Horse Riding in Valencia
The tourists flock to Barcelona and Madrid, allowing sun-kissed Valencia – the third-biggest city in Spain – to fly under the radar.
The birthplace of Paella, as you'd expect, is a foodie paradise, with seafood and rice-based dishes aplenty. But it's also an outdoor adventure wonderland, acting as the jumping-off point for all kinds of high-adrenaline, open-air activities.
The tourists flock to Barcelona and Madrid, allowing sun-kissed Valencia – the third-biggest city in Spain – to fly under the radar.
The birthplace of Paella, as you'd expect, is a foodie paradise, with seafood and rice-based dishes aplenty. But it's also an outdoor adventure wonderland, acting as the jumping-off point for all kinds of high-adrenaline, open-air activities.
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The tourists flock to Barcelona and Madrid, allowing sun-kissed Valencia – the third-biggest city in Spain – to fly under the radar.
The birthplace of Paella, as you'd expect, is a foodie paradise, with seafood and rice-based dishes aplenty. But it's also an outdoor adventure wonderland, acting as the jumping-off point for all kinds of high-adrenaline, open-air activities.
Case in point: horse riding tours in Valencia, which can take you along the beachfront and through national parks off the beaten track. If you want to get an authentic taste of life in the region, and see what suburban areas like Llíria, Villamarchante or Náquera look like, then dust off the saddle.
Here's all you need to know about horse riding, one of the most exhilarating outdoor activities in Valencia.
What are the best horse riding tours in Valencia?
With miles upon miles of gorgeous countryside, you have literally dozens of horse riding tours in Valencia to choose from. With options for beginners and advanced riders alike, let's dive into the details of the most popular routes.
Hour-long horseback riding in Llíria
Taking place in the outskirts of the town of Llíria, which sits about 30 minutes northwest of Valencia city, this one-hour horse riding tour is ideal for beginners. You'll be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, who will teach you the basics of equestrianism — from how to mount and dismount, to navigating your way around the trails.
The route passes through forests and fields, providing wonderful views of the typically unseen countryside along the way.
30-minute Horseback riding through Villamarchante
Short and sweet, and ideal for adventurers looking to test the waters of horse riding in Valencia, this 30-minute tour takes place in the rural area surrounding Villamarchante — a tiny, charming village situated around 35 minutes from Valencia (and 10 minutes away from Llíria).
Led by an experienced guide, you'll get to cover a lot of ground within the 30 minutes — including crossing through forests and streams.
If you want to spend more time exploring the Campo de Turia region, you can also upgrade to 1-hour or 90-minute rides.
2-hour horseback riding sessions in Náquera (experienced riders)
Bordering the Parc Natural de la Serra Calderona, the remote town of Náquera is home to some of the most varied and stunning landscapes in the Valencia region. This two-hour horse riding tour takes you through El Marador, Potrillos, Porta Coeli and El Camping — through forests, valleys and up and down a handful of hills, which means you'll be treated to sweeping views of the countryside in the distance.
Given the complexity and difficulty of the route, this guided horse-riding tour is best suited for experienced riders. If you're looking to add a little more adventure, why not combine it with a jeep tour?
90-minute horseback ride to the Natural Area of Les Rodanes
Les Rodanes Natural Park, which sits about 30 minutes inland from the city, is a breath of fresh air off the beaten path.
This roughly 90-minute Valencia horse riding tour takes you through a variety of landscapes — from rivers and forests to rock formations. The highlight, however, is the lookout: from 345 meters above sea level, you can see as far as the Mediterranean Sea in the distance.
Along the way, your guide will tell of the region's history, as well as of its wildlife.
2-hour horseriding adventure at Playa de Gandía
Playa de Gandía, or Gandía Beach, which is located on the southern Costa Blanca about 45 minutes south of Valencia, is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Valencia region.
On this two-hour horse riding tour, you'll get to explore the area at a leisurely pace — trotting over the golden sands and wading through the refreshing ocean water.
Are there any combos available with horse riding tours in Valencia?
Yes, there are several combos available with horse riding tours in Valencia. Let's take a look at the most common options.
Horse riding along the beach with spa in Gandía
Combine horse riding along the beach with a relaxing spa experience. After your two-hour horse riding tour, you can pamper yourself with a hot stone massage or a rejuvenating Turkish bath session.
Horseback riding and kayak route in Gandía Beach
Ideal for adventurous travelers, this combo includes a horseback experience as well as a leisurely kayak ride along the shores of Gandía Beach.
You can also replace kayaking with a paddle surfing class or a sailboat for an equivalent price (give or take 10 euro).
Half-day wine tasting and horse ride in Requena
A more comprehensive package, this combo allows you to sample some of the best wines in the region – with delicious food pairings plus olive oil tastings – as you ride from one vineyard to another.
You'll also have time for lunch and a visit to an old winery before making the hour-long drive back to Valencia.
How much do horse riding tours in Valencia cost?
The price of a horse riding tour in Valencia usually depends on the length and type of experience but starts from as little as €12.
A 30-minute horseback ride through Villamarchante is your cheapest option, at €12 per person. Hour-long rides, such as the one in Llíria, will cost around €25, while a 90-minute horseback adventure through Les Rodanes Natural Park costs €30 per person.
Longer tours are generally more expensive. A 2-hour horseback riding session in Náquera costs around €60 per person while horse riding at Playa de Gandía can be as much as €130 per person.
Combo tours generally range between €40 and €75, depending on the activities that they include.
What is included?
Every tour includes the horse, safety briefing before the ride, the use of riding gear (like helmets and saddles) and an instructor to guide you.
Since most tours take place outside of the city, hotel transfers are usually included.
Finally, some tours also come with lunch and wine tasting. It's best to read the description carefully to find out exactly what is included, as they're all different.
Where do the tours start?
Horse riding tours in Valencia usually start at an equestrian center on the outskirts of the city, in places such as Villamarchante, Llíria or Les Rodanes Natural Park.
The exact location will vary depending on the tour you choose.
However, most of the tour operators offer pickup from your hotel in Valencia — all you need to do is ask when you book your tour and let them know where you are staying.
How long do they last?
Horse riding tours can last anywhere from one hour to half a day. Shorter rides are usually around 30 minutes to an hour long, while longer ones may take up to five hours, including stops.
If you opt for a combo tour or a lunch/wine tasting package, these tend to last a little longer than standalone horse riding tours.
Are the tours wheelchair friendly?
No. Unfortunately, horse riding is not wheelchair friendly and requires some level of physical activity.
If you're looking for family-friendly activities in Valencia that are wheelchair accessible, boat tours or guided city tours could be more appropriate options.
When is the best time for a horse riding tour in Valencia?
Valencia offers favorable conditions for various outdoor activities, including horse riding, all year-round.
Which other outdoor activities can be done in Valencia?
Travel tips
- Especially during peak tourist seasons, it's a good idea to book your horse riding tour in advance to ensure availability.
- Wear long pants and sturdy shoes, preferably with a heel, for riding.
- Carry water, and don't forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, especially if you're riding during sunnier parts of the day.