“Experience a star-shaped route”
4 Day Discovering the Ampurdan and the Costa Brava Horse Riding Holiday in Catalonia
Els Masos d'en Coll, 17257 Llabià, Girona, Spain
Spain Horse Riding Holiday
What's the discovering the Ampurdan and the Costa Brava? It is a star-shaped route with two days on horseback. There is a possibility of arrivals for any day of the scheduled week. There is more pleasure because every day, you'll start and finish at the same place, which means no hotel changes and more time to relax. The program has lovely and exciting rides around the Baix Empordà territory, an impressive area with a temperate climate. Through a land full of historical buildings, exciting civilizations, landscapes of great nature, good gastronomy, and good wine. An unforgettable experience!
Key Information
- Rider Weight Limit: 198 pounds / 90 kilograms
- Horse Breed: Well-tamed Spaniards (Andalusians) and Hispanic-Arabic Horses
Meet the instructors
Judith
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Highlights
- 2 horse riding days
- Approximate daily riding time: 5 to 6 hours
- Services of a professional multilingual guide
- Ride through the variety of landscapes of Baix Empordà and Costa Brava
- Experience riding on well-trained Andalusians and Hispanic-Arab horse
- Daily full board meals with drinks will be provided
- 3 nights accommodation
Styles
2 days with instruction in English
The organizer also speaks: French, German, Spanish
Group size: Maximum of 8 participants
Airport transfer available:
Barcelona–El Prat Airport (US$257 per person)
Barcelona–El Prat Airport (US$257 per person)
Airport transfer available:
Girona–Costa Brava Airport (US$86 per person)
Girona–Costa Brava Airport (US$86 per person)
Airport transfer available:
Perpignan–Rivesaltes Airport (US$225 per person)
Perpignan–Rivesaltes Airport (US$225 per person)
Accommodation
Facilities
- Gym
- Swimming pool (outdoor)
- Table tennis
- Air-conditioned public areas
- Air-conditioned rooms
- Café
- Dining area
- Environmentally friendly
- Garden
- Lobby
- Multilingual staff
- Special menu request
- Terrace
- Bicycle rental
- Car rental
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
- Library
Rural accommodation: Els Masos d’En Coll - Llabià
"Els Masos" is a farmhouse with a lot of history of their family, with more than six generations growing the land. They have a farm with animals and an organic garden. The accommodation offers an authentic rural style. Feel like you're at home. A corner of peace in the heart of the Empordà, on the Costa Brava.
You will always have free Wi-Fi, tourist information about the area, and most importantly, a friendly and close treatment. All rooms have a private bathroom. Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner are made with high-quality products, from their own garden and farm or from local producers.
Enjoy your moment on the terrace, in the swimming pool, the gym, or visiting the beloved farm and its animals. They are a well-rooted rural family. They love and respect the earth and therefore, all their production is ecological.
Program
To make this experience more authentic, you be accompanied by EcoSlow's pure breed horses. They invite you to stay at the accommodation, “Els Masos d’en Coll”, a rural farm with a lot of history of their family with more than six generations cultivating the land; authentic rural tourism with all the services of today. The philosophy of EcoSlow is "Live the tranquillity, disconnect from the routine, and connect with nature."
Arrival
In the afternoon, arrive at the rural accommodation in Els Masos d'en Coll (Llabià). It is located in the heart of Baix Empordà, in the middle of nature and far from the noise. Make yourself at home! Here, you will find all the comforts in a rural environment. Before enjoying dinner, you will review the program of the week.
EcoSlow will do an introduction of the whole program, having the opportunity to talk one by one to find the perfect horse for each rider. Then, relax and enjoy a fantastic welcome dinner. Tomorrow, it will be time to meet your equine companion and to get acquainted with him or her.
Every Monday: The pirates and fortified farmhouses
Today, the route takes you to the sea, you will have an active morning and afternoon, with many trots and gallops. You will start crossing cultivated fields until you find the Ter river, the longest river in Catalonia that starts in the Pyrenees, ride in the last section until its mouth in the Mediterranean Sea, a very flat area, which will allow you to enjoy good gallops until you reach the fine sandy beach, where just 2 kilometers inland, are the famous Medes Islands, 7 islands, one of the best marine reserves in the Mediterranean.
From here, you will return, passing through the Empordà Wetlands, a coastal nature reserve of marshes and dunes with areas for bird watching, it is an important refuge for migratory birds especially in spring and autumn.
You will continue your route through the agricultural flat where you will stop to eat and rest; along the way, you will cross some of the imposing fortified “Masías” farmhouses, typical houses of this area that served to defend its inhabitants from pirate attacks in the late Middle Ages. Once back at the accommodation, you can relax on the terrace with a drink.
Every Tuesday: Touring the Montgri
Today, leave for the town of Torroella de Montgrí, a town of medieval origin that currently maintains a balance between modernity and traditional rural life. The pace of today's route will be calm, enjoying great landscapes. Throughout the day, you will be guarded by the Montgrí Castle (12th century) at the top of the mountain at 315 meters high, a unique castle, which is the identity symbol of this territory.
Continue your way entering the Montgrí Natural Park, Medes Islands, and Lower Ter River. The bare limestone that characterizes the massif contrasts with the Continental Dune forest, a dune-shaped forest up to 30 meters deep, it is a large beach sand dune, which entered the mountain because of winds since the end of the 19th century, currently, it is a pine forest that helped to fix this great dune and slows its progress towards the nearby houses. You will ride under the shade of the Mediterranean pine forest.
To get closer to the sea, take the central path of Montgrí and with a good gallop, you will be located a few meters from the cliffs. From this point, at the eastern end of the natural park, you will have an exceptional view from above, of the sea and the Medes Islands, an image to remember. Take advantage of this idyllic point to replenish energy with a delicious meal.
Take a break and take the opportunity to walk down to the intimate Cala Pedrosa, where you can take a bath. Continue along trails surrounded by scrub and limestone, pass by small dry stone buildings that used to serve as pastors and their flocks. Go down to the cultivation fields and the river, along the way, you will identify some “masías” farmhouses with watchtowers, previously used as protection against pirates.
You will arrive at your accommodation, Els Masos d'en Coll, where all the comforts await. On this route, you will have been able to have a broader vision of the entire Lower Ter River territory, that you travel with other routes.
Every Wednesday: Medieval villages
The destination today is to discover places with history and a lot of charm, first passing through Fontanilles and Palau-Sator, two small towns of ancient Roman origin and medieval history from the 9th century. Take advantage of the path to the village of Peratallada to enjoy trotting and galloping along the paths of fields and olive groves.
Arrive at Peratallada, one of the most important and best-preserved villages of medieval Catalan architecture, from the 8th to the 13th centuries. A village with beautiful streets carved in the stone itself and totally walled, here, time seems to have stopped. You will have the possibility to have a drink and walk through its streets.
Once on horseback, continue to Els Clots de Sant Juliá, a truly mysterious place. It is a very emblematic and mysterious ancient quarry that dates back to the pre-Romanesque period, a place little known to tourists, where you will have lunch immersed in the ancient silence.
On the way back home, you will make a stop in the village of Canapost, to see the very well preserved Necropolis. Arrive at your accommodation. You will unsaddle the horses, shower them, and give them a ration of food before releasing them free in the field; to then enjoy the pool or a cocktail on the terrace until dinner time.
Every Thursday: Landscape, history, medieval culture
After a complete breakfast, it is time to prepare the horses and go out together to enjoy the so-called "Empordanet", the name that the locals give to the area of small villages in the interior of the Costa Brava, of medieval origin and still they retain the charm of their roots.
The pace of this route will be with long trots and gallops, with an active morning and a more relaxed afternoon enjoying beautiful landscapes. Ride through the flat agricultural area full of fields, forests, and a great feeling of spaciousness, being able to trot and gallop without difficulty. It is time for a delicious meal in the countryside, which will fill you with energy to continue on your way.
Arrive at Monells, a small town very well preserved, with a lot of charm, where the walls of the old castle are preserved and a spectacular square with a nerve center of bygone days. You will have time to stroll through the quiet cobbled streets. Return to the path passing by the Castell d’Empordà, a small nucleus where an impressive 13th-century castle-palace is preserved, today converted into a luxurious hotel.
Near the end of the trail, you will find the pearl of the region. The Iberian ruins of Ullastret, the most important and biggest ruins in all of Catalonia; The Iberian civilization is now a mystery since no writings are preserved, this settlement dates from the 6th century B.C. until the Roman invasion.
And from the past to the present, return to your accommodation, where you will let the horses rest and you will be able to enjoy the sunset from the terrace.
Note: The name of Iberians comes from the Greek word "iberoi". This is how in ancient Greece of the 6th century B.C. they called the inhabitants of the Levant and the south of the Iberian Peninsula. These towns dominated the eastern half of Spain until the arrival of the Romans.
Every Friday: Mouth of the river in the sea and the beach
Today the route takes you to the beach, a very complete day, so you will start early. You will have an active morning enjoying long gallops, and then have an afternoon with a calmer pace. You will ride along the entire bank of the River Ter until you reach its meeting with the sea, called "La Gola del Ter", a beautiful beach of fine sand with the delta of a large river, the River Ter, and in the sea, the famous Medes Islands.
The combination of fresh and saltwater and the small marshes and wetlands that form offer a very rich environment of fauna and flora, of peace and relaxation. You will have time to enjoy and feel this privileged natural setting. In this environment, you can see a great diversity of birds, it is a famous destination for ornithologists.
From there, the route continues along agricultural paths to Les Bases d'en Coll, a protected area formed by the mouth of another smaller river, the Daró River, with wetlands creating rice paddies that make up an area of great natural interest. Make a stop to eat and rest, before continuing your way through pine forests.
You will go inland leaving the coast and changing the landscape, passing through the foot of the Quermany mountain until you reach the impressive village of Pals, one of the jewels in the area, located on top of a hill, it was built around to a fortress and has managed to preserve its splendid medieval spirit.
Already on the way back along the paths of cultivated fields full of fruit trees, there will be the possibility of making a stop in some apple fields where the Mooma cider house is located, where you can taste a cider or apple juice. Shortly after, you will arrive at the accommodation where you can rest until dinnertime served by your hosts.
Depending on the time and the group, this route can be reversed, you can always enjoy six beautiful landscapes, river, sea, crops and wetlands, mountains, and medieval villages. Only the Empordá - Costa Brava can offer you this. Depending on the time of year, horses will not be able to enter the beach, but you can always enjoy sea views on your horse, and on foot, you can reach the beach.
Every Saturday: The River Ter, a vital artery
You will enjoy long paths and long walks, which will give you the possibility of having longer gallops. Today's ride will discover the places that surround the medieval villages on the left and right sides along the Ter River, having continuous contact with water, river, irrigation, recluses, and mills. All along agricultural roads, which will make you feel free with your horse, giving you the opportunity to vary the pace of riding, trotting, and galloping.
All this landscape dotted by small towns, such as Gualta and its medieval bridge from the 16th to 17th century, shortly after, you will arrive at the town of Torroella de Montgrí where you will cross the river, by one of the few bridges that the region enjoys. Heading west, towards Canet de la Tallada, you will find a republican anti-aircraft bunker from the Spanish civil war, where there was also an airfield, now a farm field.
Very close to here, in the river, you will find Canet Island, a lock where the water accumulates and has become a protected reserve for wildlife, especially seabirds. Continue until you reach the village of Verges, famous for the Catalan singer-songwriter, Lluis Llach, and for the procession of "The Dance of Death" for Easter Week.
From here, ride a wide path to Colomers, a small town surrounded by forest. At this point, you will have lunch to regain strength and under the shade of the poplars, and with the song of the water, relax to embark soon on the way back. The bridge will allow you to cross the river again; also with one of the best perspectives of the Ter.
You will continue to the other side of the river, where you will continue discovering small charming villages such as Sant Romá de Sidilla, an abandoned medieval village where there are remains of the church and some houses; you will also come across Sant Iscle d'Empordá, an exponent of how the inhabitants of past times, built the settlements in high areas to avoid flooding caused by the Ter river.
With a light pace and the satisfaction of a great day on horseback, return riding until you reach the accommodation. A farewell and a magnificent dinner with local products await you.
Departure: Adeu amics! See you!
After you have completed your route, you will give the last care to your horse with which you have enjoyed so much these days. With the joy of having shared some magnificent days together, knowing this land full of sensations, its history of multiple cultures from the Iberians and Greeks, pirates, and even great artists who have come to be inspired by the light of the sky "Empordanés", gastronomy of quality and klm0, its friendly people and with a special character touched by the "Tramuntana" (north wind that is said to have inspired geniuses like Dalí), and definitely an experience that EcoSlow believes you will not forget for a long, long time, say goodbye with a sincere "See you later", because they hope to see you again soon!
Guides and languages
The guides communicate with clients in Catalan, Spanish, English, French, and the possibility of German.
Hours per day
You will spend about 5 to 6 hours on horseback per day, depending on the day, it’s a variety of relaxed and activity trails.
Please note, sometimes changes can be made to the program, due to weather conditions, and/or special situations that are beyond EcoSlow's control; always under the responsibility and trust of your guides.
Instructors
Judith
2 Certificates
Show
Judith has been working as a riding teacher and equestrian guide since she was very young.At 16, she had her first job as a horse sitter for 5 years while she combined with studies. At the age of 21 she started working as a riding teacher, with more than 5 years of experience. And since then she began to work as an equestrian guide. She has the Level 1 and 2 Technical Riding Certificate and equestrian tourism guide. She is of Catalan origin, she speaks perfectly Spanish, Catalan and English. She loves her work, she is an outgoing and decisive person, and a very responsible guide.
Location
Imagine a place where there are mountains, forests of Mediterranean pines, cliffs that discover small coves only accessible on foot, on horse or from the sea, valleys full of orchard and wine-growing, with colors that change depending on the season of the year, the descent of the Riu Ter and its encounter with the Mediterranean Sea, wetlands with an incomparable wealth of flora and fauna, beaches formed by natural dunes, intimate coves, and the imposing Medes Islands that seem to watch the Baix Empordà from the sea to only 900 meters from the coast.
All this is the Protected Natural Park of Montgrí, Medes Islands, and Down Ter River. They are very privileged to have such landscapes so close. A place that attracts people with an interest in nature, to spend their holidays calmly, and at the same time with dynamism, because it does not end here.
They say Empordà is like Tuscany Catalana, a land rich with great treasures and history, it has a multitude of medieval villages carved in stone, of which you will fall in love, like Peratallada, Pals, Monells, Begur o Púbol. Also, of ancient history that they find, ruins of ancient civilizations like the Iberian Village of Ullastret or the Greco-Roman Ruins of Empuries.
A magical landscape, as the famous surrealist painter, Salvador Dalí described: “I did not steal the landscape. The landscape robbed me", Dalí liked to say. All combined with local people with friendly and open character; a huge gastronomic culture, with love for the land itself, where you will not go without trying traditional delicacies or without drinking good wine from the area in a local winery.
Features
Activities
- Gym
- Swimming pool (outdoor)
General
- Garden
- Terrace
Services
- Free Wi-Fi
Food
Every day, full board meals with water and one alcoholic/soft drink per person are included; the rest of the drinks will be paid for directly by the clients. If you need a special diet, please request it in advance. All meals are made with high-quality products from their own garden and farm or from local producers.
You will have breakfast, lunch during the trail, and dinner in the accommodation. Complete and delicious menus with recipes of traditional dishes, drinks included are water, a glass of wine or beer, and coffee. There are three types of lunches that are combined to the needs of the trails:
- Cowboy-type picnic (in the saddlebags)
- Sitting picnic - They will wait for you with everything prepared at a special point on the trail
- Local restaurants - “To speak of Catalan gastronomy is to speak of the Mediterranean, its coast is bathed by the waters of the Mediterranean and its rugged mountains give it this characteristic touch of its gastronomy.”
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Coffee
- Alcoholic beverages
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Other dietary requirements on request
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation
Things to do (optional)
Extra night without riding
There is the possibility of expanding your stay before or after the program:
- 60 EUR per night - Sharing double/twin room with breakfast
- 90 EUR per night - Single room with breakfast
- Request price in apartment Mas Pou (For 4 people)
Extra day of riding
- 60 EUR - Half day: 3 to 4 hours on horseback
- 100 EUR - Full day: 5 to 6 hours on horseback
Extra lunch or dinner (Direct payment)
18 EUR per meal - Delicious menus in the farmhouse with traditional dishes of Mediterranean cuisine, with local and organic products, always with water, one alcoholic drink per person, and coffee or tea.
What's included
- 2 horse riding days (5 to 6 hours on horseback each day)
- Service of a professional multilingual guide
- Use of horses
- 3 nights accommodation
- Daily full board meals with drinks (Traditional dishes of Mediterranean cuisine with local and organic products always with water, one alcoholic drink per person, and coffee or tea)
- Group transfers to/from Girona train/bus station in a single transfer for all clients
- Tourist tax
What's not included
- Airfare
- Airport transfers
- Extra night without riding
- Stay in the Apartment Mas Pou (For 4 people)
- Extra day of riding
- Extra lunch or dinner (Direct payment)
- Private group supplement (30% for 1 pax | 15% for 2 pax | 10% for 3 or 4 pax | Without extra cost for 5 pax or more)
- Personal expenses
How to get there
Recommended Airports
BCN
Barcelona–El Prat Airport
116 km
Transfer available for additional US$257 per person
GRO
Girona–Costa Brava Airport
30 km
Transfer available for additional US$86 per person
PGF
Perpignan–Rivesaltes Airport
82 km
Transfer available for additional US$225 per person
Arrival by train
Transfers to and from Girona train/bus station in a single transfer for all clients are included. The schedule of the transfers are:
- Arrival: Pick up at 7:30 p.m.
- Departure from the accommodation: 9:30 a.m.
Arrival by airport
Transfers are offered from Barcelona, Perpignan, and Girona airports at additional costs. The prices are per car for up to four people at any time.
Airport: Barcelona–El Prat Airport
Airport transfer available:
Barcelona–El Prat Airport (US$257 per person)
Additional charges may apply. You can request this in the next step.
Airport: Girona–Costa Brava Airport
Airport transfer available:
Girona–Costa Brava Airport (US$86 per person)
Additional charges may apply. You can request this in the next step.
Airport: Perpignan–Rivesaltes Airport
Airport transfer available:
Perpignan–Rivesaltes Airport (US$225 per person)
Additional charges may apply. You can request this in the next step.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 30% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid on arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookHorseRidingHolidays.com. All major credit cards supported.
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