Pure nature! Horse riding on the beach and by the sea - Catalonia's cultural coast

Day 1: Spain Day 2: Horse riding, beach and sea Day 3: Costa Brava Day 4: Vamos a la playa Day 5: "Naturally" Mas Alba Day 6: Hasta la Vista!

Horse riding, beach and sea! Pure nature awaits you on this diverse trail to historical villages, through pine forests and over peaceful coastal mountains to the beaches of Spain's Costa Brava. Look forward to two days of riding on the beach and swimming in the sea! Enjoy the sight of romantic stone built houses in villages dating back to the middle-age. Spend relaxing evenings in outstanding accommodation: comfortable houses built of sandstone, family-run farms and hotels that offer you exactly what you need after an adventurous day. Note: arriving on Monday and leaving on Saturday gives you the opportunity to book cheap flights!

 

Day 1: Spain

Arrival in Spain (Barcelona or Girona) and free transfer (30 minutes from Girona) to Peratallada, one of the most beautiful little towns of the Costa Brava. An old town wall surrounds the closely nestled houses built of natural sandstone and the cobblestone streets still have the tracks and grooves from the olden days. In this beautiful setting our friendly landlady presents our accommodation in her typical Catalan guesthouse. We let the day come to a relaxing end with a tour of the town and a tasty dinner together.

 

Day 2: Horse riding, beach and sea

Right at the start of the day we pass another "pearl" of the Catalan Coast - Palaus Sator. From there our path takes us through paddy fields to the impressive town of Pals, which is built of natural sandstone.

The name Pals derives from the Latin name palus and means marsh. This suggests that the town of Pals used to be surrounded by an area of lakes and marshes. Craftsmen and artists display their work in the town. We stop at a local restaurant and enjoy a delicious lunch.

Under a roof of Mediterranean pine trees we ride towards the sea through sand dunes.

We canter and gallop on soft sand until we reach the white beaches of the Bay of Pals.

The cliffs of the Isles of Medes tower majestically from the water. Against this amazing setting we take a break and swim in the sea!
Our accommodation for the night is the cosy hotel Picasso.

 

Day 3: Horse riding and nature - Costa Brava

Enthusiastically we manage the steep climb to the cliff massif Montgri. Our efforts are rewarded with a fantastic view of the endless expanse of the Mediterranean Sea! Seabirds ride the thermals against the ascent of the coast.

With the scent of lavender, rosemary and thyme around us we re-gain our strength with a tasty "Cowboy-picnic". We have a long gallop across the high plateau of the coastal mountains and from there we dive into the silence of the continental sand dunes.

In the Bay of Roses we spend the night at the beach hotel or (depending on the season) at a beautiful former mill dating back to the 16th century.

 

Day 4: Horse riding on the beach - Vamos a la Playa

Miles of sandy beach are ahead of us!

By the first gallop all the horses and riders are awake.

The water splashes, sand is everywhere and we gallop towards the sunrise. Our horses play with the waves as we try to stay dry.

In the centre of the bay the river Fluvia flows into the sea. After our adventurous beach ride we follow the river up country until we get to our friend Bogi, who is the owner of a gorgeous mill situated next to a river. The enchanting garden is a wonderful place to find some time to relax. Our horses rest on a large meadow next to the house.

 

Day 5: "Naturally" Mas Alba

We explore wonderful countryside! Meadows, fields, forests and medieval villages nestle gently against the hilly landscape.

How else than on horseback could you visit these villages with their narrow alleys? Archways, decorated windows with colourful flowers and old wooden doors take us back to the Middle Ages.
In the evening we reach our horse farm Mas Alba.

Our horses welcome their home with a neigh! We enjoy our last dinner after these adventurous days.

 

Day 6: 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.

Ride & Beach Trail photos and information by Rudi Stolz

Highlights of the trip	Beach gallop at the crack of dawn Ride through villages built of sandstone Breathtaking landscapes Accommodation in historical buildings
Horse riding conditions	Ride & Beach Trail (4 days riding): At least Intermediate Rider, daily 3-6 hours in the saddle; total distance about 135 km/84 miles

Travel dates	We offer the Ride & Beach Trail only for groups. Please do not hesitate to ask for more information! We look forward to riding with your group!
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	6 days with 5 nights in a double room with shower and toilet, of which 1-2 nights may be with shared shower and toilet, 4 riding days 3 riding days full board including wine (lunch: picnic) 1 day of riding 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 Ride & Beach 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.