These trails take a new direction each day across unspoilt hills, forest, dunes and beaches, you can unpack and relax knowing that you return to the same comfortable hotel each night. We have even put a rest day in for riders and horses so you can relax or explore the area.
These rides are suitable for intermediate and experienced riders. Riders must be able to mount and dismount from the ground unaided. All participants must be competent, confident and in control at all paces including gallop. A reasonable level of current riding fitness is required as you’ll be spending 4-6 hours in the saddle each day.
Short Trail: 4 days, 3 nights, 2.5 days riding £895 pp Single supplement £180
Dates can be scheduled on request, starting Thursday and ending Sunday.
Long Trail available for 8 days Ride in the Sun Trail Ride
Thursday no riding
Arrive by 16.30 in Lisbon to be met for your transfer at 17.30 to a comfortable rural hotel in Grandola. This is a small town in the Alentejo region close to the coast and stables. Unpack and relax as you will be here for 4 nights. You may even want a dip in the pool before meeting your fellow riders for dinner in the hotel.
Friday 4-6 hours riding
After breakfast we take you to the stables near Melides to meet your horse for your trail – there are a selection of Lusitano and Lusitano Arab cross horses – all sure footed, full of character and part of the family as they have been bred by the stables. From the stables we ride straight up into the hills of Grandola where there are ancient cork trees and panoramic views of the Atlantic. We do a lunch stop with a typical Portuguese picnic. After lunch more chances to canter on tracks through the forest. The horses will be stabled overnight and a 10 minute car transfer gets you all back to the hotel to refresh, swim, relax before dinner at a local restaurant in Melides.
Saturday 4-6 hours riding
Today we ride through eucalyptus forests – taking in the distinctive perfume and hearing the bark crunching under the horses’ hooves! Lunch will be at a restaurant near the lagoon which specialises in fresh fish. Afterwards, you ride down the almost deserted beach and up into the dunes. There is the opportunity for some fast canters on the sandy trails that cross this part of the Portuguese countryside. You'll leave the horses at purpose-built paddocks amongst the eucalyptus and transfer back to your hotel for dinner and to overnight.
Sunday 2-3 hours riding
Today you ride from the paddocks and back along part of the beach, before heading inland to the village of Melides. There will be more opportunities for faster riding through the pine forests on red earth paths alternating with those of sand - you may meet herds of cattle or sheep. Now it is time to say goodbye to your trusty steed. Lunch will be at a local restaurant in Melides. After lunch, transfer to Lisbon International Airport for departure. Flights should depart in the evening to allow time for the transfer of 2.5 hours.
Dates for 2024
11 - 14 April
25 - 28 April
16 - 19 May
30 May - 02 June
20 - 23 June
26 - 29 September
10 - 13 October
24 - 27 October
All our horses are Lusitano or Arab Lusitano cross and are home bred for our trail rides. As a result they are easy to ride, sure footed and know their job. They are all treated like family!
Our guides all speak English and French as well as Portuguese and are local to the area and proud to share their local knowledge – they are dedicated to the welfare of their horses.
Tack is English style bridles and Portuguese military saddles with a comfortable sheepskin pad!
Maximum weight 85 kg
Rides are between 4 – 10 riders
Ask for non-rider prices.
Travel insurance is mandatory for riding in Europe.
Equestrian Escapes inspect the welfare of horses in our horse riding holidays to ensure the best quality for you.
If you are interested in riding in the UK before you travel please look at the other riding holidays and weekends that we offer including:
Short Break in Sherwood Forest
Riding in the Lake District
For tips regarding your holiday such as what to wear and riding ability, please visit the Travel Tips page.
We work hard to ensure that each customer has a great time on their holiday. Please see some riding holiday reviews here.
We have a large range of holidays to suit a range of riding abilities. Please see here for more information.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.