Mediterranean trail - Horseback riding in Spain - pure horse riding!
Pure horseback riding ... A diverse round trail through the North Eastern part of Spain, crossing green hilly landscapes and mountains to the beaches of the Mediterranean (on 2 days we ride to the beach). Medieval towns, accommodation in comfortable natural stone houses and family run farms and hotels.
1st day: Mas Alba
Arrival in Spain (Barcelona or Girona) and transfer to our horseback riding farm Mas Alba. Mas Alba is a typical Catalan natural stone house dating back to 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 begin your holiday in Spain.
2nd Day: Marvellous Catalonia
We will pass through deep stone oak and pine forests, leaving the horseback riding farm Mas Alba behind us and heading towards the south. A pleasant silence and the perfume of pines, rosemary and thyme accompany us on our way.
On the side of a 2000 year old Roman road we are welcomed by Joan with Cava, Vino tino and Catalan specialities in the 'open air restaurante Buffalo'. Well relaxed we continue to ride along the banks of the river Ter.
With gentle canters we reach one of the most beautiful villages of the Costa Brava - Peratallada. The old town wall embraces the lovely natural stone houses. Mosaic paving stones on narrow streets show marks of horse carriages from long ago. In this lovely setting the friendly landlady presents her cosy accommodation and we end the day with a stroll through the village.
3rd Day: The Mediterranean-horseback riding along the beach!
At the start of the riding day we pass another "pearl" of the Catalan coast — Palau Sator. The ride then leads through rice fields to the medieval village of Pals with its stone houses and cobbled streets. The name Pals comes from the Latin word palus and means marsh land, as Pals was once surrounded by marshes and lakes.
We pass craftsmen and artists selling their goods and have lunch in a typical village restaurant. We ride in the shade through sand dunes under the roof of a Mediterranean pine forest, trotting and cantering on the soft sand to the bay of Pals. The rocks of the Islas Medes stick out of the water majestically. Here we can have a swim in the Mediterranean sea and we spend the night in the family run Hotel Picasso.
4th Day: Wild Coast - Costa Brava
In high spirits we manage to ascend the mountains of Montgri Massif and we are rewarded at the top of the cliffs with a magnificent view overlooking the endless sea.
Seabirds glide with thermal winds over the coast and the lovely fragrances of rosemary, thyme and lavender are in the air as we sit down to a delicious "Cowboy's Picnic".
With long canters we cross the high plateau of the coastal mountains and dive into the silence of the Mediterranean sand dunes. In the Bay of Roses we overnight in the hotel on the beach (depending on the season, the overnight stay may be in a beautiful 16th century mill).
5th Day: Vamos a la playa
In front of us are miles of sandy beaches. We have an early canter through the breaks which wakes the horses and riders. The water splashes, the sand leaps and we gallop into the sunrise. The horses play with the waves and we try not to get too wet.
After an adventurous beach ride we have a "second breakfast" in the fishing village of Sant Pere and then follow the river Fluvia inland until we reach the little paradise of a friend, Bogi, who owns a house beautifully situated by the river. The garden, which has a South American atmosphere, gives both horse and rider a romantic setting to end their day. The horses enjoy the big meadow next to the house.
6th Day: Costa Rica
Sunlight breaks through the deep green of a tropical, jungle like area.
Bamboo narrows the paths and the atmosphere reminds us of Costa Rica.
The trail leads us along a river, then winds through forests, meadows and pretty villages of natural stone, then its back to the horseback riding farm Mas Alba.
We sit by the pool with a cool drink and discuss the week's trail before having dinner together.
7th Day: Hasta la vista
Transfer to Barcelona or Girona or extension 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.
Mediterranean Trail — horseback riding Spain information and photos by Rudi Stolz
Mediterranea Trail - 2010