Villajoyosa Horseback Riding in the Mountains with sea views

Mountains, horses, and sea views make a fine afternoon. This Villajoyosa ride gives you a quiet change from Benidorm’s busy beaches, with calm horses, mountain paths, orchards, and glimpses of the Mediterranean. I especially like the patient instructors and the chance to choose a one, one-and-a-half, or two-hour route. The main drawback is the remote setting: you must arrange your own transport, and a taxi can cost more than expected.

The ride is just 10 minutes from Benidorm and five minutes from the Villajoyosa highway exit, though that does not mean it is easy to reach on foot. You will need long trousers, and children under 10 cannot take part. If you are a nervous beginner, guides such as Lisa and Kate have been praised for taking things slowly and helping riders feel secure.

Key Points

• Calm, well-cared-for horses: Beginners commonly ride steady horses such as Atlas, Odin, Merlin, and Maximus.
• Three route lengths: Pick a one-hour, 90-minute, or two-hour ride, depending on your comfort and available time.
• Mountain and Mediterranean views: The route passes through orchards, greenery, and sandy mountain trails with photo stops.
• Good for first-time riders: An instructor explains how to communicate with the horse before you set off.
• Remote location: Free parking is available, but transport to and from the stables is not included.
• Important clothing rule: Long pants are required. The operator can refuse riding access if you arrive in shorts.

Leaving Benidorm for Villajoyosa’s Mountain Trails

This is a simple outing with a useful sense of place. In Benidorm, you are surrounded by hotels, apartment towers, shops, and packed promenades. A short drive takes you toward the mountains of Villajoyosa, where the setting becomes rural and much quieter.

The stable is close to the Villajoyosa highway exit, but the final approach can be awkward if you rely on a taxi driver unfamiliar with the area. One visitor was dropped some distance away and needed help from a local resident to find the entrance. Another taxi stopped roughly a 25-minute walk away. That was not the riding company’s fault, but it is worth planning for.

I would arrange a taxi carefully and confirm that the driver will take you directly to the riding center. From Benidorm, taxi costs reported by riders were around 25 to 30 euros each way. From Villajoyosa, the cost was about 10 euros each way in one case. Free parking makes a rental car the easier choice if you already have one.

You do not pay for a transfer as part of the activity. That is the biggest practical catch in an otherwise reasonably priced outing. At $47 per person for the one-hour option, the ride itself is fair value, but a couple paying for taxis can add a noticeable amount.

Meeting the Horse Before You Ride

At the stable, you meet the instructor and get to know your horse before leaving. The pre-ride explanation covers the basic ways to communicate with the animal, which matters if you have never ridden before or have not been on a horse for years.

The horses are often described as calm, well trained, and well cared for. Names that appear in the riding stories include Atlas, Odin, Merlin, Maximus, Manguara, Cartago, and Miss Atlas. That small detail helps give the outing a personal feel. You are not simply climbing onto a nameless animal for a quick photo.

The guides also seem to pay close attention to nerves. Lisa was praised for being patient with complete beginners, and Kate was described as making the process easy. Another guide helped a first-time young rider relax before setting off. A nervous parent who was frightened of horses also felt comfortable after the guide offered reassurance.

That said, horse riding is still a physical activity. You need to sit upright, use your legs, and follow instructions. One account raised a fair concern: on a larger group, one instructor may be managing several horses at once. If you have never ridden and feel very anxious, tell the operator when booking and ask about the size of your group.

One Hour on the One-Hour Route

The one-hour route is the most practical choice for many people. It gives you enough time to learn the basics, settle into the saddle, and see the countryside without committing to a long ride.

The route usually follows sandy or rough mountain paths through orchards and natural greenery. You are not riding across untouched wilderness. Some sections pass near roads, and vehicles may appear, but the horses have been described as taking passing cars calmly.

The ground can be uneven. One rider noted that the horses slipped slightly on rough terrain, although nobody was hurt. This is useful information because the route is not a smooth park path. You should expect dirt, stones, slopes, and normal movement from the horse beneath you.

The pace is suited to sightseeing rather than speed. The available information does not promise trotting or galloping, so you should book this for a relaxed hack, not an action-packed riding lesson. That slower pace suits beginners and gives you time to look around.

You will see mountain scenery and views toward the Mediterranean. The exact view depends on the route, weather, and time of day, but the setting is the main reason to come. Riders have especially praised the viewpoints and the chance to stop for photographs. Guides may take pictures for you, which is handy when both hands are occupied with the reins.

A sunset ride has also been available. If your chosen departure falls near sunset, the light should add atmosphere to the hills and sea views, but check the available start times rather than assuming every booking includes sunset.

Choosing 90 Minutes or Two Hours

The longer routes make sense if you already enjoy riding or want more time outside the resort area. An hour and a half gives you a longer look at the countryside without taking up most of your day. The two-hour option is best for riders who want the ride itself to be the main event.

I would choose the one-hour option for a first ride, a family outing with mixed confidence levels, or a short break between other plans. It is long enough to feel like a real trip rather than a brief circle around a paddock.

The 90-minute and two-hour choices may suit you better if you ride regularly and enjoy time in the saddle. Keep in mind that longer time also means more exposure to the physical side of riding. A few riders warned that their legs or bottom felt sore afterward. That is normal for a mountain ride, especially if you are not used to horseback riding.

The longer routes are not automatically better value. If your taxi costs are high, the one-hour ride may give you the best balance of price, views, and effort. If you have traveled with your own car and want a proper outing, the two-hour route offers more time in the hills.

How Beginner Friendly Is It?

The activity is advertised for all levels, and the strongest pattern in the feedback is confidence among first-time riders. Beginners described the horses as easy to ride and the instructors as calm and patient. Several people who started nervous finished feeling safe and keen to ride again.

That does not mean the ride is completely effortless. You still need to listen, control your posture, and stay aware of uneven ground. The horses are trained, but they are living animals on outdoor paths, not mechanical rides.

The best beginner experience appears to come when the group is small and the guide has time to check each rider. Groups are limited to roughly nine or ten people per route, with the activity also described as a small-group outing. A smaller group can make it easier to ask questions and receive help.

One point deserves plain treatment. A rider felt that a single instructor handling as many as six horses could be a concern for people with no riding background. Most accounts were very positive, but this is a reasonable question to ask if you are booking for a child aged 10 or older, a nervous adult, or someone with special needs.

The company has shown flexibility with special needs in at least one booking, but you should discuss your own requirements before paying. The provided information does not promise wheelchair access or specific adapted equipment.

What the Horses and Scenery Add

The horses are more than transportation. Their calm behavior is what allows the route to work for beginners. Reports describe them as well looked after, friendly, and unfazed by cars and other vehicles.

You may be allowed to bring apples to feed the horses, as long as the stable permits it on your visit. One rider said the horses enjoyed them. Treat this as an optional extra, not a guaranteed part of the program.

The scenery also changes the character of the ride. You pass orchards, sandy trails, and mountain greenery, with views toward the Mediterranean. This is not a grand sightseeing tour with a long list of formal stops. Instead, the pleasure comes from moving slowly through the countryside and seeing the coast from a different angle.

That difference matters in Benidorm. If you have spent several days around the beach, this ride gives you open space and a quieter rhythm. You still remain close to the resort, but the setting feels far removed from the main strip.

Clothing, Weight, and Age Rules

Wear long pants. This is not a casual suggestion. The stable requires them, and one rider had to buy trousers after arriving in unsuitable clothing before being allowed to ride later that day.

Comfortable closed shoes are the sensible choice, although the supplied information specifically confirms the long-pants rule rather than a detailed footwear policy. I would avoid sandals and anything loose that could catch while mounting or riding.

Children under 10 are not permitted. The maximum rider weight is 110 kilograms, or 243 pounds. These limits are firm and should be checked before booking, especially if you are arranging the activity for a family group.

The route is suitable for all riding levels within those limits, but the physical demands remain real. You may feel stiffness after the ride, especially on the longer options.

Price, Group Size, and Overall Value

At $47 per person, the one-hour route is a reasonable way to add a rural activity to a Benidorm or Villajoyosa holiday. The price includes the instructor and free parking, but not transport.

Value depends heavily on how you reach the stable. A rental car keeps the total cost close to the advertised price. Taxi users should budget for the return journey, which can add 20 to 60 euros or more for a couple, depending on the starting point and waiting time.

The instructor is the most important part of the price. You are not simply renting a horse and finding your own way around. You receive a briefing, an assigned horse, and guidance through the mountain route. Friendly help with photographs and a return taxi can also make the day easier, although those extras should not be assumed.

The small-group format is another plus. A maximum of around nine or ten people keeps the outing more personal than a large commercial ride. Group size can still vary, so ask if you need close attention.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity and the option to reserve now and pay later give you some useful flexibility. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule before arranging a taxi.

Who Should Book This Ride?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• First-time riders who want a gentle introduction
• Couples looking for a quieter change from Benidorm
• Families with children aged 10 or older
• Riders who enjoy outdoor scenery more than speed
• Anyone who wants mountain and sea views without a full-day excursion
• Confident riders interested in the 90-minute or two-hour options

I would be more cautious if you dislike uneven ground, have difficulty sitting in a saddle, or expect a fast ride. I would also think twice if you are unwilling to arrange transport or wear long pants.

If you are nervous, mention that before the ride. The evidence suggests the staff are good at helping anxious beginners, but clear communication gives the guide a better chance to match you with a suitable horse and pace.

Should You Book the Villajoyosa Horse Ride?

Yes, if you want a relaxed countryside outing with genuine mountain views and a friendly introduction to horseback riding. The calm horses, patient guides, and one-hour option make this a good fit for beginners, while the longer routes give more experienced riders extra time outside.

Book with three things in mind: arrange a direct taxi or drive yourself, wear long pants, and allow for uneven ground and some post-ride soreness. The riding itself offers solid value at $47, but transport can change the final cost.

For a first-time rider, I would choose the one-hour route and ask for a small group. For a confident rider with a full morning or afternoon available, the two-hour option should make better use of the mountain setting.

FAQ

How long does the horseback ride last?

You can choose a one-hour, 90-minute, or two-hour route. The advertised price of $47 per person applies to the one-hour experience.

Is the ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. The activity is suitable for all levels, and an experienced instructor explains how to communicate with the horse before departure. Beginners should still be comfortable following instructions and riding over uneven outdoor paths.

Are children allowed to ride?

Children under 10 are not allowed to participate. The provided information does not specify a separate child price or other child age conditions.

Do I need to wear long pants?

Yes. Long pants are required. You may not be allowed to ride if you arrive in shorts or other unsuitable clothing.

Is transportation included?

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

What languages does the instructor speak?

The instructors speak English and Spanish.