2 days trail to the beach, Country hotel "La Palma"

Day 1: La Palma - Catalonia Day 2: Costa Brava Day 3: Beach ride & historical Catalonia Day 4: Hasta la vista!

Catalonia beach ride weekend programme consists of a 2 day trail ride down to the beach where you stay at the lovely family-run country hotel "La Palma" - a typical Catalan country house. This beautiful place offers a sauna and a whirlpool, as well as excellent food. An ideal place to enjoy the weekend!
We ride into the fascinating countryside of Catalonia through medieval villages and down to the Mediterranean. The highlight of your long weekend is the canter on the beach. The Catalonia Beach Ride weekend is for experienced riders who are confident in the saddle.

 

1st Day: La Palma - Catalonia

Arrival at Girona airport on Thursday afternoon and a short drive (approx. 30 min. from Girona) to the pretty country hotel La Palma, which dates back to the 16th century and is built of natural stone. The rooms are tastefully furnished with views over meadows, forests and the surrounding horse pastures. The unique light transforms the surroundings into a picturesque painting. We have the opportunity to have a swim in the pool or relax in the spa. What a wonderful place to start your beach ride weekend.

 

2nd Day: Costa Brava

After a short transfer to the horse riding farm of Mas Alba, we ride at a good pace through the amazing countryside of the Costa Brava towards the sea. Deep forests not only cover the mountains but reach further beyond the borders, meeting the meadows of the valley and flowing towards the Bay of Roses. On horseback we discover the lovely medieval villages with their Iberic castles and romantic churches.

We admire the beautiful architecture and are followed by the echo of our horse's hooves on the narrow streets. We spot window shutters decorated with flowers and huge, noble wooden doors with strong iron handles. We have a picnic and a siesta and then continue to ride towards the beach! After a long and exciting day we reach the sea. The horses stay overnight near the beach and we return to our country house.

 

3rt Day: Beach ride & historical Catalonia

With the first shafts of sunlight we start early. We arrive at the sea with our horses and a dream comes true - in front of us we have a long sandy beach. With the sunrise we canter through the break point, our horses playing with the waves - they love the refreshing water.

Afterwards we ride into the countryside on the banks of the river Fluvia where we have a picnic and a siesta! Strengthened and rested we emerge into a soft rolling hilly landscape. Fields, forests and beautiful villages escort us on the way back to the horse riding farm of Mas Alba. We spend another night in the country hotel La Palma and after our host has spoiled us with a delicious farewell meal, we have the opportunity to take a swim in the pool or relax in the spa.

 

4th Day: Hasta la vista!

Transfer to Girona. Departure or continue to another trail.

Important! Depending on the season and the national holidays, this trail can be ridden in both directions. There may be alterations to this programme. This trail can be combined with all other trails from "Panorama Trails" and in this case you will receive a reduction of 50 Euros.

Catalonia Beach Ride Weekend - photos and information by Rudi Stolz

Highlights of the trip	Cozy accommodation in a comfortable country house Ride through medieval villages Beach gallop at the crack of dawn Picnic at the shore of the river Fluviá
Horse riding conditions	Catalonia Beach Ride Weekend (2 days riding): At least Novice Rider, daily 5-6 hours in the saddle; total distance about 75 km/ 45 miles

Travel dates	LS= Low season; MS= Mid season; HS= High season
Special offers	Free bus transfer from / to Girona / Barcelona Young Rider discount (up to and including 28 years): 10% discount Non-rider discount (for each person over two years, half board): 20% discount €50 discount on Trans-Catalonia combination (2 weeks)
Services	4 days with 3 nights in a double room with shower and toilet 2 riding days with full board (lunch: picnic) Riding program as described Free bus transfer from / to Girona
Not included in price	Flight or public transport (on arrival and on departure), taxi Entrance fees to Museums and Monuments Drinks / food in bars Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks Coffee at dinner
Note	First day: on arrival dinner is at approx 9pm Last day: before departure breakfast is at approx 9am Program changes possible! The Spain Beach Ride Weekend can be ridden in both directions
Accommodation	Double room Shared double room booked at no extra charge (subject to availability) Single room supplement is an extra €25 per night, if available
Transfers	Girona Airport: Shuttle bus to 18.30, meeting point at the airport outside the Café Caffriccio in arrivals! Return flights from Girona Airport from 13:00! Girona Train station: Shared Transfer at 18:45, meeting point at the station exit towards the city (before the taxi rank). Pick up times in Girona city can vary depending on flight arrival times / delays from other guests / traffic etc. Please be patient in these cases! If the arranged transfer times do not fit with your arrival and departure times, we will organize a taxi for you (about €80-€120 from Girona, €200-€250 from Barcelona, depending on the trail start / end points). Other arrival and departure destinations provided on request.
Number of participants	4-12 people

	Riding levels (Horseshoe - )
1 Horseshoe	Beginner: If "fresh" in the saddle, has little experience (for example, has had at least 3 months regular riding lessons).
2 Horseshoes	Novice Rider: Is familiar with at all basic aids. Does not shy away from being on a well-trained horse in walk, trot and easy canter on short routes on the trail. Rides primarily in the paddock.
3 Horseshoes	Intermediate Rider: safe on a well trained horse at all paces - including a long rising trot and canter. Equestrian experience also in open country. Fitness and experience make several hours in the saddle possible.
4 Horseshoes	Experienced Rider: Confident and relaxed on horseback, rides regularly and is fit. Has a good seat and soft hands and is capable of handling a spirited horse at canter in open country. May own/share a horse or have previously owned/shared a horse and will be happy with long gallops. Can lead a horse even in difficult terrain.