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horse riding holiday Portugal
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horse riding holiday Portugal
horse riding holiday Portugal
horse riding holiday Portugal
horse riding holiday Portugal
horse riding holiday Portugal
horse riding holiday Portugal
horse riding holiday Portugal
horse riding holiday Portugal
horse riding holiday Portugal
horse riding holiday Portugal
horse riding holiday Portugal
horse riding holiday Portugal
horse riding holiday Portugal
horse riding holiday Portugal
horse riding holiday Portugal
horse riding holiday Portugal
horse riding holiday Portugal
horse riding holiday Portugal
horse riding holiday Portugal
horse riding holiday Portugal

Situated just north of Lisbon in the magnificent Natural Park of Aire and Candeeiros Mountains, this professional and friendly equestrian riding centre offers diverse horseback activities in a truly unique region.

Based in a beautifully located 4* rural hotel just 10-minutes drive from the horseback riding centre, guests can choose from daily trails in different directions, or lessons in jumping and general tuition. The trails take guests through scenic mountainous landscapes of volcanic craters, caves, impressive water-plateau springs and interesting limestone formations. There are many historical visits to enjoy too, with horseback trails that meander through the hills, merging with the original Roman roads past traditional stone and timber villages.

There are beaches about an hour away.

Accommodation is in a charming rural hotel with a swimming pool, situated in a tiny hamlet with beautiful natural surroundings. The area is perfect for hiking, horseback riding, cycling or just for enjoying a peaceful environment. All levels of rider can be accommodated, although the horseback trails are suited to intermediate riders onwards.

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 AS of Jacobsdal on 13/10/2021

Ride Summary
An outstanding experience - rides through spectacular countryside on very beautifully schooled horses. Accommodation was superbly unique and food delicious. I enjoyed every minute.
What was your overall impression of the holiday
Overall impression
Unicorn Trails sales staff

Riding tour leader

Additional Comments
Our horse riding abilities and interests were well catered for. We enjoyed the trotting and cantering greatly.
Horses and Tack

Additional Comments
Loved my horse, she was authentic and keen but also sure footed on rocky paths. She had very good ground manners as well.
Meals

Accommodation

Miscellaneous

Was this trip accurately described to you beforehand?
YES
Please give more details to explain your response:
The selection of rides was excellent for a 3-day experience through a beautiful part of Portugal.
Was there anything you should have known and were not told? NO
Please give more details to explain your response:
What could we do to improve this ride?
Nothing that I can think of.
Suggestion - You could recommend this ride as a long weekend outing for Europeans i.e. it is unlike most of the other trails that take 7 days.
How would you rate the difficulty of this ride out of 10 where 1 is very easy and 10 is very advanced?
5
Please explain why you scored it as you did:
The terrain was varied, with flat and steep parts some of which was quite rocky.
Would you recommend Unicorn Trails to your friends?
YES
Please give more details to explain your response:
May we use you as a reference for other people wishing to go on this ride?
YES
Any other comments:
An unforgettable trip - the choice of trails was excellent and the horses superb, with very good accommodation and food. I enjoyed every minute of it and was very sad to leave.
Unicorn comments: Thank you for your feedback. Glad you had a great time! :)

This is a sample itinerary for daily trail rides below. Each week can be tailored to suit riders requirements.

Day 1
Arrival. Meet at Lisbon airport for the transfer to the accommodation.

Day 2
Distance: 35 Km, riding time: 5 hours - The ride will depart at 10am and passes between dry rocky hillocks and fertile valleys where the man-made stone walls divide small cultivated fields. Arrive at Pia da Ovelha, a natural cave where the shepherds of old took their sheep to drink water, the lunch spot for the day. In the afternoon, ride alongside the Roman road located in Alqueidão da Serra. It is one of the most remarkable examples of local cultural heritage in this region. Alqueidão is a word of Arab origin that means passage, or road. Arrive back around 5pm for dinner and overnight.

Day 3
Distance: 22 Km, riding time: 4 hours - This morning, head to Fórnea, a natural 500m diameter and 250m high amphitheater, unique in Portugal and one of the best preserved in Europe. Visit Cova da Velha, a cave in the middle of Fórnea slope that is only accessible by foot. Visiting time: 25 minutes (optional). After the visit, ride along Charcoal Way where the group stop for lunch. Visit the ancient Porto de Mós thermo-electrical power station. Built in the 1930s, it was fuelled by the charcoal mined in Minas da Bezerra and carried to the station by railway. This trail provides astonishing views over the Porto de Mós village and surrounding hills. Dinner and overnight.

Day 4
Highlights: Fresh Water Springs, Alviela's source - Distance 25 Km, riding time: 4 hours - After breakfast, head towards Alviela river spring which lies between the rocky Estremenho Limestone Massif and the sandy Lower Tagus Basin. It's main source is subterranean, but temporary springs are formed in rainy periods. The most important of these is "Olhos de Água" ("eyes of water"), after which it is named. This spring was Lisbon's main water supplier from 1880 until very recently. Return to the accommodation for lunch. Free afternoon.

Day 5
Distance - 28 Km, riding time: 5 hours - Ride towards Castelejo, climbing the Alvados slope that was formed by a tectonic subsidence. Besides, the geomorphology, riding across Santo António's plateau, provides an opportunity to experience the richness and variety of the area's vegetation. On approaching Chainça and Covões Largos, the landscape changes and wilderness gives way to man-made loose stone walls, separating tilled fields. The descent has a view of Castelejo; the most important and one of the largest slopes of the limestone massif. The diversity of the landscape; slopes, bushes, olive trees, oaks and urban areas, are hosts to a variety of birds like falcons, quails, beccaficos and finches, which are common and easy to spot. Dinner and overnight.

Day 6
Distance 30 Km, riding time: 5 hours - Ride towards Pia do Urso, a fully preserved traditional village. Its houses are made of stone and timber and is located at the heart of the Pia do Urso Sensorial Adventure Eco-Park. (Visiting time: 60 minutes). Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and ride further towards Moedas Grotto, a maze of subterranean galleries (about 350m long and 45 deep), full of limestone formations. (Visiting time: 25 minutes, price: 6€). Dinner and overnight.

Day 7
7 Distance 28 Km, riding time: 5 hours - On this last day the group ride through scenic landscape towards Mira Minde Polje. At 4000 meters long, 8 meters deep and 1800 meters wide, the Mira Minde Polje is one of the largest springs in the area. In winter it fills with water transforming it into a big lake. In summertime it dries up making it possible to ride though. The poljes occur in limestone areas where erosion over time has created networks of underground galleries and caves interspersed with grottos. During winter after the rains when the waters are high the lands fill with water making a large lake, forming a unique biodiversity. Say farewell to the horses before enjoying a final dinner with fellow riders.

Day 8
Departure after breakfast.

Please note that shorter stays are also available upon request.

Non-riders and other activities:
Guests may also be interested in the National Golega Equestrian Fair held nearby (25 min drive) over 10 days in November. During this time, the usually quiet village with sandy streets transforms into a lively horsey hub, with the best Lusitanos parading in the streets and exhibitions and events everywhere. Every possible space has a horse crammed into it. It is a spectacle like no other in the world and we recommend that every horse lover puts this visit on their bucket list. Golegã is home to some of Portugal's most famous stud farms; it is often referred to as the "Capital of Horses". Throughout the fair, the town is packed, with horses everywhere! The narrow streets of Golegã are filled with stands, perfect for shopping.
A visit to Golegã also gives one a great opportunity to experience Portuguese culture and traditional cuisine while meeting many Lusitano breeders in their 'casettas' (small cottages), and see them exhibit their horses in the stalls outside. Don't forget to try out the local drinks which are sold at every corner: Ginga, Agua-Pé and Abafado.

Other activities in the area include paragliding, mountain climbing, speleology (the study of caves), mountain biking, paintballing and fishing. At certain times of the year it is possible to join in the mushroom picking or olive oil making. Cooking lessons are available at the nearby "Cooking and Emotional Hotel". 

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.

Horses & Riding

There are 12 riding horses on-site. The horses are mostly Lusitano and Portuguese Sport Horses ranging from around 150-170cm in height. They are well schooled and sure-footed. The tack used is English.



There are indoor and outdoor arenas at the riding centre as well as arena jumps for those who would to take advantage of these facilities.


Rider requirements

For the trails, riders must have a secure seat at walk, trot and canter. There is a maximum weight limit of 90kg and the minimum age limit is 12-years-old. Basic experience over steep/rough terrain is also required. Riders should be prepared for 3-5 hours in saddle daily. Riders are encouraged to assist with the care of their horse although this is not essential.

Beginners can be accommodated on this ride with fewer hours riding and lessons.

Weight Limit

The weight limit for this ride is 198 lb/90 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

Guests stay in a small, relaxed 4* rural hotels with beautiful natural surroundings. The area is perfect for hiking, horse riding, cycling, or for just enjoying a peaceful environment. The rooms are elegant and simple. They are all decorated in different colours and all have a private bathroom, TV and an extra sofa bed. Meals are served in the dining room where a blazing log fire adds warmth on winter evenings. Outside, a terrace overlooks the garden and swimming pool and offers lovely views over the nearby limestone hills. Bicycles can be rented at the hotel, which also has an ATM on-site. 2 deluxe and 6 superior rooms are available.



Breakfast includes fresh chicken eggs, bread homemade in a traditional oven, farm milk and homemade jams.

Lunches are either taken as a picnic on longer riders or will be served back at the accommodation.

Dinners are typical Portuguese style and are often served at the nearby hotel for variation. With contemporary cooking based on Portuguese roots, the cuisine of the chef prides itself on using the best national products, seasonal and organic ingredients from small local suppliers and on promoting sustainability and fair trade.



Please note that dinner on Sunday evening is not included in your stay and will not be served at the accommodation. The hosts will recommend some wonderful local restaurants.


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

Documents - Visa and Consulate Info

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


Climate Summary

In northern and central regions of Portugal the summers are very warm or hot and the winters are chilly. From autumn to spring there can be quite a bit of rain which, after all, is what makes it so beautiful and green.

Climate Chart

Health

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.

Health (ride specific)

No specific requirements. A general good level of fitness is advised.

Electricity

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.

Mobile, WiFi and charging

You will be able to charge your camera/batteries each night at the hotel. If you want to bring a GoPro please be advised that you will have to have permission from all other guests and guides that they are willing to be filmed.

Packing List

- 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
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Fleece - Although the weather is generally very warm, the evenings can be a bit cooler especially in winter
- Warm layers - At times the evening temperature drops significantly
- Casual Clothes - for when out of the saddle
- Raincoat - always a good idea to pack a waterproof/windproof jacket
- Sunhat
- Swimming costume
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- 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

Programmes

Available all year round. Stays are generally Saturday to Saturday but shorter stays can be arranged.

Departure Dates

2025 TBC

Pricing
No single supplement payable if willing to share with someone of same sex. Should you wish to book a single room, please see supplement price below.

2 deluxe and 6 superior rooms are available.

Recommended Reading


Other Activities



Wildlife

You will be situated right in the heart of the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park, in the rural hamlet of Alvados, with its dry stone walls and old oak and olive trees. In autumn it is possible to see the flight of the Golden Eagle, pick delicious mushrooms and hear the call of the Eurasian Eagle Owl. In springtime, you may see some rare orchids or the splendid Broteroi Peony. There is a diversity of fauna, in a total of 204 different species, which 136 are birds, 38 mammals, 17 reptiles and 13 amphibians. These species include wild cat, civet cats, foxes, weasels, badgers, the Bedriagai skink, etc.. Birds are the group that are best represented in this protected area, with more than one hundred species being known to nest there.

Other Country Information

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

Travel Summary

Meeting-point (getting there):
Lisbon airport. Meeting time according to flight schedule.
Transfer:
2025 TBC: Calculated at the time of booking. Payable on site.
Flight Guide:
2025: London to Lisbon (LIS) return from £75pp (Season Dependent)
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