Catalonia Coast (& Wine) Trail
The Catalonia Coast Trail is a seven night trail ride offering six glorious days’ riding in the varied scenery of the wild coast. The coastal mountains of Cap de Creus and the miles of sandy beaches of the Bay of Roses provide a contrast to the extensive plateau. The highlight of the trail is the long ride on the beach. Visit wine cellars (including wine and cava tasting), enjoy simple, comfortable accommodation and delicious Catalan cuisine.
You should be at least an intermediate rider fit enough for between 3 to 5 hours in the saddle each day. The total distance ridden is about 180 km/110 miles.
You ride across the very easternmost part of Spain, crossing green hilly landscapes, through medieval towns and onto the beaches of the Mediterranean.
Please note that it may be necessary to lead your horse on foot on one of the days of this trail for about 30 minutes. The ground can be rocky and uneven and most of the time it will be downhill.
Please note that between June and September (inclusive) we do not ride close to the ocean’s edge due to the number of people on the beach. Instead we may ride in the sand dunes and paths beside the beach in sight of the water.
Highlights of the trail include:
- Delicious tasting of wine and cava
- Visit to the medieval village of Perelada
- Accommodation at the former castle of Espolla
- Breathtaking beach ride at the crack of dawn
- Visit the P.R.E Horse Stud
The following is the proposed itinerary but please note that changes are possible due to weather and local conditions. On occasions the itinerary may run in reverse.
Please note that the first 3 days of riding is often at a slower pace due to the terrain covered.
Day One
You are met and transferred to your accommodation, which is a typical Catalan natural stone house dating from the 17th century or another guesthouse. After settling in you will all meet for supper where you will discuss the week ahead.
Day Two
You will be transferred to Mas Alba to meet the horses and start the ride. 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 you along the river Fluvia winding across hilly terrain.
You ride through lovely river valleys and discover a nice place for the first picnic. In the afternoon, you continue your way, trotting and cantering until we arrive at a beautiful old mill near to the river; the accommodation for tonight or similar guesthouse.
Day Three
Today, you follow winding paths through the flood plains next to the river until you reach a Catalan village. You clatter through villages built of stone. Lunch is a long picnic before riding on towards the coast.
At the end of the bay, near to the beach, is your hotel where you spend the night. (NB: depending on the season you might stay overnight in a beautiful mill dating back to the 16th century). The old mill has small apartments which have a double bed on a balcony and two beds downstairs with one bathroom. This may be booked as two single rooms.
Day Four
This morning you have an exciting early morning ride along the beach. Please note that the speed on the beach depends on the rivers, weather, sea, sand and waves and the pace is always with the best interests of the group in mind. It isn’t always possible to gallop along the water’s edge (please note during some out of season weeks, the beach ride may take place late in the afternoon instead).
After an adventurous beach ride you follow the river Fluvia and make your way onwards through fruit orchards and beside rice fields.
Finally we arrive at Catalonia’s oldest stud the P.R.E. (Pura Rasa Espanola) Andalucian horse stud.
Enjoy a picnic lunch looking upon their paddocks which are filled with their beautiful Andalusian horses happily grazing. After lunch you are free to explore the stud farm at your leisure.
This evening you are treated to traditional Spanish cuisine.
Day Five
The terrain this morning allows you to trot and canter to medieval town of Castello with its magnificent cathedral. You continue to ride across sunflower and corn fields before reaching Perelada, the centre of wine growing.
In the afternoon you can visit the enormous castle, its wine cellars and the private library of the monastery. You will learn not only about Cava but enjoy some Cava tasting too. Stay overnight in the village.
Day Six
Today you follow the path of the river Llobregat and then ride through the wild landscape at the foot of the Albera Mountains. Cork and stone oak forests now dominate the landscape with the occasional vineyard interrupting.
You visit a family owned vineyard near here and taste one of the best wines from these lowlands.
Lunch today will be to your own account.
After lunch, you ride along the laboriously built up terrace, and ancient olive trees line the path. Numerous colourful flowers grow in the flood plains of Orlina. You may pass round rock formations and Celtic tombs from pre-Christina times.
The lowlands of the Ampurdan resemble an amphitheatre surrounded by mountains, whose exit is at the Gulf of Roses.
Then you head towards the village of Garriguella which lies in the wine growing district. Overnight near the village
Day Seven
Today’s ride climbs up and over some of the coastal mountains, the last foothills of the Pyrenees. Having reached the crest, a breathtaking panoramic view on the entire Gulf of Lion up to the mysterious mountain Canigo awaits you. After a delicious picnic lunch near to the beach you travel back to Garriguella.
Tonight enjoy your last supper together.
Day Eight
After breakfast transfer to Barcelona or Girona or stay for another riding trail.
Gourmet Coast Trail
The Gourmet Coast Trail is a 7 night trail ride with 6 days riding. On this unique trail ride a gourmet cook (usually David) provides superb lunches and evening meals. And at the end of some days, you may relax with a relieving massage or in a hot tub.
Spanish horses, gourmet food and wellness treats: experience Catalonia with all your senses! Do you enjoy the spicy taste of goat’s cheese or paella with fresh seafood and vegetables? Dive into the variety of Catalonia’s culinary world. Whether typical tapas, regional fish or meat, homemade olive oil or a selection of fruits – let yourself be enchanted by gourmet cook David and his exceptional cuisine! Enjoy the different regional wines with your meal – you will surely love Garnacha and Carinena!
(NB: this itinerary would not really suit vegetarians or those with sea-food allergy since only one main course is prepared at dinner. It is most suited to those who want to experiment and try new dishes).
Allow yourself some pamper time after adventurous days with beach rides. Let your muscles relax with a relieving massage. Horse riding, wellness treats and gourmet cuisine at its best.
You should be at least an intermediate rider fit enough for between 3 to 5 hours in the saddle each day. The total distance ridden is about 140 km/87 miles.
Please note that between June and September (inclusive) we do not ride close to the ocean’s edge due to the number of people on the beach. Instead we may ride in the sand dunes and paths beside the beach in sight of the water.
You ride across the very eastern most part of Spain, crossing green hilly landscapes, through medieval towns and onto the beaches of the Mediterranean.
Highlights of the trail include:
* Typical Catalan breakfast, daily gourmet menus with local specialties
* Delicious wines of the region
* A beach ride
* Breathtaking landscapes
* Wellness Treats (Massage, Spa) – payable locally
* Accommodation in historical guesthouse
The following is the proposed itinerary but please note that changes are possible due to weather and local conditions. On occasions the itinerary may run in reverse.
Day One
You are collected in Barcelona (5pm) or Girona (6.30pm) and transferred to Mas Roca. Host Bogi welcomes you to his home, an old mill from the 16th century which will enchant you with its unique character. (Please note that the usual accommodation is at Bogi’s, but occasionally another guesthouse of a similar standard is used.) Meet your guide and your gourmet cook David, who during the week ahead will inspire you with the traditional cuisine of the Empordá region.
Delicious dishes of lamb, goat or beef are part of David’s repertoire, as well as sole, gilthead and prawn. You will get to know and enjoy tapas and paellas. The tasty olive oil of the region will be part of your daily dishes, as well as homemade cheese specialties.
Day Two
You are transferred to the horse ranch Mas Alba to meet your horse for the week. Your first riding day leads you away from Mas Alba, through forests of pine and oak. In a hidden valley you pass a small creek. Sunbeams break through the deep green of a tropical forest. Shrubs of bamboo line the path and lianas and climbers surround the trees above. You are in Catalonia but it feels like Costa Rica.
At the flood plains of the river Fluvia, your chef awaits with a glass of sparkling Catalan Cava for you to enjoy while admiring the delightfully set table full of delicacies. Ingredients such as fresh bread, Manchego, homemade goat’s cheese and fruits such as figs, peaches and cherries make this a perfect lunch.
In the afternoon you continue on to ride to Bogi’s place (or alternative guesthouse), where you spend a second night. The garden with its South American feel is a beautiful spot to relax! And, of course, another Gourmet dinner is waiting for you.
Day Three
In the morning you ride alongside the river Fluvia that winds through the countryside and follow it towards the Gulf of Roses where the river flows into the Ocean. Stop at lunchtime for a delicious picnic set out under old cork trees. What a great place to enjoy local delicacies! With renewed energy you mount your horses once again. Amid paddy fields you reach your accommodation for the night: Usually you will overnight at Catalonia’s oldest P.R.E. (Pura Rasa Espanola) Andalusian horse stud. Please note that the accommodation is basic at the stud and that bathrooms may be shared and not en-suite.
It is a treat to see the beautiful horses of the stud and the guesthouse is perfect for relaxing after a day’s riding. In this wonderful atmosphere you are spoiled with delicious paella with seafood and fresh vegetables.
Day Four
In the summer months and busy holiday times, you will need to be up early to ride onto the beach by 6am (in spring/autumn it doesn’t need to be so early). Soon everyone is awake as the water splashes, the sand leaps and you gallop into the sunrise. The horses play in the waves and you try not to get too wet.
Please note that the speed on the beach depends on the rivers, weather, sea, sand and waves and the pace is always with the best interests of the group in mind. It isn’t always possible to canter or gallop along the water’s edge.
After this great experience you enjoy a gourmet picnic in the garden of the P.R.E Andalusian horse stud. You have a great view of the gorgeous Andalusian horses, grazing on the luscious green grass.
After lunch, those who want to can enjoy some relaxation with a massage from professional masseuse Cerrie Reina who is a qualified therapist for Tien Chen. Tien Chen Shiatsu is a Chinese art and has been practised there for thousands of years. Its physical effects include relaxing muscles, stimulating circulation and releasing toxins and tensions. A treatment can also be helpful in alleviating conditions such as migraines and stress. On a more subtle level, the treatment allows the patient to become deeply relaxed with a feeling of calmness and well being. Give it a try – (payable locally).
Later you will be shown around at the stud and get to know the history of the P.R.E. Andalusian horse. There is plenty of time to look around and relax. You spend another evening at the noble stud and discuss the memories of the day while being served another wonderful gourmet dinner! What flavour experience is waiting for you today? Will David conjure up something with Boletus and Chanterelle, or create a dish with wild boar or deer? Let yourself be surprised!
Day Five
The terrain is flat this morning giving opportunities for some faster riding as you journey to Castelló with its impressive cathedral. From there you ride onto the marshes of Aiguamolls which is a refuge and hatchery to many birds. Crossing grazing land, you can pick up the pace again as you ride past fields of vines and sunflowers on your way to Perelada.
Arrive at this evening’s accommodation where you spend the night. Have a picnic and later if time permits, visit the glorious castle and its Bodega. Learn about Cava and have a cava tasting. Salud!
It is possible to arrange a Spa and Wellness treatment at the golf hotel in Perelada. Their specialities are treatments with wine, whether a body peel, a massage or a beauty treatment: wine can be used in several ways to refresh your body. If you like more «classical» treatments, there are many offers to choose from! After another eventful day, David is waiting for you with a terrific meal sweetened by tasty almonds, hazelnuts and walnuts of the region – what a great way to end a perfect day!
Day Six
The flood plains of the River Llobregat are not only home to a variety of flowers, mushrooms like Chanterelle, Boletus and Borel also grow here very well. Your picnic break today includes visiting a bodega. During the wine tasting you get to know the grapes of the region and learn a little more about how their delicious taste ripens/develops.
After this tasty and interesting break you mount your horse again. Pass intricate stone terraces and age-old olive trees. This is where the regional olive oil comes from, which plays an important role in the Catalan cuisine. You arrive at the lovely village Gariguella, where you overnight. Perhaps a massage is in order today (payable locally). For dinner David creates another great menu. This time – of course – with the special olive oil and honey from the village!
Day Seven
Age-old olive trees and vineyards influence the landscape this morning as you ride closer to the coastal mountains of Rodas. The light in this wild and fascinating landscape is impressive. Admire the proud formations of the Pyrenees’ summits and the deep blue colour of the Mediterranean Sea. Your Andalusian horses climb the mountains brilliantly.
In the afternoon you get to a picturesque bay on the «Wild Coast» where a mouth-watering picnic is waiting for you on the beach. In the evening, return to your accommodation. For your last dinner David has come up with a very special menu that you won’t forget in a hurry! Enjoy the delicious food and celebrate, with local cava and vino tinto, the end of the gourmet trail.
Day Eight
After breakfast transfer to Barcelona or Girona or stay for another riding trail.
Wild Coast Trail
Day 1
The Catalonia Wild Coast Trail is a 6 night trail ride offering 5 glorious days’ riding in the varied scenery of the Costa Brava (Wild Coast). On this ride you will enjoy some fantastic panoramic views over the sea, plus discover some hidden coves for swimming. You will also get to visit wine cellars (including wine and cava tasting), and enjoy simple, comfortable accommodation and delicious Catalan cuisine.
You should be at least an intermediate rider fit enough for between 3 to 5 hours in the saddle each day. The total distance ridden is about 180 km/110 miles. The first 3 days of riding is often at a slower pace due to the terrain covered.
You ride across the very easternmost part of Spain, crossing green hilly landscapes, through medieval towns and onto the beaches of the Mediterranean.
Please note that it may be necessary to lead your horse on foot on one of the days of this trail for about 30 minutes. The ground can be rocky and uneven and most of the time it will be downhill. It is important that you wear boots which provide support for your ankle and which have a non-slip sole.
The following is the proposed itinerary but please note that changes are possible due to weather and local conditions. On occasions the itinerary may run in reverse.
You are met and transferred to your accommodation at ‘Mas Alba’. This is a typical Catalan natural stone house dating from 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.
You normally spend the first night at Mas Alba but sometimes this can be at an alternative guesthouse.
After settling in you will all meet for supper where you will discuss the week ahead.
Day 2
On your first day you will ride you pass and through dense forests, riding through little Catalan villages built of stone. You will stop for a long picnic lunch before riding on towards the coast.
At the end of the bay, near to the beach, is your hotel where you spend the night. (NB: depending on the season you might stay overnight in a beautiful mill dating back to the 16th century). The old mill has small apartments which have a double bed on a balcony and two beds downstairs with one bathroom. This may be booked as two single rooms.
Day 3
This morning you ride along the river Fluvia towards the sea. You have a river crossing, passing through the beautiful Catalan villages on horseback towards your lunch spot under cork trees.
In the afternoon, you arrive at Catalonia’s oldest stud the P.R.E. (Pura Rasa Espanola) Andalusian horse stud.
Whilst meeting the horses, the stud farm owner will give you a tour filled with interesting facts about the history of PRE horse.
This evening a personal chef arrives to spoil you with his gourmet Spanish cuisine amid this wonderful atmosphere.
Day 4
The terrain this morning allows you to trot and canter beside rice fields before reaching the medieval town of Castello with its magnificent cathedral.
Leaving the town you keep up the pace through and the moors of Aiguamolls towards the sandy beaches of Roses. Later in the afternoon you can visit the «Ciutadella» castle and of course you can have a swim in the sea too if you fancy it. Stay overnight near to Roses.
Day 5
Today you and your horse will climb into the mountainous Cap de Creus. At the top, you will be rewarded with breath-taking panoramic views. In the south you can look over the Gulf of Roses and in the north the Gulf de Lion.
You continue to ride through isolated little cork oak forests towards the lunch stop. Our friend Diego brings organic wine down the valley. Diego prepares lunch for you and you might be lucky enough to indulge in some wine tasting. Particularly impressive is the 25 year old «Garnacha» from the oak barrels. This «pleasure drop» has been repeatedly honoured as the best Catalan Desert wine!
The afternoon is free to spend time on the beach at Selva de Mar or one of the other secluded bays.
Day 6
Today’s ride climbs up and over some of the coastal mountains along an ancient trade route amongst the rocky terrain of the Cap de Creus. Here you can see the foothills of the Pyrenees sink into the electric blue sea. In a beautiful bay, you have a picnic, after which you can go for a swim.
Tonight enjoy your last supper together in Cadaques, which is considered the 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.
Day 7
After breakfast, transfer to Barcelona or Girona.
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