In the mountains of northern Portugal, the Peneda Geres Park is home to one the last remaining breeds of wild horses in Europe; the Garrano. This week-long horseback trail crosses through this National Park and into the heart of the Mihno region's spectacular scenery and wildlife. Life in this area is very rural and riders might feel as though they have stepped back in time while passing the small towns and villages. Also explore the smaller adjacent natural park "Corno de Bico", with high rocky mountainsand breathtaking panoramic views.
Accommodation is in either traditional guesthouses located on the farm and the National Parks, or in lodges next to the stables. Meals are typical dishes made from local produce. The horses are a mixture of Arabian, Thoroughbred and Lusitanos, and being brave, strong and surefooted on varying terrain, are well suited to the equestrian trails.
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 RY of Wantage on 07/11/2024
Day 1
Meet at the airport upon arrival and transfer to the equestrian centre (approximately 1 hour from Porto) - or take a bus from Porto Airport to Arcos de Valdevez which is a 5 minute drive from the stables. There will be a tour of the stables and a chance to meet the horses. During dinner each rider will be assigned a horse.
Day 2
Breakfast at 8am followed by getting the horses ready to leave by 10am. The trail begins just above the medieval town of Arcos de Valdevez and heads to the borders of Peneda-Geres National Park. Ride through the town to reach the tracks that lead into the National Park. There is so much to see, with castles, mountains where wild horses live and traditional stone mountain villages. Stop for lunch for a picnic. In the afternoon the trail leads to the prehistoric remains of ancient civilizations before heading towards the National Park Information Centre. The horses will rest here overnight, while the riders transfer back to the equestrian centre before leaving to enjoy a traditional dinner at the Quinta. Following dinner, return to the riding centre for a good night's rest.
Day 3
8am breakfast and a transfer back to the horses. Once saddled up, head into the woods of the National Park, ascending to the plains of old pasture fields - home of wild horses and the wildlife of Peneda-Geres National Park. Ride on trails between mountain villages at an altitude of 1000m. Lunch is a picnic near a mountain lake and is followed by an afternoon ride that leads down to the ancient Trail of the Deceased (used in ancient times to take mountain people back down to the bottom of the valley cemeteries, near the villages). Arrive in the village of Ferreiros and stable the horses at the old farmers houses. Transfer back to the equestrian centre for dinner at a restaurant in Arcos.
Day 4
After breakfast, transfer back to Ferreiros to be reunited with the horses. The ride sets off at 10am along the valley countryside of farmers fields and oak forests, arriving at the Vez river shores. Follow the river through the fishermen's trails, back down to the historic town of Arcos de Valdevez. Lunch will be at a local restaurant. Depending on the water level, it may be possible to cross with the horses (or take a detour to the nearest old bridge if the water level is too high). Once back in Arcos de Valdevez, explore the old town riding through the 17th century roads that are full of history before heading back to the equestrian centre and dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 5
Today's journey begins in the woods above the stables, protected landscape of Corno de Bico. The trails are full of forest wildlife, wild horses, mountain cows, foxes, wild boars. Riders may even spot deer and wolf. Lunch will be in a local tavern in the heart of a small village with only 6 houses and 16 habitants! After lunch, the trail continues uphill to a place where, on a clear day, one can see the Atlantic Coast. Take a quick sightseeing stop at the post of the old forestry guard, an ancient surveillance spot. Descend from the forest and take a trail which leads through the old villages and leave the horses in the fields of an ancient manor house. Riders head back to the the stables at the Quinta for dinner.
Day 6
After breakfast at 9am, transfer to Bico to collect the horses to explore the Corno de Bico Nature Reserve. The trails differ and offer riders a wide contrast while on the search for the famous wild horses. Due to the remote nature of the ride today, lunches are carried in saddle bags and enjoyed in the charming village of Grijo. Take the trail back to the Quinta to enjoy dinner and a comfortable night's rest.
Day 7
Start the day after a late breakfast. Meet and prepare the horses for the day's ride toward the beautifully preserved old forestry guard trail. There are groups of 56 - 60 trees planted around the area that offers natural protection for the wildlife during harsh winters and hot summers. There is a good chance of seeing the famous wild horses grazing in the pasture grounds. Take a rest at the forest edge next to the water to enjoy our saddlebag lunches. The area is known as the Enchanted Forest of Miranda, and certainly lives up to its name. After lunch and a rest, remount and descend along the trail to the Quinta. If the weather is warm, enjoy a dip in the pool before heading out for a final dinner at a local Portuguese restaurant.
Day 8
After breakfast, say goodbye to the horses before departing at 10am for either Porto (Portuguese airport) or Vigo (Spanish airport). Both are 100km from the equestrian centre.
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.
Our stable of horses is made up of Hispano-Arab and Lusitanian horses, all under 15 years old. They are 'Cruzados' (Arab and English thoroughbred with Spanish or Portuguese horses). These horses are ideal in any terrain and situation, and are of a brave and peaceful nature. They are strong, fast and lively - ideal for any terrain. English saddle are used and horses are usually ridden at long rein. This relaxed way of riding is comfortable for riders and horses alike.
Riders must be comfortable in walk, trot and canter and have experience of riding outdoors. On some days riders will be in the saddle for up to 6 hours so good fitness is advised. On occasions it may be necessary to dismount and lead your horse for a short distance.
The weight limit for this ride is 242 lb/110 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
7 nights are spent in lodge style accommodation or at the traditional cosy guesthouse at the equestrian centre. The recently renovated lodges are situated next to the stables and paddocks, the perfect place to relax while watching the horses after a long day in the saddle. There are six charming bedrooms in the cosy guesthouse, all with air conditioning, private bathrooms, TV and radio. The living room, breakfast room and meeting area is shared with the other guests. The farm also has a nice pool (open summer months only) and tennis court, perfect for relaxing after a day in the saddle. Meals are typical of the local area (Portuguese delicacies). Dinners are served around 20:00 and lunches are enjoyed on the ride.
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
On the whole the north of Portugal has cooler temperatures than the south and sees significantly more rainfall. As you head east toward the Spanish border, winters become longer and summers hotter as the land as affected by the moderating Atlantic winds.
July is warmest month with an average temperature of 27 °C at noon. January is coldest with an average temperature of 6 °C at night. Northern Portugal has temperate cold and warm seasons, like winters and summers. The temperatures at night are cooler than during daytime.
In winter there may be some days it freezes, overall winters are mild in temperature, with the coldest month most often being January. July is on average the month with most sunshine. Rainfall and other precipitation peaks around December. The time around July is driest.
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.
You will be able to charge your camera at your overnight accommodation.
- Riding Helmet - it is a requirement that you wear a properly fitted riding helmet of the current standard which is PAS015 or BSEN1384.
- 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
- Sunhat
- Sunglasses
- 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
- Sunscreen
- Raincoat - always a good idea to pack a waterproof/ windproof jacket
- Refillable Water Bottle - it's very important to drink a lot of water when it's hot, especially when doing physical activities
- Personal Items - toiletries, any medicines you require and please be sure to take insect 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
A laundry service is available at the hotel.
This is a 8 days / 7 nights programme with 6 days riding available on set dates between February and November. Short Breaks are available on request when the full trail is not running. Beginners are welcome on short breaks, please enquire for details.
2025: 8, 22 Feb; 8, 22 Mar; 5, 26 Apr; 10, 24 May; 7, 21 Jun; 5, 19 Jul; 30 Aug; 13, 27 Sept; 11, 25 Oct; 8, 22 Nov
No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | £ | |
2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | double pp | 1,385 |
2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | small group supplement (2-3 pax) | 109 |
2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | small group supplement for 1 rider | 375 |
2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | single supplement | 225 |
2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | non-rider | 1,109 |
No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | € | |
2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | double pp | 1,635 |
2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | small group supplement (2-3 pax) | 125 |
2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | small group supplement for 1 rider | 439 |
2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | single supplement | 265 |
2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | non-rider | 1,305 |
No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | US $ | |
2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | double pp | 1,785 |
2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | small group supplement (2-3 pax) | 139 |
2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | small group supplement for 1 rider | 479 |
2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | single supplement | 289 |
2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | non-rider | 1,429 |
No of days/nights |
Riding days | Product item description | SEK | |
2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | double pp | 19,479 |
2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | small group supplement (2-3 pax) | 1,495 |
2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | small group supplement for 1 rider | 5,225 |
2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | single supplement | 3,135 |
2025 | 8d/7n | 6 | non-rider | 15,585 |
Other activities include hiking, cycling, wine tasting and tennis.
Typical wildlife of the area include wild horses (Garranos), wild cows, wolves, eagles, deer, fox and wild boar.
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