A sun-drenched riding escape on Spain’s Costa Brava
Between Girona and the Mediterranean, in the shadow of the Pyrenees, Empordà sets the stage for an unforgettable riding journey through medieval villages, vineyard-covered hills and open Catalan countryside. With a beautifully restored 12th-century farmhouse as your base, you’ll ride brilliant Arab horses to sandy coves and vineyards, wrapped in warm hospitality, vibrant culture and exceptional local food.
Trip Highlights
- Fit, forward Arab horses that love to move and suit both keen riders and mixed-ability groups
- Scenic picnic lunches with smoky paella and fresh local flavours after exhilarating morning rides
- Joyful canters along the Fluvia River, spotting flamingos and herons beside wide open tracks
- Long, lively meals with Laura and Alfredo, sharing Cava, incredible produce and local stories
- Beautiful off-saddle moments in Girona and Figueres, including Dalí’s iconic museum
- The peaceful masia base, with stylish comfort and horses grazing just outside your door
Details
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Riding levels
Suitable for all riding abilities.
Groups will be split to suit different abilities, with shorter routes for beginners and plenty of pace and saddle time for more advanced riders.Not sure what your riding ability is? See the definitions below.
- Type of tack
English dressage and general purpose saddles.
- Horse breed
Arab or Anglo Arab.
Many are championship-level endurance horses: superb athletes who are effortless, surefooted and forward, yet calm enough to stroll on a long rein for photos, reliable without ever feeling like dull trail horses. - Accommodation
Your base is a beautifully restored 12th-century stone farmhouse (masia) with twin or double rooms.
- Pace
The riding is forward and flowing, with opportunities to trot and canter wherever the terrain allows, and endurance-bred Arab horses that travel smoothly and effortlessly at pace. Confident riders can enjoy long, joyful stretches in the saddle. Nervous riders may feel out of their depth with natural energy of the Arabs, and the loose contact style, so good balance and riding confidence are required.
- Weight limit
A strict maximum of 90kg / 198lbs.
It is VERY important that you provide your current weight accurately when booking. If your weight is not accurate, we cannot guarantee that your hosts will have a horse for you to ride.
- Group size
7 day ride: a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 8 riders.
4 day ride: a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 8 riders. - Minimum age
12 years of age
- Time in Saddle
On average between 2 and 6 hours daily.
- When to go
February to June, September to November.
- Languages
Instructions spoken in English.
Guides speak Spanish & English.
What’s included (and what’s not)
Included
- Accommodation
- All meals
- Horse riding activities outlined in the itinerary
- Wine tasting
- Olive oil tasting
- Local transfers to Girona, Figueres & Besalu
- Local guides for sightseeing activities outlined in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to museums and monuments
- Local tax on accommodation
- Airport transfers at set times from Girona Airport
Excluded
- International or regional flights
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Transfers from Barcelona Airport
- Alcoholic beverages other than wine
- Optional massage
- Staff tips
Departure dates and prices
Ride length
4 days, 3 nights
Riding level
Beginner • Intermediate • Strong Intermediate • Advanced
Booking fee
A fixed Booking Fee of €1,253 EUR
Payment plans
Lock in your ride with a 10% deposit and pay the rest over time – interest-free in 10 easy payments. Learn more.
Accommodation types
Single
Private accommodation for one guest (room, tent, or similar). A supplement may apply on departures where a sharing option is available.
Share
Willing to room share with the same gender or travelling with a companion.
Couple share
Sharing a bed with companion.
Non-rider
Sharing a room with a riding companion.
Per person
2026
April 13 to 19, 2026
May 11 to 17, 2026
June 1 to 7, 2026
September 21 to 27, 2026
October 12 to 18, 2026
November 2 to 8, 2026
7 day, 6 night Custom Departure Dates 2026
Available year-round upon request and subject to availability.
A minimum of 4 riders required.
4 day, 3 night Custom Departure Dates 2026
Available year-round upon request and subject to availability.
A minimum of 2 riders required.
The fun bits
Payment details
- A fixed Booking Fee of €1,253 EUR
- All bookings are charged in the local currency of the ride destination.
- Accepted payment method is by credit or debit card only.
Cancellation policy
We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel your ride, please let us know as soon as possible. Cancellation fees apply based on how close your departure date is, and deposits are non-refundable. We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect your booking. Read our full cancellation policy.
International fees
If you're paying in a currency different from your own, your bank may charge a conversion or international transaction fee.
Itinerary
Please note, these are suggested itineraries only and subject to change due to weather conditions and other influencing factors.
- Week Long Itinerary
- Three Night Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrival
Non-riding dayBienvenido a España, globetrotters! Welcome to Spain, a country rich in equestrian history that dates back past the middle ages. You’ll arrive in the afternoon at your beautiful stone masia in the heart of Alt Empordà, where a chilled glass of local cava awaits. Settle into your rooms, meet the team and the horses, and ease into life in Catalonia before a welcoming dinner of traditional Empordà dishes paired with regional wines.
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Day 2: First Ride & Girona
2 hours in the saddleAfter a generous farmhouse breakfast, you’ll head out on your first ride through olive groves, almond trees and holm oak forests alive with birdsong. Lunch is back at the masia, followed by an afternoon exploring elegant Girona with a local guide, wandering the Jewish Quarter, visiting the Gothic cathedral and strolling beside the colourful Onyar River. You’ll then return to the masia for a relaxed Mediterranean-style dinner.
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Day 3: Morning Ride & Figueres
3 hours in the saddleEnjoy another energising breakfast before riding out for a longer morning in the saddle, with more opportunities to trot and canter and the chance to spot migratory birds such as flamingos and herons. Lunch is back at the farmhouse, then you’ll travel to Figueres to visit Salvador Dalí’s birthplace and the extraordinary Dalí Theatre-Museum, immersing yourself in the artist’s surreal world. Dinner features seasonal Catalan specialities.
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Day 4: Medieval Villages & Besalu
5 hours in the saddleFollowing a breakfast of local honey, artisan jams and yoghurt, you’ll set off on a full-day ride through timeless medieval villages, cantering along open tracks and winding through cobbled streets steeped in history. A picnic lunch of local produce is enjoyed in one of the villages. On return, there’s time to rest before heading to Besalú to walk across its iconic Romanesque bridge and explore the historic centre.
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Day 5: Aiguamolls National Park & Wine Tasting
5 hours in the saddleAfter a traditional Catalan breakfast, you’ll set out riding towards the coast, crossing the Fluvià River and entering the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Park, home to flamingos, herons and countless bird species. Today is when you’ll get to experience the thrill of riding along the Mediterranean sands of the Costa Brava, before returning via apple orchards and riverside trails. A riverside picnic lunch follows, then an afternoon visit to a local winery for a guided tasting of Empordà wines. Dinner back at the masia rounds out the day.
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Day 6: Final Ride & Olive Oil Tasting
2 hours in the saddleYou’ll begin the day with another leisurely breakfast before a relaxed morning ride through vineyards and rolling farmland. Today you’ll visit a traditional olive mill to sample world-class olive oils and learn about their production, with the chance to purchase beautifully presented local products. Lunch is served back at the masia, followed by a blissful afternoon of on-site massages (at an additional cost). Your farewell dinner is a special celebration of Mediterranean and Catalan cuisine.
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Day 7: Departure
Non-riding dayAfter a final farmhouse breakfast, you’ll enjoy some quiet time to say goodbye to the horses and soak up the surroundings before departing.
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Non-Riders
Non-riders are warmly welcomed and can enjoy all of the off-horse experiences included in the itinerary, from guided city tours of Girona and cultural visits to Figueres and Dalí’s museum, to winery and olive oil tastings and relaxed afternoons at the masia. For added freedom and flexibility, it is recommended that non-riders hire their own rental car, allowing them to venture off-site each day to explore the beaches of the Costa Brava, charming medieval villages and the wider Empordà region at their own pace.
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Day 1: Arrival & Introductory Ride
2 hours in the saddleBienvenido a España, globetrotters! Welcome to Spain, a country rich in equestrian history that dates back past the middle ages. We encourage everyone to arrive at the masia around 1pm today where you’ll enjoy lunch, followed by a two hour introductory ride, giving you time get acquainted to your horse and comfortable in the tack. A welcome dinner will follow consisting of traditional Empordà dishes paired with regional wines.
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Day 2: Medieval Villages & Besalu
5 hours in the saddleAfter a generous farmhouse breakfast of local honey, artisan jams and yoghurt, you’ll set off on a full-day ride through timeless medieval villages, cantering along open tracks and winding through cobbled streets steeped in history. A picnic lunch of local produce is enjoyed in one of the villages. On return, there’s time to rest before heading to Besalú to walk across its iconic Romanesque bridge and explore the historic centre.
-
Day 3: Aiguamolls National Park & Wine Tasting
5 hours in the saddleAfter a traditional Catalan breakfast, you’ll set out riding towards the coast, crossing the Fluvià River and entering the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Park, home to flamingos, herons and countless bird species. Today is when you’ll get to experience the thrill of riding along the Mediterranean sands of the Costa Brava, before returning via apple orchards and riverside trails. A riverside picnic lunch follows, then an afternoon visit to a local winery for a guided tasting of Empordà wines. Dinner back at the masia rounds out the day.
-
Day 4: Departure
Non-riding dayAfter a final farmhouse breakfast, you’ll enjoy some quiet time to say goodbye to the horses and soak up the surroundings before departing.
-
Non-Riders
Non-riders are warmly welcomed and can enjoy all of the off-horse experiences included in the itinerary, from guided city tours of Girona and cultural visits to Figueres and Dalí’s museum, to winery and olive oil tastings and relaxed afternoons at the masia. For added freedom and flexibility, it is recommended that non-riders hire their own rental car, allowing them to venture off-site each day to explore the beaches of the Costa Brava, charming medieval villages and the wider Empordà region at their own pace.
Transfer information
Transfers to/from Girona Airport at set times are included in the ride price. This airport is well served by budget airlines throughout summer and into autumn.
Transfers to/from Barcelona Airport are available for €100 per person each way, cash or card (around a two-hour drive, with extra time recommended for city traffic, particularly for morning flights).
Self-drive is also an option.
Please note
7 day itinerary:
Pick-up on day 1 is at 2pm from Barcelona Airport and 4pm from Girona Airport, with arrival at the masia around 5pm. Please ensure you give yourself enough time to collect your luggage, clear customs and meet the transfer on time.
Departing flights can be booked anytime after 12pm from Girona Airport and after 2pm from Barcelona Airport.
4 day itinerary:
Pick-up on day 1 is at 10am from Barcelona Airport and 12pm from Girona Airport, arriving at the farmhouse around 1pm for lunch. Please ensure you give yourself enough time to collect your luggage, clear customs and meet the transfer on time.
Departing flights can be booked anytime after 12pm from Girona Airport and after 2pm from Barcelona Airport.
Accommodation
Your base is a beautifully restored 12th-century stone farmhouse (masia) that blends rich history with modern comfort, offering a warm, peaceful retreat after each day’s ride. Stylish communal spaces invite long, relaxed evenings, while thoughtfully designed horse areas, a dedicated tack room and comfortable twin or double rooms make life effortless for both riders and horses.
Food
Meals are locally prepared and delivered fresh each day, showcasing the very best of Catalan produce. Breakfasts are a generous buffet of fresh fruit, local cheeses, honey and yoghurt, cured meats and pastries, with excellent coffee available from a Nespresso machine or traditional coffee pot. Lunches feature delicious regional dishes such as paellas, vibrant salads, crusty breads and local cheeses, often enjoyed with a chilled glass of cava or local white wine.
What's my riding level?
Not sure what your riding level is? Watch our videos to see all our levels.
Beginner
Reasonably confident riding a horse at a walk, a rising trot, and learning to canter.
Intermediate
Confident and in control riding at all paces outside an arena, but not riding regularly. Comfortable and competent using aids {the language of your leg, seat and hands} to communicate with your horse.
Strong Intermediate
An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly outside of an arena and is fit enough to ride for at least six hours per day. Strong intermediate riders are comfortable and competent in all three gaits; able to post or sit to the trot; have an independent seat while cantering (don’t hold onto the saddle); and can pick up the correct canter lead. They can also navigate more complex terrain, including asking a horse to sidestep and jump over a small obstacle.
Advanced
A frequent rider who is very fit, comfortable in the saddle for at least six hours per day, and has an independent seat and soft hands. Advanced riders are confident on a forward-moving horse at all paces over rough and variable ground on open terrain. They can ride over small jumps and know the techniques used to collect a horse
Not sure? Contact our team to help you figure out your riding ability.
