- Swimming, galloping and relaxing on the beach
- Cap de Creus, Aiguamolls marshes, Montgri cliffs, Medes Islands
- The pearl of the Costa Brava: Cadaqués
41.995539879414, 2.41804515
The pirate horseback trail ride is a spectacular ride along the coast which combines steep cliffs, hidden coves, and lovely beaches in an unforgettable top-class riding experience. Every day this marvellous trail leads us through the sensational Mediterranean landscape along the Costa Brava. This ride is perfect for sportive riders, who like to combine adventurous riding through pristine nature with relaxing hours on fine sandy beaches and in lonely coves.
The gilded age of piracy along the Costa Brava was between the 14th and 17th centuries. One of the most notorious pirates was Barbarossa Khair ad Din (red beard), a Turkish pirate. Along the wild coast he attacked small seaside villages, stole spices, wine, and ceramics, and ran an oppressive slave trade. To forewarn against pirate attacks forts and Moorish towers were built along the coast. Traditional piracy is surely part of the past, but this beautiful trail ride allows us to discover the wild coast on horseback.
INDICATIVE ITINERARY *
Day 1: Arrival in Barcelona or Girona and transfer to the starting point of our adventure trail, a little fishing village near the French border. At our first dinner, we meet our fellow riders and our guide.
Day 2: Wild Coast and pirates.
After breakfast on a lovely wooden terrace we prepare our horses. Right at the beginning of the day our "new friends" climb safely over rocks and stones. Three mountain ranges make this route an adventurous experience. Shortly before the picnic we discover the Benedictine monastery Sant Pere de Rhodes. Nestling between the Rhodes mountains the monastery is located at 500 metres altitude – safe from pirates and with a stunning view of the shiny blue sea. In serpentines, the path twists down to the village Selva de Mar which was built in a valley hidden from pirates. The tower over the village bears testimony to the age of piracy. The terrain is demanding – we lead our four-legged and sure-footed friends by their reins. We spend the night in a lovely hotel in the small romantic fishing town of Port de la Selva nearby. Tiny white houses huddle against each other as if they were collectively seeking protection from the pirates.
Day 3: Trail ride to paradise!
Cove trail to the Cap – trail ride to paradise! Cap de Creus – the name itself evokes images of unspoiled nature. The craggy peninsula descends into the Mediterranean. The sea gnaws at the Cap, has eaten into it and torn chunks out of it. Countless rocky bays remain in which the pirates found good hideouts. Like mountain goats our „Andalusians“ negotiate the rocky terrain. In a beautiful bay, we have our picnic and go swimming - paradise! The subsequent part of our trek also has a lot of excitement to offer. High above the sea our trail ride leads us through an untamed cliff top landscape. Due to erosion caused by the strong Tramontana winds, mystical and bizarre rock formations adorn the Cap de Creus like ornaments. We spend the night in Cadaques, the jewel of the Costa Brava. The whitewashed fishing village with its old crooked alleys is rightfully considered the most beautiful place on the wild coast. The village's seclusion led to its inhabitants having to constantly defend it from pirates and their pillaging over the centuries. In the 16th century, the church Santa Maria was ransacked by the pirate Barbarossa and completely burned down.
Day 4: Great pleasure at Cap de Creus
On horseback, we ride through Cadaques. Where the village ends, a wonderful, wild coastal mountain landscape begins, covered with bushes and flowers. Ancient stone walls show us the way. We rest in a beautiful bay with fine sandy beach and have a swim in the refreshing sea. In steep turns the trail twists over a pass. Wild flowers decorate our path and spectacular views of the bay of Roses open up, whilst pines and cork oaks radiate Mediterranean flair. Through an old trading trail, we lead our horses down into the plain on a demanding terrain and stay overnight in a small, family wellness oasis with a heated whirlpool.
Day 5: Trail ride to the bay of Roses
Silvery green olive groves dazzle from the terraced slopes. We head towards Roses and visit the mighty citadel "La Cuitadella". This big fort was built to protect the region from pirate attacks. Behind the impressive walls we find important archaeological artefacts and the remains of the old monastery church. Behind the battlements we walk across green fields, and amongst the impressive setting of the ruins framed by the mountains and the sea, we feel transported back through the centuries. With a little luck, we might catch a view of the flamingos, storks, and little egrets, which are native to the wetlands we ride through. On the boundary of the national park "Aiguamolls" our next lodge awaits us; a comfortable 19th century country cottage. The pool and the beautiful and ample garden invite us to relax after a long and adventurous day.
Day 6: Hoof marks in the sand & cliff line (*)
The waves wash over the fine sand, the horses are wide awake and want to pick up speed. Vamos Galope! Their hooves splash in the water and we draw a fresh trail across the sand. The beach gallop on "Playa Grande" is a dream for every rider. Then suddenly all is silent. We disappear in the continental sand-dunes. The Mediterranean pine forest and its soft sandy floor absorb every hoof beat. Leaving the woods, we encounter the most impressive cliffs on the Costa Brava. In a hidden cove we have our picnic, go swimming, and have a relaxing siesta. Sometimes on stony, root-strewn paths, sometimes on narrow ridges high above the sea our route winds its way through the wild coastal landscape. This is the end of our trail. After a short transfer to the accommodation, we enjoy a delicious dinner and remember the events of the last days.
Day 7: End after breakfast and transfer to Girona or Barcelona airport.
* The itinerary is indicative, it may be modified in the event of meteorological or other imponderable circumstances.
MEETING:
Day 1 (Sunday) late afternoon. Paid transfer from Girona airport at 6:30 p.m. or Barcelona at 5:30 p.m.
DEPARTURE:
Day 7 (Saturday) after breakfast. Paid transfer to Girona airport (flights after 1:00 p.m.) or Barcelona (flights after 2:30 p.m.).
Paid transfer to pick up your vehicle at the starting point if you come by car.
TRANSFERS:
Girona airport: 45 € per transfer per person = 90 € return.
Barcelona airport: 60 € per transfer per person = 120 € return.
Transfers are payable locally in cash.
CAR RENTAL:
We recommend a car rental, which is particularly cheap in Spain, on the website: www.autoeurope.fr
LEVEL & CONDITIONS: 
You mustbe comfortable at the three paces (walk, trot and canter) outdoors, independent riding on sometimes difficult trails, and in good physical condition. Some passages must be done by walking horse in hand. From 16 years old. Maximum weight: 90 kg.
RYTHM:
4 to 7 hours on horseback per day on average. The paces are adapted to the terrain: at a walk, a little trot, and a few canters when the terrain and the relief allow it.
SUPERVISION:
Local guide speaking French, English, Spanish.
GROUPS:
4 to 10-12 riders + the guide.
HORSES:
Spanish breed horses and crossbreeds suitable for mountain riding. Horses have a good life ! They are raised in a natural setting in herds. They are selected for their temperament suitable for trail riding. They're balanced and sure-footed.
TACK:
Comfortable touring saddles, specially designed for long distances at walk, trot and canter ! Together with the saddler "Hidalgo", the facility has developed the perfect trail riding saddle: very comfortable for horse and rider and safe. The saddle pads are handmade with the best materials, such as medical "anti-pressure material", which provides ideal conditions for the horses back. Saddle bags are provided for all riders.
ACCOMMODATION: 
In 2 person bedrooms, in hotels and guest houses. Rooms with private bathrooms, some rooms with shared bathrooms in case of unavailability of ensuite bedrooms.
The accommodation offer a warm atmosphere. Far from mass tourism, you will be spoiled by attentive hosts with their local specialties. You will get to know the culinary culture of the region through the lovingly prepared dishes based on fish, game, vegetables and fruits. Without forgetting the good wine of the Empordá wine region: your taste buds will not be neglected on this trip !
Some have a swimming pool, which invites you to cool off in summer. The gardens with their cozy terraces offer the ideal setting for a well-deserved drink to relive the day in a friendly atmosphere. The rooms, mostly with private bathroom, are nicely furnished and you almost feel at home.
Progressive Inn to Inn rides do not guarantee the same level of comfort every evening: one of the pleasures of traveling on horseback is the variety ! The accommodations are chosen for their location on the route and for the quality of their welcome. More or less comfortable, you will always have a memory: a good meal, an atmosphere, or an exceptional setting. The price is not justified by high comfort accommodation, but by the high logistical costs on a traveling horseback trip.
MEALS:
The breakfasts are typically Spanish: hot drink / fruit juice / bread, butter, jam, honey / cereals, and often: cheese and sausiche ... depending on the accommodation.
Dinners are taken at the guest tables of the accommodation or in typical catalan restaurants. Local cuisine, varied and refined. Wine is included with meals.
Lunch: picnics are taken away in saddlebags or brought by vehicle by an assistant.
Special diets can be accommodated by specifying this when booking.
2025 PRICE / PER PERSON:
In 2-3 person bedrooms: 2190 €
Single bedroom supplement *: 40 € per available night
Picnics & lunches: 180 € to pay cash locally
Airport transfers:
From/to Girona: 45 € per transfer per person = 90 € return.
From/to Barcelona: 60 € per transfer per person = 120 € return.
Transfers are payable locally in cash.
Booking fees: 15 €
* Single bedrooms cannot always be guaranteed although reserved. If a previously confirmed single room is not available: refund of the paid price for the nights in shared bedrooms. If you book in shared bedrooms and there is no one to share, the single supplement will be charged, refunded if a person wishing to share registers later.
THE PRICE INCLUDES:
Horse and tack rental, guide, accommodation, dinners and breakfasts, drinks wine and water) during meals, itinerary transfers, luggage transfers, the financial bond for your payments by our travel agent guarantee.
THE PRICE DOESN'T INCLUDE:
Individual insurance, lunches (150 € to pay cash locally), drinks out of meals and not included (sodas, hot drinks, aperitives) visits, tips, the trip to get to the meeting point and leave from the separation point, the last day transfer to your vehicle if you come by car (75 € to pay cash locally), booking fees (15€ / person), all that is not indicated in "THE PRICE INCLUDES".
INSURANCE:
A civil liability and travel insurance (assistance/repatriation) is compulsory. A cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.
A payment by credit card can make you benefit from its possible insurance (check your contract).
We offer to Europe Union, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway residents: the Chapka insurances.
Cap Security: full insurance with cancellation. Cap Cancellation: cancellation only.
See prices & information
FLIGHTS:
Flights are not included because it is more interesting to book directly your ticket: a transport package included is generally more expensive with agency commissions. However, we are at your disposal to help you find the best prices or to offer you a flight included package on request (free service). request (free service).