Horseback riding in Sardinia can be an unforgettable experience due to the island’s stunning natural beauty and unique cultural heritage. With miles of rugged coastline, rolling hills, and expansive forests, Sardinia offers an endless array of breathtaking scenery to explore on horseback.
In addition to the natural surroundings, horseback riding in Sardinia also allows visitors to connect with the island’s rich equestrian history. The Sardinian horse breed, known as the “Cavallino della Giara,” (also known as the Giara Horse or Sardinian Pony) is a small and sturdy breed native to the island that has been used for centuries for transportation, agriculture, and war.
Whether you are a seasoned rider or a beginner, horseback riding in Sardinia can offer an unparalleled way to experience the island’s beauty and history. From leisurely rides along the beach to challenging treks through the mountains, there is something for everyone to enjoy!
North-East Sardinia - Isola Maddalena
Horseback Riding at Maneggio Cala Spalmatore
Isola Maddalena offers plenty of things to do, and among these, you can find the little equestrian centre near Spiaggia di Cala Spalmatore, on the east coast. Renowned for their well-kept and well-trained horses and overall professionalism, the staff at Maneggio Cala Spalmatore ensures the highest level of standards and outdoor adventure for all. The ride suits everyone, even beginners and children aged seven and over. Following Maddalena Island's rugged yet well-marked trails, this is one of the best ways to experience the island and absorb the local surroundings. Staff at Maneggio Cala Spalmatore are also known for being very accommodating and ensure this is an incredibly enjoyable experience while focusing on everyone’s security and safety. They will pick you up from the port of La Maddalena town and bring you to the stables. Remember to leave Palau on time (a ferry leaves every half hour.) Along with an enchanting Mediterranean coastline with mesmerizing greeneries, and enchanting sunsets, there is no doubt that riding horses at Maneggio Cala Spalmatore will be a unique experience during your holiday on Isola Maddalena! Book in advance, as the tour guides prefer to keep groups small. Staff will provide you with all the equipment to ride a horse, helmet included.
...or read more about Isola Maddalena, where to stay, where to eat, and how to get there.
West Sardinia - Bosa
Horseback Riding at S'Abba Druche Horses
When visiting Sardinia, the temptation to relax and unwind is often so tempting that many other aspects of the island are missed. That is to say, the stunning resorts and exotic beaches are undoubtedly a highlight, but there are specific activities which offer visitors an entirely different type of encounter. Located just a short distance from the town, horse riding is one of the most popular things to do in Bosa. Known locally as S’Abba Druche Horses, this organization is home to some beautiful breeds and a genuinely enchanting route to travel on horseback. For example, both archaeological sites and World War II remnants surround the town while the stunning scenery includes luscious forest and sublime coastline. Whether visitors might be advanced or entirely new to horse riding, there are three routes which require a varying degree of experience. Furthermore, professional instructors are always on hand to ensure everyone is comfortable with the horse and speed of the adventure. In many ways, it could be said that horse riding is not just one of the best things to do in Bosa but also the best way to connect with nature on one of this most primitive form of transport.
...or read more about Bosa, where to stay, where to eat, and how to get there.
North-West Sardinia - Alghero
Horseback Ride at Lake Baratz & Porto Ferro
Discover the serene beauty of the Alghero countryside on horseback on a relaxing two-hour trail ride. Experience the tranquility of nature as you ride through seven kilometers of winding forest paths and sandy beaches near Alghero. The adventure begins at Lake Baratz, the only freshwater lake in Sardinia, where the scent of pine forests fills the air. Ride through the forest and descend to the beach, passing expansive dunes along the way. The tour continues along Spiaggia di Porto Ferro, a picturesque coastline stretch bordering the historic Riviera del Corallo. Discover the Spanish watchtowers from the 17th century and the vibrant blue waves crashing on the shore. After about two kilometers of beach riding, your guide will lead you back to the barn, where the tour ends. Food and beverages are available for purchase at the school! The tour guide speaks Italian, English, and Czech.
...or read more about Alghero, where to stay, where to eat, and how to get there.
South Sardinia - Chia
Horseback Riding at Maneggio di Giancarlo Cabras
Something strange happens when you take to the saddle for the first time. Instead of yearning for a particular destination or an objective of any kind, you learn to appreciate your immediate surroundings. That is to say; horse riding is the perfect way to feel present and take in the natural environment in Chia. From the stunning beaches and iconic lighthouse to the enchanting trails and luscious trees; there is much to see in Chia and horseback is simply the best way to encounter these attractions. At the same time, horse riding is one of the most popular things to do in Chia for other reasons. After all, the owner is rather famous in the region and the horses are nothing short of immaculate. Giancarlo Cabras takes time and care of these beautiful beasts to ensure the guests are provided with healthy companions. Furthermore, the guides are highly professional and knowledgeable about the areas in which you will travel. For this reason, horseback excursions are an excellent way to gain insight into the local area while uncovering Chia in a very unobtrusive way. As for experience, you do not need any to participate in a horseback excursion, and this is also one of the most exciting things to do in Chia for children. Whether you wish to join as a beginning or to gallop along the beaches, Maneggio di Giancarlo Cabras is usually able to accommodate any such preference. When you consider the very primitive nature of horses, they offer a unique opportunity to witness the ancient landscapes of Chia in a way that you are unlikely to forget anytime soon.
...or read more about Chia, where to stay, where to eat, and how to get there.
North Sardinia - Badesi
Horseback Riding at Centro Equestre La Rena Bianca
Sardinia is famous for being home to stunning landscapes and among these, you can also find the horseback riding paradise of Li Mindi, at the very heart of Badesi. Renowned for their professionalism, Centro Equestre La Rena Bianca ensures the highest level of standards and outdoor adventure for beginners, professionals, and even just sight seeing enthusiasts. Following the rugged yet well-marked trails of the Riu Balbaru, this is truly one of the best ways to experience the region of Badesi and absorb the local surroundings. Most of the horse back tours last for one or two hours, but visitors are usually free to extend for as long as necessary to uncover the vastness of the region. Staff at Centro Equestre La Rena Bianca are also known for being very accommodating and ensure this is an incredibly enjoyable experience while also focusing on everyone’s security and safety. Various treks and trails are up for exploration, each of these will undoubtedly result in a most unforgettable trip. Along with an enchanting Mediterranean coastline with mesmerizing greeneries, and enchanting sunsets, there is no doubt that riding horses at Centro Equestre La Rena Bianca will be a unique experience during your holiday in Sardinia. Yes, this is Sardinia as you have never seen it before and in the company of some beautiful horses.
...or read more about Badesi, where to stay, where to eat, and how to get there.
North Sardinia - Porto Pozzo
Horseback Riding at Centro Equestre La Prugnola
Many visitors to Sardinia come back to Centro Equestre La Prugnola year after year to enjoy this enjoyable experience. Located amidst the beautiful countryside in Gallura, horse trekking is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Porto Pozzo. There’s no better way to see the landscapes of Sardinia, and the ranch itself is an incredible place. That is to say, Centro Equestre La Prugnola is a haven for horse riding enthusiasts, and the horses are exceptionally well maintained. Whether you meet Cecilia or Guiseppe on arrival, the guides are warm and friendly, not to mention highly experienced when it comes to horseback riding. And then there’s the experience of witnessing these lush surroundings from the saddle; Porto Pozzo is indeed a beautiful region, but it’s always better to share experiences - especially with a horse.
...or read more about Porto Pozzo, where to stay, where to eat, and how to get there.
North-East Sardinia - San Teodoro
Horseback Riding at Maneggio La Cinta
Located in San Teodoro since 1984, Maneggio La Cinta offers visitors the opportunity to explore a genuinely stunning region on horseback. Yes, this equestrian experience is situated amidst a mesmerizing setting in San Teodoro with incredible flora and fauna. It is also one of the most sought after activities in the region, and the organization is often complimented for their efforts with breeding and training the horses. This attention to detail and love for the animals has helped create a solid foundation for the horseback tours which is one of the more popular things to do in San Teodoro. Unsurprisingly, the owner of Maneggio La Cinta is very much devoted to training and breeding racing horses. Such commitment is just another factor which makes horseback riding one of the best things to do in San Teodoro, and this certainly makes a difference as the horses, like the staff, are incredibly friendly. While this activity can take one to two hours, the memories from this particular adventure should last long in the mind of those who come for the experience.
...or read more about San Teodoro, where to stay, where to eat, and how to get there.