Self-Guided Mediterranean Coast Trail

7 Days | From £1652pp

Spain ( Best airport: Barcelona )

Horse riding on the coast, swimming in the sea, charming villages, unique views: enjoy all of this at your own pace! Our self-guided trail ride by the sea gives you the opportunity to experience an adventure on the back of Andalusian horses, which is a completely unique experience in Spain!

The Riding

You will ride across the undulating hilly landscape of the Costa Brava. On the third day, you will reach the sea! Spectacular views, remote paths, secluded bays and the sensation of complete freedom are waiting for you!

Although the riding pace is individually flexible, this must always be adapted to the different terrain and the conditon of the horse and rider. The trail varies between mountainous and flat terrain. At difficult passages, it is necessary to lead the horse.

Daily 4-6 hours in the saddle.

Level of Riding and Fitness

Since you are traveling without a guide, you should be an experienced rider, happy and confident in walk, trot and canter outside an arena and you should have some experience in handling of horses as you will be responisble for their care during the trail. You will need to be confident feeding, grooming and tacking up your horse every day on the trail. Riders should be fit enough to enjoy 5 to 6 hours a day in the saddle and you must be able to mount and dismount unaided. The weight limit for this ride is 90 kilos and the minimum age is 12 (must be accompanied by an adult).

Guides and Group Size

The minimum number to take part in the trail is two and the maximum is six. You only ride with the people or group you book with. You’ll meet your host Rudi on the first day of the trail where he will give you a complete 2 hour briefing before you set out, printed maps and a preloaded GPS is also supplied. Rudi and his team are always at the end of the phone for support if any issues arise during the trail. All logistics are organised by your hosts so your luggage will be transferred and waiting for you at your accommodation each evening. The horses stables and meadows are always very close to your evening accommodation and the feed for the horses will be left there ready for you.

Any questions?

The Horses

There are around 40 Andalusian and Spanish horses at this destination, usually around 15-16hh. Your hosts spend a lot of time training them, making them absolutely reliable and sure-footed companions for you during the trail. Each of the horses has a unique personality but all are fit and responsive.

Tack and Riding Equipment

All horses have their own high-quality trail saddle designed for long-distance riding at all paces. These saddles have been developed in collaboration with the saddler ‘Hidalgo’ for maximum comfort and safety during long days in the saddle. Handmade numnahs use medical-grade anti-pressure fleece for optimal back protection for the horse. Each rider is also provided with a handcrafted saddlebag, designed specifically for trail riding needs. You will also be provided with paper maps and a GPS device.

Self Guided Mediterranean Coast Trail_Panorama Trails (10)

Accommodation and Dining

Accommodation is in small rural hotels and guesthouses along the trail. All have en suite bathrooms, free WiFi and delicious breakfasts. Some of the guest houses have swimming pools and beautiful gardens, ideal to relax in after riding. Evening meals are taken in typical Catalan restaurants with a menu of local delicacies to choose from and often feature locally- grown wine from the Empordá region. Lunches are saddlebag or buffet-style picnics. The food on this trail offers a real insight into the food culture of the Catalan region through the lovingly prepared dishes.

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Gallery

Itinerary

Day 1 Meet at the stables close to Girona for a briefing at 10am. After a detailed introduction you will be ready to go! You will ride through isolated woods, past small farms, through natural stone villages and apple orchards. You cross the picturesque River Ter on horseback. Soon, you will reach your destination for the day: A lovely country house where you will be served a Catalan picnic. Relax in the beautiful garden in the afternoon and look forward to a delicious dinner.

Day 2 Have breakfast at your hotel before riding through the narrow winding alleys of authentic natural stone villages. Today, you will have lunch in a special place. You will visit the restaurant right next to the Púbol Castle. This castle was a gift of the famous artist Salvador Dalí to his beloved wife Gala. In the afternoon, you will ride between fields towards your destination. In Peratallada, the horses will stay just outside a historic natural stone village that invites you to walk around after a successful day ́s riding.

Day 3 The third day starts with a ride through an area that was shaped by the Iberians thousands of years ago. You will trot and canter across the landscape that used to surround the former lake of Ullastret. For lunch, you can look forward to an exceptional location: the small medieval town Pals takes you back in time...In the afternoon, the route leads you on sandy paths through Mediterranean pine woods to the rice fields that are typical in this area until you, finally, reach the sea! Just before arriving at the beach, a family-run hotel will be waiting for you. After having fed the horses, you have enough time for a stroll along the beach and to refresh yourself in the sea

Day 4 Today you will cross the natural park Montgrí. A majestic pine forest has been planted on the original sand dunes. These are perfect horse-riding conditions: soft ground, pleasant calmness, and shade-giving trees. During the second half of the day, you will pass ruins that go back to the times of the Greeks and Romans. The route continues off the beaten path through the apple orchards of the Costa Brava. Your destination lies on the River Fluvià, shortly before it reaches the sea. The horses will stay in a field right in front of a charming country house. Your Catalan host, Miguel, will treat you to a tasty dinner after this long riding day.

Day 5 After a good rest, you and your faithful travel companions are ready for the new day. Together, you will cross the area of Aiguamolls. From horseback, you will be are able to see a great variety of bird species. If you are lucky, you might even see a flamingo! You will pass an Andalusian horse stud and reach Castelló d’Empúries. With your horses, you will pass the Santa Maria Basilica. Locals call it the “Cathedral of the Empordà”.The landscape changes again. Between fields and olive groves, you can spot the sparkle of the deep blue water of the Mediterranean Sea in the distance. You get closer to today’s destination, a well-restored manor house that dates back to 1582. Surrounded by picturesque nature with a view of the Bay of Roses, you can relax in the afternoon. Jump into the pool or spoil yourself with a relaxing massage.

Day 6 The riding today will allow your horses to embrace their inner mountain goat, as they climb on a rocky and steep mule path up into the coastal mountains. At the top of the pass, you will let your horses rest for a moment and enjoy the spectacular view. At the Cap de Creus, the easternmost point of the Iberian Peninsula, the Pyrenees melt into the sea. To the north, you will see the Gulf of Leon, and to the south, the Bay of Roses as well as the plains of the Empordà. Then, you will ride through the fascinating landscape of the natural park until you reach the lively fishing village of Port de la Selva. After lunch, we recommend that you spend a tranquil afternoon on the beach. Swim in the Mediterranean Sea before dinner and settling in for your final night.

Day 7 After a nice breakfast and a last glimpse of the sea, you will make your way back home.