Beach Riding Holiday Portugal

Day One

Fly in to Lisbon today and head towards the beautiful beaches of the Costa de Prata (Silver Coast) of Portugal to begin your riding holiday. You can choose to stay close to the historic city of Óbidos in a small and traditional hotel or close to a wonderful lagoon just 10 minutes from the coast. Here we are offering accommodation in a lovely rural Portuguese Quinta, the accommodation it quite unique, you will be staying in a “tipi”, of course, with all  modern day comforts!  This evening your riding will begin on beautiful lusitano horses (2 hours) enjoying the  natural beauty of this incomparable region. Your adventure on horseback has just begun! Evening meal is included tonight for those staying in the Quinta.

Day Two

This morning we are going to continue putting your technique into practice on the back of a Lusitano horse! This ride will follow a longer route along the cliff paths of the region. Leaving the camp you will follow the river banks of the River ‘Real’ to the shores of the Lagoa do Obidos. Those who wish to can go for more trotting, cantering or even a gallop. After this you will contine in a Westerly direction between the lagoon and a cliff lined forest, where a stony path leads up to onto a ridge giving you a stunning view of the lagoon. Dinner is included for those staying in the Quinta.

For those with transport, this evening we highly recommended that you visit Óbidos. Encircled by a ring of medieval walls and crowned by the Moorish castle (rebuilt by D. Dinis), Óbidos is one of the most perfect examples of a medieval fortress. In its original state the town would have been entered through the southern gate of Santa Maria, embellished with eighteenth-century azulejo decoration. Inside the walls, which at sunset take on a  beautiful golden colouring, you can sense a cheerful medieval ambience encouraged by the narrow winding streets and old whitewashed houses bordered with blue or yellow. Manueline embrasures and windows remind us that King D. Manuel I carried out major works here in the sixteenth century , and masses of colourful flowers and plants smother the Picturesque streets and its houses.

Day Three

This morning after breakfast, you will be preparing for a very special horseback adventure. Today we will be following a longer route that we estimate will include around 4 hours of riding. Your guide will lead you along the coastal paths that offer truly stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. You will be heading north towards Porto Covo, riding along the coast, tracing the contours of the Morgavel ravine where you will see the remains of a Neolithic necropolis. You will continue heading north through the tiny fishing village of Porto Covo, here the streets end in the sea. Further along the coast the cliffs overhang the beaches offering spectacular views. Here the tracks are perfectly suited to enjoy a canter or gallop. A picnic lunch will be served in the ravine and you may like to enjoy a refreshing swim whilst the horses rest a little. After lunch we will be riding to the enchanted Vale do Gaio; the colourful flowers, shrubs and bushes of the valley give the countryside a fairytale quality! We will then return back along the edge of the lagoon and have a quick stop at the beach café for a refreshing drink. In the evening you will have time to absorb the peace and tranquillity of this charming coastal zone, dinner this evening for those staying in the Quinta (tipis).

Day Four

Today you leave for Lisbon (or you can stay by the beach another night). In Lisbon we can arrange a guided tour of the Portuguese capital, including entrance to the sensational spectacle of the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art (only Wednesdays), and to the “Museo dos Carros”. Or, your other option is to enjoy a carriage tour either through the centre of Lisbon or in the fascinating and historical city of Sintra (35 minutes from Lisbon). In both cases you will be accompanied by one of our expert professional guides. In order to make this equestrian escape a truely unforgettable and unique experience you may like to enjoy a final dinner in one of the best houses of Fado in Lisbon, this is available at an additional charge.

Day Five

Return to the airport today for your flight home.

• Low Season - £395 per person
• Mid Season - £450 per person
• High Season - £495 per person

No single supplement

Inexpensive transfers are available from Ovidos (10€) or Peniche (20€) there is a direct bus service from Lisbon airport or Lisbon centre, call us for a timetable.

If however you are looking for something a little closer to home then perhaps the Horses, Beaches & Wine tailor made riding holiday would be more suited to you.

We inspect all the horses in our horse riding holidays to ensure the best quality holiday for you.