You trade city noise for horses and hilltop views in Podstrana. This guided ride takes you along an Ancient Roman trail over mythic Perun, with sweeping panoramas of Split and the islands. You also get the kind of down-to-earth coaching that makes this feel doable, even if you are new to riding.

I love that the horses are well-mannered and the guide sets a calm walk tempo. And the value is strong because the tour includes not just the ride, but also homemade snacks and wine back at the stables.

One thing to think about: the experience can feel shorter than you expect if timing shifts, and the trail can be rocky and uneven in places, even if it is mostly walked at an easy pace.

Ranch 22 Podstrana in a Nutshell

• Ancient Roman trail over Perun, connecting Podstrana and Krilo
• Panoramic views of Hvar, Brač, Šolta, Vis, plus Split and Trogir
• Walk-only ride with the guide controlling tempo and group order
• Calm, well-tempered horses for beginners and experienced riders
• Snacks, homemade wine, and bottled water included after the ride
• Small groups (maximum 5 travelers) with the option to book private

Riding the Ancient Roman Trail Between Podstrana and Krilo

This is a classic “leave Split, feel the hills” horse tour. You start in Podstrana, then ride on an old stone trail tied to the area’s past, with your guide talking as you go. It is not a sit-and-sway pony show. You are out on real paths with proper countryside views.

The route follows the connection between the villages of Podstrana and Krilo, with the ride crossing the mythic hill Perun. The tour is paced so you can take in what you are seeing, without feeling like you are being rushed along.

If you care about doing something more local than another quick photo stop, this kind of horseback time hits the sweet spot. You are moving through the hills, not just looking at them from a viewpoint.

The Best Part: Perun Views Over Islands and the Split Coastline

The headline here is the view. From the height around Perun, you get open sightlines across the archipelago and down toward the coast. The listed sights include Hvar, Brač, Šolta, Vis, and the peninsula Čiovo, plus sights around Split like Stobreč and Trogir.

That is a lot for a ride that lasts about two hours. It also helps that the trail is described as calm and scenic, with the “walk tempo” style of riding. In other words, you can look up and actually enjoy the coastline instead of white-knuckling your way through the turns.

I also like that the guide weaves history and natural sights into the ride. So even when you are not stopping, you are still learning something. It turns a pretty walk into a story you can repeat later.

How the 2-Hour Ride Works: Walk Tempo, Rocky Ground, Real Horse Control

Here is what the ride feels like, based on the way this tour is run. The horses keep to a walk, not a run, with the guide controlling the pace and also the order of riders. That matters, because it changes your job from “survive the ride” to “stay balanced and enjoy the scenery.”

You also get support from the start. Riding equipment and a helmet are included, and the tour is described as beginner-friendly, including people with no prior horseback experience. The guide is with you for the entire trail time, so you are not left to figure things out on your own.

Now the one caveat that you should respect: the trail is on stone terrain and can include steeper, rockier sections. One rider described parts of it as steep and quite rocky. Another described it as calm and tranquil. So your best bet is to go in expecting a gentle tempo, but with real ground underfoot.

If you have never ridden before, the good news is that the horses are described as extremely well tempered and well-mannered. In plain terms, these are not horses that require constant tension from you. Your biggest challenge is likely simply getting comfortable in the saddle and following your guide’s instructions.

Horses You Can Relax With, Plus Small-Group Energy

This is run with horses that are trained to be steady for riders of different levels. The tour emphasizes that the horses are calm and that the guide sets the rhythm. That is exactly what you want if you are nervous, because it reduces the mental load.

Group size is another big deal. The tour lists a maximum of 5 travelers, which usually means less waiting, more attention, and fewer distractions. It also aligns with the “private ride for just you and your party” idea listed in the highlights. If you can book it as private, you get an even more relaxed, personal feel.

From the reviews, you can see the same pattern: people repeatedly highlight how friendly and helpful the instructor was, and how calm the horses were to work with. Names like Ante and Ana show up in the feedback, and both read like experienced guides who know how to settle a rider quickly.

One small practical bonus: the guide is also described as taking photos and sending them right after the ride in some cases. If that is part of your travel goal, it is nice to know you might walk away with better images than you can grab one-handed while holding a phone.

The Snack and Wine Moment Back at the Stables

This tour does not end with you walking back into the parking lot. After your ride, you head back to the stables for homemade snacks. Wine is included, along with bottled water.

I like this structure because it gives you a real payoff at the end. You finish the ride, you settle in, and you can eat and drink without rushing off to the next thing on your list. It also turns a short outdoor activity into a full “morning or afternoon memory,” not just a quick highlight.

The included snack setup is described as homemade, and reviews specifically mention things like cheese and bread. If wine is your thing, the homemade wine is part of what you are paying for. And if it is not your thing, you still get water and food, so you are not forced into alcohol as the main event.

Just plan for the basic reality of wine included in the ticket price: you will want a calm end to your ride time, not a late sprint back into city nightlife.

Getting There: Podstrana Meeting Point and Transfer Options

The meeting point is in Podstrana, at Ul. Don Petra Cara 160, 21312, Podstrana, Croatia. The activity ends back at the meeting point, so you are not dealing with a complicated route puzzle at the end.

Transfer is described as optional and extra pay. You can arrange transport from the center of Split or from your accommodation. That matters if you want an easy door-to-door day, especially when you do not want to piece together buses or taxis with timing pressure.

If you are staying around Split, this is still a pretty manageable day trip distance since the ranch area is about 12 km from Split. But the hill road area is its own world. Having a transfer can keep the day smooth so you arrive relaxed, not sweaty and stressed.

Price and Value: Why $105 Can Make Sense (or Not)

At around $105, this is not the cheapest thing you can book in the Split area. But the value logic is fairly clear when you look at what is included.

You are paying for:

• A guided horse ride on an established trail route
• Helmet and riding equipment
• Insurance
• Homemade snacks after the ride
• Homemade wine and bottled water

You are also paying for the fact that the horses are described as steady and well-managed. That is the kind of safety and comfort component you cannot easily fake yourself.

That said, you should have one expectation check. There are a couple of reviews pointing to situations where the time felt shorter than the advertised two hours due to rescheduling. Another mentioned disappointment with what was delivered for the price. So if you are the type who needs your time window to be exact, double-check your timing and go in prepared for the experience being “about two hours,” not a stopwatch-perfect appointment.

If you want a calm, scenic countryside break with a guide and included food, it is easy to see why people rate it highly. If you are looking for a long, nonstop riding session, you might want to compare what “time on horseback” means to you.

Who This Horse Ride Fits Best

This tour is designed to be friendly to different skill levels. It is described as appropriate for beginners and experienced riders, and it explicitly says there is no prior horseback riding experience needed.

So it is a great match if:

• You want something active but not intimidating
• You like guided storytelling while you move through the countryside
• You want a small-group feel (maximum 5 travelers)
• You want a proper snack and wine landing pad afterward

It also works well for couples and families, since the ride is structured around a calm walk pace and a guide-controlled order. Reviews also mention couples doing it on honeymoon and families with kids enjoying gentle horses.

The one group I would put on notice is anyone who expects a long, fast ride or a completely smooth, easy trail. Even with the walk-only tempo, the terrain is stone and can feel rough in spots. If you dislike uneven footing under you, ask questions before you book or choose the ride if you are comfortable with that kind of ground.

Weather and Timing: Plan for Good Conditions

The tour requires good weather. If conditions are poor, it can be canceled and you are offered a different date or a full refund. That matters because a horse ride through stone terrain and hills is not something you want to do on a miserable day.

A practical travel tip here: when you book, treat it like a weather-dependent activity. Keep your plans flexible around the day you choose.

Should You Book Ranch 22 Podstrana If You Are in Split?

Yes, if your goal is a guided horse experience with scenic hill views, calm horses, and a satisfying end with homemade snacks and wine. The combination of ancient Roman trail vibes, Perun viewpoints, and a small-group ride makes it a strong “Split countryside” day.

Book it with extra caution if:

• You need a precise two-hour block with no variation
• You have strong preferences about the size or type of horse you ride
• You are not comfortable with rocky, uneven stone terrain, even at a walk

If you want a memorable change of pace from the coast and old town, this one is worth your time. Just match your expectations to what it is, a guided walk ride with included food, wine, and a real view payoff.

FAQ

How long is the horseback ride?

The experience is approximately 2 hours.

What does the tour cost?

The price is $105.

Where do I meet for the ride?

The meeting point is Ul. Don Petra Cara 160, 21312, Podstrana, Croatia, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is transportation included from Split or my accommodation?

No. Private transportation is not included, but transfer can be organized for an extra pay from Split center or your accommodation.

Is this ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. The ride is described as appropriate for beginners and also for experienced riders, with no prior horseback riding experience required.

What pace do the horses go at?

The entire trail is walked, not run. Your guide sets the tempo and the order of the group.

What is included in the price?

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

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 5 travelers.

What should I know about weather?

The activity requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is cancellation free?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Changes made less than 24 hours before the experience start time are not accepted.