Spain - Unguided Mediterranean Coast Trail

There are no reviews for this holiday at the moment

Day 1
Arrival: Meet at the stables by 10:00am near Girona. Before meeting and allocating the horses, riders have a 2 hour introduction to map reading, using the GPS and guidance and care of the horses. Then head out through quiet woods, past small farms, natural stone villages and apple orchards. Enjoy the first picnic of the trail at a site on the Ter River while the horses graze. After a siesta, remount and pick your way across the river to reach the path to the accommodation for the night, an old country farm house converted to a guest house.

Day 2
Quiet forests and medieval villages: After breakfast and feeding the horses, ride out into the Catalan landscape. The horses hooves echo against the cobblestones of the old village roads on the way to today's picnic spot at a restaurant next to the Púbol Castle. The castle was a gift from Salvador Dalí to his beloved wife Gala. The afternoon heads between wide open fields toward Peratallada. The horses are stabled outside the old stone village while riders explore before dinner.

Day 3
Ride towards the coast: The third day starts with a ride through a landscape shaped over thousands of years. Trot and canter across the dried lake of Ullastret. Stop for lunch at Pals, a medieval village that takes riders back in time. The afternoon is spent riding the sandy paths through Mediterranean pine woods to the rice fields that are typical in this area. The sea is within reach, and after checking into the hotel and tending the horses, head to the beach for a swim.

Day 4
Sand dunes and Mediterranean flair: An early start riding toward the nature park of Montgrí. A pine forest has been planted on the original sand dunes making for good horse-riding conditions: soft ground, pleasant calmness, and shade-giving trees. During the second half of the day, pass Roman and Greek ruins. The route continues off the beaten track through the apple orchards. The accommodation for the night lies on the River Fluvia. The horses spend the night in a field right in front of a charming country house, where the host will prepare dinner.

Day 5
Aiguamolls and the Bay of Roses: After breakfast, riders cross the swamp area of Aiguamolls. From horseback riders have the advantage of height to see the variety of bird species, and if lucky, flamingos! Pass an Andalusian horse stud to reach the Castelló d’Empúries, and the Santa Maria Basilica - called “Cathedral of the Empordà” by the locals. The landscape changes, and between fields and olive groves, riders can spot the deep blue water of the Mediterranean in the distance. Today's destination is a well-restored manor house that dates back to 1582, with a picturesque view of the Bay of Roses. Relax in the afternoon, jump into the pool or spoil yourself with a relaxing massage.

Day 6
Mountain Views: Today, the horses climb a rocky and steep mule path up into the coastal mountains. At the top of the pass, let the horses rest while enjoying the spectacular view. At the Cap de Creus, the easternmost point of the Iberian Peninsula, the Pyrenees disappear into the sea. To the north is the Gulf of Leon, to the south, the Bay of Roses and the plains of the Empordà. Ride through the fascinating landscape of the natural park until reaching the lively fishing village of Port de la Selva. Say goodbye to the horses and head to lunch. Spend the afternoon strolling along the beach, swimming and relaxing after your adventure.

Day 7
Departure: Leave after breakfast (approx 9am) to your departure point. Taxi transfer (payable on site) to airport or Llanca railway station (approx €25) for connection to trains to Girona or Barcelona

Transfer taxis can be prebooked (payable on site).

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 a good 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 tack consists of good quality trail saddles, designed for comfort over long distances at all paces. Riders are provided with a saddlebag.

The welfare and safety of horse and rider is paramount. You must ride safely and carefully, being aware of dangers on the trail and must not over exert your mount. You can chose the pace, but need to be mindful of the ground, weather and condition of the horses and riders etc and ride responsibly.

Teenagers who are strong riders as young as 12 and accompanied by an adult can join the ride with prior arrangement with the hosts.

Strong intermediate riders and above only, experienced in independent horse care. Used to riding in open country, you must be experienced in horse handling and understand welfare, feeding and grooming etc. All riders should be knowledgeable in First Aid.

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. These family-run places give riders a warm welcome and wholesome dinners each evening, as well as a packed lunch for the following day. Alternatively, you can have lunch in local restaurants that will give you a taste of Catalan cuisine.

2024: Restaurants and catering during trip - €15/meal/pp

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 that is well ventilated (One can be provided, but we recommend you bring your own)
- 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 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
- T-shirts
- Long- sleeved shirts
- Fleece - Although the weather is generally very warm, the evenings can be a bit cooler
- Warm layers - At times the evening temperature drops significantly
- Shorts
- Flip-flops
- Casual Clothes - for when out of the saddle
- Raincoat - it is always a wise idea to pack a light waterproof/ windproof jacket and also light waterproof trousers in the winter!
- Sunhat
- Swimwear
- Sunglasses
- 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 and Spare Batteries/Charger - 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
- Headlamp
- A copy of your passport
- A copy of your travel insurance

Provided by hosts:
Riding helmets
Saddlebags

This ride has a 7 day / 6 night / 6 days riding itinerary with set departures

2025: 7 day / 6 night departures arranged on request throughout the year

Single rooms can't be guaranteed on all nights

• £
• €
• US $
• SEK

• The New Spaniards’ –John Hooper,


• ‘Driving over Lemons’- Chris Stewart,


• ‘The Story of Spain’- Mark Williams,


• ‘South from Granada’ – Gerald Brenan,


• ‘For Whom The Bell Tolls’ – Ernest Hemmingway,


• ‘As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning’- Laurie Lee 


• ‘Don Quijote de la Mancha’ – Miguel de Cervantes.


• For the equestrian traveller who would like to see what is possible on horseback visit www.thelongridersguild.com also a fantastic place to acquire your equestrian travel books is www.horsetravelbooks.com

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.