Big views start with a trot. This 2-hour horseback ride from Villajoyosa takes you into the mountains about 10 minutes from Benidorm, with the Mediterranean in the mix and a small-group guide keeping things calm and clear.

I like the beginner-friendly setup, especially the part where you meet your instructor and get to know your horse before you set off. I also like the simple comfort details: you’re riding with a helmet provided, and the group size is kept small (limited to 9).

One thing to consider: timing matters. There’s at least one report of a short delay leading to a shorter ride than the booked 2 hours, with an offer to make up the missing time later.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group, max 9 riders: you’ll get more attention than on big tours.
• Trained horses + clear instruction: good if you’re new or just want to feel safe.
• You can choose your length: 1 hour, 1.5 hours, or 2 hours depending on your energy.
• Mountain + Mediterranean views: you’re not just riding in a paddock—you’re out in the landscape.
• Bring the right clothes: long pants and closed-toe shoes are required.

Villajoyosa Mountains, Close Enough for a Half-Day Plan

This tour is built for an easy escape from the Benidorm area. You’re heading into the mountains of Villajoyosa, and you’ll get that out-in-nature feeling without committing to a full day of logistics.

What makes it appealing is the mix of pace and scenery. You’re riding outdoors on soft dirt tracks, hearing your horse’s hooves as you move, and then opening up to broad mountain-and-coast views along the way. Even if you don’t ride much at home, you still get the core reward: the sensation of being above the everyday routine.

If you want a “do it once” horseback experience, this is the kind of tour that’s set up to help you get there. And if you’ve ridden before, it still feels like a proper outdoor outing rather than a short loop.

Meet Your Instructor and Get Acquainted Before You Ride

The tour starts with a straightforward plan: meet your instructor, then take time to learn the basics and get to know your horse before you head out. That early step matters more than it sounds.

New riders often think the hardest part will be learning to steer or stop. In reality, the first challenge is comfort—finding your rhythm in the saddle, understanding how your horse responds, and getting confidence in the instructor’s directions. This tour’s structure is designed to reduce that stress by preparing you before you move into the countryside.

The instructor communicates in English and Spanish, which helps a lot if you’re traveling with mixed-language skills. It also means you can ask a question on the spot instead of guessing how to handle a moment you’re unsure about.

Helmet, Clothing Rules, and the Small Comforts That Matter

You’ll get a helmet included, and that’s a real value point when you’re traveling. It saves you from buying or packing gear, and it signals that safety isn’t an afterthought.

Now the clothing rules are firm. Bring long pants and closed-toe shoes. This isn’t just bureaucracy. Long pants help protect your legs where you’ll be gripping or shifting weight. Closed-toe shoes help with secure footing when you’re mounting or adjusting during the ride.

Also consider how the ride feels in heat. One rider specifically warned that the route can be quite exposed when temperatures climb (they mentioned 28°C and up). If you’re going on a hot day, plan for sun exposure and keep water in mind—even if the tour itself doesn’t mention it.

The 2-Hour Ride: Mountains, Countryside, and Proper View Time

The advertised experience is a horseback route through the mountains of Villajoyosa, with a sweeping backdrop that includes the Mediterranean. You’re not just walking a trail for a few minutes and turning back. It’s a real ride with enough time for your body to settle and for the views to land.

Because you can choose durations (1 hour, 1.5 hours, or 2 hours), you can match the experience to your comfort level. If you’re brand-new, you may want the shorter options first. If you already feel at ease around horses, the full 2-hour route is likely where the scenery feels most rewarding.

The ride itself centers on a calm, track-based rhythm. You’ll spend time moving along dirt paths, and you’ll notice how quiet the experience feels once you’re in motion. One rider described it as feeling a bit like the Wild West at moments, which tracks with the open countryside vibe.

There aren’t detailed named “stops” in the info you get ahead of time, so think of it as a continuous loop: brief setup, time riding through the countryside and mountain area, then returning to your starting point. That simplicity is good if you want fewer moving parts in your day.

Pace and Skills: Suitable for All Levels, but Read the Room

The tour says it works for all levels, and the pattern in the feedback supports that. One verified rider highlighted that it was amazing for beginners and praised the guide for being very clear. Another emphasized that everything happens in a step-by-step, controlled way.

So what should you expect if you’ve never ridden? You should expect instruction to focus on fundamentals first—how to sit, how to hold on, and what to do when your horse moves at its pace. The goal is to keep you steady and not rush you into “figure it out” mode.

Still, don’t ignore the human side of it. A rider who went with a 17-year-old daughter and had zero prior experience admitted they questioned their choices at times, then got through it and had fun. That’s a realistic reminder: even when a tour is beginner-friendly, the first minutes can feel unfamiliar.

If you want the best chance of feeling relaxed, choose the right duration. For first-timers, the 1-hour or 1.5-hour option can help you avoid turning nervous into exhausted. For confident riders, the 2-hour route can feel like the sweet spot—long enough to enjoy the surroundings, not so long that you’re counting minutes.

Price of $88: Is This Worth It?

At $88 per person for the 2-hour option, you’re paying for a lot more than “some time on a horse.” You’re getting:

• a trained, small-group guided ride (max 9 participants)
• a horse that’s suited for riders with different experience levels
• helmet included
• an instructor who provides directions in English or Spanish
• parking included

Value is strongest if you’re traveling without your own riding gear or access to a stable experience. It’s also better value when you want a controlled, low-stress intro to horseback travel. If you’re hoping for an all-day adventure with major stops, this isn’t that. But for a 2-hour mountain outing near Benidorm, it’s a clean, contained experience.

One review note is worth taking seriously: a rider reported that after a slight delay, the ride ran shorter than the booked 2 hours, and they were offered a return to do the missing time. If timing accuracy is a big deal for your schedule, build a bit of buffer into your day when possible.

Timing and Duration: How to Avoid the Most Common Frustration

Horseback riding schedules can be sensitive. The horses need time to be handled, riders need briefing time, and the route itself has to fit the day’s operations.

That’s why I recommend thinking of the duration as a target, not a guaranteed minute-by-minute contract. Most of the time it’ll run as planned, but if the group is delayed at the start, the longer ride can be affected.

Your best protection is to do two things:

1) Choose the route length that matches your comfort, especially if you’re new.

2) Don’t stack tight commitments right after your ride. Even if things go smoothly, you’ll want time for return and getting settled.

Who This Villajoyosa Horseback Tour Suits Best

This tour is a strong fit if:

• you’re a beginner or just want a guided introduction with a trained horse
• you want mountain views with a calm, scenic pace
• you prefer small-group attention (up to 9 riders)
• you’re traveling in the Benidorm area and want an easy change of scenery

It may not be a fit if:

• you’re bringing children under 10 (not suitable)
• you’re over 220 lbs (100 kg) (not suitable)
• you’re hoping for a party-style tour—alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed

If you’re traveling as a couple or with a small family group of mixed experience, the small size tends to work in your favor. Riders also seem to benefit from the clarity of the instructor’s directions.

Should You Book the 2-Hour Option?

If you want a scenic break in the mountains near Benidorm, and you like the idea of riding a trained horse with a helmet and an instructor who can guide you in English or Spanish, this is a solid choice.

Book the 2-hour option if you feel comfortable with the idea of a longer time in the saddle and you want maximum view time. If you’re nervous about riding or you’re not sure how your body will handle it, choose 1 hour or 1.5 hours and treat the 2-hour ride as your version of a victory lap.

My practical bottom line: it’s best when you value guided confidence over raw adventure. And if you’re picky about exact timing, plan a buffer around your booking.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding tour?

The 2-hour tour runs for 2 hours. There are also route options of 1 hour and 1.5 hours.

Where does the tour take place?

It’s a horseback route through the mountains of Villajoyosa, about 10 minutes from Benidorm, in the Valencian Community of Spain.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes the instructor, parking, the horseback ride, and a helmet.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What language will the instructor speak?

The instructor speaks English and Spanish.

How big is the group?

It’s a small group limited to 9 participants.

What should I wear or bring?

Bring long pants and closed-toe shoes.

What are the age and weight limits?

Children under 10 are not suitable, and people over 220 lbs (100 kg) are not suitable.

Are alcohol or drugs allowed?

No. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and explosive substances are also not allowed.

FAQ

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour good for beginners?

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