Alghero: Guided Horseback Ride at Lake Baratz & Porto Ferro

The best part of this ride is the change of scenery. You start beside Lake Baratz, Sardinia’s only natural freshwater lake, then follow pine-forest paths to Porto Ferro, where sand dunes, sea air, and old Spanish watchtowers give the ride a real sense of place. I especially like the calm horses and the steady help for first-time riders.

I also like the small-group setup, limited to 10 people, and the chance to ride for roughly two kilometers along the beach. The main consideration is pace: this is a relaxed trail ride, not a fast or technical horseback excursion. Experienced riders may find it slow, while beginners will likely find that reassuring.

Key points at a glance

• Lake Baratz is Sardinia’s only natural freshwater lake, making the opening stretch more distinctive than a standard beach ride.
• The route covers about seven kilometers, including pine-forest paths, sandy tracks, and around two kilometers on Porto Ferro Beach.
• Calm, well-trained horses and close guidance make this a good introduction for people who have never ridden.
• Porto Ferro’s dunes rise more than five meters, with sea views and three Spanish watchtowers from the 17th century.
• Michelle and the Escursì team are praised for patient instruction, horse care, and taking photos and videos for families.
• The $98 price includes the guide, horse, riding equipment, insurance, and two hours on the trail, but not food or drinks.

From Lake Baratz into Sardinia’s pine country

This ride begins at Lake Baratz, a useful point of contrast with the better-known beaches around Alghero. The lake is Sardinia’s only natural freshwater lake, and the first part of the route follows its edge through pine forest.

That opening section should feel quiet and shaded. You will smell the trees, hear the horses moving along the path, and get time to settle into the saddle before reaching the coast. For a first ride, this gradual start matters. You are not put straight onto open sand or into surf before you know how to handle the horse.

The route winds through the forest rather than following one simple straight track. You cover part of the journey at an easy pace, with the guide leading the group and helping riders stay comfortable. The horses are described as calm and well trained, and first-time riders receive clear instructions before setting off.

The forest section is also where the ride earns its price. You are not simply being led along a beach for two hours. The route links lake, woodland, dunes, and open sea, so the scenery changes without requiring a separate transfer between stops.

Meeting the horses and getting comfortable in the saddle

Your guide pairs you with a horse and provides the riding equipment included in the booking. The available languages are Italian, English, and Czech. The group is limited to 10 people, which helps keep the ride manageable on narrow paths and allows the guide to keep an eye on the less confident riders.

If you have never ridden, tell the staff clearly at the start. The strongest feature of this outing is the amount of support given to beginners. First-time riders have described receiving someone beside them during the excursion, rather than being left to manage alone after a quick safety talk.

That hands-on approach makes this a better fit for a family group or mixed-experience group than a more demanding riding tour. The horses are relaxed, and the pace stays steady. You can focus on balance, reins, and the view instead of worrying about keeping up.

I would not book this expecting a canter or a sporty ride. The information provided describes a relaxed trail ride, and experienced riders have found the pace slower than they wanted. That is not a flaw if your goal is a gentle outing, but it is important to know before paying.

The riding school allows pets on its grounds, but pets cannot join the excursion. Food and drinks are available to purchase at the riding school, though you should still bring water and a snack for the ride itself.

Seven kilometers of changing scenery

The full route covers about seven kilometers on winding forest paths and sandy beach areas. That distance is long enough to feel like a proper outing, but the two-hour duration keeps it from taking over your day in Alghero.

The forest paths provide the easiest setting for finding your rhythm. The horses move at a measured pace, and the trees offer a cooler, more sheltered section before the route opens up. The exact timing can shift slightly with the weather, so avoid arranging a tight connection immediately afterward.

As you leave the trees, the route passes broad sand dunes on the way to Porto Ferro. Some dunes rise more than five meters, giving the coast a sculpted, untamed look. You will notice the ride becoming more open here, with fewer trees and more sky.

The change from pine forest to dunes is one of the tour’s practical strengths. You get several kinds of Sardinian scenery in a short time, and each section feels different from the last. It also gives you plenty to look at if you are riding slowly and cannot spend much time chatting.

Riding along Porto Ferro Beach

The beach section is the main visual reward. The group follows the edge of Porto Ferro Beach for about two kilometers, with blue water on one side and the dunes behind you.

The ride is not described as a swim or a fast gallop through the surf. Expect to follow the shoreline at a calm pace, taking in the sea breeze and the sound of the waves. Ocean spray may reach you, so keep phones and other small valuables secure.

Porto Ferro is also part of the Riviera del Corallo, the Coral Riviera. Red coral has been collected here for jewelry since the time of ancient Rome, giving the coast a useful connection to Sardinia’s long relationship with the sea. You will not be stopping for a coral demonstration, but the detail adds meaning to the place you are crossing.

The beach is a good setting for photos, especially with the horses, dunes, and water in the same frame. The Escursì team has taken videos for families during the ride, so you may want to ask about this before setting off rather than trying to film while handling the reins.

Three Spanish watchtowers above the coast

As you continue along Porto Ferro, you can see three Spanish watchtowers dating from the 17th century. They are a reminder that this coast was not only valued for its scenery. Its position also made it important for watching the sea and protecting the shoreline.

The towers give the beach ride a little more substance than a simple scenic loop. You have a clear reason to look toward the headlands and shoreline, and the route connects natural sights with Sardinia’s coastal defenses.

Do not expect a formal visit inside the towers. The ride takes you past them as part of the coastal route, so the emphasis remains on views and the outdoor setting. If you want detailed historical interpretation, this is not a substitute for a dedicated heritage tour. If you like having a few historical markers along a nature outing, the towers are a welcome addition.

Why beginners are especially well served

This excursion has earned its strongest praise for making new riders feel safe. The staff gives clear instructions, the horses are described as calm, and beginners can have a guide close by for the whole ride.

That support changes the experience. A first-time rider can spend the first part learning how the horse responds, then enjoy the lake and beach without feeling abandoned. The guide’s job is not just to point out scenery. It is also to manage the pace, keep the group together, and help riders stay at ease.

Michelle is one of the people associated with the excursion and has been singled out for patience and care. Clara is also thanked for leading the two-hour ride. The staff’s attention to the horses is a recurring part of the experience, with the animals described as well cared for and happy at the riding school.

That may matter to you if horse welfare is part of your booking decision. The information provided also notes that Michelle has rescued horses from slaughterhouses and devoted time to giving them good lives. You should still judge the operation for yourself when you arrive, but the riding school’s care for its animals is clearly central to the way this outing is run.

Who should book the $98 ride

At $98 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see a Sardinian beach. The value comes from combining several things in one guided outing: a horse, equipment, insurance, instruction, a two-hour route, and access to scenery that would be difficult to experience in the same way on foot.

For a beginner, the cost is easier to justify because the staff provides support throughout the ride. You are not paying only for a horse rental. You are paying for a guided route and a controlled introduction to riding, with the lake, forest, dunes, and beach included.

For a family or couple looking for something different from another day of swimming, the ride offers a clear change of pace. It is also suitable for friends with mixed riding backgrounds, as long as experienced riders are happy to stay at a gentle speed.

The value is weaker for a confident rider who wants open-country speed, technical riding, or a chance to choose their own route. The horses remain calm and the ride stays relaxed. That is exactly right for some people and too tame for others.

Children under 6 cannot take part. Pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, and anyone over 200 pounds, or 91 kilograms, are not accepted. You also need long trousers and closed-toe shoes. Comfortable clothes are best, since you will be in the saddle for two hours.

Practical planning for the riding school

The riding school is easy to reach by car, according to the available visitor information. You should plan to arrive ready for the outdoors rather than treating this like a polished equestrian show.

Bring:

• Water and a snack
• Long trousers
• Comfortable clothes
• Closed-toe shoes
• Passport or identification card

Food and drinks can be purchased at the riding school, but they are not included in the price. Pets may stay at the riding school but cannot come on the trail.

The starting time can vary slightly according to weather. That is sensible for a beach and forest ride, where heat, wind, or rain can affect both people and horses. Check the available time before booking and keep some flexibility in your day.

The cancellation policy is useful if your plans are uncertain. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. That gives you some protection if the weather forecast becomes poor.

What to expect from the pace and group

The group can include up to 10 participants. That is small enough to keep the line of horses under control, but it is still a group ride rather than a private outing.

The route begins with the lake and forest, then heads toward the dunes and coast. After about two kilometers on the beach, the group turns back toward the barn to dismount. The guide escorts you back, so you are not expected to find your own way through the paths.

A two-hour ride may sound short, but it is a sensible length for beginners. Your legs and balance get a real test, and you still have time to enjoy the surroundings without becoming uncomfortable. If you already ride often, the same timing may feel modest because the pace is slow.

The tour is also weather-dependent in a practical way. The start may shift slightly, so bring layers and prepare for both pine shade and sea wind. The beach section can feel more exposed than the opening ride beside the lake.

Is the Lake Baratz and Porto Ferro ride right for you?

Book this outing if you want a calm, scenic introduction to horseback riding with strong support from the staff. It is especially well suited to first-timers, couples introducing one another to riding, families with eligible children, and anyone who prefers a quiet route over a fast one.

I would also choose it if you care about the horses themselves. The attention given to their care, along with the rescue work connected with Michelle, gives the experience a more personal purpose than a simple animal rental.

Think twice if you are an experienced rider looking for speed. The horses are relaxed, the pace is steady, and the route is designed to keep beginners comfortable. At $98, it is good value for the right person, but not if you mainly want an athletic ride.

For most suitable participants, the combination of Lake Baratz, pine forest, tall dunes, Porto Ferro Beach, and 17th-century watchtowers makes this a memorable way to spend two hours near Alghero. Bring water, wear proper shoes, and let the guides handle the difficult parts.

FAQ

How long is the horseback ride?

The ride lasts two hours. The route covers about seven kilometers of forest paths and sandy beach areas, including around two kilometers along Porto Ferro Beach.

Where does the ride take place?

The excursion begins at Lake Baratz in Sardinia. It continues through pine forest and sand dunes before reaching Porto Ferro Beach and then returns to the riding school.

Is the ride suitable for complete beginners?

Yes. The horses are calm and well trained, and the staff provides clear instructions. Beginners can also have close support from a guide during the excursion.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guides speak Italian, English, and Czech.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear comfortable clothes, long trousers, and closed-toe shoes. Bring water, a snack, and a passport or identification card.

Are there restrictions on who can join?

Children under 6, pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, and people over 200 pounds, or 91 kilograms, cannot take part. Pets may stay at the riding school but cannot join the ride.