Portugal ~ Alentejo
6 and 4 nights, staying in rural accommodation, riding a circular route or out daily to explore Portugal's south west coast. Available year round except August. Suitable for intermediate riders and above.
Where In South West Portugal’s coastal Alentejo province, just north of the Algarve. Rides start from a rdiing centre close to Ilha de Pessegueiro, a tiny island off the Atlantic coast, just north of the fishing village of Porto Covo and the bigger town of Milfontes.
What is it like Shady forests of cork oak, pine and eucalyptus, lush valleys, winding coastal tracks and miles of sandy beach. Tiny farms and patchwork fields give way to coastal plain; high cliffs and Atlantic breakers crash against rocks and onto white sand beaches. Rides use homebred Lusitano and Lusitano cross horses to explore wind swept beaches. There are long sandy tracks that provide perfect going, forested ridges, spectacular cliff tops and golden dunes that provide glorious views. Accommodation is in small, simple apartments and guest rooms at the riding base. The overall feeling is unsophistocated, low key and wonderfully relaxed.
Who does it suit Competent riders who love the seascape and want a low key week, riding a good horse on good going. Rides either follow a route along the coast, with horses staying out some nights whilst riders are driven back to base, or include daily riding out. Accommodation at the riding base isn't 'smart' or hotel standard, but its comfortable enough; most meals are in a local restaurant that is family run; its used by locals as much as guests so you'll be part of what's going on. The overall ambiance is quiet, low key, unfussy; come as you are, relax, slow down, enjoy the sea views and sea air.
Why we love it Laid back, good value, great riding and a family feel. Being by the sea adds a special holiday bonus.
SUMMARY
Riding: 4-6 hours a day
Horses: Lusitano and Lusitano / Portuguese crosses
Pace: moderate, with good chances to canter
Riding ability: intermediate to experienced riders
Weight limit: 85kg (13st 5lbs)
Accommodation: comfortable guest rooms at the ride base
Group size: maximum 6
Season: Year round, except August (no riding on the beach between 1st June and 30th September)
Price: 6 night trails from 1715 Euros (approx £1515) per person
HORSES & RIDING
Horses: Well schooled pure or crossbred Lusitanos, the native horse of Portugal. Most are between 15hh and 16hh and are of a medium build. They have all been carefully selected and schooled by your guide and are good natured, forward going and responsive to ride. Tack is English style and saddle blankets with pockets for personal belongings, are provided. Horses are prepared for you each morning but you are encouraged to help un-tacking and tacking up at lunch time - although there is always help on hand if you prefer not to.
Hours: Usually between 4½ and 6 hours riding a day on Atlantic Coast; 2 to 3 hours a day on Beach & Cork.
Pace and experience required: Rides are aimed at fit and regular riders. To take part you must have a reasonable amount of previous riding experience and be secure, comfortable and relaxed on a horse at all paces in open country and over varied terrain. You should also be riding regularly and should have a fairly good level of riding and general fitness. The horses are well schooled and the pace is moderate overall, although there are plenty of chances for good, long canters. There is a weight limit of 85kgs (13st 5lbs).
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation is in rural apartments and rooms at the ride centre. There are six small apartments in a tradtional single storey whitewash and tile roof building, each with its own shower-room with shower and loo, small living room and one or two bedrooms. Rooms are simple but adequately comfortable. Each apartment has a small kitchen area with fridge and electric kettle. The riding base is about 10 minutes walk to the beach
RATES & DATES
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Rates 2024 |
Alentejo Coast Ride (6 nights) - Euros 2020 Rates include - riding, twin bedded accommodation, all meals, and collection and return to Lisbon with the group at set times. Prices are quoted in Euros. Payments to us can of course be made in pounds sterling if you wish and we can give you a sterling rate at the time of booking. |
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Dates 2024 |
Closed August |
Average temperature guide
ITINERARY
| Itinerary in brief - 6 nights, Alentejo Coast, Portugal |
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| Day 1 | Met at Lisbon airport at 17.00 on the first day and driven to the base, Herdade de Pessegueiro, 15 minutes or so from the town of Milfontes. A welcome dinner at the family restaurant on the beach. |
| Day 2 |
Breakfast at the base, then set off riding north through the fishing village of Porto Covo, then along the cliff tops. Picnic lunch by a dam. Ride back to Herdade throguh the Gaio valley. Dinner at the family restaurant, night Herdade. |
| Day 3 |
The ride today takes you along the coat, pass the impressive fort and to reach remote beaches. Stop for a picnic in the pine forest then ride on to an old windmill at Cabeca da Cabra where the horses spend the night. Drive back to base, then to dinner and the nIght at Herdade. |
| Day 4 |
Ride eastwards to ancient cork oak forest to reach Campilhas dam. Stop for a picnic then continue along the historic trail of Rota Vicentina a farm near Cercal where horses spend the night. Drive back to base, dinner at a the family restaurant. Night at Herdade. |
| Day 5 |
A short drive to Cercal then ride to the Cercal ridge with excellent views. The picnic spot today is in the shade of centenary oak tress. Continue riding back to the windmill at Cabeca da Cabra where again the horses spend the night. Dirve back to the base for dinner & night. |
| Day 6 |
Rejoin the horses and ride along a farm track to the dunes and the sea. Lunch near the town of Milfontes, then ride northwards along the coast, crossing secluded beaches and then coastal plains to reach the stables. A farewell and the night at Herdade de Pessegueiro. |
| Day 7 |
Breakfast and transfer at 10am to arrive Lisbon airport 12 noon. |
| Contact us at info@rideworldwide.com or on tel (+44) (0)1837-82544 / 825440 for further information, detailed itineraries, dates and answers to questions. |
TRAVEL
The meeting point for the rides is Lisbon airport (transfers / meeting can also usually be arranged in Faro). There are direct flights to Lisbon from London with British Airways, Air Portugal and Easy Jet (from Luton and seasonal flights from London Stansted). Ryan Air has flights to Faro from London and also a number of UK regional airports. Flybe also fly from several regional UK airports to Faro. Fares vary with the season and airline but budget around £150 to £250 economy return.
