Local ride with the excitement of a trail ride
Costa Brava horse riding - Mas Alba/La Palma and at the seaside Hotel Picasso - Contrasting attractions

Day 1: Mas Alba/La Palma Day 2: Costa Rica Day 3: Costa Brava Day 4: Vamos a la playa Day 5: Sun, Beach and the Sea Day 6: Marvellous Catalonia Day 7: Hasta la vista!

This diverse programme consists of local rides and the Beach & Discovery trail. The Costa Brava ride is a mild introduction into the world of desirable trails. You are riding by the sea and through the marvellous countryside of Catalonia. The Costa Brava rides combined with the trails are meant for riders that have already done some riding and are confident in the saddle.
The Costa Brava ride is ideal for guests who don't want to pack their suitcase every day and at the same time want to enjoy a diverse trail.



 

1st Day: Mas Alba/La Palma

Arrival in Barcelona or Girona (Costa Brava) and a short transfer (approx. 30 min. from Girona) to the family-run horse riding farm Mas Alba (or the pretty country hotel La Palma, depending on the season). Both country houses date back to the 16th century.



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. What a place to start your horse riding holiday.



 

2nd Day: Costa Rica

Secluded paths run through the hills of the pre-Pyrenees surrounded by deep pine and stone oak forests and in between fertile farmland.



Our first ride takes us into untouched nature, home to numerous birds of prey. After a beautiful canter we reach Galliners and Orfes, two villages built from natural stone dating from the middle ages.



Bamboo, lianas and creepers grow rampant in these humid areas.



Further down we discover a refreshing pool with a waterfall and its peaceful sounds — this atmosphere reminds us of tropical "Costa Rica"! After a delicious picnic we ride back to the country house.



 

3rd Day: Costa Brava

We follow the river Fluvia towards the sea, riding at a good pace through the amazing countryside of the Costa Brava. 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 horses' hooves on the narrow streets. We spot window shutters decorated with flowers and huge, noble wooden doors with strong iron handles.



The horses stay overnight in a big meadow and we return to our country house.



 

4th Day: Costa Brava beach ride-Vamos a la playa!

We ride to the beach! Through continental dunes and majestic pine forests we ride on sandy trails before reaching our picnic spot.



We discover a breathtaking view of the sea and the protected island group of Islas Medes. Along the river Ter we can let our horses run once again and after a long and exciting day we reach the sea.



We have a refreshing bathe in the sea and stay overnight at the Hotel Picasso on the beach.



 

5th Day: Sun, Beach and the Sea

Early in the morning we wake to the murmuring sounds of the waves. We smell the coast, the wind and the salty air - we are right at the sea with our horses.



A dream comes true and in front of us we have long sandy beaches. With the sunrise we canter through the break point, our horses playing with the waves - they love the refreshing water.



Crossing the rice fields we come back to our beach hotel. In the afternoon you can take a swim in the sea or in the hotel pool.



 

6th Day: Marvellous Catalonia

We ride into the countryside on the banks of the river Ter. The soft sand and the shades of the poplar forests invite us to take long gallops. The route is flat and fast until we discover a romantic chapel on a hill where we have a fantastic view of the Pyrenees.



We have a picnic and a siesta, then 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 beach hotel and, after our host has spoiled us with a delicious farewell meal, we have the opportunity to take a swim in the sea.

 

7th Day: Hasta la vista!

Transfer to Barcelona or Girona. Departure or continue to another trail.

 

Important notice to all customers! All trail itineraries are general guidelines and in order to offer our customers the best riding holiday experience we often makes changes. Depending on the number of trails running, the season, the weather and national holidays, we may make alterations to itineraries at short-notice, which could affect the number of riding hours per day, the route we take to any given destination or the use of alternative accommodations. Trails can also be ridden in both directions. All changes are at our discretion but when changes are made, we endeavour to ensure that our high standards of quality are maintained and reflected in the alternatives we choose.

If you wish to extend your holiday with us, this trail can be combined with other riding trails from "Panorama Trails" and in this case you will receive a reduction of 50 Euros.

Costa Brava horse riding information and photos by Rudi Stolz

Highlights of the trip	Long gallops through untouched nature Beautiful architecture from the Middle Ages Beach gallop at the crack of dawn Fantastic view on the Pyrenees
Horse riding conditions	Costa Brava Beach & Discovery Ride (5 days riding): At least Novice Rider, daily 3-5 hours in the saddle, total distance about 160 km/100 miles

Travel dates	LS= Low season; MS= Mid season; HS= High season A=Mas Alba; P=La Palma
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	7 days 6 nights in double room with shower and toilet, 5 riding days 4 riding days full board including wine (lunch: picnic) 1 day of riding half board (lunch on the beach day not included) Riding program as described Transportation of luggage Free bus transfer from / to Girona / Barcelona
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 Lunch on 1 day (cost of restaurant approx €10 - €20)
Note	First day: on arrival dinner is at approx 9pm Last day: before departure breakfast is at approx 9am Program changes possible! The Costa Brava ride 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	Barcelona Airport transfer at 17.00. Meeting point at Terminal T1 (new) in the arrivals hall in front of the Cafe Jamaica - Group Meeting Point South (after customs control on the left)! Return flights from Barcelona Airport from 14:30! Barcelona City Centre: Shared Transfer at 17:30, meeting point at the taxi stand at the statue of Columbus (below the "Rambla" at Port Vell). 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 Barcelona City Centre and in Girona 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.