A slow ride with big sea views. This guided tour takes you along an ancient Roman trail near Split, with sweeping outlooks from Perun hill—then you end in the stables with calm horses and homemade wine. The main catch to plan around is the stone terrain and a walk-only pace, which can feel a bit long or a bit short depending on what you’re expecting.

I like that it’s beginner-friendly in practice. You get helmet and riding gear, a guide stays with you the whole time, and the horses are described as well tempered and easy to handle. If you want a faster thrill ride, don’t count on it—this one is set to a steady tempo by the guide.

The tour is also built for small groups. You can get a private feel for your party, capped at a maximum of 5 travelers, and the experience wraps up back at the same meeting point in Podstrana.

Key things that make this ride worth your time

• Ancient Roman trail route connecting Podstrana area to Krilo via Perun hill viewpoints
• Walk-only pacing with the guide setting tempo and order, so you can focus on the scenery
• Tame, well-mannered horses that help first-timers feel steady
• Stables stop with homemade snacks and wine after the ride
• Small group size (max 5) for a more personal feel
• Local guide storytelling tied to the area’s historic and natural sights

Where Ranch 22 in Podstrana starts (and why that matters)

Your ride starts in Podstrana, at Ul. Don Petra Cara 160, 21312. That location is handy because you’re close enough to Split for an easy day plan, but far enough into the hills that the ride feels like a reset button.

You’re not just meeting a horse and going. You meet at the ranch area, get geared up, and then the guide leads you from the start point through the trail. The tour ends back at the meeting point, so you’re not stuck coordinating a second pickup after your snack break.

One practical note: transportation is not included. The provider says they can arrange transfers from Split center or your accommodation for an extra cost. Still, some people have mentioned being offered pickup in Split under their specific booking. Don’t assume it’s always free—message ahead and confirm what you’re getting.

The “ancient Roman trail” part: what you’re really riding

This is an experience that leans hard into setting. The trail follows an ancient Roman route through the area, moving between villages in the Podstrana and Krilo connection. You’ll cross the mythic hill Perun and spend a good chunk of the ride looking out over the Adriatic and the islands.

The payoff is the view spread. From the heights, you can see the archipelago of Hvar, Brač, Šolta, and Vis, plus the Čiovo peninsula and the coast toward Split, Stobreč, and Trogir. That’s a lot of geography for two hours, and it’s exactly why this ride works as a break from city sightseeing.

Also, this isn’t a paved “tour” ride. One review described the trail as steep in spots and rocky. The broader info describes stone terrain mountain way. So yes, you’ll feel the trail under your horse. It’s part of the charm, but it also means you should wear footwear you trust for uneven ground while you mount and dismount.

How the ride runs: tempo, timing, and the walk-only surprise

Expect about 2 hours total on the experience, and the ride itself is walked, not run. Your guide sets the tempo and the order of the group, which is great if you’re new. It also keeps things smoother on stone terrain.

This walk-only style shows up in reviews as a real highlight for many people. One person called it relaxed horses for about an hour, followed by snacks. Another said it’s tranquil and tranquil-with-bits-of-town-history.

But here’s the drawback to think about: some riders feel the actual “horse time” can shrink if the schedule shifts. One review mentioned being moved to a later start time and feeling like they got less time than expected. That doesn’t mean it’s common, but it’s a good reminder to book your slot early in the day if you can, or at least confirm what time you’ll ride.

Horses and first-timer comfort: what you should look for

If you’re worried about riding ability, this is one of the stronger points of the tour. The ride is described as appropriate for beginners and experienced riders, with horses described as calm and well trained.

You’ll also get some basic riding equipment and a helmet. That sounds simple, but it changes the whole vibe. You arrive feeling like you’ll be set up properly rather than thrown into something you don’t control.

Guide approach matters too. Reviews highlight instructors who made guests feel comfortable quickly, even when they were apprehensive. Names that came up include Ana and Ante. You can treat that as a good sign for the guiding style: quick reassurance, hands-on comfort, and steady group management.

One more thing to keep in mind: one rider reported an issue with the horse they were assigned, describing it as a mini horse and feeling forced into it. That’s not something the main info promises, but it is a reason to be proactive. If you have strong preferences or concerns, mention them when you confirm your booking.

The Perun hill views: your best moments on the trail

This ride’s “main scene” is the combination of Perun hill plus a wide set of visible landmarks. As the group moves along the Roman trail, the guide points out historic and natural sights and keeps you moving at a steady pace.

From a traveler’s point of view, the best part is that the views aren’t just one lookout. The trail route is designed so you’ll repeatedly face the coast and islands. That helps you avoid the classic problem where you get one photo spot and then it’s travel time back and forth.

You also get the “quiet nature” feel people mention in their reviews. One review described a tranquil, serene ride with bits of town history mixed in. Another called the views breathtaking from the Roman roads.

Since this tour rides over stone and sometimes uneven ground, I’d plan to take your time getting on and off the horse. The best photos happen when you’re relaxed—not when you’re rushing.

Stables snacks and homemade wine: the part many people remember

After the trail, you head back to the stables. This is where the experience turns from outdoor activity into a social, low-pressure finish.

What’s included:

• Snacks
• Homemade wine (alcoholic beverages)
• Bottled water
• Riding equipment and helmet
• Insurance

Reviews repeatedly call the food and wine a highlight. People mention wine with cheese and bread, and a picnic-style setup including meats, cheese, bread, and juice. Another review mentions cold water and wine at the end.

The vibe here is important. You’re not rushed out. You get a moment to look out while you eat, which makes it feel less like an airport shuttle and more like a real local stop.

Also, photos show up in reviews as a small but meaningful perk. One rider said their guide took photos on the horse and sent them afterward using HEIC for higher quality. You shouldn’t count on that exact file format, but you can expect that your guide may help with pictures since they’re taking time to make the experience smooth.

Price check: is $105 good value?

At $105 for about two hours, you’re paying for a bundle: guided horseback riding, helmet and equipment, insurance, water, and a food-and-wine finish.

If you compare it to “just a ride” options, the extras here matter. A lot of horseback experiences charge separately for safety gear and then treat snacks as optional. This one folds in snacks and homemade wine, which changes the total value—especially if you were otherwise going to buy a drink and a snack in Split before heading back.

The other value factor is group size and guidance. Maximum of 5 travelers, plus a private feel for your party. That’s not just comfort. With horses and uneven terrain, small groups tend to mean fewer bottlenecks, better pacing, and a guide who can correct issues quickly.

The only real value risk is mismatch between expectations and actual time on horseback. If you end up riding later due to scheduling changes, the ride may feel shorter than you hoped. That’s the one thing to manage by choosing your time slot carefully.

What to wear and bring (so the ride feels easy)

The tour includes a helmet, but you’re on stone terrain, so your choices matter.

Bring:

• Closed-toe shoes with grip for mounting and walking on uneven ground
• A light layer, even in warmer months (hills can feel cooler than Split)
• Sunscreen and sunglasses if you’re sensitive to glare on coastal viewpoints
• A small bag for water (you’ll get bottled water, but having a place for it helps)

Wear:

• Clothes you don’t mind getting a little dusty
• Something comfortable for sitting and holding your balance while the horse moves at a walk

If you’re the type who hates uneven steps, aim for a calmer day start and ask the guide for reassurance before you mount.

Who this horseback ride is best for

This is a strong match for:

• First-time riders who want a gentle introduction with real guidance
• Couples and small groups who want a break from city walking
• People who like history in story form, not museum-style lectures
• Travelers who enjoy views that include islands and multiple towns (Hvar, Brač, Šolta, Vis, Split, Trogir)

It’s not the best match for:

• Anyone expecting a fast gallop or lots of running (this is walked pace)
• People who hate rocky stone footing
• Riders who need a very specific horse match and want to feel fully in control of horse selection

If you’re unsure, think of the tour as a scenic, guided countryside reset with a steady ride and a proper stables snack finish.

Quick logistics: meeting point, duration, and weather reality

You’ll want to plan your timing around the meeting point in Podstrana (Ul. Don Petra Cara 160). Confirmation is received at booking, and you’ll use a mobile ticket.

Weather matters. The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That means you should keep your schedule flexible if you’re visiting during shoulder season or when rain is possible.

If you want help getting there, transfers from Split center or your accommodation can be organized for an extra cost. Just confirm details early so you’re not guessing on the day.

Should you book Ranch 22 Podstrana Horse Riding?

I’d book this if you want a guided horseback ride with real scenery, a calm animal, and a finish that includes homemade snacks and wine. The combination of the ancient Roman trail, Perun hill viewpoints, and an easy-to-manage walk-only tempo makes it a good “yes” for most skill levels.

Hold off or ask extra questions if you’re sensitive to rocky footing, want a faster ride, or you’re worried about ride time if the schedule changes. Also, if horse assignment matters a lot for you, mention it up front.

For Split visitors, this is one of the smarter ways to trade traffic and crowds for hills, coast views, and a very local end-of-ride table.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding experience?

It runs for about 2 hours (approx.).

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Ul. Don Petra Cara 160, 21312, Podstrana, Croatia.

Is pickup included from Split?

Private transportation is not included. Transfers can be organized for an extra cost from Split center or your accommodation.

Is this ride for beginners?

Yes. It’s suitable for all levels of riding experience, including people with no prior horseback riding experience.

Will the horses be ridden fast?

The trail is walked and not run by the horses, with the guide setting the tempo and order of the group.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are snacks, riding equipment and helmet, alcoholic beverages (homemade wine), bottled water, and insurance.

What’s the group size?

The maximum number of travelers is 5.

Is the ride private?

It’s described as a private ride for just you and your party.

Is good weather required?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are service animals allowed?

Service animals are allowed.

What cancellation window should I plan for?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.