Villajoyosa Horseback Riding in the Mountains with sea views

The Mediterranean looks different from horseback. This one-hour ride takes you into the mountains just outside Villajoyosa, only about 10 minutes from Benidorm, where you pass orchards, sandy trails, and natural greenery with sea views beyond. I like the calm, well-cared-for horses and the patient instruction, especially for first-time riders.

I also like the choice of one-hour, 90-minute, or two-hour routes, so you can match the ride to your time and comfort level. The main drawback is the remote location: you must arrange your own transport, and a taxi can cost around €25 to €30 each way from Benidorm. Wear long trousers, too. This is a firm requirement, not a suggestion.

Key points at a glance

• Beginner-friendly horses: The horses are described as calm, well-trained, and easy to handle, making the ride suitable for people with little or no riding experience.
• Mountain and sea scenery: Routes pass through Villajoyosa’s countryside, orchards, and rougher mountain terrain, with viewpoints toward the Mediterranean.
• Three ride lengths: Pick a one-hour, 90-minute, or two-hour route, depending on your schedule and stamina.
• Patient guides: English and Spanish instruction is available, with guides such as Lisa and Kate praised for helping nervous beginners feel safe.
• Small groups: Groups are limited, with the activity information giving a maximum of nine participants, while route details state no more than ten people per ride.
• Important restrictions: Long trousers are required, children under 10 cannot participate, and the maximum rider weight is 110 kilograms, or 243 pounds.

A mountain ride close to Benidorm

This is a useful escape from Benidorm’s busy hotel strip. The riding center is only about 10 minutes away by car, and the Villajoyosa highway exit is around five minutes from the activity location. Once you reach the stable, the setting changes quickly from resort convenience to open countryside and mountain tracks.

The ride takes place around the mountains of Villajoyosa, with views across the surrounding hills and toward the Mediterranean. It is not a grand high-altitude trek, but it gives you a pleasant change of pace and a look at the countryside that is easy to miss from the coast road.

I would choose this activity if you want a short outdoor excursion rather than a full day in the saddle. The one-hour route fits neatly into a holiday schedule, while the longer options give you more time in the hills and more opportunity for photographs.

The scenery varies between orchards, sandy trails, natural greenery, and rougher ground. One rider described the route as mostly a sand trail through orchards and countryside, while also noting that some sections were uneven. That is useful context: you are riding through real rural terrain, not along a smooth purpose-built path.

Meeting the horses and getting started

Your ride begins with a meeting at the stable, where you get to know your horse before setting off. The guide gives a quick explanation of how to communicate with the horse and how to ride safely. For a first-time rider, this short introduction matters. You do not need to arrive with technical riding skills, but you do need to listen carefully and follow the guide’s instructions.

The horses receive some of the strongest praise in the available feedback. Riders describe them as calm, safe, friendly, and well cared for. Several beginners found them easy to ride, and one nervous parent said the guide helped her feel comfortable despite being afraid of horses.

The horses are also reported to remain steady around passing vehicles. Traffic is limited on the route, but when cars do appear, the horses have generally ignored them. That does not remove the need for caution, but it should reassure anyone wondering how a quiet mountain ride works near roads.

Horse assignments are made by the stable. You may hear riders refer to horses such as Atlas, Odin, Merlin, Cartago, Maximus, Manguara, and the much-loved Miss Atlas. You cannot choose a particular horse in advance based on the supplied information, but the staff appear to match beginners with steady animals.

What the one-hour route feels like

The one-hour route is the sensible choice for most first-time riders. It gives you enough time to settle into the saddle, learn the basic controls, and enjoy the countryside without committing to a long outing.

The pace is guided by the instructor. The supplied information does not promise trotting or galloping, so you should book this for a relaxed riding experience rather than an action-heavy horseback adventure. Some riders with different ability levels have chosen to walk the entire route, allowing a more experienced rider and a beginner to enjoy the outing together.

The route leads through mountain countryside, with views of hills and the Mediterranean. Expect a mix of riding and stopping, particularly at scenic points where the guide may take photographs. Guides have been praised for taking plenty of pictures and checking that riders are comfortable throughout the outing.

There is a practical physical side to remember. Even a one-hour ride can leave your legs and lower body sore, especially if you have not ridden before. Long trousers protect your legs from rubbing and are required by the operator. Comfortable closed shoes are a sensible choice, although the supplied instructions only specifically require long trousers.

Uneven terrain is part of the experience. One rider noted that the horses occasionally slipped slightly on rough ground, but no problem followed. I would treat this as a reason to pay attention, not as a warning against the ride. If you are uncomfortable with uneven ground, tell the guide before departure.

The longer 90-minute and two-hour options

The 90-minute and two-hour rides are better suited to people who already know they enjoy riding or who want more time away from the resort. Longer routes can offer a slower look at the countryside, but they also mean more time in the saddle and more chance of tired legs.

All three durations are described as suitable for every level. That means beginners can choose a longer outing, but I would still consider the one-hour ride first if this is your first time on a horse. A longer route is not automatically better value if you spend the final part feeling uncomfortable.

The longer rides may also suit couples or families with mixed experience. One pair included a rider who could ride and a partner who could not, and they managed the outing at a walking pace. The key is to explain your ability honestly when booking or meeting the guide.

Sunset rides are also possible according to one account, adding a different mood to the mountain setting. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule before you commit to a particular time of day.

The views and rural setting

The best reason to book this is the change in viewpoint. From the saddle, you see the mountains of Villajoyosa at a slower pace than you would from a car, and the Mediterranean appears as part of the wider countryside rather than as a backdrop behind resort buildings.

The setting includes orchards and natural greenery, with sandy and rough trails leading through the hills. The route is not described as a wilderness ride, and you may encounter occasional vehicles, but the traffic appears limited. That balance makes it accessible while still giving you a taste of rural Spain.

The views are especially appealing for anyone staying in Benidorm. You remain close to the resort, yet the ride feels separate from the high-rise coast. I would bring a phone for photographs, but keep it secure while riding. The guide can also take pictures for you at scenic stops.

Do not expect a guaranteed panoramic sea view from every minute of the route. The exact sightlines will depend on the chosen duration, route, weather, and timing. Still, mountain views and Mediterranean outlooks are central to the experience, and the visual payoff is one of its most praised features.

Guides who help beginners feel at ease

The guide can make or break a horseback ride, particularly if you are nervous. Here, patience comes up again and again. Lisa is specifically praised for helping complete beginners, while Kate is described as making the experience easy and handling well-trained horses.

Other accounts describe friendly, helpful staff who explain the basics clearly and check on riders during the route. One beginner said the guide’s calm manner made the first experience feel safe. Another family arrived early and watched the horses being prepared, noting that the guide was friendly and helpful before the ride even began.

English and Spanish are available. One rider found the guide’s English a little difficult to understand, although the instructions were explained well. If your English or Spanish is limited, pay close attention during the safety briefing and ask the guide to repeat anything unclear.

The activity is not necessarily accompanied by one guide per rider. One piece of feedback raised a concern that a single instructor could be responsible for several horses. That may matter if you have never ridden before and want constant individual support. Most beginner accounts are positive, but I would mention your concerns clearly before setting off.

Transport is the main practical snag

There is free parking at the stable, which makes this easy if you have a rental car. Public transport information is not provided, and transportation to and from the ride is not included.

The location can be hard to reach by taxi. Some people have been dropped off near the activity rather than directly at the entrance, including one case where the final walk took about 25 minutes along a rough, empty road. That was a taxi issue rather than a fault with the stable, but it shows why you should confirm the exact drop-off point.

Taxi costs vary by starting point. Examples include about €10 each way from Villajoyosa and around €25 to €30 each way from Benidorm or nearby hotels. From Finestrat, a taxi was also used successfully. The stable has helped arrange a taxi back after the ride, which is useful, but you should not assume a return vehicle is automatically waiting.

If you are staying in Benidorm, add the taxi cost to the advertised $47 price. For one person, transport can make the total substantially higher. For two or more people sharing a taxi, the value improves. If you drive, the free parking removes the biggest extra expense.

Is $47 good value for one hour?

At $47 per person, the ride is not the cheapest short activity in the Benidorm area, especially once you include a taxi. Still, the price includes an experienced instructor and a small-group setting, and the horses are repeatedly described as well trained and cared for.

The value is strongest for a beginner who wants a guided introduction rather than a fast or demanding ride. You are paying for the horses, the guide’s supervision, the route, and the chance to ride through countryside with mountain and sea views. The experience also offers something quite different from a standard beach or city excursion.

The one-hour duration keeps the base price manageable. If you already ride regularly, the 90-minute or two-hour routes may offer better value per minute, provided you are comfortable with the added saddle time. If you are nervous, the shorter option is the safer financial choice because you can test how you feel before paying for a longer ride.

A small group adds to the value. The activity is limited to a handful of people rather than being a large trail ride. The published details refer to groups of up to nine, while another route condition gives a maximum of ten. Either way, this is intended to remain a small outing.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• First-time riders who want a calm introduction
• Couples looking for a quiet countryside outing near Benidorm
• Families with children aged 10 and older
• Nervous riders who value patient instruction
• Experienced riders who prefer a gentle mountain route
• Anyone who wants photographs and sea views without spending a full day away

It is less suitable if you want to gallop, ride independently, or spend the day on a demanding trail. The available details describe a guided ride through mountain terrain, not an advanced riding lesson or high-speed excursion.

Children under 10 are not permitted. The maximum rider weight is 110 kilograms, or 243 pounds. These rules should be checked before booking, particularly if your group includes children or if weight limits may be close.

Wear long trousers from the start. One person arrived without them and had to buy suitable clothing before riding later that day, which meant extra taxi expense and wasted holiday time. This is the easiest problem to avoid.

Booking details worth knowing

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available. Starting times depend on availability, and the standard duration shown is one hour, with 90-minute and two-hour routes also offered.

The experience requires at least two people per route. If you are traveling alone, do not assume a solo departure will be possible. Group sizes are small, and instruction is offered in English and Spanish.

The overall score is 4.4 out of 5 from 188 ratings, with especially strong praise for the guides, horses, safety, views, and beginner suitability. The few practical concerns center on transport, uneven ground, and the need to wear the correct clothing.

Should you book it?

Book this horseback ride if you want a gentle mountain outing with sea views, especially if you are a beginner or a little nervous around horses. The calm animals, patient guides, small groups, and attractive countryside make it a strong choice for a short break from Benidorm.

Before booking, price the taxi, wear long trousers, and choose the one-hour route if you are unsure about your riding ability. If you have prior experience and want more time in the countryside, the 90-minute or two-hour options make sense.

I would skip it only if your main goal is fast riding or a remote wilderness adventure. For a relaxed, well-supported introduction to horseback riding near Villajoyosa, this offers good value, provided you plan the transport carefully.

FAQ

How long is the horseback ride?

You can choose a one-hour, 90-minute, or two-hour route. The standard activity duration shown is one hour.

Is the ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. The route is described as suitable for all levels, and the horses are reported to be calm and easy to ride. An experienced instructor gives an introduction before departure.

How old must children be?

Children must be at least 10 years old. The activity is not suitable for children under 10.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The maximum rider weight is 110 kilograms, or 243 pounds.

Do I need to wear long trousers?

Yes. Long trousers are required for the ride. You should arrive wearing them, since riders without suitable trousers may not be allowed to participate.

Is transportation included?

No. You must arrange your own transport to and from the activity. Free parking is available if you drive.

What languages does the instructor speak?

Instruction is available in English and Spanish.