Exciting horse riding by the sea, from the Gulf of Roses to the Cap de Creus. Following the tracks of the artist Salvador Dalí along the Mediterranean coast..

Day 1: Catalonia Day 2: Dalí country - magic natur Day 3: Culture - Castle Pubol Day 4: Dalí's Coast Day 5: Vamos a la playa Day 6: Coastal Mountains Day 7: Wild Coast Day 8: Adios Amigos

The Dalí Beach and Coast Trail is based on the so-called Dalí triangle that consists of the villages Pubol, Figueres and Cadaques. The Dalí 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 Dalí will be brought closer to you by this wonderful ride through diverse countryside.

 

1st Day: Catalonia

Arrival in Barcelona or Girona and a short transfer (approximately 30 minutes from Girona, 90 minutes from Barcelona) to our 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 Dalí Beach and Coast Trail.

 

2nd Day: Dalí country - magic nature

From Mas Alba you will 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 we gallop through Mediterranean woodland areas towards the village at the foot of the Gavarra hills. Here you will stay in a lovely restored Catalan guesthouse.

 

3th Day: Culture - Castle Pubol

Again we ride 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 we reach the village of Pubol you can visit the 14th Century castle of Gala, which Dalí gave to his wife, Gala, as a gift.

We have lunch at a restaurant in the village before continuing our horse riding experience to the beautiful village of Peratallada.

 

4th. Day: Dalí's Coast

This morning we will canter across the plain of Ullastred, which was a big lake in the Iberian times. A smooth trail leads us through mellow sand dunes and Mediterranean pine forests, up to the rough looking coastal mountain of Montgri.

On top of the cliffs there is a magnificent view overlooking the endless sea. Sea birds glide with thermal winds over the coast and the lovely fragrances of rosemary, thyme and lavender surround us as we sit down to have Tapas and Vino tinto in the open air 'restaurante Buffalo'.

Later on we follow the paths that lead us through sand dunes to the sea. We stay overnight in a hotel directly at the "Playa Grande".

 

5th Day: Vamos a la playa

Exciting horse riding and a dream come true! As the day breaks you can smell the sea and taste the salty air. You are right by the sea with your horse and in front of you are miles of sandy beaches.

With the sunrise we will canter through the break point and your horse will play with the waves - they love the refreshing water.

After travelling through the rice fields of a natural park, we reach Castelló de Empuries with its magnificent cathedral. Here we eat lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon you can go to Figueres and visit the theatre-museum of Dalí. According to the painter, anyone who wants to be up to date with the latest culture must come to Figueres. Dalí 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 Dalí. After the visit to the museum you can enjoy the city too.

 

6th Day: Coastal Mountains

We ride through sunflower and corn fields over the plains of the Alt Empordan. In long canters we cross the marshlands of Aiguamolls.

This protected land is surrounded by the coastal mountain range of Rodas. At the foot of the mountain Joan serves a delicious picnic in the open air 'restaurante Buffalo'.

Afterwards your horse will climb up the hills of Rodas into the Cap de Creus, where the last mountains of the Pyrenees descend into the sea. You will stay overnight in a comfortable hotel in the centre of the fishing village Port de la Selva.

 

7th Day: Wild Coast

 

We will ride along an old merchant path which winds its way through stony terrain, until we reach the home of Salvador Dalí.

Here we have lunch in a restaurant in the fishing village and visit Dalí's unique house.

Back on the trail you will return to your luxurious hotel, Porto Christo and we will enjoy a farewell meal on the terrace with a beautiful view over the Mediterranean Sea.

 

8th Day: Adios Amigos

After breakfast, transfer to the airports or continue to the Catalan Coastal 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.

Dalí Beach and Coast Trail photos and information by Rudi Stolz

Highlights of the trip	Visiting the castle of Púbol Ride through villages built of sandstone Fantastic beach gallop Visiting the "Theatre Museu Dalí" in Figueres Accommodation in Port de la Selva Ride through the natural preserve of Cap de Creus
Horse riding conditions	Dalí Beach and Coast Trail (6 days riding): At least Novice Rider, daily 4-6 hours in the saddle, total distance about 200 km/125 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	8 days with 7 nights in a double room with shower and toilet, of which 2 nights accommodation may be with a shared shower and toilet, 6 riding days 4 riding days with full board including wine (lunch: picnic) 2 riding days with half board (lunch 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 2 days (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 Dalí Beach and Coast Trail 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.