Spanish Beaches Adventure Catalonia Spain This trip lets you ride through the Costa Brava from North to South, enjoying the best that it has to offer! We will ride two loops from our farmhouse; allowing us to discover the beautiful beach of Pals, as well as natural parks and incredibly well-preserved medieval villages. Catalonia is full of spectacular towns and villages, surprisingly untouched by the passing of time, but it is also full of wild and unspoiled landscapes waiting to be discovered. We will be riding through the typical landscape of Empordà. Our journey starts with the discovery of gorgeous medieval villages, continues with the peaceful mountainous landscape of Las Gavarras, and finally ends with a fantastic ride on the beach. This beach ride will be without doubt one of the highlights of the trip! Kilometers of golden sandy beach by the Mediterranean Sea are the delight of any rider. If you do not have a full week for your horseback holidays and you want to enjoy the beach and the mountains: this is the perfect ride for you! Progressive Ride (no camping) Meeting: Llabià Airport: Girona Transfer: Barcelona airport or Girona airport Riders: Min 4 riders Max 12 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Transfer and Other Charges:

Pick-up from Barcelona airport at 6:00 pm or from Girona airport at 7:30 pm.
Drop off at Girona airport for 10:30 am or at Barcelona airport for noon.

8-day Sample Itinerary 2019 - subject to changes

Day 1- Sunday: Welcome!
You will arrive at the farmhouse and before dinner, we will go over the week's program. You will be told about the special characteristics of our Andalusian trail horses and will be given an introduction to the week´s program with an opportunity for a one-to-one conversation designed to find every rider’s perfect horse (this individual conversation could take place on Thursday morning instead). Then, you will enjoy a fantastic welcome dinner!

Day 2- Monday: Galloping with Emotions
This first day will allow us to get used to our travel companion. We will leave the farmhouse and go to the Natural Park of Montgrí, where we will go around the mountain. We will pass by the Escala and arrive at the fantastic village of San Martí d'Empúries. This is a beautiful little village, perfect to walk around and discover its history. Our hotel is very close to the beach, so we can also enjoy a swim at sunset.

Day 3- Tuesday: Our First Beach
This day we start a bit earlier to enjoy our gallop on the beach. Six kilometers of beach await, to let us enjoy long gallops and a swim with the horses! We will take a break at the village of Sant Pere Pescador and we will use the opportunity to take a well-deserved coffee! We still have some hours riding left. This is a quite long and active day that will allow us to see rice fields, apple tree, orchards and much more, before arriving at our accommodation in the interior. 

Day 4- Wednesday: Baix Empordà
Today, the trail takes us back to the farmhouse, through cereal fields, fruit trees and a fantastic agricultural landscape. We will cross to the other side of the river Ter by a bridge and follow the riverbed with a lush flora. We will ride between meadows and rice fields accompanied by ducks and migratory birds from the Medes Islands. We will enjoy a very active day and a last gallop along the riverbed. In the afternoon we will arrive at the farmhouse and we will have time to rest before our delicious homemade dinner!

Day 5- Thursday: Medieval Villages
The ride takes us through the best preserved medieval towns in Spain. You will cross beautiful medieval villages that will become quaint terracotta colored settlements the closer you get tot hem. One of the most beautiful are the small villages of Palau-Sator and Peratallada, villages of medieval origin completely walled in order to preserve the defensive pit, tower, castle and palace. We will continue through fields of oaks and pines until we reach our accommodation, it is a country house of the XIII century located at the foot of the hills of Gavarres, where we can enjoy the pool and the pleasant atmosphere of a good homemade dinner with local products.

Day 6- Friday: The Gavarres Park
Today we will cross the mountains of the Gavarres towards the beach of Pals. The Gavarres park has an extensive network of trails that will allow us to discover the most important cork oaks and pine forests of Catalonia. The vegetation here is rich, shaded by mountain streams, the forests are made up of oak, hazel and chestnut trees, in contrast to the rest of the predominantly Mediterranean territory. We will have time for a complete meal and be able to recover some strength. After lunch, we will continue the trail passing through the beautiful medieval village of Pals, with history dating back to the 9th-15th century, with charming stone houses and small cobblestone streets decorated with flowers. It is on the top of a small hill where we can see the sea in the distance, offering spectacular views. We will then continue a little further, until we reach our hotel, just 5 minutes walk from the beach, where we can relax, rest or walk along the beach.

Day 7- Saturday: Beach of Pals
Today we will start early. Shortly after sunrise and after taking breakfast at the hotel, we will prepare our horses and we will go to the beach along a flat territory, wetlands and of rice plantations. We will arrive at the long beach of Pals, surrounded by dunes and pines, this beach has magnificent views over the Medes Islands, one of the most photographed panoramas of the Costa Brava. We will prepare for the gallop, and together with our four-legged friends, we will play with the waves and the foam. We will continue all the way back to the farmhouse, with the river Ter as a companion and through paths of crops.
To finish and before arriving at our accommodation, we will climb the hill to say goodbye with the best possible panorama: the sea in the distance with the three Medes Islands. We will have time to relax, talk, sunbathe or swim in the pool.

Day 8- Sunday: Departure
Departure after breakfast. We hope to see you soon in another adventure!

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5-day Sample Itinerary 2019 - subject to changes

Day 1- Wednesday: Welcome
You will arrive at our farmhouse where you can make yourself at home! Here you will find all the comforts in a rural and traditional environment.
Before dinner we will go over the week's program. You will be told about the special characteristics of our Spanish and Arab trail horses. You will be given an introduction to the riding program with an opportunity for a one-to-one conversation designed to find every rider’s perfect horse (this individual conversation could take place on the next day in the morning instead). Then, you will enjoy a fantastic welcome dinner!

Day 2- Thursday: Medieval Villages
The ride takes us through the best preserved medieval towns in Spain. You will cross beautiful medieval villages and the cities that will become quaint terracotta colored settlements the closer you get to them. The small Palau-Sator and incredible Peratallada, are villages of medieval origin completely walled in order to preserve the defensive pit, tower, castle and palace. We will then continue our ride through fields of oaks and pines until we reach our accommodation. It is a country house of the XIII century located at the foot of the hills of Gavarres, where we can enjoy the pool and the pleasant atmosphere of a good homemade dinner with local products.

Day 3- Friday: The Gavarres Park
Today we will cross the mountains of the Gavarres towards the beach of Pals. The Gavarres Park has an extensive network of trails that will allow you to discover the most important cork oaks and pine forests of Catalonia. The vegetation here is rich, shaded by mountain streams, and the forests are made up of oak, hazel and chestnut trees, in contrast to the rest of the predominantly Mediterranean territory. We will have time for a complete meal and be able to recover strength. Then, we will continue the trail passing through the beautiful medieval village of Pals, with history dating back to the 9th-15th century. It is one of the stars of the area with charming stone houses and small cobblestone streets decorated with flowers. It sits on the top of a small hill where we can see the sea in the distance, offering spectacular views. We will continue a little further, until we reach our hotel, just 5 minutes walk from the beach, where we can relax, rest or walk along the beach.

Day 4- Saturday: Beach of Pals
Today we will start early. Shortly after sunrise, after taking breakfast at the hotel, we will prepare our horses and we will go to the beach along a flat territory, wetlands and of rice plantations. We will arrive at the long beach of Pals, surrounded by dunes and pines. This beach has magnificent views over the Medes Islands, one of the most photographed panoramas of the Costa Brava. We will prepare for the gallop, and together with our four-legged friends, we will play with the waves and the foam. We will continue all the way back to the farmhouse, with the river Ter as a companion and through paths of crops.
To finish and before arriving at our accommodation, we will climb the hill to say goodbye with the best possible panorama: the sea in the distance with the three Medes Islands. We will have time to relax, talk, sunbathe or swim in the pool.

Day 5- Sunday: Departure
Departure after breakfast. We hope to see you soon in another adventure!

-------------------------------------------

5-day Sample Itinerary 2020 - subject to changes

Day 1- Welcome
You will arrive at our farmhouse. Before dinner, we will go over the week’s program and learn more about the special characteristics of our horses. You will be given an introduction to the week’s program with an opportunity for a one to one conversation designed to find every rider’s perfect horse (this individual conversation could take place on the next day in the morning instead). Then, you will enjoy a fantastic welcome dinner!

Day 2- Medieval Villages
The ride takes us through the best preserved medieval towns in Spain. You will cross beautiful medieval villages and the cities that will become quaint terracotta colored settlements the closer you get to them. The small Palau-Sator and incredible Peratallada, are villages of medieval origin completely walled in order to preserve the defensive pit, tower, castle and palace. We will then continue our ride through fields of oaks and pines until we reach our accommodation. It is a country house dating back to the 18th century, located at the foot of the hills of Gavarres. Here, we can enjoy the pool and the pleasant atmosphere of a good homemade dinner with local products.

Day 3- The Gavarres Park
Today we will cross the mountains of the Gavarres towards the beach of Pals. The Gavarres Park has an extensive network of trails that will allow you to discover the most important cork oaks and pine forests of Catalonia. The vegetation here is rich, shaded by mountain streams, and the forests are made up of oak, hazel and chestnut trees, in contrast to the rest of the predominantly Mediterranean territory. We will have time for a complete meal and be able to recover strength. Then, we will continue the trail passing through the beautiful medieval village of Pals, with history dating back to the 9th-15th century. It is one of the stars of the area with charming stone houses and small cobblestone streets decorated with flowers. It sits on the top of a small hill where we can see the sea in the distance, offering spectacular views. We will continue a little further, until we reach our hotel, just 5 minutes walk from the beach, where we can relax, rest or walk along the beach.

Day 4- Beach of Pals
Today we will start early. Shortly after sunrise, after taking breakfast at the hotel, we will prepare our horses and we will go to the beach along a flat territory made out of wetlands and rice plantations. We will arrive at the long beach of Pals, surrounded by dunes and pines. This beach has magnificent views over the Medes Islands, one of the most photographed panoramas of the Costa Brava. We will prepare for the gallop, and together with our four-legged friends, we will play with the waves and the foam. We will continue all the way back to the farmhouse, with the Ter River as a companion and through paths of crops.
Before going back to our accommodation, we will climb the hill to say goodbye with the best possible panorama: the sea in the distance with the three Medes Islands. In the evening, we will have time to relax, talk, sunbathe or swim in the pool.

Day 5- Departure
Departure after breakfast. We hope to see you soon in another adventure!

Note: Beach rides are not possible during the high season (July to September)

                                        Torroella de Montgrí area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	57	59	63	67	73	81	87	87	80	72	63	58
Average Low Temperature (°F)	35	36	40	44	51	59	63	64	58	51	42	37
Average High Temperature (°C)	14	15	17	19	23	27	30	30	27	22	17	14
Average Low Temperature (°C)	2	2	5	7	11	15	17	18	15	11	6	3
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	4	4	5	6	7	5	3	4	5	5	4	3

Source: NOAA


Seasons
The overall climate of Catalonia is similar to Southern California. It enjoys a balmy, year-round climate; not too steamy in summer and with a few cold days in winter. July and August are the warmest months and December, January and February are the coldest months.

*Send us a copy your travel insurance policy - with your reservation (or shortly after). All non-insured riders will not be allowed on the trail -- bring along a copy as well

• Helmets are mandatory and available to borrow but we highly recommend bringing your own if possible; there is no guarantee otherwise for your fit and comfort!
• We recommend wearing jodhpurs, as these protect your legs from soreness of jean seams, and you will find a light-weight, cotton pair the most comfortable during the summer months.  You may want to bring two pairs.
• Your riding boots should have a sole with a safe tread and be comfortable for walking, as you are certain to lead your horse on some occasions.  Paddock boots and half-chaps are the most flexible combination for comfort and leg protection than tall riding boots.
• A long-sleeved shirt for protection against the sun and against scratches when riding through undergrowth.
• A light cotton scarf can help to avoid breathing in too much dust in dry areas.
• Bring sunglasses, also to protect your eyes from dust.
• We strongly recommend bringing a water-bottle which can be refilled en-route; these can be carried in the saddle-bags provided.
• Rain gear suitable for riding should be carried along, particularly during the months from November through April. It is essential that you bring good wet weather gear.  Although it rains very little, when it does it is normally a heavy downpour, consequently a jacket or cape and waterproof trousers are a good idea.
• Good sun protection - gloves, sunscreen, and hat with a chin strap, sunglasses with straps!
• A swimsuit, towel, shorts, and a windbreaker should also be taken. 
• A belt pack in which to carry your camera and other small valuables during the ride is handy.
• Attire on the ride daytime and evening, is strictly informal throughout, though if you are planning to visit other cities on your own later you may wish to bring dressier evening clothing.
• Regular film can be obtained locally, but special sizes may not be available - bring plenty.  And make sure you have plentiful batteries.
• It is a good idea to bring your own soap, since not all the hotels supply it.

Don’t forget your Passport!
 

This list is only a guideline for you

Travel documents and Voucher

Flight tickets

Passport

Visa (check with your consulate)

RIDING GEAR

Normal riding gear, no rubber boots, please

Light pants without any strong seams

Ankle-high solid shoes with flat heels

Long sleeved cotton shirts (sun protection)

Riding helmet (recommended for all trips)

Light gloves, if wanted

Hat (with chin strip) for sun protection

PERSONAL CLOTHING

Lightweight jacket or vest

Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts

Jeans

Shorts

Underwear and socks

Pyjama

Bag for dirty clothes

Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes

Swimsuit

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING

Personal Toiletries

Insect protection

Personal medications

Sore cream (for the emergency)

Sewing kit

Handkerchiefs

Adapter for electric appliances

Camera and enough extra films and batteries

Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!)

Sun glasses with strap

Sun tan lotion and lip balm

** No trip reports found with the tour ID you provided.

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride so you will be staying in different locations each night. There is full cell overage along the routes.

8-day trip Accommodation Itinerary

Night 1, 4, & 7: Farmhouse in Llabià  

Night 2: Hotel Riomar in Sant Marti d'Empuries

Night 3: Can Muni in Vilopriu

Night 5: Mas Masaller in Cruilles

Night 6: Aparthotel Golf Beach in Pals Beach


5-day trip Accommodation Itinerary

Night 1 & 4: Farmhouse in Llabià

Night 2: Mas Masaller in Cruilles

Night 3: Aparthotel Gold Beach in Pals Beach


Meals
All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on your last day are included. Breakfast is enjoyed at the hotel. We will have a picnic for lunch, including local homemade food and drinks (including wine). As for dinners, they will be in the hotels where we sleep and always include a Catalan or Spanish home-made food including water and wine.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to dietary restrictions if given prior notice.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		English with saddlebags. Some Western saddles available.
Horses:		Andalusians and Spanish-Arabian crossbreds.
Pace:		Trail with long gallops, canters, and trots. 4-6 hours per day. | Walk | Trot | Canter | Gallop |
Level:		(3.5 to 4 out of 5)    Good Intermediate
Age:		Min 16
Weight:		Max 90kg
Riders:		Min 4 riders	Max 12 riders

Riding Experience
You should be well balanced, comfortable and secure in the saddle and able to control a well-schooled horse outside at all paces. Riders are expected to be able to cope with a variety of different going and different types of terrain. All the rides are aimed at reasonably capable riders, who are also fairly fit and riding regularly.
Participants are expected to ride regularly in the months before they go to ensure they can cope with the hours in the saddle. There are also places on the rides where you will need to dismount and lead your horse - if the ground gets rough or steep, and for a short time to warm the horses up and cool them down each day.
Riders are expected to tack up their own horses. Our guides will show you how if you are unfamiliar and will double check that tack is properly placed every day before you ride.

Horses
We currently have 21 horses. They are all kept together as a herd so have developed a close bond. They are Andalusians and Spanish-Arabian crossbreds, well-trained and cared for. We work with them daily by techniques of natural dressage and Parelli to improve horse-rider communication and thus ensure a good development of the trail.
The horses naturally adapts well to the rhythm of a trail ride, traveling up to 30km a day from place to place as a wild herd would do when looking for food and water. A great deal of time has been spent selecting and training the horses for these trekking routes. Not too boisterous to be difficult for lower level riders, yet with enough spark to make an enjoyable ride to experienced riders.

Pace
We spend on average 4-6 hours on horseback per day (6 or 3 riding days total – depending on the program chosen). The pace is moderate with plenty of opportunities to canter and gallop.

Weight Limit
Max 90 kg (~200lbs). We reserve the right to exceptionally check on riders weigh. Riders far over this weigh will not be able to ride.

Guides
We have 4 guides (1 per every 8 riders) who have the necessary qualifications and experience guiding groups and horses. Guides are first aid trained and always carry a first aid kit with them. Our guides are all fluent in English. If you are interested in another language, do not hesitate to ask. We may have a German or French speaking guide available.
Guides always carry a mobile phone while riding and coverage is available throughout the route.

Note: A travel insurance is required to take part in this trip!

Passports

Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:

(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.

Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Passports held by EU nationals need only be valid upon entry to and exit from Spain. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.

Passport Note

Spain is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.



Visas

Not required by nationals of EU countries regardless of purpose and/or length of stay; 2. not required by nationals of other countries referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days.

Visa Note

Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements 

 

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.