Catalonia Coast and Wine Trail - Wild coast, wine tasting, exciting beach canters and mountains
Trail to the sandy beaches, bays and mountains of the wild coast. Exciting horse riding along the beach and through diverse countryside. Visit wine cellars (including wine and cava tasting), comfortable and luxurious accommodation and delicious Catalan cuisine...
The coastal mountains of Cap de Creus and the miles of sandy beaches of the Bay of Roses show a contrast to the extensive plateau. The highlight of the Catalonia coast trail is the long canter on the beach.
1st Day: Cap de Creus
Arrival at Barcelona or Girona (Catalonia) and transfer to a Catalan coastal village (wild coast). The evening sun illuminates the beautiful silhouette of white painted fishermen's cottages. Dinner together with a sea view and overnight stay in a hotel, a beautiful place in Catalonia to begin your horse riding adventure!
2nd Day: Catalonia Wild Coast
You will pass through the coastal mountains of Rodas, which are the last foothills of the Pyrenees. On top of the pass you will have a spectacular panoramic view over the bay of Roses and the fertile and soft plateau of the Alt Emporda.
This valley will remind you of an amphitheatre surrounded by mountains, which ends in the Mediterranean Sea. Here among this splendid garden of overwhelming beauty you will take a break above a small lake. You will spend the night at the farm of Emilia in the little town of Garriguella. Emilia is well known for her delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
3rd Day: Age-old olive tree
Trotting and cantering into the valley of Empordá, you will spot the first vineyards. On the edge of the Orlina River you will see many different flowers as your horse passes through the wild landscape towards the village of Espolla.
You will see very old olive plantations and cork oak forests where vineyards mark the landscape.
You will stay at the beautiful village castle which has a family atmosphere.
4th Day: Alt Ampurdan
Deeper and deeper you ride into the nature park of Albera. The unique light transforms the surroundings into a picturesque painting. The mountains are covered with cork oak forests and a little further up there are beech, oak and chestnut forests that offer some shade.
You will ride to Perelada, the centre of wine growing, then in the afternoon you can visit the enormous castle and the private library of the monastery. In the castle's wine cellars you will be impressed by the quality of the wine and cava. You will stay overnight in the village at Fina's and Pere's beautifully renovated farmhouse.
5th Day: Natural park Aiguamolls
Your agile horse will carry you across sunflower and corn fields before reaching the medieval town of Castello with its magnificent cathedral.
Leaving the town you speedily ride through the rice fields and the moors of Aiguamolls to the old Catalan farmer's house of Marta and Juan. In their lovely garden you can relax or refresh yourself in the pool.
6th Day: Vamos a la playa
You will follow the river Fluvia on its way to the sea where you will have a magnificent view of the Gulf of Roses.
In front of you there are miles of sandy beaches where the water splashes, the sand leaps and you canter into the sunrise.
The horses play with the waves and you try not to get too wet. At the end of the bay, directly on the beach, is your hotel where you will spend the night. For dinner the landlady will prepare Spanish tapas and delicious paella or fish. However, depending on the season you might stay overnight in a beautiful mill dating back to the 16th century.
7th: Mas Alba
Surrounded by deep pine forests and along peaceful farm village paths, you will ride through the hilly landscape of the Emporda region. Quietness surrounds you as you ride through the narrow streets of the Catalan natural stone villages, hearing only the sound of the horses' hooves.
After a picnic you will gallop towards our home base 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. What a beautiful place to end your exciting horse riding holiday with a wonderful farewell dinner.
8th: Hasta la vista!
Transfer to Barcelona or Girona or continue to another trail at Mas Alba.
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 coast trail photos and information by Rudi Stolz
Catalonia Coast and Wine Trail - 2010