Spain’s Coast & Villages Trail
DAY 1: Arrival at Barcelona or Girona and Transfer to the coastal village of Port de la Selva. The evening sun illuminates the beautiful silhouette of white painted fishermen`s cottages. Dinner together with seaview, overnight stay in the luxurious hotel Porto Christo.
DAY 2: You will climb through the coastal mountains of Rodas, which are the last foothills of the Pyrenees. On top of the pass you will have a spectacular panoramic view over the bay of Rosas and the fertile and mild Plateaux of the Alt Emporda. This valley will remind you of an amphitheatre surrounded by mountains, which ends in the Mediteranean sea. Here among this splendid garden of overwhelming beauty you will take a break above a small lake. In the little town of Garriguella you will spend the night at the farm of Emilia. She is well known for her delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
DAY 3: Trotting and galloping into the valley of Empordá, you will spot the first vineyards. On the riverside of the Orlina river you will enjoy many different flowers. Your horse passes through the wild landscape towards the village of Espolla. You will see very old olive plantations and cork oak forests, and vineyards dot the landscape. In the castle of the village you will stay at a beautiful place with a family atmosphere. Here you can taste the local honey and the olive oil.
DAY 4: Deeper and deeper you ride into the nature park of Albera. The unique light transforms the surroundings into a picturesque painting. The mountains are covered with cork oaks forests and a little further up beech, oak and chestnut forests cast some shadows. After a delicious picnic lunch you will ride to Perelada, the center of wine growing. In the afternoon you can visit the enormous castle and the private library of the monastery. In the castle’s wine cellars you will be impressed of the quality of the wine and cava. You will stay overnight in the village at a beautiful renovated farm house from Fina and Pere.
DAY 5: Changing between walking, trotting and galloping, you will cross the sunflower and corn fields until you reach the medieval town of Castello with its magnificent cathedral. After the town your horse will carry you speedily through the rice fields and the moors of Aiguamolls to the old Catalan farmer´s house of Marta and Juan. In their lovely garden you can relax or refresh yourself at the pool.
DAY 6: Vamos a la playa! You will follow the river Fluvia on its way to the sea where you will have a magnificent view of the Gulf of Rosas. In front of you will lay miles of sandy beaches as the water splashes, the sand leaps and you gallop into the sunrise. The horses play with the waves and you try not to get too wet. At the end of the bay, directly on the beach is your hotel where you will rest for the evening. For dinner, the „Mama of the hotel“ will prepare Spanish tapas and a deliciouse paella.
DAY 7: Surrounded by deep pine forests and along peaceful farm village paths you will ride through the hilly landscape of the Emporda region. A quietness surrounds you as you ride through the narrow streets of the Catalan natural stone villages hearing the clapping of the horses hooves. You will stop at a local bar for the picnic lunch. Manoli prepares magnificant Catalan nudles. In the afternoon you will gallop towards our home base Mas Alba. Mas Alba is a typical Catalan natural stone house dating from the 14th century. Since then, this wonderful farm has been run by the same family. From here you overlook green meadows, forests and horse pastures. What a beautiful place to end your holiday with a wonderful farewell dinner.
DAY 8: Transfer to Barcelona or Girona. Or, extension for another trail at Mas Alba.
Important: Depending of the time of the year and national holidays the trail can be ridden in both directions!
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