Catalan East Coast Trail

Day 2: Pure nature

Past peaceful rural villages, our path winds through the hilly landscape of Empordà.

The sandy bottom and the shading crowns of the Mediterranean pine forest invite long canters.

We cross the river and the horses splash in the refreshing water. Our four-legged friends confidently take us to the other side of the river. At a brisk pace, we will continue on to a pretty village at the foot of the Gavarra mountain range. Once there, we fortify ourselves in our accommodation with the delicacies served up for us. Afterwards, we have time to relax in the garden of the beautifully restored guesthouse.

Day 3: Culture - Castle Púbol

We ride through the magical old villages of the Empordanet. With echoes of the horses' hooves on the old paving stones, you will be taken back in time in this hidden area of Catalonia.

When we reach the village of Púbol you can visit the 14th Century castle of Gala, which Dalí gave to his wife, Gala, as a gift.

We have lunch at a restaurant in the village. We leave Dalí's castle and ride back to the 16th century. Our destination is a beautiful village built of natural stone from the Middle Ages.

Day 4: Dalí's Coast

This morning we will canter across the plain of Ullastret, which was a big lake in the Iberian times. A smooth trail leads us through mellow sand dunes and Mediterranean pine forests, up to the rough looking coastal mountain of Montgri.

The continental sand dunes nestle gently among its rocks. The "crowns" of the majestic pine trees provide us with some shade. In the midst of all this, we discover a lovingly laid table of delicacies! Siesta time!

The scent of lavender, rosemary and thyme accompanies us on our way.

Our accommodation for the night is a 17th century country house near the beach.

Day 5: Vamos a la playa (*)

As the day breaks you can smell the sea and taste the salty air. You are right by the sea with your horse and in front of you are miles of sandy beaches.

With the sunrise, we will canter through the breakwater and your horse will play with the waves - they love the refreshing water.

We cross the Aiguamolls marsh with our Andalusian horses at a brisk pace. From horseback we can observe a great variety of bird species. With a bit of luck, we even catch a glimpse of a flamingo or two.

Soon we reach Castelló d'Empúries. With rhythmic hooves clattering on the cobblestones, we ride through the medieval town and past its imposing basilica.

Then the landscape changes again. Between vineyards and olive groves, the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean sparkle in the distance. We approach our destination for the day, a restored manor house dating back to 1582. Surrounded by picturesque nature with a view of the bay of Roses, we can relax after lunch. Those who want to can refresh in the pool or enjoy a massage.

Day 6: Coastal Mountains

Today we spend the morning without horses! We visit the famous Dalí Museum in Figueres. After the impressions of Dalí's legacy, there is still time before lunch to stroll through the town and have a snack in one of the many bars and restaurants.

In the afternoon we get back into the saddle. Today the horses will impress us, because they are true "all-rounders". Like mountain goats, our four-legged companions climb up a rocky and steep mule track into the coastal mountains. At the top of the pass, we give the horses a rest and enjoy the spectacular view. At Cap de Creus, the easternmost point of the Iberian Peninsula, the Pyrenees dip into the sea. To the north we look out over the Gulf of León and to the south over the Bay of Roses and the Empordà plain. We continue through the fascinating landscape of the Natural Park to the lively fishing village of Port de la Selva.

Day 7: Wild Coast

An old trade route winds through rocky terrain into the natural park of Cap de Creus.

Home of Salvador Dali, the third and final highlight of our Dali Trail. Here the last foothills of the Pyrenees sink into the electric blue sea.

Our four-legged friends climb over a pass to Cadaqués, the pearl of the Empordà. The whitewashed fishing village with its old winding streets is rightly considered the most beautiful village on the Costa Brava.

The clear colours of the sky and sea, the excavated rock formations, the luminous bays and deep ravines inspired Dali for his works of art.

In the middle of this spectacular scenery, our trail assistant prepares a lovingly laid table with Catalan specialities. Fortified, we make our way to the impressive Salvador Dalí House in Port Lligat with its enchanting garden. The former home and studio of the ingenious surrealist were converted into a museum after his death.

A typical dinner in the restaurant of the fishing village rounds off the trail.

8th Day: Adios Amigos

After breakfast, transfer to the airports or continue to another trail.

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