10 Best Beach Horse Riding Spots Near Barcelona 2026
I still remember the first time I pressed my heels into a horse's flanks on a Barcelona-area beach, the salt spray whipping my face as waves crashed just yards away. It was 2018, in Sitges, and I'd booked what I thought was a casual trot—ended up with a full gallop that left me laughing through gritted teeth, sand in my shoes for days. That rush hooked me. Over the years, I've chased it across the coast, from rugged cliffs north to pine-fringed coves south. If you're hunting beach horse riding spots near Barcelona for 2026, this is your map. These aren't cookie-cutter lists; they're places I've returned to, flopped off horses at, shared paella with ranch hands afterward. With new coastal permits opening eco-guided trails blending beach and backcountry, 2026 promises wilder rides. Whether you're a newbie eyeing gentle trots or plotting a romantic getaway along the coast, here's where the magic happens. I've capped it at these 10 standouts, each with real operators, addresses, and quirks I've tested myself.
1. Platja de Sitges – The Glamorous Starter Gallop
Sitges hooked me early, and it's still my go-to for that electric mix of buzz and bliss. Picture golden sands stretching under palm trees, the Mediterranean glittering like shattered glass at dawn. I rode here with my sister in 2020, both of us wobbly novices on sturdy Andalusians named Luna and Sol. Our guide, Maria from Hípica Sitges, kept it light: "Breathe with the horse, not against it." We started slow, hooves sinking into wet sand at low tide, the air thick with sunscreen and sea kelp. Then came the canter—wind tearing at my hat, laughter bubbling as Luna splashed through shallows. Perfect for beginners dipping toes into beach rides, but don't sleep on the sunsets; they turn the water molten orange.
Not all smooth: high season crowds mean book ahead, and watch for jellyfish stings (I got one—itchy hell for a week). Hípica Sitges runs 1-2 hour beach treks (€45-€70), ideal for duos or solos. Address: Camí de les Marines, 08870 Sitges. Hours: Daily 9am-8pm (beach rides dawn/dusk; call +34 938 94 13 00). Pro move: Pair with their picnic add-on—fresh jamón and cava on the sand. In 2026, expect luxury upgrades like private beach access. This spot's soul? It's where city escape meets coastal poetry, every stride a reminder life's too short for trotting parks.
2. Castelldefels Beach – Family Waves and Whoops
South of Barcelona, Castelldefels feels like the coast's big backyard—wide, flat sands ideal for kids who bounce back from tumbles. My nephews dragged me here in 2022; 8 and 10, wide-eyed on pint-sized ponies. Operator Cavalgar a la Platja turned it into chaos gold: short loops along the shoreline, stopping for shell hunts. The brine stung our noses, gulls screeching overhead as we dodged kite surfers. One nephew's pony, Pep, decided an impromptu roll—mud everywhere, hysterics all around. Great for family outings with helmets and leaders mandatory for under-12s.
Drawbacks? Windy afternoons whip sand into eyes (go morning). Rides: 45min-90min (€35/adult, €25/kid). Address: Passeig Marítim, 08860 Castelldefels (meet at Chiringuito El 7). Hours: 10am-7pm weekends/holidays; +34 636 42 89 45. Humor highlight: Guides share ghost stories of old smugglers—keeps kids glued. Food tie-in: Post-ride, hit the beach bars for calçots (grilled onions with romesco). 2026 brings family packages with beach BBQs. It's messy, joyful—family bonds forged in sand and sweat.
3. Garraf Natural Park Beaches – Wild Cliffs and Adrenaline
Just 30 minutes south, Garraf's coves aren't your polished postcard; they're raw, with pines clawing rocky shores. I pushed limits here in 2021 on a stormy-gray day, riding with Equinatur. My mare, Roca, picked the pace up cliffs to hidden playas—hooves clattering shale, echoey waves below. Sensory overload: eucalyptus sharp in the nostrils, heart pounding as we crested to panoramic blues. No beginners only; this is intermediate spice, gallops on firm sand pockets.
Pitfalls: Narrow paths demand focus (I slipped once, bruised ego more than pride). Treks: 2-3hrs (€60-€90), guided only. Address: Ctra. de les Costes, km 3, 08830 Garraf. Hours: 9am-6pm; +34 938 04 68 00. Tip: Spring wildflowers carpet the route—stunning but slippery. Locals tip: Follow with garum (fish sauce) tapas in nearby Sitges. 2026: New elevated paths for safer thrills. Garraf taught me respect for the wild; it's where the horse chooses you back.
4. Vilanova i la Geltrú – Fisherman's Trot with Seafood Soul
Vilanova's working port vibes set it apart—beaches backed by boats, air humming salt and sardines. In 2019, post-divorce reset ride with Centre Hípic Vilanova: Gentle beach loops at dawn, my gelding Toro nosing waves like an old pal. We trotted past jellyfish blooms (dodged 'em), ended with fisherman yarns over coffee. Briny breeze, creaking hulls—feels lived-in, not touristy. One hilarious moment: Toro decided to "taste" a wave, soaking us both in frothy spray.
Cons: Pebbly sections jar knees (wear padded pants). Rides: 1hr €40. Address: Platja Llarga, 08800 Vilanova i la Geltrú (base at Club Nàutic). Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-8pm; +34 938 15 00 00. Pair with platja seafood: razor clams grilled smoky. 2026: Port expansions mean calmer waters. It's coastal life woven into every hoofbeat.
5. Calella de Palafrugell (Costa Brava) – Romantic Cove Whispers
Northbound to Costa Brava, Calella's indented bays scream intimacy. 2023 solo ride with Hípica Costa Brava: Faded light gilding pines, my horse Negrita gliding surf's edge—waves lapping ankles, heart full. Guide whispered local lore: Smugglers' caves we skirted. Vulnerability hit: Nearly teared up, life's fragility in hoofprints. A gentle rain started midway, turning the sand to shimmering glass under twilight.
Issues: Tides trap unwary (check apps). 90min €65. Address: Camí de la Garga, 17210 Calella de Palafrugell. Hours: Daily 9am-sunset; +34 972 61 40 40. Romance amp: Candlelit post-ride dinner. 2026: Bioluminescent night rides rumored. Pure poetry for couples seeking quiet connection.
6. Tossa de Mar – Medieval Magic on Mareback
Tossa's walled old town overlooks horseshoe bays—cinematic. 2024 group ride with Hippotour: Clambered from pine trails to beach gallops, castle silhouette against pink skies. My mount bolted playfully; clung like a cowboy wannabe, emerged grinning. Iodized air, laughter echoing off walls. Added spill story: Slid into foam on a sharp turn, guide hauled me up yukking it off. Kids in the group loved spotting sea urchins amid the chaos.
Flaws: Steep access tires horses (shorter rides for seniors). 2hrs €55. Address: Platja Gran, 17320 Tossa de Mar. Hours: 10am-7pm; +34 972 34 01 64. Food: Mussels post-ride. 2026 eco-trails enhance the history-hoof blend. Timeless fun for groups.
7. Blanes – Stormy Sa Caleta Thrills
Blanes' Sa Caleta cove was my wild card: 2024, storm brewing, I galloped with Club Hípic Blanes on cliffs echoing thunder. Mare Sa Caleta powered through wind-lashed sands, rain beading manes—raw power, pulse racing. Post-ride, dripping in a fisherman's bar, swapping tales. Pine-salt-storm scent unforgettable. Vulnerability moment: Feared lightning mid-gallop, bonded deeper whispering calm to her. Locals grilled sardines after, smoky perfection chasing the chill.
Downsides: Weather roulette (reschedule policy lax). Advanced 3hr €80. Address: Sa Caleta Beach Access, 17300 Blanes. Hours: 9am-6pm weather-permitting; +34 972 33 42 00. Humor: Hat flew like a frisbee—chased it bareback, nearly face-planting. 2026: Reinforced cliff paths for bolder runs. Peaks for adrenaline junkies.
8. Lloret de Mar – Party Sands with Pony Pivot
Lloret's Fenals beaches flip from clubby to serene pre-dawn. 2022 bachelorette twist: Hípica Lloret pivoted us from hangovers to hooves. Trotted party sands now quiet, foam fizzing underfoot, sunrise chasing shadows. One friend tumbled giggling into dunes—legendary. My awkward dismount drew cheers from the group. Dawn-fresh beach churros fueled the recovery laughs, sugar dusting salty lips.
Cons: Litter post-party (early beats it). Family/advanced mixes €50/hr. Address: Platja de Fenals, 17310 Lloret de Mar. Hours: 8am-9pm; +34 972 36 57 11. Epic sunrises, dune jumps add flair. 2026: Night glow rides trial. Friendships (and hangovers) cured on the sand.
9. Sant Feliu de Guíxols – Gourmet Gallops and Coves
Sant Feliu blends bays with culinary kick. 2021 with Turisme Hípic: Rode to hidden coves, dismounted for lobster paella overlooking sea. Hooves crunched shells, garlic-perfumed air divine. Advanced twists: Canter bursts between bites of scenery. Fell arguing trot vs canter with the guide—humbling splash landing. Locals' wine flowed free post-ride, toasting salty triumphs.
Issues: Crowded summers (off-peak bliss). €70/2hrs. Address: Port Esportiu, 17240 Sant Feliu de Guíxols. Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-7pm; +34 972 82 05 51. Best post-ride eats elevate it. 2026 packages pair rides with chef-led feasts. Foodie heaven on horseback.
10. Platja d'Aro – Pinnacle Pines and Power Rides
Platja d'Aro caps it: Endless sands, pine backdrops. 2023 solo power session with Centre Hípica Aro: Full gallop low tide, mane in face, freedom roar. Ended with pine-needle massages (horses rubbing against trees!). Storm spooked the herd nearby—I calmed mine with a shaky lullaby, emerging the zen master. Whispered sea secrets felt profound amid the pine hush.
Flaws: Upscale prices, but worth. €90/3hrs. Address: C/ Punta Margalló, 17250 Castell-Platja d'Aro. Hours: Daily 9am-8pm; +34 972 81 75 00. 2026: VIP eco-trails. Ultimate solo finale, etching freedom deep.
These spots aren't just rides; they're stories etched in sand—from Sitges giggles to Blanes tempests, flops and triumphs reshaping my Barcelona love. They've taught patience in tumbles, joy in shared spills, respect for weather's whims and locals' wisdom. 2026's sustainable expansions mean more access, fewer crowds—prime time to grab reins, chase horizons. Who's saddling up with me? Book early; these beaches wait for no one.
