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Unspoilt Mallorca

Overview

This ride in Mallorca is based towards the eastern side of the island and offers a variety of riding trails or residential packages that allow you to explore the wild and unspoilt secrets of Mallorca. Discover the rustic paths, mountains and virgin beaches from horseback, whilst spending your night…

Highlights

  • Ride through beautiful unspoilt landscapes
  • Canter down beaches and swim your horse in the sea
  • Camp out with your horses grazing around you
  • Well loved horses enjoying a second chance
  • Discover the unknown and wild side of Mallorca

Essential Facts

  • 2 itineraries available
  • Max 8 riders per group
  • Average of 5 - 6 hours riding per day
  • Weight limit: 95 kg / 210 lbs / 15 stone

Description

This ride in Mallorca is based towards the eastern side of the island and offers a variety of riding trails or residential packages that allow you to explore the wild and unspoilt secrets of Mallorca. Discover the rustic paths, mountains and virgin beaches from horseback, whilst spending your nights under the stars.

The Natural Parc of Llevant is a protected area in the northeast of the island, at the northern tip of the Serra de Llevant. There are two nature reserves inside the park and it's home to many endemic plant species as well as being a special protection area for birds. The reserve offers diverse landscapes of high mountains, coastal cliffs, caves, springs, forests and scrubland as well as deserted beaches, two of which can only be accessed on foot.

The Tramuntana mountains are on the northwest of the island and the entire range has been declared a World Heritage Site for its outstanding geology and forest cover which harbours a diversity of plant and animal species.

Your host family have dedicated their lives to horses and wish to share their passion with riders from around the world. They started with 6 horses but have been gradually adding to their stables by buying horses that need a second chance - competition horses that are no longer performing, horses belonging to owners who can no longer keep them or simply those that are not adapting well to their environment and need a change of scene. The horses are given time and space to recover and adapt on the farm, living together in extensive fields to enjoy a free life where they are well cared for, before being gradually introduced, both mentally and physically, to the trails you'll travel together.

Horses & Riding

Tack

Some of the horses wear Western saddles whilst some wear English saddles. If you particularly want to ride in one type of saddle then we can request that and you will be matched to your horse accordingly.

Horses

The horses are a real mixture of breeds and types, many of which have been rescued and retrained as trail horses. Horses are taken from all walks of life and allowed time to relax and settle before starting their new life in which respect, adventure and freedom are top priorities. They live in the fields surrounding the farm, with plenty of space and freedom, and surrounded by free-range chickens, sheepdogs and cats.

Riding

There are 2 itineraries:

  • Llevant - Into the Wild is a trail ride
  • Tramuntana Adventure is a trail ride

Ages

Children from 14 years and upwards can be accepted for the trails. Younger children and family groups can be accommodated on the residential programme.

Health

General good health and fitness, particularly for the mountain trail which requires you to dismount and lead your horse.

Weight

95 kg / 210 lbs / 15 stone

Food & Accommodation

Food

Meals are all typically Mediterranean.

Breakfast consists of fresh local bread, pastries, seasonal fruits, tea and coffee.
Lunches are a simple and healthy picnic.
Evening meals are sometimes cooked over the open fire in camp and sometimes set menus in local restaurants and will include seasonal ingredients. These may include risottos, pastas and BBQ's.

Accommodation

The trails are predominantly camping, either in a shared teepee or two-man tents (you request your preference when booking). Whereas, the residential package includes accommodation in either the self-contained guest flat at the ranch or the nearby farmhouse of Sa Cova Vella.

On the trails, the teepee tent sleeps eight people and is equipped with mats and cushions. Your campsite has an outdoor fire area for cooking, a basic dry toilet and one tap for limited running water. The horses will graze around you.

For the residential ride, the ranch guest accommodation features shared twin and double bedrooms (sleeps up to 4 people) and a shared bathroom. For larger groups and families, Sa Cova Vella farmhouse is a super option, located just 5 minute's walk from the stables and features a variety of guest bedrooms sleeping 1-3 people in each. There is a kitchen and a pool for guests to enjoy as well. Those who wish will be able to sleep out in tents for a 2-night mini trail on the residential package (or get a lift back to your accommodation if you'd rather sleep in a proper bed).

Itineraries

Llevant - Into the Wild Tented accommodation.

Tramuntana Adventure Tented accommodation.

Other Activities

These are riding trails only and not suitable for non-riders, although there are plenty of activities available on the island so non-riders could occupy themselves for a few days quite easily.

Travel

You should fly into Palma airport before making your way to Manacor, which is the town closest to the stables. Transfers are not available from the airport but you can either hire a car or take a taxi to the stables. There are also regular buses and trains between Palma and Manacor and your hosts are happy to meet guests at the station when they arrive.

Please note that, for the trails, we recommend arriving at least one night before and spending some time on the island before making your way to the stables on Day One. The nearest town is Manacor, which is only about 5 minutes from the stables. There is a train from Palma to Manacor and they may be able to collect you from Manacor if you choose to stay there. You should also plan to spend a night on the island after the trail ends.

Testimonials

Christina, Jan. 11, 2023

Relaxed group of people, adventurous, challenging yet relaxing. I slept like a baby every night and was able to get my mind off of work during the day. The trip organizers went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable and to ensure full bellies with delicious food. They even organized a delicious chocolate birthday cake for a girl in the group and brought it out to us in the middle of the natural park!!! Such considerate and sweet people!


Birgit A., Nov. 10, 2022

Just amazing! What is nice is that this trip was for experienced riders, and you really got what you paid for in adventurous way. They (the guides) really wanted everyone to be happy, and listened and adapted the ride for all wishes.


Itinerary & Pricing

Day 1 - Sa Cova Vella - Finca Sa Murtera

Riding: 3 hours

Late morning make your way to the stables at Sa Cova Vella for welcome drinks and to meet the horses and team. (Accommodation for the previous night is not included).

After lunch you start your adventure, mounting up and riding through ancient farmland and rural country lanes to reach Finca Sa Murtera. Here you spend the night in either the cozy teepee or individual tents with the horses grazing freely amongst you. A simple dinner is cooked cowboy-style over the open fire. Sa Murtera has dry toilets and basic water facilities.

Day 2 - Sa Mutera - Arta

Riding: 5 - 7 hours

After breakfast, you saddle up and ride along the Via Verde (Green Way), following a 30km disused rail line, across the middle of the island, towards the east coast. These paths are ideal for riding, with many stretches perfect for cantering past fields of corn and Mediterranean forests.

Stop for lunch at the old station house restaurant and then continue riding up to the old town of Arta. You will set up camp on the grounds of a beautiful finca just outside of town - there is plenty of space to relax in the magical forest where small tents are set up to sleep in. Dinner is cooked under the stars. There is access to hot showers and toilet facilities

Day 3 - Arta - Llevant

Riding: 5 - 7 hours

After breakfast, saddle up and begin your ride through the town of Arta before heading up into the mountains of Llevant. Stop for lunch at a beautiful mountain lodge looking out to sea. Continue riding through this wild, unspoilt area far from civilisation, to reach the coast where you canter along white sandy stretches of beach and discover rocky coastlines. Head back into the mountains on old goat tracks and cool forests until you reach your eco finca in the forest. Here you set up camp and enjoy dinner and showers.

It is possible to upgrade tonight and spend the night in the eco finca, subject to availability and a supplement.

Day 4 - Llevant - Arta

Riding: 5 - 7 hours

Today's ride takes you through the mountains and down to the coast to some very wild, little-known beaches and coves backed up by wild pine, juniper forests and protected sand dunes. Stop for a picnic lunch along the way and finish your ride in the town of Arta. Here your journey ends and you and the horses are transferred back to Sa Cova Vella where you can release them into their pastures. Celebrate with a drink before saying your farewells and departing.

(Accommodation is not included tonight).

Accommodation

Camping on all three nights, although it is possible to upgrade on one night to stay in the eco finca (subject to availability and supplement).

Experience Intermediate / Experienced

You should be a capable rider who is able to spend several hours in the saddle and enjoys a good fast pace.

Minimum group size 5
Maximum group size 8
Departure windows

March 7, 2024 - March 10, 2024

April 11, 2024 - April 14, 2024

Oct. 10, 2024 - Oct. 13, 2024

Pricing

2024
Sharing
£820 $1035 €960
Included 3 nights camping accommodation, all meals from lunch on arrival day to lunch on departure day, drinks with breakfast and picnic lunches, riding, sleeping bag and mat
Not included Flights, transfers, accommodation before/after the trail, additional drinks, personal expenses, tips
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.

Day 1 - Sa Cova - Sa Murtera

Riding: 3 hours

Late morning make your way to the stables at Sa Cova Vella for welcome drinks and to meet the horses and team. (Accommodation for the previous night is not included).

After lunch you start your adventure, mounting up and riding through ancient farmland and rural country lanes to reach Finca Sa Murtera. Here you spend the night in either the cosy teepee or individual tents with the horses grazing free amongst you. A simple dinner is cooked cowboy-style over the open fire. Sa Murtera has dry toilets and basic water facilities.

Day 2 - Sa Murtera - Puerto Alcudia

Riding: 5 - 7 hours

After breakfast in camp, you saddle up and ride through beautiful remote pastures and forest paths known as The Valley of Sa Vall to reach Rancho Grande where you stop for lunch. In the afternoon you ride through the forests and along white sandy beaches from Son Real to Puerto Alcudia, passing a prehistoric cemetery along the way. This stretch of wild coast is beautiful and remote.

Spend the night camping at a local ranch where you enjoy a simple rustic dinner. You have access to hot showers and toilet facilities here.

Day 3 - Puerto Alcudia - Lluc Monastery

Riding: 5 - 7 hours

Today's ride takes you up to the old town of Pollenca, stopping for lunch at a local restaurant and allowing time to visit some of the local historical sites. After lunch, you continue riding towards Lluc Monastery through ancient forests and up into the mountains where you sleep in tents at the monastery campsite. It is possible to pay extra to upgrade and stay in the dormitory room in the monastery if you wish.

The Santuari de Lluc is a place of pilgrimage in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains and is considered the spiritual centre of the island. The main building of the Santuari consists of several wings in which a high school with boarding school, museum, hostel, municipality of Escorca and pilgrimage church are all housed.

Day 4 - Lluc Monastery - Mancor de la Vall

Riding: 5 - 7 hours

Follow the path from Lluc Monastery to Mancor de la Vall, a wild and remote ride where you stop for a picnic along the way. Your journey ends at Mancor de la Vall and you are transferred back to Sa Voca Vella with the horses where you can release them into their paddocks. Enjoy a celebratory drink before saying your goodbyes.

Accommodation is not included this evening.

Accommodation

Most nights are camping in teepees or individual tents, but it is possible to upgrade on one night to stay in the dormitory at the monastery (on payment of a supplement).

Experience Experienced

You should be a capable rider who is used to spending several hours in the saddle. You must also be physically fit as you have to dismount and lead your horse both uphill and downhill a few times.

Minimum group size 5
Maximum group size 8
Departure windows

Jan. 4, 2024 - Jan. 7, 2024

Feb. 8, 2024 - Feb. 11, 2024

Nov. 7, 2024 - Nov. 10, 2024

Dec. 5, 2024 - Dec. 8, 2024

Pricing

2024
Sharing
£825 $1045 €970
Included 3 nights camping accommodation, all meals from lunch on arrival day to lunch on departure day, drinks with breakfast and lunch, riding, sleeping bag and mat
Not included Flights, accommodation before or after the trail, transfers, additional drinks, personal expenses, tips
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.