The 8-Day / 7-Night Bandit's Trail is a spectacular horseback ride along the coast, combining steep cliffs, hidden coves, and perfect beaches in an unforgettable world-class equestrian experience. Every day the trail leads horseback riders through the sensational Mediterranean landscape along the Costa Brava. Canyons, 'table' mountains and volcanoes are a part of this wild landscape.
Piracy was rife along the Costa Brava between the 14th - 17th centuries. The most notorious was the Turk, Barbarossa Khair as Din (Red Beard) who stole, pillaged and ran a slave trade. To forewarn against attacks, forts and Moorish towers were built along the coast that ensures a fascinating equestrian trail for intermediate horseback riders who like a mix of adventurous riding and relaxing hours on sandy beaches.
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Day 1
Arrival: Arrive at Barcelona or Girona Airports to meet the transfer to the accommodation for the night, a local riverside hotel that was once a mill. The South American themed garden is the perfect spot to relax in before meeting the guide over a welcome dinner.
Day 2
Besalú: Gather at the ride centre to meet the horses. After allocating the perfect horse for each rider, the group set off on a trail that winds through the Holm Oak and Pine forests. As the forest thins the route reaches the Fluvià River. Riders enjoy a picnic while the horses graze. After a siesta the ride picks up the pace on the way to the medieval town of Besalú. The overnight accommodation is next to a classic Romanesque bridge next to the river. Dinner at a local restaurant on the plaza.
Day 3:
Garrotxa, land of volcanoes: Leaving the forests behind, the route heads to the land of volcanoes. Although the last eruption was a few thousand years ago, there is always the thought of 'what if' when riding this part of the trail. Cool off at the river flowing alongside a rural village while enjoying today's picnic and a siesta. A brisk afternoon ride brings riders to a medieval village, where the night's accommodation is located on the market square.
Day 4:
The Monastery: Start the day continuing the volcanic landscape of Garrotxa. As the morning progresses, the surroundings change and the bright green deciduous forests contrast against the dark lava rock. Enjoy lunch at a local bar of a typical Catalan village. The afternoon is spent climbing into a spectacular landscape that changes with the seasons. Open cattle pastures provide views over valleys and mountains. A monastery rises at the highest point of the mesa, the most beautiful viewpoint in Catalonia, where the group spend the night.
Day 5
'Arizona' Spain!: Descend into the lush valleys between table-topped mountains and canyons, reminiscent of Arizona, with waterfalls that plunge into gorges. The call of birds of prey can be heard above the rock formations. The route leads into evergreen forests that used to be the hideout of outlaws. Enjoy a picnic in an old chapel in the midst of these enchanted surroundings. After a rest, the horses carry riders along the steep cliffs until reaching a small mountainside village with views of the Canyon lake below.
Day 6
Serrallonga: An adventurous morning ride through the forests until reaching a viewpoint of the entire Table Mountain group - home of the 17th century Catalan outlaw Don Joan de Serrallonga. Enjoy a picnic and siesta before descending through the fascinating rock formations on the way to a small village where tonight's accommodation is located.
Day 7
High plateau: Today the group ride up to a high plateau with panoramic views, north and south, where Mediterranean and high mountains merge. Lush meadows and dense Beech forests dominate the surroundings. Ferns spread out, reminiscent of an impenetrable primeval forest proliferates. The temperatures cool, and springs and quiet streams refresh the riders and horses. Reach the final night's overnight stop, the comfortable Jordi's Horse Farm. Say goodbye to the wonderful horses. In the evening, a robber's menu is served at an old wooden table and Catalan rogue stories are told over a glass of wine. The perfect ending to the trail.
Day 8
Adiós y hasta la vista!: After breakfast transfer to the airports. Those who arrived in their own car are transferred back to the beginning of the trail.
2024/5: Restaurants and catering during trip - payable on arrival €180pp
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 Andalusian horses have the perfect life - kept in a natural herd. The 30+ horses are selected for their temperament, each is well trained and make sure-footed and reliable companions.
The hosts ensure comfort in the saddle, using high-quality trail saddles, specially made for long distance riding in walk, trot and canter! In cooperation with a saddler, they've developed the perfect trail saddle that is very comfortable and safe for both horse and rider. Saddle cloths are also provided, offering ideal conditions for our horses’ backs and the comfort of the riders. During the trails each rider is provided with a saddlebag.
Teenagers who are strong riders as young as 12 and accompanied by an adult can join the ride with prior arrangement with the hosts.
On beach riders, walk, trot and canter, As riders clothes can get wet when catering in the shallows, we recommend riding in waterproof boots or quick drying shoes, with chaps.
Intermediate Riders comfortable on a well-trained horse at all paces - including a long rising trot and canter. Equestrian experience in open country. Riding fitness comfortable with several hours in the saddle.
The weight limit for this ride is 198 lb/90 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
The accommodations have been chosen to embody the welcoming atmosphere of the region and offers twin rooms with private bathrooms on most nights. Some of the guest houses have swimming pools and beautiful gardens, ideal to relax in. Some meals are taken in typical Catalan restaurants with a menu of local delicacies to choose from, always best with a locally grown wine. Lunches are saddlebag or buffet-style picnics.
Special diets are happily catered for with advance notice. Please advise when booking.
Single rooms cannot always be guaranteed though booked. If a previously confirmed single room is not available, the guest is entitled to a refund of the price paid for those nights surcharge. Single travelers have the option to book a "Half Double Room". Half double rooms are for bookings 60 days prior to departure. If during this time a same-gender customer is willing to share, the single supplement rate will not be levied. If not, the single surcharge will be applied.
Discover the food culture of the region with lovingly prepared meals made from local ingredients and fine wines. Lunches are saddle bag, or buffet-styled picnics. Please advise of any special dietary requirements when booking.
2024/5 Restaurants and catering during trip - payable on arrival €180pp
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
Costa Brava has a typical Mediterranean climate, similar to Barcelona and other coastal cities in Spain. It is characterized by long hot, dry summers and cooler short winters. Summer comes with loads of sunshine and an average temperature of about 30°C.
The winter months are mild with an average temperature of 14°C. However, the Costa Brava temperatures can drop very low in January to about 3°C. It’s even dropped below freezing before. The wet months are during Autumn, between October and November. October is the wettest month of the season with thunderstorms very typical during this time.
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
There is electricity available each night to recharge phones. There is good mobile reception in some part of most days. If using a GoPro please get the permission of the group to be filmed
- 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)
- 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 and good grip 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
- Jersey
- Warm jacket (Winter, Spring and Autumn)
- Fleece
- Warm layers - at times the evening temperature drops significantly
- Casual clothes - for when out of the saddle
- Shorts
- Long sleeve shirts
- T-shirts
- Raincoat - it is always a wise idea to pack a light waterproof/ windproof jacket and also light waterproof trousers in the winter
- Sarong or wrap
- Swimsuit
- Sunglasses with string
- Sunscreen
- Personal Items - toiletries, any medicines you require and please be sure to take insect repellent
- Refillable Water Bottle - it's very important to drink a lot of water when it's hot, especially when doing physical activities
- 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
- Head torch
- Small Medical kit
- Plastic bag to protect belongings from water damage
- Binoculars
- A copy of your passport
Provided by hosts:
A range of riding helmets are available on site.
This ride has 8 day / 7 night / 6 days riding itinerary with set departures
2025: 27* Apr; 4*, 25* May; 6, 13 Jul; 10, 17* Aug; 7 Sep; 12(Full) Oct; 2, 9 Nov (*Confirmed)
Cannot be guaranteed for all nights
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | £ | |
| 2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | per person sharing | 1,919 |
| 2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | Single supplement 7 nights | 245 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | € | |
| 2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | per person sharing | 2,189 |
| 2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | Single supplement 7 nights | 279 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | US $ | |
| 2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | per person sharing | 2,655 |
| 2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | Single supplement 7 nights | 329 |
| No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | SEK | |
| 2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | per person sharing | 24,995 |
| 2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | Single supplement 7 nights | 3,115 |
The Catalans are patriotic and disciplined, traditional yet modern. Contrasts also determine the relationship of Catalonia towards the rest of Spain, in particular towards Castile, whose dominance is sometimes regarded as oppression, even until today. The Catalans do not consider themselves Spanish and they are somewhat attracted by the French and German lifestyles. Bull fighting is not wanted here. Here, people prefer non-violent activities and encourage people’s creativity. Catalonia has raised creative minds like Antoni Gaudí, Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró.
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.
