Valencia feels closer when you’re up on horseback. This is a calm, private way to see the countryside around Riba-roja de Túria, with horses that handle beginners well.

I especially liked two parts: the short beginner class that gets you moving confidently, and the picnic at the ranch afterward with local produce and plenty of time to relax.

One thing to plan around: you’re responsible for getting yourself to the Riba-roja del Túria metro station (L9), where the pickup starts.

Key things to know before you book

• Private, no group sharing: it stays personal and gives you time to learn at your pace.
• Beginner-friendly setup: a short class first, plus horses suited for different comfort levels.
• Real countryside ride: pine, olive, almond trees, and vineyards along the trail.
• Wildlife spotting potential: you may spot different Iberian fauna during the trek.
• Valencia viewpoint: the route climbs high enough for a view back toward the city.
• Picnic at the ranch: local delicacies taste better after a proper ride.

Saddles and citrus-scented air: what the ride is really like

If your idea of Valencia is only plazas and paella, this experience adds a second picture. You leave the city area quickly and trade it for a slower rhythm: a mount, a guide, and a couple of hours moving through the Mediterranean countryside around Valencia.

You’re not thrown into the deep end. A 15-minute beginner class at the ranch helps you learn the basics of how to sit, hold the reins, and follow instructions. Then you ride out on a route designed for people with different experience levels, so you can focus on the scenery and the feel of your horse instead of panicking about technique.

The other big reason this works well is pacing. The day is long enough to feel like an outing (150 minutes total), but short enough that you’re not exhausted or trapped for hours. And because it’s private, you don’t get the awkward feeling of waiting around while other riders figure things out.

Price and value: what $116 covers (and why it adds up)

At $116 per person for about 150 minutes, this is not a budget “quick activity.” You’re paying for several things that are usually expensive when they’re bundled together:

• Private guiding for your group, not a shared experience
• A two-hour horseback ride outdoors
• A 15-minute instruction session so beginners can ride safely and comfortably
• A ranch picnic with local produce tasting
• Car pickup and drop-off from the Riba-roja del Túria L9 metro station

When you look at it this way, the price makes more sense. You’re not just renting a horse and leaving you to figure it out. You’re getting instruction, time in real countryside, and a meal-style tasting that feels like a reward for the effort.

If you want more time in the countryside than you can manage with a standard half-day tour, this kind of private horseback outing can be strong value—especially if you’re traveling as a couple or a small group and want the flexibility to learn at your pace.

Getting to Riba-roja de Túria without stress: metro to pickup

Here’s the one logistics piece you should take seriously: you meet at the Riba-roja del Túria metro station (L9, MetroValencia). You’ll need to get there on your own, then the team picks you up by car and returns you there after the activity.

This matters because it means the tour isn’t a door-to-door city transfer. If you stay in central Valencia, I’d plan your route to arrive with buffer time—just enough to avoid running and overthinking transit.

Once you’re at the station, the rest is straightforward: car pickup, ride day begins, then return to the same pickup point afterward. It’s a clean setup if you like to keep control of your own schedule.

The beginner class at the ranch: your safety and comfort starter pack

Before you head out, you’ll get a short beginner session at the ranch facilities—about 15 minutes. It’s not a huge lesson. It’s a focused primer so you can mount with less worry and ride with more confidence.

Even if you’ve never ridden before, you should feel prepared for what happens next. Horses are selected to match rider needs, and you’ll get instructions on how to move with the horse and what to do when the guide asks for changes.

One detail I really like about this format: you’re not just handed reins and sent off. Some guides start by asking about prior experience, then do a quick progression where you ride a little in a controlled area first. That kind of warm-up makes the countryside part feel calmer because you’ve already practiced the basics.

The countryside trek: pine, olive, almond, and vineyards

After the class, you’re on trail for two hours. The ride runs through an outdoorsy mix of Mediterranean elements—pine trees, olive trees, almond trees, and vineyards. The scenery changes enough to stay interesting, but not so fast that it feels chaotic.

This is where horseback riding becomes more than just transportation. You travel at a horse’s pace, which makes you notice things you’d miss on foot or by car: how the light changes across fields, the textures of tree trunks, and the way the trail bends around the terrain.

You also have a chance to observe Iberian fauna. You shouldn’t expect a guaranteed wildlife show, but the guide’s route and timing give you a real opportunity to look out and pay attention while you ride.

Going uphill for Valencia views: why the climb is worth it

One of the strongest highlights is that you can see Valencia from the top of the mountain. That means you’re not only riding through fields—you’re climbing to a viewpoint.

For me, that’s the payoff: it turns the ride into a mini adventure with a payoff photo moment. Even if you don’t love taking photos, the viewpoint makes the effort feel justified. You get a sense of how city and countryside connect, and it gives your day more meaning than just scenic time.

If you’re a bit nervous about riding uphill, keep this in mind: the guide can adjust your pace and you’ll be riding with a horse that’s used to trekking. Your job is mainly to stay balanced and follow instructions.

The horses: calm temperament and a guide who watches wellbeing

The quality of the horses is a major part of why this experience feels safe and enjoyable. The setup is designed so the horses are well behaved and comfortable with new riders.

Just as important, the guide’s focus is on comfort and safety—not speed or performance. Some guides clearly prioritize horse wellbeing, which shows up in how calmly the ride is managed and how attention stays on you as a rider.

If you’re the kind of person who worries about handling an animal, this is the kind of tour that helps. You don’t just get an animal and a route—you get a guide who gives clear instructions and checks in with how you’re doing.

The ranch picnic: local delicacies that actually feel like a reward

At the end of the route, you return to the ranch and enjoy a picnic tasting featuring local delicacies. This part matters more than it sounds. When you’ve spent two hours riding, even a simple meal feels like a reset button.

What makes this picnic appealing is the local emphasis. You’re not eating something generic just to fill time. You’re tasting regional produce after being outside in the hills.

From what you can expect in practice, the picnic typically includes local food and drinks prepared on-site. It’s a laid-back finish that gives you time to cool down, chat, and enjoy the moment without rushing back into the city.

Itinerary walkthrough: what each segment feels like

Starting point and pickup

You begin at Riba-roja del Túria metro station (L9). After pickup by car, you’re taken to the ranch area to start the experience.

Beginner class and horse time

You’ll do the 15-minute beginner class first. Then you get your saddle and start riding. A short warm-up in a controlled area is sometimes part of the progression, which helps beginners get comfortable before heading out.

Two-hour trek through the countryside

The core of the day is the two-hour horseback ride. You move through olive, almond, pine, and vineyard country. You may also spot Iberian fauna if conditions are right. At some point, you reach a higher area where you can see Valencia.

Return and picnic tasting

Once you finish the ride, you’re back at the ranch for the picnic. This is where the experience shifts from action to relaxation, and it’s a big reason this tour feels satisfying even for non-riders.

Who this tour is for (and who should pass)

This is a great fit if you want a private way to experience the Valencia region beyond the city center.

You’ll likely love it if:

• You want countryside views and a real activity, not just a drive
• You’re curious about riding but don’t have experience
• You like calm days with a helpful guide and a good finish meal

You should reconsider if:

• You’re traveling with children under 8
• You’re over 220 lbs (100 kg) or over 70 years
• You’re prone to motion discomfort that can be triggered by travel days
• You can’t meet at the Riba-roja del Túria metro station (L9), since pickup starts there

Also note that unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed, and pets aren’t allowed (assistance dogs are allowed).

What to bring so you stay comfortable on the horse

Plan on dressing for comfort and safety. The tour asks for:

• Comfortable shoes
• Long pants

Avoid:

• Sandals or flip-flops
• Shorts

That’s it. No elaborate packing required. But I’d still think ahead: long pants help with comfort around the saddle, and closed shoes make you feel secure while you adjust position.

The guide experience: clear instruction, calm momentum

This type of tour depends on the guide more than most people expect. Here, the guide’s job is to translate horse behavior into simple actions for you—how to sit, when to follow cues, and how to handle the moments where you feel unsure.

You may also hear the guide ask about your riding experience first. That’s a good sign. It usually means the instructions are tailored, and the warm-up ride in a controlled area helps you get your footing before you’re out on the trail.

There’s a standout name associated with this experience—Luis—and the guidance is described as excellent, with a focus on making you feel safe, relaxed, and comfortable.

Wheelchair accessible, but still plan your comfort

The experience is listed as wheelchair accessible, which is helpful if you use a wheelchair. Since horseback activities involve transfers and physical positioning, it’s still smart to think about your individual comfort and how you’ll manage movement on-site.

If you want extra confidence, you can ask the provider directly about practical details for your situation before you book.

Should you book the horseback ride around Valencia?

I’d book this if you want a private, beginner-friendly horse experience with real countryside time and a payoff viewpoint back toward Valencia. The combination of instruction, well-behaved horses, and a local produce picnic makes it feel like more than a novelty activity.

Skip it if you want something you can do without any planning on your end. You do need to get to Riba-roja del Túria metro station (L9) yourself before pickup. And it’s not suitable for everyone due to age and weight limits.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes quiet mornings, countryside air, and a small adventure with a satisfying finish meal, this one is a strong match.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at the Riba-roja del Túria metro station on MetroValencia’s L9 line. The team picks you up by car from there.

Do I need previous horseback riding experience?

No. You start with a short beginner class at the ranch, and horses are used for riders with different experience levels.

How long is the horseback riding part?

The horseback ride lasts about two hours, with a total experience time of 150 minutes.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private group, so there’s no group sharing.

What’s included in the price?

The experience includes the two-hour horseback ride, a local produce tasting picnic, a 15-minute beginner class, and pickup/drop-off by car from the Riba-roja del Túria metro station.

What should I wear or bring?

Wear comfortable shoes and long pants. Avoid sandals or flip-flops, and avoid shorts.

Who can take part, and who should not?

Children under 8 aren’t suitable. People over 220 lbs (100 kg) and people over 70 years aren’t suitable. Unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed, pets aren’t allowed (assistance dogs allowed), and smoking isn’t permitted.