs across stony rock paths towards the Benedictine monastery Sant Pere de Rhodes. This monastery is located well above the sea level making it safe from possible pirate raids and lies between the Rhodes mountains.

After a picnic lunch your journey continues downhill towards the village of Selva de Mar. The village is hidden in a valley and the village tower offered the residents some protection from the pirates in years gone by. There are two sections where you will need to get off your horses – the second one for 30 minutes over some difficult terrain.
This evening you stay in a small romantic fishing village called Port de la Selva with its pretty tiny white houses. Please note that at this guest house you may need to share a bathroom.

Day 3
Today’s ride will take you to the coves along the coastline called the Cap de Creus. The rocky bays of this craggy peninsula were often used as hideouts for the pirates planning their raids.
In the middle of the day after the picnic lunch you should get the chance to go swimming in the bay.
This afternoon’s ride takes you high above the sea along the cliff tops. You will be amazed at how sure-footed your Andalusian and Spanish horses are, covering the terrain like mountain goats. Remember to look out for the bizarre and unusual rock formations that decorate the Cap de Creus coastline. There is one difficult steep section where you will need to lead your horse for about 15 minutes.
It is about a 20 minutes’ walk from where you  leave the horses to your accommodation in Cadaques, known locally as the jewel of the Costa Brava. This whitewashed fishing village holds a host of crooked alleyways and is considered by some to be the most beautiful place on this wild coast.
Maybe take an evening stroll to see the church. Back in the 16th century, the church Santa Maria was ransacked by the pirate Barbarossa and completely burned down.

Day 4
Today’s ride opens out onto a wild and wonderful mountain landscape covered with bushes and flowers. Ancient stone walls define the path.
Lunchtime is spent by a lovely sandy beach where you can have a swim should you choose to do so.
This afternoon’s ride twists and turns over the mountain pass that at times is covered with wild flowers and ultimately you are rewarded with a stunning view of the bay of Roses. There is a steep section where you will need to lead your horse for about 15 minutes.

Day 5
The landscape starts to change today, and you will notice the growing abundance of olive groves along the terraced slopes. You head towards Roses and along the way visit the mighty citadel, La Cuitadella. This big fort was built to protect the region from pirate attacks. Inside the impressive walls you will find the remains of the old monastery church and other archeological artifacts. This area is also known for sighting flamingos, storks and little egrets, which are native to the wetlands you are riding through.
Tonight you stay on the border of the national park, Aiguamolls.

Day 6
Today starts with an exhilarating beach ride along the sand at Playa Grande. After the excitement of the sea, you then ride up and into the sand dunes and into the pine forest beyond. Emerging from these woods you have sight of the impressive cliff tops of the Costa Brava and here in a hidden cove you have your picnic lunch followed by a well-deserved siesta.
This afternoon you follow the stony and narrow paths high up above the sea and along the wild coastal landscape. Occasionally dolphins can be seen jumping out of the waters below. There is one section where you need to walk on foot steeply downhill for about 20 minutes.

(If you stay at the renovated old Mill tonight, please note that this is made up of small apartments which may have a double bed on a balcony and two beds downstairs with one bathroom. This may be booked as two single rooms.)

Day 7
After breakfast transfer to Barcelona or Girona.