This short break, point-to-point horseback trail riding vacation offers 3 full days riding to pack in the maximum riding and sightseeing in a short time. Perfect for intermediate horseback riders onwards. Ride through the interior of Catalonia along a route that runs through the rural landscape of the Emporda and Garrotxa region from Masa Can Grau. This historic region offers a rich medieval history, high variety of landscapes, charming villages, small medieval sites, and paths through the fields. The riding is at an above average pace and full days, unusual for an equestrian short break on horseback.
The first and last night will be at the host's guesthouse, and on nights 2 and 3 you riders stay at comfortable hotels chosen for their authentic nature and good food. Acommodation is in en-suite twin rooms, evening meals are 3-4 course accompanied by local wines. Meals are typically Catalan dishes as well as regular European fare, breakfasts are plentiful and lunches are picnic style on the trail and served at a table with chairs.
Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.
Review received from AH of Richmond on 13/06/2024
Day 1
Arrive at the guest house not far from Girona. Over dinner, the team will explain the characteristics of the Arabian Cross trail horses and the riding program. This is the ideal time to chat to the team about your riding skills and what kind of horse you prefer.
Day 2
After breakfast and a short briefing, prepare the horses set off. Pass the village of Vilafreser with its medieval Sant Sadurni church, followed by a gentle ride through the Oak forest and the pervading scent of thyme and rosemary. Reach Vilademuls, made up of 12 small villages and numerous Masias (farmhouses), typical of the traditional Catalan rural life. Pass photogenic villages before stopping for a picnic. In the afternoon, the group have a chance to canter or trot through the forests to the Masia La Palma hotel, an ancient farmhouse converted into a comfortable country house (or similar). After settling the horses into the paddocks, relax by the pool before dinner. Around 25km.
Day 3
After breakfast, saddle the horses and follow the Fluvia river into the forest and over the rolling hills around. Ride through typical Mediterranean terrain of thick brush vegetation with calcerous soil. This is a rocky area with old building and traditional rural architecture. After a lunchtime picnic, the trail leds from the village of Crespia and the church of Sain Bartomeu de Portell, a gothic-style building embedded into and on top of a rocky cliff, towering above the river. In the distance is the Romanesque torn of Besalu with its bridge spanning two rivers, the destination for tonight. Check in at Jardins de la Martana hotel (or similar) and enjoy dinner at the restaurant and experience the special ambiance of this magical place. Around 25km.
Day 4
Enjoy breakfast and then leave Besalu with the peaks of Alta Garrotxa dominating the landscape. Ascend paths offering remarkable views of the Pyrenees. When reaching Vilafreser, head to the hermitage of Oliers for a picnic. Follow the hills through Sant Mer and Les Serres before arriving back at Can Grau. Say farewell to the horses before freshening up before dinner. Around 38km.
Day 5
Enjoy a final breakfast before saying goodbye to the team and leaving for the airport.
The itinerary is a guide and may be modified due to conditions on the ground, or if a hotel is not available.
Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.
The horses used for rides are mixed breed. Some have Spanish blood and are very strong, others have some Arabian blood resulting in fast horses with good long distance endurance. They have all been carefully chosen and most are between 14.2hh (150cm) and 16hh (165cm) and are of a medium build. They are well schooled, without vices, sure-footed, fit, forward going, responsive and well adapted to the requirements of the sometimes rough terrain.
The tack is English and trekking style and most horses are ridden in snaffles. English saddles and trekking saddles are utilised. Saddle bags are provided to carry items required during the day and for picnic lunches. You will be paired with a suitable horse based on your experience and preferences, but if for any reason after the first day you feel that you are not well matched then just let your guide know and you will be given another horse.
To participate in this trip you must be a competent rider used to English saddles. You should be well balanced, comfortable and secure on a horse and able to control a well-schooled horse in the open at all paces. Riders are expected to be able to cope with a variety of different going and different types of terrain. The ride is aimed at reasonably capable riders, who are also riding fit and ride regularly.
The weight limit for this ride is 198 lb/90 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
Accommodation is comfortable. Expect double rooms at the Masia Can Grau, guesthouse at the base, and at the accommodation en-route. Can Grau, La Palma and La Martana - Besalu (or similar)
The meals contain many typically Catalan dishes as well as regular European fare.
Breakfast is a buffet bar: cereals, breads, butter, jams and marmalade, catalan tomoatoe, ham, cheese, yoghurt, orange juice, fruit, tea, coffee, hot chocolate.
Lunches are occasionally saddle-bag picnics or sit-down lunches at a table prepared by the back-up team and include: varying salads, cheeses, sausage, rolls, pate, saussage, cherry tomatoes, fruit, cookies, chocolate. Sit down lunches include warm dishes such as lentil/bean/omellete/quiches and soup eg gazpacho.
Dinners are 3-4 course and accompanied by good local wines. A bottle of local cava is never far away and the atmosphere is very welcoming.
Please note that dinner is often served at a later time than many European countries are used to - 8.30pm is a typical time, this is closer to the traditional time in Spain of 9pm.
Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.
Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures Passport and Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/spain
Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions
Due to the interaction of Mediterranean and mountain climate in this region, you will find ideal conditions for horse back riding the whole year round. In spring the climate is mild, summer is not too hot, the autumn pleasantly warm and winter with its clear air, not too cold. Especially recommended are March and April as well as November!
COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.
You should always bring any regular prescription drugs you may need with you.
Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Spain and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.
In Spain the supply voltage is 230V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 230V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly
Batteries (normal, alkaline and lithium) are easily available. There is electricity available each night to recharge cameras and batteries. There is good mobile reception in some part of most days. At the base the mobile reception is variable but there is free wifi.
- Riding Helmet - we strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard which is PAS015 or BSEN1384
- Gloves
- Jodhpurs - jodhpurs, breeches or other comfortable trousers (jeans may rub and can also be quite hot) you may find a light-weight, cotton pair, more comfortable during the summer months
- Riding Boots - it is important to have correct shoes or boots for horse riding. Jodhpur or ankle boots with a rubber sole are recommended but sturdy shoes with a definite heel are acceptable (such as walking boots)
- Half Chaps - these are great when worn with ankle boots and help prevent the stirrup leathers rubbing against your legs
- Long-sleeved shirt is recommended for protection against the sun and against scratches when riding through undergrowth.
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Light cotton scarf can help to avoid breathing in too much dust in dry areas.
- Bum bag to contain your camera and any other items you may need during your ride
- Swimsuit
- Sunglasses - also to protect your eyes from dust.
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Personal Items - toiletries, any medicines you require and please be sure to take insect repellent
- Camera, spare Batteries/Chargers - an absolute must! It is also a good idea to take a camera case you can strap around your waist or onto a belt for whilst you are riding
- Refillable Water Bottle - it's very important to drink a lot of water when it's hot, especially when doing physical activities
- Photocopy of your travel insurance certificate
4 nights / 3 riding days departing on fixed dates through the year
2025: 9, 23 Feb; 12 Mar; 2 Apr; 14 (Full), 25 May; 24 Jun; 24 Sep; 15, 29 Oct
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | £ | |
| 2025 | 5d/4n | 3 | per person sharing | 1,125 |
| 2025 | 5d/4n | 3 | single supplement | 145 |
| 2025 | 5d/4n | 3 | non-rider | 789 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | US $ | |
| 2025 | 5d/4n | 3 | per person sharing | 1,549 |
| 2025 | 5d/4n | 3 | single supplement | 189 |
| 2025 | 5d/4n | 3 | non-rider | 1,089 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | SEK | |
| 2025 | 5d/4n | 3 | per person sharing | 14,679 |
| 2025 | 5d/4n | 3 | single supplement | 1,849 |
| 2025 | 5d/4n | 3 | non-rider | 10,295 |
The flora and fauna in this region is plentiful and varied. On the plains you'll come across plenty of livestock such as herds of sheep and cattle as well as wild boar, deer and many species of birds. As you climb higher into the mountains you may be lucky to see mountain goats and eagles soaring.
The flora is really special. Meadows of sweet smelling and colourful wild flowers such as lavender and thyme and you may be lucky enough to see fields of sunflowers in all their glory. Walnut groves, Beech and Oak forests make for cool riding and provide perfect shade for a relaxing picnic.
Spain is a beautiful and diverse country, the second largest in Europe. The official language is Castilian Spanish but Catalan, Galician and Basque are also spoken. Territory includes two island archipelagos – the Balearics and the Canaries – and two enclaves on the North African coast, bordering Morocco – Ceuta and Melilla. The African influence can be found throughout Spain but especially in the south, for example the guitar was invented by the Spanish when they added a sixth string to the Arab lute. Music and art permeates Spanish culture, most obviously displayed in the fire and passion of the Flamenco and the stunning modern architecture found in the cities.
The famous siesta is still enjoyed by the majority of Spaniards, most shops close at lunchtime for two or three hours so everyone can escape the often scorching afternoon sun. Evening meals are served late into the evening with plenty of wine or sangria. Often meals can last two or three hours, especially if your host is serving Tapas, small and varied dishes of meats, bread, vegetables. Paella is also a delight and very popular across the country.
Spain is one hour ahead of GMT and they use the metric weights and measures system, so kilometres and kilograms instead of miles and pounds. There is approximately 1.6 kilometres in a mile and 2.2 pounds in a kilogram. The international dialling code for Spain is +34.
