The most beautiful places for a horseback ride in Europe
Would you like to go horse riding but don't know where? Whether it's close to home or at your next holiday destination, a horse ride will give you a better appreciation of your surroundings and give you an enjoyable experience in the great outdoors. To give you some ideas, here are some of the most beautiful places for a horse ride in Europe.
Europe abounds in a huge diversity of landscapes, cultures and equestrian traditions! Discovering Europe on horseback means experiencing unique and picturesque places at the pace of your horse, wherever you may be. From the vast snowy expanses of Lapland to the sunny beaches of the Portuguese coast, the panoramas of Europe will never cease to amaze you.
If you love animals and nature, horse riding is a great way to enjoy a refreshing ride. Whatever your level, there are plenty of supervised horse rides available to help you discover Europe with specialist instructors. During the ride, they will share with you their knowledge of the equestrian world, as well as the points of interest on your horseback ride. It's a fun and enjoyable way to discover the surrounding area! So follow us as we discover the most beautiful places for a horse ride in Europe!
Our most beautiful horse rides on Manawa.com
Our mission at Manawa is to help you discover horse riding in natural settings that will allow you to get away from it all and enjoy an unforgettable experience. To guarantee you the best possible experience, we have prepared a selection of our most beautiful horse rides in Europe.
1. Horse riding in the Arctic hinterland from Alta
Lapland is a region in northern Europe that includes the northern part of Norway, Sweden and Finland, as well as the Kola Peninsula in Russia. This part of Europe is characterised by vast stretches of forest, tundra vegetation and extreme temperatures that can drop to -30°C in winter.
To discover Lapland on horseback, we invite you to Alta, in northern Norway. Here you will meet professional instructors who are passionate about horse riding and eager to share with you a horse ride in the unspoilt Norwegian countryside. This activity, which is open to participants of all levels from the age of 12, will be tailor-made to suit you: at a walk, trot or canter. With a bit of luck, this horse ride near Alta will give you the chance to spot a moose in its natural habitat. And if you book a night-time horse ride near Alta, you might even be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights! Whatever your choice, Lapland offers a unique polar experience for a horseback ride in Europe.
2. Horse riding on the banks of the Tavignanu river near Corte
Corsica is an island in the Mediterranean, south-east of France and west of Italy. It is a destination renowned the world over for the beauty of its beaches and unspoilt mountains. In fact, it's even nicknamed the 'Isle of Beauty'! A true paradise for nature lovers, Corsica offers a diversity of landscapes and ecosystems that will satisfy visitors whatever the season.
Today, we invite you to join a guided horse ride in the heart of Corsica. This horse ride along the banks of the Tavignanu river near Corte is an activity accessible to beginners and perfect for exploring Corsica in a different way. The pace will be determined according to the level of the group and certified instructors will accompany you throughout the activity. If you're already an experienced rider, you can take part in a more sporting activity: horse riding in the Corsican mountains from Corte.
3. Guided horse ride from Dubrovnik to the Konavle valley
The Konavle valley is the ideal place for a horseback ride near Dubrovnik. Located in the far south-east of Croatia, close to the border with Montenegro, the valley is renowned for its authentic agricultural landscapes and rich natural heritage. Geographically, the Konavle valley is bounded by the Adriatic Sea to the west and the Sniježnica mountains to the east. Its landscapes therefore combine green hills, fertile plains and a rugged coastline.
There's no better way to explore these beautiful hills than on horseback from Dubrovnik! This horse ride through the Konavle valley takes around 2 hours and takes you through unexplored forest paths as well as the Konavle coastline and the preserved archaeological remains of the village of Popovići. At a leisurely pace, you will take time to admire the valley's landscapes in a small group of no more than 6 people, accompanied by a specialist guide. Whatever your level, don't hesitate to join this horse ride in Croatia!
4. Horse riding in Siena, Tuscany
Tuscany is an emblematic region of Italy, located in the centre-west of the country and bordered by the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west and the Apennines to the east. With its hills, vineyards, olive groves and hilltop villages, Tuscany offers a pleasant and picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts. This region is home to the medieval city of Siena, a well-preserved jewel of its time that is a delight for lovers of history and heritage. If there's one advantage to horse-riding in Europe, it's the wealth of history to be found throughout the continent!
A horse ride in Siena is not only a great way to discover the surrounding area, but also to travel back in time! The pace of the horses will connect you to the natural rhythm of the landscapes and the tranquillity of the Italian countryside. Don't worry, this horse trek is suitable for beginners and your experienced instructor will be able to advise and guide you throughout the activity. All you have to do is enjoy the scenery, familiarise yourself with your mount and enjoy!
5. Horseback riding from Lisbon to the beaches of Comporta
Portugal is famous for its magnificent beaches, and Lisbon is a good starting point for discovering some of the wildest and most unspoilt on the coast! To the south of Lisbon you'll find the port town of Setúbal, nestling between the Atlantic Ocean and the Serra da Arrábida mountains. This region boasts a large number of white sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters that invite you to relax under the sun.
Our guided tour of Setubal with horseback excursion to the beaches of Comporta from Lisbon is a perfect option for a day of discovery around the Portuguese capital. The activity allows you to first take a guided tour of Setúbal from Lisbon and then discover the beaches of Comporta on horseback with a professional instructor. This activity is perfect if you're looking to enjoy a quiet, relaxing setting while discovering horse riding for the first time. Combine a city break with horse riding near Lisbon for a great day out in Portugal!
Our other recommendations
Given the diversity and richness of Europe's landscapes, there are many more famous places to go horse riding. Here are some of our additional recommendations.
6. The Camargue in France
The Camargue is a region of southern France located between the 2 arms of the Rhône delta and the Mediterranean Sea. It's also a wilderness famous for its salt marsh landscapes, vast flood plains and unspoilt beaches. The Camargue is famous for its white horses, an ancient and robust breed that originated in the region. It's a must-see destination for horseback riding in Europe!
In terms of equestrian tourism, the Camargue is the perfect place. Taking a horse ride in the Camargue is an opportunity not only to discover this unique breed of horse, but also to admire it in its natural habitat. It's a truly authentic experience not to be missed if you want to go horse-riding in France.
7. The Highlands of Scotland
The Highlands are a must-see region of Scotland, a region of vast wild expanses of mountains and lochs. The nature of the Highlands is spectacular, rich in history and legend, and pervaded by an almost mystical atmosphere. These landscapes cover around a third of Scotland, leaving plenty of space for long rides.
Horse-riding in the Highlands is a truly exotic experience. You'll feel like you're all alone in the world in these magnificent landscapes, and this will only amplify your sense of freedom during the ride. On your route, you'll discover glacial valleys, islands, lochs and sublime mountains. You may pass historic castles or spot wildlife. The Highlands are the perfect destination for a horseback ride in Europe that combines nature and heritage!
8. Connemara in Ireland
Discover rural Ireland in Connemara! This region on the west coast of the country is located in County Galway and is one of its most picturesque areas. Connemara's rugged mountains and glistening lakes are true emblems of Irish nature that are not to be missed if you're a nature lover.
A horseback ride in Connemara offers breathtaking views of the region's Atlantic coast and mountains. Typically, local ponies are used for the ride: Connemara ponies. This hardy Irish breed is prized for its versatility, strength and gentle temperament. Meet this horse in his native region and enjoy a horse ride in Connemara with him!
9. The Dolomites in Italy
Some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in Europe can be found in the Dolomites, in northern Italy. In fact, the breathtaking cliffs and impressive peaks of these mountains are even listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this natural paradise, you'll find a great diversity of flora and fauna, all picturesque details to be enjoyed during your horseback ride!
During a horse ride in the Dolomites, you'll pass through coniferous forests, flower-filled alpine meadows and mountain pastures. If you're lucky, you may even come across species such as chamois, mouflon, golden eagles and marmots! More peaceful and contemplative than walking, horse riding in the Dolomites is the ideal way to recharge your batteries in Italy. It's also a unique chance to go horse-riding in one of the most beautiful places in Europe!
10. Andalusia in Spain
Andalusia is a region in southern Spain known for its unique blend of cultures. You'll find Moorish, Christian and Jewish influences, all reflected in the architecture, music and local cuisine. The region is also renowned for its Mediterranean beaches, impressive mountains, and deep-rooted traditions such as flamenco and bullfighting.
You absolutely must try horse-riding in Andalusia to discover the region's equestrian tradition! The region's most famous horse is the Pura Raza Española or Andalusian horse. Taking part in a horse ride in Andalusia gives you the chance to learn more about horse breeding, equestrian culture and Andalusian riding techniques. Of course, horse riding is also a great way to enjoy Andalusia's natural riches from a unique vantage point.
There are many beautiful destinations waiting to be explored on horseback in Europe. Thanks to the great diversity of the European continent, you're bound to find somewhere that inspires you: the coast, the mountains, the meadows or even the countryside with its historic buildings. There's something for everyone!
If you're getting ready to try horse-riding for the first time and have some questions about the experience, don't hesitate to read our article on 5 tips for a successful first horse-ride.