Portugal - Blue Coast Trail

Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.

Review received from GP of Toronto on 08/04/2025

Day 1
Meet at Lisbon airport and departure to the south at 17:30 in the direction of St André (150km). Late afternoon arrival at the Hotel Casas Verdemar (or similar), a beautifully renovated tavern with individual rooms and cottages around the gardens. There is a pool, fruit trees and plenty of places to relax and enjoy the countryside. Enjoy meals alfresco on the veranda, or inside in the dining room.

Day 2
The first day's ride explores the mountains of Cercal. Ride to the chapel of Nossa Senhora das Neves, with a splendid view of the area travelled throughout the morning. Enjoy a lunchtime picnic of grilled meats, or fish with salad accompanied by fresh bread and local wine. After lunch, return to Verdemar. Dinner and overnight at Casas Verdemar. Casas Verdemar was built on the site of an old tavern, and since 1989, has been managed by Christine Nijhoff (a specialist in restoring antiques), and Nuno Vilas Boas Lebreiro, artist and cook. His talent can be tasted in meals created with natural products of the region. Verdemar offers relaxation in peace and quiet. The bar is built where the old taverna used to be and the balcony is still clad in marble. The dining room has a fireplace and is stocked with books and games, and features Nuno's paintings. The ample and pleasant outdoor spaces, with organic garden, swimming pool, fruit trees, olive trees around and pleasant shade, offer rest and entertainment for all.

Day 3
After breakfast, set off into the mountains of Cercal, close to the dam of Campilhas, for lunch. The scenery is varied and always interesting. After enjoying some trots and canters, return to Verdemar. Relax and enjoy the quiet of a typical ‘monte alentejano’ after a dip in the pool. Overnight in Casas Verdemar.

Day 4
Today we ride through the mountains of Cercal. We will have our usual picnic near the beautiful dam of Campilhas. The afternoon is free to visit Vila Nova de Milfontes, a fishing village close to the sea, with a very nice beach and spectacular views of the ocean. This is a great destination if you like to swim in the open ocean. Overnight and dinner at Verdermar.

Day 5
Leave Verdemar and ride inland, with the chance to canter through Eucalyptus and Pine forests. After lunch in a shady place in the woods, continue towards Quinta da Ortiga. Leave the horses and take a 30min transfer to Quinta de Malmedra (or similar), a modern, luxury rural hotel in the vicinity of Santiago do Cacém for dinner and overnight.

Day 6
Ride in the direction of the ocean to the Hotel Vila Park. After lunch, pass through rice fields and continue in the direction of the wonderfully peaceful Melides. The beach is about 3km away and, (energy levels and weather permitting), riders can enjoy a swim before dinner in a local restaurant, and overnight in Hotel Vila Park (or similar).

Day 7
The last day of riding heads to the beach. Between 1st June and September 15th this ride is at dawn to avoid the holiday makers on the beach. It is a beautiful ride at first light, just as the sun rises over the dunes. There is the possibility of a beach canter before reaching a lovely picnic spot in the Pine forest. The horses rest while riders can cool off with a swim in the sea. After lunch, ride through the dunes, returning to Vila Park (or similar). Say goodbye to the horses and enjoy a dinner in a local restaurant and overnight in the hotel.

Day 8
After breakfast, transfer to Lisbon and bid farewell to Portugal. Book departing flights after 12:00.

Please follow this link for a map of this itinerary: Blue Coast Trail

Non-rider and other activities:
If you have the chance to explore Lisbon before setting off on your ride, make sure to visit the prestigious Portuguese School of Equestrian Arts—a true gem for horse enthusiasts and history buffs alike! This renowned institution offers fascinating weekday tours (available for an additional fee) that delve into the rich history of the school, provide a behind-the-scenes look at the stables, and showcase the exceptional care and training of their magnificent horses. It's an experience that beautifully blends tradition, artistry, and a deep passion for equestrian excellence.
 

Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

The horses are all pure bred Lusitanos. These horses are about 16hh, light boned, warm blooded and responsive. They have a naturally proud head carriage and are well schooled. They are easy to ride and very responsive.

Military saddles well covered with seat savers and sheepskin are utilised on this ride and make for a comfortable ride. The bridles are English. You cover 200Km during the ride along hills, easy going tracks and beaches.

• Comfortable spending up to six hours a day in the saddle.
• The riding is at all paces depending on riding ability. There are many opportunities to trot, canter and also to gallop.
• Must be over 12 years of age and be capable of controlling a horse at a walk, trot and canter.
• Riders are expected to look after their horse but help is on hand for those who need it.

Weight limit: 188lb (85 kg).

The weight limit for this ride is 188 lb/85 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

There is a variety of accommodations and meals on this ride as nights are spent in three different locations. The first four nights are in the same hotel. Your accommodation includes a historic pousada, you then enjoy excellent hotels in the heart of the country and near the coastline by the Lagoon of Santo Andre. Each lodging has a different character. The pousadas are Portugal’s traditional manor houses and as well as offering very comfortable, even luxurious, accommodation and give an insight into the history of Portugal. Here your hosts provide an introduction to Portuguese life and have many interesting tales of the culture and history of the Pousada and region. The hotels are very comfortable and well located. All have en suite bathrooms and on many nights there is a swimming pool available.

The food on the ride is above average. Dinners start with an aperitif, followed by at least a three course meal. The cuisine is selected to ensure an introduction to many Portuguese specialties. Your hosts usually join you round the table. Lunches are extensive picnics brought to the lunch area by vehicle and eaten at a table. Vegetarians and special dietary requests can be catered for with prior arrangement.

Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures Passport and Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Portugal.html In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/portugal

Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions

The best time to take part in the trek is between March and November. The climate is temperate. The average temperatures and rainfall are indicated on the chart.

COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.

You should always bring any regular prescription drugs you may need with you.

If you need to contact the emergency services in Portugal call 112.

Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Portugal and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.

In Portugal the supply voltage is 230V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 230V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly.

There will be an opportunity to recharge digital cameras and video equipment in the evenings with appropriate adaptors.
Good quality film is widely available for purchase as well as batteries (normal, alkaline and lithium).

We have put together a suggested packing list for your trip. This should be used as a guideline as requirements may very according to your programme and preferences.

- Riding Helmet - we strongly recommend that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard which is PAS015 or BSEN1384.
- Gloves
- Jodhpurs - jodhpurs, breeches or other comfortable trousers (jeans may rub and can also be quite hot)
- Riding Boots - it is important to have correct shoes or boots for horse riding. Jodhpur or ankle boots with a rubber sole are recommended but sturdy shoes with a definite heel are acceptable (such as walking boots)
- Half Chaps - these are great when worn with ankle boots and help prevent the stirrup leathers rubbing against your legs
- T-shirts and long-sleeved shirts
- Fleece - Although the weather is generally very warm, the evenings can be a bit cooler
- Warm layers - At times the evening temperature drops significantly
- Casual Clothes - for when out of the saddle
- Sunhat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Refillable Water Bottle - it's very important to drink a lot of water when it's hot, especially when doing physical activities
- Raincoat - it is always a wise idea to pack a waterproof/ windproof jacket!
- Personal Items - toiletries, any medicines you require and please be sure to take inset repellent
- Camera and Spare Batteries/Charger - an absolute must! It is also a good idea to take a camera case you can strap around your waist or onto a belt for whilst you are riding
- A copy of your passport

Please note: Saddle bags are not used on this ride so we recommend a clip on water bottle, bum bag or a leg bag you can attach around your waist to carry essentials.

This is an 8 days/7 nights programme with 6 days riding on set dates.

2025: 16(Full), 23(Full) Mar; 6 (Full), 13 (Full) Apr; 25 (Full) May; 1 (Full) Jun; 7 (Full), 14(Full), 28(Full) Sep; 5(Full) Oct
2026: 15, 22 Mar; 5, 12 Apr; 24, 31 May; 6, 13, 27 Sep; 4 Oct.

• £
• €
• US $
• SEK

• The Portuguese: The Land and its People by Marion Kaplan.


• You could also pack Rose Macaulay's ‘They Went to Portugal’


• Landscapes of Portugal  by Brian & Eileen Andersen, which features both car tours and treks in various regions, and the more detailed


• Walking in Portugal by Bethan Davies and Ben Cole.


• For the equestrian traveller who would like to see what is possible on horseback visit www.thelongridersguild.com, also a fantastic place to acquire your equestrian travel books is www.horsetravelbooks.com

Cultural, walking and hiking.

It is possible to see wild pigs and foxes. Flora includes forests of Cork and Pine trees, eucalyptus and an abundance of wild flowers.

Historically, the Portuguese have been the intrepid explorers of the world. In the 15th Century they discovered the sea route to India, via the Cape of Good Hope. Vasco da Gama reached India in 1498 and Pedro Cabral, trying to reach India, discovered Brazil two years later (1500). Other Portuguese explorers reached the Far East, China and Japan. The first circumnavigation of the globe was led by Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan.

Portugal has a rich seafaring past, superb beach resorts, quaint towns and a landscape wreathed in olive groves, vineyards and wheat fields. Portugal is dotted with UNESCO World Heritage sites and graced by one of Europe's most relaxed and attractive capitals.

Savouring life slowly is a Portuguese passion, and much of the best is humble - traditional folk festivals; simple, honest food drowning in olive oil; music that pulls at the heart strings, recalling past love and glories; and markets overflowing with fish, fruit and flowers.

Portugal is in the GMT time zone and they use the metric weights and measures system, so kilometres and kilograms instead of miles and pounds. There is approximately 1.6 kilometres in a mile and 2.2 pounds in a kilogram.

The international dialling code is +351

If you are hiring a car, you will need to know about how to pay any toll fees as these are done automatically and not on the road. This is a new system from January 2012 and the method for how to pay this will change throughout the year. Please check this website for current information: http://www.amoita.com/node/1414