Villajoyosa:2-hour Horseback Riding Tour

Just 10 minutes from Benidorm, this horseback ride takes you away from the beach crowds and into the rocky mountains above Villajoyosa. You meet your horse, receive basic instruction, and follow dirt tracks at a gentle pace, with open views toward the Mediterranean. I like the beginner-friendly horses and the chance to see this part of Alicante without a motor or a busy group around you.

I also like the choice of one-hour, 90-minute, or two-hour routes, since you can match the ride to your comfort and schedule. The main drawback is exposure to the sun. Much of the route is unshaded, and one rider found the rocky terrain and warm conditions tiring, so I would avoid the longer ride on days above 28°C.

Key points to know before you book

• A quiet mountain route near Benidorm: Reach the riding center in about 10 minutes from Benidorm, then trade city traffic for dirt tracks and mountain views.
• Good for first-time riders: The horses are described as well trained, and the instructor gives clear directions before you set off.
• Three ride lengths: Choose one hour, 90 minutes, or two hours rather than committing to a single fixed route.
• Walking pace through rocky country: Expect a calm ride at a walk, not a fast trail ride with galloping or extended trotting.
• Small groups: The activity is limited to a small group, with the information listing up to nine participants in one place and up to ten per route elsewhere.
• Dress for the saddle and sun: Long pants and closed-toe shoes are required. Bring protection from the heat, especially for the two-hour option.

A mountain ride ten minutes from Benidorm

The appeal here is simple: you can stay near the Costa Blanca’s biggest resort and still reach open country quickly. Villajoyosa’s mountain area gives you a very different view of Alicante from the one you get on the beach promenade. Instead of hotels and pavement, you follow soft dirt tracks through rocky hills, with the Mediterranean and surrounding mountains opening out around you.

I would think of this as a countryside outing rather than a technical riding lesson. The ride is designed for all levels, including people who have never sat on a horse. You do not need advanced riding skills to join, but you should be comfortable spending time in the saddle and managing uneven outdoor ground at a slow pace.

The setting is the real attraction. You hear the horse’s hooves on the dirt and get a chance to slow down. That may sound modest beside a high-speed adventure, but it is exactly why this works well for families with older children, couples, and beginners who want a gentle introduction to riding.

Meeting your horse and instructor

At the riding center, your instructor helps you get to know the horse before the route begins. You receive guidance on the basic controls and how to sit and respond safely. The instruction is available in English and Spanish.

That opening matters if you are new to horses. A first ride can feel uncertain during the first few minutes, even on a calm animal. One beginner described the horses as very well trained and the instructions as clear, while another first-time rider enjoyed the experience but admitted to questioning the decision at moments during the two-hour outing. That is a useful reminder: beginner-friendly does not mean you will feel perfectly relaxed from the first step.

You should listen closely at the start and tell the instructor if you feel unsure. The horses are reported to be gentle and steady, but riding still involves balance, height, and movement. Your comfort improves once you understand how to sit, how to hold the reins, and how to communicate simple directions.

The operator is Club hípico Legend. No individual instructor names are provided, so you should expect to work with the English- or Spanish-speaking guide assigned to your ride rather than book a named guide.

Choosing between one, 90 minutes, and two hours

The one-hour ride is the safest pick if you have never ridden, you are short on time, or you are visiting in hot weather. It gives you a taste of the setting without asking you to spend a long stretch in the saddle. It also makes sense if someone in your group is curious about riding but not sure how comfortable they will be.

The 90-minute route gives you more time in the hills without the full commitment of the longest option. For many people, this is the sensible middle ground. You get extra time for the views and countryside while limiting the strain that can build in your hips, knees, or lower back.

The two-hour route offers the fullest outing and the best chance to settle into the rhythm of the horse. One rider who went with a 17-year-old daughter, with no previous experience herself, found the two-hour ride fun and memorable. Still, she also found parts of it nerve-racking. I would choose two hours only if you are comfortable with the heat, the rocky terrain, and sitting on a horse for an extended period.

Pay attention to the start time. One group arrived three minutes late and lost roughly 30 minutes because the riding center had another commitment afterward. The offered solution was to return for the missing time, which may not help if you have a packed holiday schedule. Arrive early, not exactly on time, especially if you need to park, find the meeting point, or settle a nervous rider.

What the route feels like on horseback

Once the ride begins, the horses follow dirt tracks through the mountain area. The route includes rocky sections, and the pace is generally a walk. Do not book this expecting a galloping western-style ride. The pleasure comes from the steady movement, the open air, and the views.

The scenery changes as you move through the countryside. You can look across the surrounding mountains and toward the Mediterranean, with the high ground giving you a broad view that is hard to find from the coast itself. The combination of dry tracks, rock, and distant sea can create a slightly Wild West feeling, although the setting remains firmly Alicante.

A walking pace also lets you focus on your surroundings. You have time to notice the sound of the hooves and the changing views instead of concentrating on speed. I like this for a first ride because it gives you room to practice without pressure.

The tradeoff is that an all-walking route may feel too quiet for experienced riders looking for a challenge. There is no indication of jumping, fast riding, or advanced trail work. Your reward is calm scenery, not adrenaline.

Heat, shade, and the practical side of the ride

The route is often exposed, so weather matters more than the short distance from Benidorm might suggest. A rider specifically advised against going when temperatures rise above 28°C because much of the route has little shelter from the sun. The two-hour ride can feel long in strong heat, even at a slow pace.

I would book an earlier or cooler departure if the available times allow it. Check the forecast before choosing the route length. On a mild day, the open mountain setting is pleasant. On a hot afternoon, the same lack of shade can become the main feature of the outing.

Wear long pants. This is listed as necessary, not just a style suggestion, and they protect your legs from rubbing against the saddle and from contact with brush along the track. Closed-toe shoes are also required. Avoid sandals and open footwear, even if you plan to spend the rest of the day at the beach.

The activity includes a helmet, parking, the horse ride, and an instructor. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the riding center. The location is close to Benidorm by car, but the exact travel time will depend on your starting point and traffic.

Is $88 fair value?

At $88 per person, the two-hour ride is not a bargain attraction, but the price is reasonable if you want a small-group outdoor activity with equipment, instruction, a horse, helmet, and parking included. You are paying for access to the riding center, the animal, the guide, and the time on the mountain route rather than simply for a short photo opportunity.

The value improves if you have never ridden before. You get an introduction to basic riding, a calm horse, and a proper countryside route. The English and Spanish instruction also makes the activity practical for international visitors.

The price deserves more thought for groups. One party of four paid about 300 euros and felt disappointed after arriving a few minutes late and receiving a shorter ride. The lesson is clear: protect the time you paid for by arriving early and confirming the route length at check-in.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Alicante plans depend on weather, though they do not solve the heat issue on the day itself.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this ride to:

• First-time riders who want clear instruction and a calm pace
• Couples looking for a quiet break from Benidorm
• Families with children aged 10 or older
• Small groups who prefer an outdoor activity over a crowded attraction
• Riders who want mountain and sea views without a demanding technical route
• People with some riding experience who are happy to stay at a walk

I would be more cautious if you are seeking speed, jumps, or advanced riding. The route is built around a gentle walking outing. I would also think twice if you dislike direct sun, struggle with long periods in a saddle, or are visiting during a very hot spell.

The age and weight limits are firm practical points. Children under 10 cannot take part, and the activity is not suitable for people over 220 pounds, or 100 kilograms. The minimum booking is two people, so solo visitors may not be able to join alone.

Group size and the feel of the outing

The experience is described as a small-group activity. One part of the information gives a limit of nine participants, while the route rules give a maximum of ten, so confirm the exact group size when booking. Either way, this should feel more personal than a large riding procession.

A smaller group helps the instructor give basic advice and keep the horses moving together. It also means you are likely to share the quiet mountain setting with only a handful of people rather than a large crowd.

Do not assume that small group means private ride. The minimum is two people, and other participants may join your route. If you want a private outing, ask the provider directly before booking.

My advice on the best route length

For a complete beginner, I would choose one hour if the weather is warm or if you are unsure about your balance. You will still get the key parts of the experience: meeting your horse, receiving instruction, and riding through the mountain countryside.

Choose 90 minutes if you have ridden before or want more time for the scenery without making the day revolve around the activity. This is also my pick for mixed groups where one person is keen and another is cautious.

Choose two hours in mild weather if you want the ride to feel like a real countryside outing. The longer route gives you more time to settle into the horse’s rhythm, but it also magnifies every drawback: heat, rocky ground, and saddle fatigue. The extra hour is worthwhile only if those conditions suit you.

Should you book the Villajoyosa horseback ride?

Book it if you want a slow, scenic mountain ride close to Benidorm and you are happy with a walking pace. The well-trained horses, clear instruction, small-group format, and choice of three durations make it a sound option for beginners. The Mediterranean views and rocky countryside give you a side of the Costa Blanca that is easy to miss from the resort coast.

I would book the one-hour or 90-minute route for a first attempt, especially in summer. Pick two hours only in comfortable weather, arrive early, wear the required clothing, and accept that the ride is about peace and scenery rather than speed. With those expectations, Club hípico Legend offers a pleasant way to spend time outdoors for $88, though the value depends heavily on receiving the full time you booked.

FAQ

Where is the horseback riding tour located?

The tour takes place in the mountains of Villajoyosa in Spain’s Valencian Community, about 10 minutes from Benidorm.

How long does the horseback ride last?

You can choose a one-hour, 90-minute, or two-hour route. The listed activity duration for the two-hour option is two hours.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

Yes. The activity is suitable for all riding levels, and the instructor provides guidance before you set off. The horses are described as well trained.

What languages does the instructor speak?

Instruction is available in English and Spanish.

What should I wear?

You need long pants and closed-toe shoes. A helmet is included with the activity.

Are children allowed to join?

Children under 10 years old are not permitted. The activity also has a maximum participant weight of 220 pounds, or 100 kilograms.

Is transportation from my hotel included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, although parking is included at the riding center.