Catalan Coast Trail

Day 1: Arrival

Yippee, your Catalan riding adventure is about to begin! If you’re flying into Barcelona or Girona today, you’ll have plenty of time to get your bearings before meeting the group transfer at Barcelona Airport at 5:30pm or Girona Airport at 6:30pm.

From here you’ll be brought to your first hotel, a typical 17th century Catalan country house constructed with natural stone. The serenity will put you in holiday mode in record time as you take in the groves of walnut and olive trees, lovingly tended garden, pool, meadows and wild forests. What a place to start your horse riding holiday! There’ll be time to enjoy your surroundings or take a swim in the pool before getting to know your hosts and fellow riders over dinner later in the evening (be prepared, globetrotters, dinner is typically served at around 9pm).

Day 2: Into the Green Heart of Catalonia

After breakfast, you’ll transfer to the horse farm and meet your Spanish steeds, gleaming and proud beneath the tack. The trail opens into cool stone-oak and pine forests, dappled light slipping between vines and bamboo as if you’ve wandered into Costa Rica rather than Catalonia. By midday, you’ll emerge into a small stone village and settle into an antique oil mill for tapas, olive oil tastings and stories of generations past. The afternoon sees you winding back through forest to your country house base, where chef Toni plates up a Catalan dinner that sets the tone for the week: local, generous, unforgettable.

Day 3: Oldest P.R.E Stud Farm in Catalonia

This morning’s ride threads through emerald floodplains and medieval villages, hooves echoing against centuries-old walls. Under cork oaks, Toni sets a table of regional delicacies, then it’s time for a siesta before heading towards the coast. Tonight’s lodging is a true honour — the oldest Andalusian stud farm in Catalonia, home to P.R.E. beauties whose lineage and temperament are the pride of Spain. You’ll wander the grounds, marvel at broodmares and noble stallions, then retire to elegant rooms before another of Toni’s divine dinners.

Day 4: Bay of Roses

As sunrise spills gold over the Bay of Roses, you’ll canter along dune paths with the deep-blue Mediterranean lapping beside you. After the most exhilarating beach ride imaginable, you’ll return to the stud for lunch in the garden overlooking chestnut Andalusians grazing in lush pastures. A guided tour deepens your appreciation of the P.R.E. bloodlines, and who knows — your dream horse may be just a handshake away. Dinner once again belongs to Toni, who continues to astonish with Catalan creativity.

Day 5: Castelló

A mouthwatering breakfast will be served at the stud this morning, then you’ll pack your bags once again and say adios to the Andalusians and their beautiful home. The pace picks up today, with plenty of invigorating trots and canters en route to the medieval town of Castelló with its gothic cathedral. There will be time to take a quick look around, then more high-flying canters will bring you through picturesque meadows, vineyards and sunflower fields.

Reaching the town of Perelada, you’ll dismount at a friendly, family-owned guesthouse. Here you’ll enjoy your lunch before strolling through the charming garden, cooling off in the pool or indulging in a siesta.

Afterwards, your guides will take you to Perelada’s jaw-dropping castle, followed by the local Bodega (winery). Here you’ll learn all about Cava, Catalonia’s favourite sparking wine, before taste-testing the local vintage. Salud!

Tonight, another Catalan feast will be conjured up at the guesthouse, then you’ll roll into bed to rest up for another unforgettable day’s riding.

Day 6: Garriguella

Today’s path winds alongside the River Llobregat before reaching the foothills of the Albera Mountains. Ancient forests of cork and oak dominate, but every now and then elegant vineyards appear through the trees. At one such vineyard, you’ll ride up to the cellar door to try some of the region’s best wines and indulge in Catalan delicacies.

With a full belly and a warm flush in your cheeks, you’ll mount up and trot along stone terraces that were laboriously constructed, stone by stone, in ancient times. Gnarled old olive trees line the path, and there are plenty of smooth stretches where you can savour your Andalusian’s smooth, spirited canter. You’re approaching the floodplains of Orlina, where wildflowers bloom abundantly amidst age-old, mysterious rounded rock formations and weather-beaten Celtic tombs. As you cross the lowlands of the Ampurdán, you’ll be able to see the lay of the land, which resembles an amphitheatre enclosed by the mountains, spilling out into the far-away Gulf of Roses.

Your final stop is a country house in the village of Garriguella, nestled between vineyards. You can really settle in here, globetrotters, because you’ve got a two-night stay. Trust us, when you taste your host Emilia’s legendary Mediterranean cuisine, you’ll understand why one night isn’t enough! The tasteful furnishings, spa and relaxed atmosphere will have you feeling at home in no time.

Day 7: Gulf of Lion

Your last day in the saddle begins with a delectable breakfast courtesy of Emilia. Then your noble steed will carry you untiringly over the rugged Pyrenees foothills until you reach the Gulf of Lion. Standing at the highest point of the coastline, you’ll be astounded by the soaring view. From this vantage point, you can see along the coast all the way to the horizon on one hand, and back to the imposing peak of The Canigó, a mountain of special significance to the Catalan people, on the other.

When you’ve had your fill of the panoramic views, you’ll descend the rocky slopes to the beach. The Catalan saddlebag picnic you’ve come to know and love awaits on the pebbly shore, after which you might like to take a dip in the sea. Finally, it’s time to head back to Emilia’s country house.

You’ll have some free time to spend as you please before sitting down for a farewell dinner with your fellow guests and guides, no doubt reminiscing about the amazing week you’ve had together.

Day 8: Departure

After breakfast, you’ll bid a fond farewell to your Catalan friends and catch your chosen transfer back to either Girona or Barcelona airport for onward travel.