Dali Coast Trail

Arrive in Barcelona or Girona and be picked up in the late afternoon and transfer to a beautifully situated country hotel, a former mill situated directly on the river. The location in this idyllic area where silence and tranquility prevail makes this guest house the ideal place to enjoy nature and to relax. The lovingly South American inspired designed garden provides a wonderful atmosphere. What a beautiful place to begin your holiday.

Past peaceful rural villages the path winds through the hilly landscape of Empordà. The sandy bottom and the shading crowns of the Mediterranean pine forest invite long canters. Cross the river and the horses enjoy a refreshing splash in the cool water.  Your four-legged friends confidently take you to the other side of the river. At a brisk pace continue on to a pretty village at the foot of the Gavarra mountain range. Enjoy a lovely dinner in your accommodation where local delicacies will be served  Afterwards relax in the garden of the beautifully restored guesthouse.

This hidden area of yellow, brown and green tones with centuries old villages is magical to ride through. In their narrow streets you can hear the clattering of hoofs rebounding off the walls as you ride through. Visit Gala’s castle of Pubol. Dali gave this 14th century building to his wife, Gala, as a gift. Stop for lunch at a restaurant in the village and ride ride back to the 16th century. Our destination is a beautiful village built of natural stone from the Middle Ages.

This morning enjoy a brisk canter through the plains of Ullastred, which was a large lake in the Iberian times. A sandy trail leads you through undulating sand dunes and Mediterranean pine forests, up to the rough looking mountain of Montgri. The continental sand dunes nestle gently among its rocks. The “crowns” of the majestic pine trees provide some shade. In the midst of all this ride upon a picnic lunch spot – a lovingly laid out table of delicacies. Its Siesta time! The scent of lavender, rosemary and thyme hangs in the air.  After lunch follow the path leading through the sand dunes to the sea. Charmingly furnished rooms await you in the accommodations tonight.

Vamos a la playa – a dream comes true! Early in the morning you can smell the coast, the wind and the salty air. You are right next to the sea with your horse, and in front of you are miles of sandy beaches. With the sunrise you will gallop through the breakwater and your horse may play with the waves – they love the refreshing water. Cross the Aiguamolls marsh at a brisk pace. From horseback you can observe a great variety of bird species. With a bit of luck you might even catch a glimpse of a flamingo or two.
Soon you reach Castelló d’Empúries. With rhythmic hooves clattering on the cobblestones, ride through the medieval town and past its imposing basilica. Then the landscape changes again. Between vineyards and olive groves, the deep blue waters of the
Mediterranean sparkle in the distance as you approach your destination for the day, a restored manor house dating back to 1582. Surrounded by picturesque nature with a view of the bay of Roses, you can relax after
lunch. Those who want to can refresh in the pool or enjoy a massage.

Today spend the morning without horses as a visit to the famous Dalí Museum in Figueres is on the agenda. After the impressions of Dalí’s legacy, there is still time before lunch to stroll through the town and have a snack in one of the many bars and restaurants.

In the afternoon the horses await your return and truly impress with “all-rounders”. Like mountain goats the horses climb up a rocky and steep mule track into the coastal mountains. At the top of the pass give the horses a rest and enjoy the spectacular views. At Cap de Creus, the easternmost point of the Iberian Peninsula, the Pyrenees dip into the sea. To the north you look out over the Gulf of León and to the south over the Bay of Roses and the Empordà plain. Continue through the fascinating landscape of the Natural Park to the lively fishing village of Port de la Selva where you spend the night.

Ride along an old merchant lane which winds its way through stony terrain, until you reach the home of Salvador Dali, located in the bay of Port Lligat. Climb over a pass to Cadaques, the pearl of Emporda. The whitewashed fishing village with its old winding streets is rightly considered the most beautiful village on the Costa Brava. The clear colors of the sky and sea, the excavated rock formations, the luminous bays and deep ravines all inspired Dali for his works of art.

In the middle of this spectacular scenery the trail assistant prepares a lovingly laid table with Catalan specialties. Fortified, make your way to the impressive Salvador Dalí House in Port Lligat with its enchanting garden. The former home and studio of the ingenious surrealist were converted into a museum after his death.
The farewell dinner in a typical restaurant of the fishing village rounds off the trail.

Transfer to Barcelona or Girona after breakfast. 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.