This 7-Day / 6-Night all-round equestrian trail spends 3 days horseback riding through the hilly landscapes and mountains of North-Eastern Spain, rounding off with 2 days of exhilarating beach riding on the Mediterranean sands. Perfect for intermediate horseback riders, the trail is ridden at all gaits with plenty of opportunities for good canters. Stay in hotels, comfortable rustic cottages, and family farms. This a dream equestrian vacation all the ingredients of a classic horse-trail ride.
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 KA of on 14/05/2010
Day 1
Arrive at the airport in Barcelona or Girona. Riders are met and transferred to the first overnight stop, a charming 16th century rustic stone farmhouse where dinner and a comfortable room awaits.
Day 2
Ride through the oak and pine forests as the route heads toward the mountains. As the trail crosses a small stream in a hidden valley, riders are transported to a different continent. Bamboo and creepers tower above, and as the sun breaks through, the landscape is similar to Costa Rica! As the Fluvia River winds through the hilly terrain, the trail follows river valleys on the way to the picnic spot. In the afternoon enjoy trotting and cantering to an old mill near the river, the accommodation for the night.
Day 3
A relaxing ride following the Fluvia river. At a small lake, stop for a glass of cava – the Catalan champagne and a picnic lunch. In the afternoon, follow the river to the estuary for a view of the Gulf of Roses. The overnight stop is Mas Joncar (or similar) a cosy country home with a natural stone pool, ideal for a refreshing dip before dinner.
Day 4
Start the morning with a canter along the kilometre-long golden beach before following the path through the dunes to the Pine forests that lead up to the Montgri massif, with panoramic views of the ocean and the scent of herbs in the air. Enjoy a saddle-bag picnic in this magical setting. Descend into the Ter River valley, with long canters through the river dykes until reaching the Mediterranean coast. Watch the sunset from the beach, or hotel pool of our overnight stop.
Day 5
After breakfast, saddle up and head back to the beach to enjoy a brisk canter and a view of the protected Medes islands. The route brings riders to the rice fields of the wild plains and carries through to the costal Pine forests. Pass Pals, Palau-Sator and Peretallada, pearls of the Catalan coast. The old city walls surround the ancient buildings, steeped in history. Arrive at the accommodation with comfortable rooms and a hearty dinner.
Day 6
The morning is spent on flat, sandy ground at a fast pace to the El Ter River. Fruit plantations alternate with grain fields and forests for welcome shade. Today’s picnics next to a small church. After a siesta, follow the softly curved hillside back to the farm.
Day 7
Riders are transferred to Barcelona or Girona airports after breakfast.
Due to local conditions a route change or amendment may be necessary.
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 host's 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 self-produced and handmade with the best materials, such as medical "anti-pressure sore fleece" which offers ideal conditions for our horses’ backs. During the trails each rider is provided with a hand-crafted saddlebag, made to their specification based on experience.
Teenagers who are strong riders as young as 12 and accompanied by an adult can join the ride with prior arrangement with the hosts.
Must be able to walk, trot and canter confidently and mount and dismount unaided. During the ride you will need to dismount and walk next to your horse over short distances so good walking boots are required. A good level of riding fitness is required, able to hold a horse at a strong canter when riding in a group.
The weight limit for this ride is 198 lb/90 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
The accommodation has been chosen to embody the welcoming atmosphere of the region in 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 mainly saddle-bag picnics.
2024: Restaurants and catering during trip - payable on arrival €150pp
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 February, March and April as well as November! Spring and Autumn is generally a good time to visit. You may well experience a 20 degree Celsius change in temperature over 24 hours.
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
- Raincoat (seasonal)
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses with string
- 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
- Binoculars
- A copy of your passport
Provided by hosts:
A range of riding helmets are available on site.
This ride has 7 days / 6 nights / 5 riding day itinerary with set departures
2025: 2, 9, 16, 23 Feb, 2, 9, 23 (Full) Mar; 6, 12 (full) Apr; 5, 11 May; 28 Sep; 5, 20, 26 Oct; 9, 23, 30 Nov; 8 Dec
Single rooms though booked, cannot always be guaranteed. If a previously confirmed single room is not available, the guest is entitled to a refund of the price paid for those nights surcharge.
No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | £ | |
2025 | 8d/7n | 5 | double pp | 1,605 |
2025 | 8d/7n | 5 | Single supplement x 6 nights | 205 |
No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | € | |
2025 | 8d/7n | 5 | double pp | 1,889 |
2025 | 8d/7n | 5 | Single supplement x 6 nights | 239 |
No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | US $ | |
2025 | 8d/7n | 5 | double pp | 2,069 |
2025 | 8d/7n | 5 | Single supplement x 6 nights | 255 |
No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | SEK | |
2025 | 8d/7n | 5 | double pp | 22,565 |
2025 | 8d/7n | 5 | Single supplement x 6 nights | 2,795 |
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.