Mallorca: Horseback Riding Excursion and Wine Tasting

Mallorca’s countryside comes into focus from the saddle on this guided ride through the forests of Puig de Sant Martí, followed by a tasting at Ranxo Ses Roques. The outing pairs two very local pleasures: a quiet hour with the horses and a relaxed introduction to island-made wines and food.

I like the clear mix of activity and local flavor, and the hosts’ tasting adds stories about farming and the products on your plate. I also like that the ranch provides a helmet, riding gear, and, for stays in northern Mallorca, free pickup and drop-off.

One important catch: although the ride suits beginners, participants must be at least 16. The trail can include rocky, tree-lined terrain, so wear comfortable shoes and expect a real ride rather than a horse-themed photo stop.

• Ride through Puig de Sant Martí: Spend an hour on forest trails near Alcudia, with guides and horses matched to riders’ experience.
• Meet calm, well-cared-for horses: The ranch team gives safety instructions and helps beginners settle in.
• Taste Mallorca after the ride: Sample locally made wines, cheeses, and other island products, which can include pâté, jam, and oil.
• Hear the stories behind the food: Hosts such as Miquel explain local produce and farming in an informal setting.
• Use the northern Mallorca pickup: Free pickup and drop-off are available from accommodations in the north; visitors staying elsewhere need to arrange their own transport.
• Check the restrictions first: The activity is not suitable for children under 16, pregnant women, people with animal or food allergies, or anyone over 110 kg.

A horseback ride through the woods near Alcudia

This experience begins with a one-hour guided ride in the forests of Puig de Sant Martí, near Alcudia. It offers a different view of Mallorca than you get from the beach road or resort town: you’re moving at a horse’s pace through a wooded area, with the trail itself as the focus.

The route is not described as a long-distance trek, and the total activity is listed as two hours. That makes it an approachable choice if you want a taste of riding without committing a full day. The ride is guided, and equipment and a helmet are included.

The terrain can be rocky and tree-lined, so expect more than a flat, fenced paddock. The ride may feel lively for a first-timer, but the guides provide instructions and help pair riders with suitable horses. Some visitors with no prior experience have felt comfortable on the trail, while more experienced riders have found parts of the route more challenging.

That range is useful if your group has mixed experience. You don’t need to be a rider to take part, but you should be willing to follow instructions and be comfortable around horses. The tour is not suitable for children under 16, so families with younger children will need another activity.

Beginner-friendly does not mean hands-off

The ranch presents the ride as suitable for beginners and more experienced riders alike. In practice, that means you can arrive without riding experience and receive support from the guides, while the route still offers enough interest for people who have ridden before.

The team gives safety instructions and stays on hand throughout. Horses are assigned with riders’ abilities in mind, and the horses are often described as calm and well cared for. That matters if you’re nervous: a patient horse and attentive guide can make the difference between enjoying the outing and spending the hour tense in the saddle.

Still, beginner-friendly is not the same as effortless. You’ll be on horseback outdoors, and the trail can be uneven. Wear comfortable shoes, listen closely to the guide, and don’t book if you have an animal allergy or are pregnant. The stated weight limit is 110 kg.

From saddle time to a taste of Mallorca

After the ride, the group returns to the ranch for the tasting. This second half changes the pace: instead of watching the trail, you can sit down, try local products, and hear where they come from. It is a practical way to connect an outdoor activity with the island’s food culture.

The tasting includes several locally made wines and cheeses, along with other products from local farmers. Pâté, jam, and oil are listed among the possible offerings. The selection is more than a quick sip at the end of a ride; it is meant to give you a sense of the ingredients and producers behind what you’re tasting.

Miquel is one of the hosts associated with the tasting, and Sally is also named by visitors as part of the welcoming team. The presentation is described as informative but relaxed, with conversation about Mallorcan agriculture and local products. That balance suits the setting: you can learn something without feeling as if you’ve signed up for a formal lecture.

The food element is a major part of the value here. If you’re keen to bring home something local, the ranch has a gift shop, and some of the products may be available to buy. You can enjoy the tasting without shopping, of course, but it gives you a chance to find something more personal than a standard souvenir.

The ranch adds a family-run feel

Ranxo Ses Roques is more than a place to mount a horse and leave again. The visit takes place at the ranch, where you may also see other farm animals. The horses are a central part of the experience, and their care is a recurring point of appreciation. That matters because a pleasant ride depends not only on the route but on the condition and temperament of the animals.

The ranch’s hosts help give the tasting its character. Rather than simply pouring wine and naming each bottle, Miquel’s presentation connects the food to local farming and the island’s agricultural traditions. You come away with a little more context for what you have tasted, which makes the stop feel rooted in Mallorca rather than interchangeable with a tasting anywhere else.

The setting also lets the afternoon end at an easy pace. You finish the ride, settle in with food and wine, and have time to talk with the hosts and other people in the group. If you prefer a quiet, private excursion, note that this is a guided group activity, not a private ride.

What the two-hour schedule means

The advertised duration is two hours, including the one-hour ride and the tasting. Treat that as the planned activity time, not a guarantee that your entire outing, including transport, will take exactly two hours. Pickup adds travel time, and the actual schedule can vary with starting time and the day’s arrangements.

If you’re staying in northern Mallorca, free pickup and drop-off from your accommodation are included. Be ready five minutes before the scheduled pickup and look for a yellow and green van marked RANXO SES ROQUES. If your accommodation is outside the northern pickup area, transport is not included, so plan your own way to the ranch.

The meeting-point instructions also say to go directly to the ranch to start the activity. Since pickup is optional and applies only to the north, check the details for your booking so you know whether you should wait for the van or make your own way there. The tour is offered with a live guide in Spanish or English.

Is $75 good value?

At $75 per person, this is a two-part outing rather than a one-hour ride sold on its own. The price includes the guided horseback ride, helmet and equipment, wine, cheese, and other local products. For people staying in northern Mallorca, it also includes transport to and from the ranch.

That combination makes the price easier to justify than a brief ride with no added context. You get outdoor activity, a guided tasting, and an introduction to local food producers in one booking. The free northern pickup can add meaningful value if you would otherwise need to arrange transport.

The main limitation is the length of the ride. If your top priority is spending several hours in the saddle, one hour may feel short. The tasting is a substantial part of the outing, so book this for the combination of riding and food, not as a long trail ride.

The overall rating is 4.8 from 383 bookings, and the praise most often centers on the guides, the horses, and the tasting. That strong track record is reassuring, but it does not change the practical limits: age, weight, allergies, pregnancy, pickup area, and the terrain all matter when deciding if it suits you.

Who will enjoy this most?

I’d put this on the shortlist if you want an active half-day in the Alcudia area and are curious about local food as well as horses. It works especially well for beginners who want guided support, couples looking for something beyond a beach day, and groups with a mix of riding experience.

It is also a good fit if you enjoy hearing the story behind what you eat and drink. The tasting gives the outing a local focus, while the ranch setting and farm products make it feel more personal than a ride that simply turns around at a scenic point.

Skip it if you want a long or private riding excursion, if anyone in your party is under 16, or if someone has an animal or food allergy. Pregnant people and participants over 110 kg are also excluded. For riders who meet the requirements and like the idea of pairing forest trails with Mallorcan wine and cheese, this is a well-rounded way to spend a couple of hours near Alcudia.

FAQ

How long is the activity?

The activity is listed as two hours in total, including a one-hour guided horseback ride and the tasting.

Is the ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. Beginners are welcome, and guides provide safety instructions and help match riders with horses. More experienced riders can also join.

What food and drink are included?

The tasting includes locally made wines and cheeses, along with other local products. These may include pâté, jam, and oil.

Is pickup included?

Free pickup and drop-off are available from accommodations in northern Mallorca. Pickup from other areas is not included.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide is available in Spanish and English.

Who cannot take part?

The activity is not suitable for children under 16, pregnant women, people with animal allergies, people with food allergies, or anyone over 110 kg.