Horseback over Roman roads feels unreal. You’ll follow a local guide along the old route between Podstrana and Krilo across mythic Perun, with panoramic views of Hvar, Brač, Šolta, Vis, plus the Split waterfront. The calm, well-mannered horses make it workable even if you’re brand new. The only real catch: the ride is mostly a walk, and the full “two hours” includes time for setup and the post-ride meal.

Afterward, you head back for snacks and homemade wine. Expect a relaxed finish, not a quick shake-and-go. Small groups (up to 5) and a guide who stays with you from start to finish keep the day feeling personal.

You’ll meet in Podstrana at Ul. Don Petra Cara 160, and the activity ends back at the same point. If you want transport from central Split or your accommodation, it’s listed as extra pay, so plan that into your budget.

Key things that make this ride worth your time

• Ancient Roman trail route over mythic Perun: Old stone paths with big viewpoints.
• Horses are described as well-tempered and calm: New riders usually aren’t thrown in at the deep end.
• Your guide stays with you the whole time: Pace, order, and stops are managed for your group.
• Panoramic archipelago views: Hvar, Brač, Šolta, Vis, plus the Split–Trogir area in the mix.
• Homemade snacks with wine after the ride: Food and a slower wind-down, not just a ticket stamp.
• Small-group feel, private for your party: The cap is 5 travelers.

Starting Point in Podstrana: Getting to the Ranch Area Near Split

This experience is based in Podstrana, about a 12 km ride from Split. That matters, because you’re not just staying in the city. You’re quickly trading busy streets for mountain air and stone paths.

Your start is at Ul. Don Petra Cara 160 in Podstrana, and you finish back at the same meeting point. That makes planning simple: no mystery “end somewhere else” logistics. It also means you can pair this with other Split plans without losing your whole afternoon to transfers.

If you’re staying in Split center, you have two options. You can go on your own to Podstrana, or arrange a transfer from Split’s center or your accommodation. Transfers aren’t included, so if you want door-to-door convenience, you’ll pay extra. You’ll also get a mobile ticket style setup after booking, and you’ll receive confirmation at the time of booking.

One more practical note: this is near public transportation. So if you’re traveling light and don’t want to hire a taxi for the whole trip, it’s likely manageable to get there on your own.

Ancient Roman Trail Over Mt Perun: What You’ll Actually See and Feel

The star of the ride is the trail itself. You’ll horseback along an ancient Roman track that connects the area between Podstrana and Krilo, crossing over the mythic hill Perun. It’s not flat countryside strolling. It’s a mountain-side route made of stone terrain, which gives the ride a sense of “we’re really out here” right away.

The big reward comes from the views. From the elevated route, you’re looking out over the Adriatic and the islands in front of you: Hvar, Brač, Šolta, Vis. You’ll also catch views that include the peninsula Čiovo and the wider Split–Stobreč–Trogir area. That combination is why this ride works so well as a break from beach-only days. You get coastline views, but from above, with a pace that lets you actually take them in.

The ride begins in the old village area of Gornja Podstrana. That matters because it sets the tone. Instead of mounting directly into a modern tourist zone, you start in a place that feels part of the local hillside rhythm. Then your guide moves you along the track at a controlled pace, with stops and explanations built in.

The terrain does include rocky and steep spots in places. This isn’t a tame “ride around the field” experience. The horses are described as steady and well-trained, but the ground can still be rough enough that you’ll want basic confidence on a saddle. If you’re truly brand new, don’t panic—your guide manages the tempo and the route—but choose this ride if you’re okay with some uneven footing under you.

Horses and Riding Level: What Beginner Really Means Here

The biggest selling point is also the most important one for first-timers: the horses are described as extremely well tempered, well-mannered, and suitable for beginners as well as experienced riders.

In plain terms, you’re not expected to “know how to ride.” You’ll have riding equipment and a helmet included, and your guide will take care of the ride flow. The horses are walked, not run, so you’re not being pushed into fast movement while you’re still figuring out how to sit comfortably.

You also ride at a guide-set tempo. The order of the group is arranged by the guide, which helps if you’re a little nervous. For example, in one account, the instructor Ana guided a first-time rider from quick basics straight onto the trail with calm confidence. Other accounts also describe guides stepping in to make people feel at ease quickly.

One thing to keep in mind: your assignment can vary. One guest reported being put on a smaller mini-horse that didn’t match their expectations, and they ended up trading horses with their partner. That’s not guaranteed to happen, but it’s a real reminder to treat horse selection as “part of the experience,” not something you can always choose.

Also, the ride is appropriate for most people, and service animals are allowed. If you have specific concerns (balance, fear of heights, injuries), it’s worth asking questions before you go, especially because the trail includes stone terrain and some steep sections.

The Walk-Tempo Ride: Relaxing, Scenic, and Sometimes Shorter Than You Imagine

Most horseback tours promise a “two-hour ride” and then quietly change the meaning of the word ride. This one is closer, but still worth setting expectations.

The tour is listed as about 2 hours, but the experience includes the full rhythm: greeting, tack-up, time on the horse, photo moments if the guide offers them, and the post-ride snacks and wine. Some accounts describe roughly an hour of trail riding, followed by the food portion. Another account complained that the time felt shorter than advertised after a booking time change.

So here’s the practical takeaway: if you’re buying this for a long, continuous saddle session, plan for a relaxed experience rather than a nonstop “saddle marathon.” The walk-only pace is part of what makes it tranquil and scenic. It also means the ride can feel gentle rather than adrenaline-heavy, even when the views are dramatic.

The good news is that the walking tempo is exactly what helps beginners. Since horses are not running, you can focus on balance and breathing. You’re also more likely to enjoy the guide’s storytelling and the sights without straining to hang on.

If you’re the type who loves slow travel moments—views, photos, and a calm guide—this is a strong match. If you’re expecting a fast, challenging ride with lots of galloping, you’ll likely find it too mellow.

Your Guide on the Trail: Stories, Timing, and Photo Help

A local guide leads you the whole time. That changes the experience from “sit on a horse and hope for good weather” into something with context.

You’ll hear about the area’s history along the way. The trail passes through places that feel connected to older village life and the ancient route itself. Even when you’re just riding and looking out at islands, the guide can help you understand what you’re actually seeing. That’s where the experience turns from scenery into a sense of place.

Guides also manage the human side. They set the order of riders, keep the group together, and keep the tempo steady. If someone in the group is more confident, the guide still keeps everyone moving safely and comfortably.

Photo moments can be a highlight. Some guides actively take pictures of you on the horse and send them afterward. One guest specifically noted that Ana sent high-quality images using HEIC format (better quality than typical messaging apps). You shouldn’t count on a particular photo workflow, but you can be pleasantly surprised if your guide is the kind who helps with pictures as part of the experience.

Also, the guide’s voice and presence matter because you’re on a stone trail. Even with calm horses, you want someone telling you what’s coming and keeping you oriented.

Post-Ride Snacks and Homemade Wine: The Part You’ll Remember Most

After the trail, you head back to the stables for snacks and homemade wine. This is not just a token bite. The food and wine are described as homemade, and the post-ride spread often includes items like cheese and bread, plus additional snacks. One guest described meats and juice alongside the wine. Another mentioned wine paired with cheese and bread as divine.

This part is valuable for two reasons.

First, it gives you time to actually land from the ride. You’re likely to feel a mix of adrenaline and “wow” during the views. The snack break helps you turn that into a full experience, not just a quick activity.

Second, it’s a social buffer. Your body is tired in a nice way, your mind is already replaying the views, and suddenly you’re sitting with other people or your party while talking about what you saw. In a small group capped at 5, that matters. You don’t feel like you’re being processed.

Wine is included as alcoholic beverages, and bottled water is included too. So you can go back and forth without scrambling for drinks.

If you’re trying to pace your day in Split, this post-ride meal can be a built-in “anchor.” It’s a smart alternative to jumping straight back into crowded dinner plans.

Price and Value: Does $105 Make Sense for This Experience?

Let’s talk value without pretending it’s cheap.

At about $105 for roughly 2 hours, you’re paying for a guided horseback experience in a scenic, elevated area plus the included meal and drinks. You’re also paying for the horse care, tack, insurance, and helmets—those are not free, and they add up in real costs.

For me, the value hinges on two things you should be honest about before booking:

1) You want the views more than the riding intensity.

You’re riding a calm pace on stone terrain with big panoramas over islands and the Split region. If that’s your priority, the price starts to feel fair.

2) You’re okay with the whole experience time including food.

If your mental model is 2 full hours riding straight, you might feel shorted if your actual time on the horse ends up being closer to about an hour. The ride is walked, so the “ride time” can feel shorter than expected compared with what people imagine.

On balance, for most people who want a memorable countryside break with included wine and snacks, $105 is a reasonable vacation spend. If you’re traveling as a couple or small group and you want one shared activity that’s different from beaches and Roman ruins in the city, this can be a smart use of time.

Where This Ride Fits Best in Your Split Itinerary

This works best as a morning or early afternoon reset. You’ll leave the city vibe and come back feeling like you did something genuinely different.

It’s a great choice if:

• You want a scenic break with a local guide and included refreshments.
• You’re new to horseback riding and want calm horses plus guided pacing.
• You like slow travel moments and views you can actually enjoy without sprinting.

It may not be ideal if:

• You’re expecting a more intense ride with faster gaits.
• You get easily frustrated by uneven ground or steep stone sections.
• You are very time-sensitive about being on the horse itself for the entire duration.

Also, if you’re prone to motion discomfort, horses walking on stone might not be your favorite. The pace is gentle, but the footing can still be bumpy.

Quick Verdict: Book Ranch 22 Horseback in Podstrana?

I’d book this if your goal is a calm, guided horseback experience with huge island-and-coast views and a satisfying finish. The combination of well-tempered horses, a guide who manages pace and order, and the included snacks with homemade wine makes it a full “day memory,” not a quick activity.

Don’t book it if you want a hardcore riding workout or if you’re expecting nonstop saddle time. Go in with the right mindset: a scenic walk on stone trails, a guided story along the way, and an enjoyable food-and-wine wind-down afterward.

If you’re in Split looking for an authentic-feeling break that still feels comfortable for beginners, this is one of the better ways to spend a couple of hours in the hills.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding experience?

It’s listed as approximately 2 hours.

Do I need prior horseback riding experience?

No. It’s described as suitable for beginners, with horses that are well-mannered and a guide who sets the pace.

What’s included with the tour?

You’ll get riding equipment and a helmet, snacks, alcoholic beverages (homemade wine), bottled water, and insurance.

Where does the tour start, and where do you end?

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

Is transportation included from Split or my accommodation?

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

What happens if the weather is bad?

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