Villajoyosa Horseback Riding in the Mountains with sea views

The best part of this ride is the setting: you leave the busy Benidorm coast behind and follow mountain trails above Villajoyosa, with the Mediterranean opening up below you. Calm, well-trained horses and patient instruction make this a gentle introduction to riding rather than a fast, sporty hack.

I like two things in particular. First, the one-hour route gives beginners a manageable taste of riding without taking up half your day. Second, guides such as Lisa and Kate have helped nervous riders settle in, explain the basics, and take photos at good viewpoints. The main drawback is getting there: transport is not included, and the remote setting can mean a taxi costing about €20 to €30 each way from Benidorm.

Key points to know before you book

• Mountain trails with sea views: Ride through countryside, orchards, sandy tracks, and natural greenery above Villajoyosa.
• Beginner-friendly horses: The horses are described as calm, well trained, and easy to handle, though one guide’s attention may be shared across the group.
• Three route lengths: Choose one hour, 1.5 hours, or two hours, depending on your confidence and schedule.
• Long trousers are required: Wear them from the start, or you may not be allowed to ride.
• Remote meeting point: Free parking is available, but you must arrange your own transport to the stables.
• Good value at $47: The price includes the guide and horse ride, with a small group capped at roughly nine to ten people.

Riding above Villajoyosa instead of beside the resort

Benidorm is famous for its high-rise hotels, crowded beaches, and easy resort entertainment. This horse ride gives you a very different hour. In about ten minutes by car from Benidorm, you are in the mountains of Villajoyosa, following countryside tracks rather than promenades and traffic-heavy streets.

The route is not presented as a demanding riding expedition. It is a quiet countryside outing with views, fresh air, and time around horses. You may pass orchards, patches of natural greenery, and sandy or uneven trails. The Mediterranean views are the star, especially when the route reaches a more open point above the coast.

I would choose this activity if you want something outdoors but do not want to commit to a full-day excursion. The one-hour option fits neatly into a beach holiday. If you are comfortable in the saddle and want more time in the hills, the 1.5-hour and two-hour versions give you a longer ride.

Meeting the horses and getting the basics right

At the stables, you meet the guide and get to know your horse before setting off. The introduction includes a quick explanation of how to communicate with the horse and how to manage the ride. That short briefing matters, especially if this is your first time.

The horses are given individual names, including Atlas, Odin, Merlin, Maximus, Cartago, Manguara, and Matias. The names are a small detail, but getting to know the horse you will ride helps turn the activity from a generic outing into a personal experience.

The guides speak English and Spanish. Several guides have been praised for their calm manner, including Lisa and Kate. A nervous rider may need that steady start more than a long technical lesson. The activity is sold as suitable for all levels, and beginners have been able to ride after basic instruction.

There is one point worth keeping in mind. One participant felt that an English-speaking guide was somewhat difficult to understand, although the instructions were still explained clearly. If you are nervous or completely new to riding, pay close attention during the briefing and ask for anything to be repeated.

What the one-hour route is really like

The one-hour ride is the sensible choice for most first-time riders. It gives you enough time to settle into the saddle, get used to the horse’s pace, and enjoy the views without making your legs work for too long.

The route follows mountain terrain and country tracks. The surface can be rough in places, and horses may slip slightly on uneven ground. That does not mean the ride is unsafe, but it does mean you should expect a real trail rather than a smooth riding-school arena.

Cars and other vehicles may appear on parts of the route. The horses have been described as calm around traffic, and they generally ignore passing vehicles. Even so, you should stay alert and follow the guide’s instructions, particularly where the trail meets a road or a more open access track.

The ride is mainly at a gentle pace. Do not book it expecting a gallop or an advanced training session. The appeal is the combination of an easygoing horse, mountain scenery, and a few good places to stop for pictures.

If you have never ridden before, you may feel some soreness in your legs or seat afterward. That is normal for a first ride, but it is another reason the one-hour version makes sense. The longer routes are better suited to people who already know they enjoy riding.

The mountain views and photo stops

The scenery changes as the trail moves through the countryside. In some sections, you ride among orchards and greenery. In others, the route opens toward the surrounding mountains and the Mediterranean. The views are not a single grand lookout reached by vehicle. They come in small rewards along the ride.

The guide may stop for photographs and can take pictures for you. This is useful because you will not want to handle your phone while managing a horse on uneven ground. If photographs matter to you, mention it politely at the start so the guide knows you would appreciate a few stops.

Sunset rides are also available within the route options, according to the experience details and participant accounts. A late ride can add softer light over the mountains and coast, though exact starting times depend on availability. Check the time before booking if sunset is your priority.

The view is best understood as part of a countryside ride, not as a formal sightseeing tour. You are not being driven to a major lookout with a long explanation of the region. You are sitting on horseback and seeing Villajoyosa from a slower, higher viewpoint.

Calm horses, patient guides, and beginner confidence

The strongest feature of this activity is the care taken with inexperienced riders. People who had never ridden before, or who felt frightened around horses, were able to take part after reassurance and clear instruction.

That does not mean every beginner will instantly feel relaxed. A horse is still a large animal, and the trail is not perfectly flat. Your comfort will depend on listening to the guide, keeping a relaxed posture, and letting the horse move at its steady pace.

The horses are repeatedly described as calm, well cared for, and well trained. They have handled cars and other vehicles without becoming startled. That is important for a mountain route that is not completely isolated from roads.

The guide may also adjust the ride to suit the group. One participant could ride while their partner walked for the whole route, allowing both to enjoy the outing at different levels. This kind of flexibility is worth asking about if your group has mixed abilities.

There is a less reassuring point in one account: one guide was riding while helping manage as many as six horses. That may be perfectly workable for experienced riders, but if everyone in your party is a complete beginner, I would ask the provider how many riders will be in your group and how much direct support will be available.

The stated group size is small, with up to nine participants in the booking information and two to ten people per route in the activity details. That is still far more personal than a large coach excursion, but group size can affect how much individual instruction you receive.

Price, route length, and overall value

At $47 per person for one hour, this is a fair price if you want a short outdoor activity near Benidorm. The fee includes the experienced instructor and free parking. It does not include transport, food, or other extras.

The price becomes less attractive if your taxi costs nearly as much as the ride itself. Several people have paid about €20 to €30 each way from Benidorm or nearby hotels. From Villajoyosa, one account put the taxi cost at about €10 each way, while another paid around €25 each way from a hotel near Benidorm.

That transport cost is the main calculation to make before booking. For two people sharing a taxi, the ride can still represent good value, especially if you want a memorable break from the resort. For one person traveling alone, the total cost may feel high once the taxi is added.

The free parking makes the activity more attractive if you have a rental car. The stables are about five minutes from the Villajoyosa highway exit, so driving is likely the simplest option. If you rely on taxis, arrange the return journey before you set out or ask the guide for help at the end. Guides have helped call taxis, but you should not assume one will be waiting outside.

Getting there without a transport headache

The meeting point is in a remote area, and transportation to and from the ride is not included. This is the one part of the experience that needs more planning than the actual ride.

A taxi may drop you near the area rather than directly at the stables. One group was left in the middle of nowhere and needed help from a local resident to find the site. Another taxi left riders around a 25-minute walk away on a rough road in hot weather.

That is not necessarily a problem with the riding centre, since hotel taxis and drivers may not know the exact access road. Still, it is practical information you need before booking. Use the exact meeting details supplied at reservation, confirm the driver understands the destination, and allow extra time.

If you are driving, free parking is included. The location is close to the Villajoyosa highway exit, which should make the journey easier than the remote setting first suggests.

What to wear and what to leave behind

Long trousers are required. This is not a minor suggestion. One rider arrived in unsuitable clothing and had to buy trousers before being allowed to ride, leading to a second taxi journey and extra expense.

Wear comfortable long trousers that allow your knees to bend. Closed, practical footwear is sensible, although the supplied information specifically confirms the long-trouser rule rather than a detailed footwear policy.

You will be outside in exposed mountain country, so consider the weather and bring water. Do not count on shade along the full route. Keep valuables secure and avoid carrying anything you need to hold in your hands while riding.

The provider may take photos for you, which means you do not need to risk using your own phone on the trail. If you bring your phone, keep it in a secure pocket or bag.

Who should choose this horseback ride

I would recommend this for:

• First-time riders who want a gentle introduction.
• Families with children aged ten or older.
• Couples looking for a quieter activity away from Benidorm.
• Riders who want views and countryside rather than an indoor arena.
• People with mixed riding ability, provided they discuss their needs in advance.
• Visitors with a car, or anyone willing to budget for a taxi.

The ride is not suitable for children under ten or anyone weighing more than 110 kg, or 243 pounds. Those limits are firm, so check them before paying.

I would be more cautious if you want fast riding, technical mountain work, or a highly structured lesson. This is a guided countryside hack at a relaxed pace. It also may not suit you if you dislike remote meeting points or do not want to arrange your own transport.

Should you book the Villajoyosa horseback ride?

Book it if you want a calm, scenic hour with horses and can handle the transport planning. The best value comes when two or more people share a taxi, wear the correct clothing, and choose the one-hour route as part of a wider Benidorm or Villajoyosa day.

I especially like it for nervous beginners. Patient guides such as Lisa and Kate, steady horses, photo stops, and forgiving route lengths make the experience approachable. Just remember that mountain trails can be uneven, and the ride is more countryside outing than advanced equestrian session.

Choose the longer route only if you already know you are comfortable in the saddle. For everyone else, start with one hour, enjoy the sea views, and leave yourself with enough energy for the rest of the day.

FAQ

How long does the horseback ride last?

You can choose a one-hour, 1.5-hour, or two-hour route. The one-hour option is the listed duration for this booking, with starting times dependent on availability.

Is this horseback ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. The activity is suitable for all levels, and an English or Spanish speaking instructor explains how to communicate with and ride the horse. Beginners should still expect uneven mountain terrain.

How old must children be to participate?

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

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The maximum weight is 110 kg, or 243 pounds.

What should I wear?

You must wear long trousers. This requirement is important because you may not be allowed to ride without them.

Is transportation included?

No. You must arrange your own transport to and from the activity. Free parking is available at the meeting point, and the stables are about ten minutes from Benidorm and five minutes from the Villajoyosa highway exit.