Our equestrian tours in Portugal

Portugal is a country of astonishing diversity, idyllic weather, welcoming people and exceptional horse riding.  Hidden Trails’ Portuguese horse riding holidays include coastal rides on deserted beaches, trails along rolling hillsides, and classical dressage clinics.  Portugal contains enough World Heritage Sites, picture postcard scenery and windswept coastlines to keep any visitor busy – especially on a world-class horse riding vacation!

Horse Riding in Portugal

Portugal is a land of infinite options from mingling with the crowds in one of the more sophisticated beach resorts to wandering through the medieval quarters of historic cities like Lisbon, Porto, Braga or Coimbra. To explore the more remote beauty spots, stay overnight in a romantic pousada - a converted farm, monastery or manor house enjoying a wonderful setting.  Many of our horseback vacations in Portugal offer the chance to enjoy similar accommodations.

Our Alentjo (Blue Coast) horse riding holidays are located on the stunning southwest coast of Portugal.  Here you can ride along the isolated and stunning Blue Coast, or combine your love of horse riding with dolphin encounters on the Dolphin Coast rides.

Riders wishing to embark on a classical dressage clinic can try our Lusitano Riding Centre Alcainca Program.  This world-class facility offers dressage training with renowned riding instructors, on beautiful Lusitano horses for an educational horseback vacation.

Northern Portugal is another great destination for horseback riding holidays. You can explore the beautiful Peneda Geres National Park and hopefully spot a herd of the resident wild horses.

We also offer several riding packages in the Azores. Our Faial Island Trail lets you tour this beautiful island while staying in the same comfortable lodge every night. On the island of Sao Miguel, we offer two different center-based rides in a lovely Quinta near Ponta Delgada.

The Lusitano Horse

The Lusitano horses are successors of the Iberian horses and are today one of the most preferred and famous horse breeds in Portugal. They have been considered to be extremely efficient in case of various activities in the warfront or during bullfighting. In fact they have been regarded as one of the best riding horses. They have a calm temperament and are extremely sensible and therefore they are capable of working in close coordination with their riders.  A dressage favorite as well.

Portuguese Climate and Weather

The northwest of Portugal has mild winters with high levels of rainfall and fairly short summers.  The northeast has longer winters and hot summers.

In the south, summers (March to October) are warm with very little rain except in early spring and autumn.  High temperatures are moderated by a permanent breeze in Estoril (July to August).

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