There’s something a little magical about riding at a ranch. All those cowboy dreams can now come true without you having a take a trip to the United States. Europe is home to some wonderful riding territory and has some excellent ranches too. Read on for our guide to the Best Luxury Ranch Resorts With Horse Riding in Europe…
Linden Tree Retreat & Ranch
Croatia’s premier horseback riding destination can be found at Linden Tree Retreat & Ranch. This intimate and exclusive sanctuary is nestled on 50 acres within Velebit mountain in Croatia, inside UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. As Europe’s only DK Eyewitness Travel Luxury Ranch and the only tour operator in Croatia with “Bear friendly” certificate, this ranch truly stands apart from other resorts and will also appeal to those seeking an eco-friendly luxury, active holiday.
A truly, authentic ‘Old West’ ranch awaits! Their mission is to provide an amazing Croatian wilderness escape with unique horsemanship, retreat programs and signature cuisine within enchanting surroundings. Their exceptional herd of horses allow you to participate in a wide variety of programs; from a two-hour horseback riding program, a wagon ride or a day ride, to a Velebit Mountain Riding Expedition or Riding School.
Your accommodation choices here are rather fabulous too; chose from authentic American Indian Tipis, suites with private porches or chalets. All are beautiful but the tipis definitely get extra points for novelty value; there’s something rather unique about the mellow illumination the canvas creates and the night time shadows with hints of starlight between the poles are utterly enchanting.
The resort boasts a Michelin guide recommended restaurant which serves seasonal food sourced either from nature or grown as part of the resort’s community-based projects. As well as horse riding, you can enjoy a variety of custom-designed nature adventures on your vacation, including canoe trips, hiking, trekking, mountain biking and caving. Or, to really relax after a day in the saddle, the wood stove heated jacuzzi is sublime, especially when paired with a glass of something bubbly!
El Bronco Ranch Resort & Spa
El Bronco Ranch Resort and Spa is located in situated in Kiskunsagi National Park in the south of Hungary, 80km from Budapest, this ranch offers western riding tuition and trail rides. The national park location means there is lots of sandy ground, ideal for lovely long gallops. There are 40 horses, 20 of which are actively used. They breed Quarter Horses, Appaloosas and local Hungarian breeds and the instructors are experienced horsemen and you can also take carriage driving tours. There is an outdoor pool, an infinity edge jacuzzi, a buffet restaurant, a barbecue and a lovely sun terrace. The spa includes a steam cabin, an infrared sauna for two, a wood-burning Finnish sauna and a large shower cabin with a built-in wooden bucket as well as a massage room perfect to ease those muscles after a busy day riding. All 12 rooms have a private bathroom, upgrade for separate seating areas and stunning pool views.
Oosting Horse Riding
Oosting Horse Riding is a beautiful rustic horse ranch is located in the unspoilt countryside of the Haut Languedoc Natural Park in the South of France. The perfect riding country is created within the protected nature reserve of several thousand hectares, with pine forests, heather moorland and steep, craggy hillsides to explore. The ranch enjoys wonderful views to the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean Sea. There are 24 horses or they will let you bring your own. The five ensuite guest rooms are comfortable, there’s a restaurant and a western-style bar, covered lounge and dining terrace, and, of course, the stables. Most evenings a campfire is lit in true cowboy style!
Rancho Los Lobos
Rancho Los Lobos is one to look out for, this charming, traditional ranch in the south of Andalusia is currently undergoing renovation and is due to re-open in 2018. The ranch is located at the entrance to the National Park ‘Los Acornocales’, 30 km north of Gibraltar. An intimate location with seven guest rooms, eight horses and a pool perfect for a relaxing dip when you get off horseback. There are tennis courts, a shady courtyard, a bar and meals are offered on request; if you’re lucky this means a delicious Spanish barbeque. The service is very friendly, relaxed and welcoming, their horses are clearly their passion and they are very happy to share that passion with you.
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