Horseback Riding in Spain

Costa Brava Escape

Overview

The Horizon Trail is an enjoyable adventure for those looking to take in the stunning scenery of the Costa Brava while keeping the riding days relaxed.

On well-selected paths, you ride to the Cap de Creus, the easternmost point of Spain where you can see the Pyrenees sink into the sea like a dorsal fin. Fantastic views over the rugged coastline of the Wild Coast, a visit and overnight stay at the oldest Andalusian stud (P.R.E. – Pura Raza Española) in Catalonia, and probably the most beautiful fishing villages on the Costa Brava, such as Cadaqués and Port de la Selva, transform this trail into a pleasure for riders.

It is an ideal program for trail connoisseurs who do not want to miss the spectacular scenery of the Costa Brava, but with relaxed riding days. The balanced and quite pleasant riding days also offer ideal conditions for less experienced riders. The varied trail connects the lovely countryside of the Catalonian hinterland with the Wild Coast. The modest pace and the slightly shorter riding days do not require an above average physical condition. Daily riding time between 3-5 hours a day, one day 2 hours.

Lodging is planned in small and very comfortable village and rural hotels, providing twin-bedded rooms and en-suite baths.  When available, places with character and history have been chosen.  Rooms on most nights have en-suite facilities, though they may be small in size.  Single accommodations can be arranged at an additional charge of 40 Euro per night.

A support vehicle will follow the riders during the entire trip, meeting for meals and at night. Breakfast, aperitifs and most meals are included while on the trek. The local cuisine is excellent and much consideration is taken when planning the meals to provide riders with a sampling of the many different dishes produced in the area. 2 dinners and 1 lunch are not included in the cost and there is a 150 Euro fee payable locally in cash to the outfitter at the first dinner to cover those 3 restaurant meals.

  • Overview:
    The horses are Andalusian and Spanish horses, typically mountain bred, and range in height from 15 - 16 hh. They are selected for their good nature and endurance, and are well-suited to the terrain and safe in difficult areas, quick and powerful in canter and gallop, intelligent and reliable, and are fun to ride. Occasionally you will be riding on rural paved roads and on cobblestone streets through villages. English trekking saddles and Spanish saddles are used. Saddle bags are provided
  • Horse Breeds:
    Andalusian and Spanish horses
  • Trip Pace:
    modest with trots and canters
  • Tack:
    Spanish trekking saddle
  • Weight limit:
    200 lbs

It is not necessary to be an expert rider but it is essential that riders have trail riding experience, can easily manage a horse in English tack at all paces and be familiar and comfortable handling a horse on the ground. The pace of the ride will vary, but the ride includes walks, trots, canters depending on the terrain. There will be a limited amount of leading your horse on the trails. Be sure to have proper foot gear for walking on uneven trails.

The modest pace and the slightly shorter riding days do not require an above average physical condition. Daily riding time between 3-4/5 hours a day.

You are responsible for the care of your horse during the week, which includes grooming, saddling and unsaddling, feeding and watering. The horses are untacked at lunch stops.

This is not a recommended option for non-riders.

Barcelona or Girona. You will be met at the Barcelona International Airport at 5:30pm or the Girona airport at 6:30pm on the first day of your ride. You will be returned to Barcelona airport at about 1:00pm, or Girona airport at about 11:00am, on the last day of the ride.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1

Pickup in Barcelona late afternoon (5.30PM from the airport, Cafe TABERNNUS) and transfer to a typical Catalan stone house about 30 min from Girona. The rooms are tastefully furnished with views over meadows, forests and the surrounding horse pastures. This secluded place is just right for unwinding after your journey. Get to know the group and your guide over welcome dinner.

Day 2

A breakfast a short vehicle transfer takes you to the horse farm where you will meet the horses and get ready for the ride.

Depart from the stables on your four-legged companions. Over fields and through dense forests the horses carry you reliably into the lonely outback of the Wild Coast. In this beautiful setting a soothing calm and peacefulness surrounds and you discover hidden natural stone villages. In time for lunch, arrive at an old oil mill that is enchanting and  a hearty meal has already been prepared for you. With every bite of the delicious tapas and te fine oils immerse yourselves deeper into the flavors of this unique region.

Well rested, ride to your accommodation in the afternoon. After caring for your faithful horses you round off the day with another tasty dinner and talk about the adventures of the day.

Day 3

Lonely paths are winding through the green flood plains along the river and a pleasant tranquillity surrounds you. As you ride through the Catalonian natural stone villages the hooves of the horses echo through the narrow streets and alleys. Under old cork trees the trail assistant has already set the table for lunch – what a magnificent place to enjoy the delights! Afterwards enjoy a siesta after which you saddle the horses and get back on the trail.

Surrounded by rice fields, your impressive overnight accommodation for tonight is the oldest Andalusian stud farm in Catalonia, P.R.E. (P.R.E. = Pura Raza Española).

The stud has more than 30 broodmares and excellent stallions that have a decisive influence on the breeding of the Pura Raza Española. The horses bred here are distinguished not only by their beauty, but also by their excellent character and rideability. It is not only the amazing Spanish horses and their history that await you here, but also comfortable rooms.

Day 4

After leaving the Stud Farm through the rice fields, ride across the plain of Empordà to Castelló de Empúries with its mighty cathedral. Cross the northern marsh area of the Aiguamolls with its diverse birdlife watch the tMediterranean Pyrenees frame the vast plain like an amphitheater.

Near Roses, a luxurious house with a swimming pool and spa offers a pleasant place to stay.

Day 5

Like mountain goats your Andalusians horses climb into the mountainous Cap de Creus. High up on the pass you will be rewarded with breath-taking panoramic views: the Gulf of Roses stretches out to the south, while the Golf del Lleó lies to the north.

As you ride along, herbs and flowers line the path, and occasional cork oak groves add a touch of Mediterranean charm. You then descend into a peaceful valley framed by rolling hills. Soon thereafter pass through a picturesque village with its winding alleys and traditional houses transporting us back in time. Here, a delicious lunch awaits at a popular restaurant known for its warm hospitality.

After this refreshing break, continue through the stunning landscapes of the nature park, eventually arriving at the bustling fishing village of Port de la Selva. Your accommodation for the night is an elegant hotel. The afternoon is free for us to explore — whether relaxing on the beach or wandering through the village’s charming streets.

Day 6

An old trade route winds through rocky terrain in the Nature Park of Cap de Creus. This is where the last foothills of the Pyrenees roll into the electric-blue sea below. The vivid colors, eroded rock formations and bright bays with their deep canyons immerse us in a bizarre coastal landscape.

In a secluded bay enjoy a picnic and go for a swim- what paradise! Spend your last night at Cadaqués, a jewel of the Costa Brava. The whitewashed fishing village, with its old, winding streets is justly considered the most beautiful village on the Wild Coast.

The best “Paella” in the village completes our last evening of the eventful journey.

Day 7

After breakfast, transfer to Barcelona or Girona.
You will be returned to Barcelona airport at about 1:00PM, or Girona airport at about 11:00 AM, on the last day of the ride. Please make flight arrangements no earlier than mid-afternoon on that day.

Itinerary Addendum

The itinerary is flexible. Changes may occur at the guide's discretion based on weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Tour Map

Tour Dates & Pricing

Departure Dates

Trip Starts
Trip Ends
Apr 19, 2026
Apr 25, 2026
May 3, 2026
May 9, 2026
May 23, 2026
May 29, 2026
Jun 15, 2026
Jun 21, 2026
Jul 5, 2026
Jul 11, 2026
Sep 13, 2026
Sep 19, 2026
Oct 4, 2026
Oct 10, 2026
Nov 1, 2026
Nov 7, 2026
  • Base Price
  • $2,865
  • Pricing Variation
  • Restaurant & catering fee: 150 Euro payable during the first dinner
  • Single Supplement
  • 40 Euro per night per person, depending on availability, payable in cash locally
  • Transportation
  • Group transfers are 75 Euro each way per person from Barcelona, 60 Euro each way per person from Girona. The transfer leaves the Barcelona airport at 5.30PM from Cafe TABERNNUS.
Additional Pricing Information:
Prices are based on the dollar/euro exchange and are subject to change. Ride price is set, guaranteed, and final at the time deposit is paid.

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Meet your tour consultant Biggi Hayes

About: Hi, I'm Biggi! Originally from East Germany, I spent over 25 years in Wyoming and now live on the north coast of Ireland in County Donegal, an area I fell in love with while doing our tours. I've been working for Equitours since 2001 and have enjoyed matching countless guests with their ideal tours!

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Contact Biggi Hayes

How my friend Edith and I ever managed to pick this trip is beyond me but we really hit the jackpot. It was an exceptional ride. I could not have had a better horse who was well trained, had quality and was a horse that I could truly enjoy forging a strong partnership with. The host is an exceptional guide with strong leadership skills, amazing ability with horses, excellent communication skills and interpersonal relationship management. That sounds so business-like but she was a truly enjoyable and well respected guide for our whole group. The area that we rode in was not only beautiful but remote and untouched. I felt like I have had a very close look at Spain and got a real feel for the culture and life in Spain even though we only covered about 100 miles. ... Thank you for connecting me with this adventure. It puts a big smile on my face every time I think of moments on the ride. What can be better then standing with your horse, looking miles over the Sierra Nevada mountains with a light breeze blowing, under a fig tree that dapples the sunlight on your face. I have memories for life.

Lin Ward