Costa Azul Ride | Horse Riding Holidays in Portugal | Globetrotting

The Costa Azul Ride, Portugal

7 NightsStrong Intermediate to AdvancedFrom €1,710 EUR?Tour costs €1,710 EUR which is approximately $2,837 AUD

Known as the Blue Coast, your riding holiday in Portugal will take you along the southern stretch of the country’s west coast, Costa Azul.

The Costa Azul is as long and beautiful as the famous Algarve (Portugal’s south coast), but while the Algarve is teeming with tourists all year round, it’s here that you’ll find peaceful, deserted beaches and pristine countryside, all discovered from the back of a proud purebred or cross-bred Lusitano. The reputation of this ride among equestrian travellers is what originally drew us like a magnet to this itinerary. And who doesn’t want to explore quaint fishing villages, deserted beaches and flourishing cork forests from the back of a horse?

A true highlight of this Globetrotting experience is becoming intimate with the Lusitano breed over your six day riding itinerary. Between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries, the Lusitano was the darling of the royal courts of Europe. Lusitanos are powerful horses, noted for their intelligence and willing nature. The breed’s gaits are agile and elevated, but generally comfortable to ride. You’ll love the point-to-point nature of this ride where you’ll leap-frog from village to village, soaking up the atmosphere, varying landscapes, history, regional fare and wine. To put it simply, savouring life slowly is a Portuguese passion, and that will be your main aim – a perfect Globetrotting experience.

Fast Facts

  • Horse Breed:A mixture of pure and crossbred Portuguese Lusitanos.
  • Pace:The pace varies on a daily basis from a walk right through to a fast canter whenever the terrain is suitable. There will be plenty of opportunities to trot in between.
  • Weight Limit:A maximum of 85kg / 187lbs.
  • Type of tack:Comfortable sheepskin-covered Portuguese military saddles.
  • Seasons:Low season is March to mid June & September to October. High season is late June to early September.
  • Group size:A minimum of 5 and a maximum of 10 guests. Please note: there is a ratio of 1 guide per group, regardless of group size.
  • Time in Saddle:On average, between 4 to 6 hours each day.
  • Riding Ability:Suitable for strong intermediate to advanced riders. Not sure what your riding ability is? Watch THIS video to find out.
  • Accommodation:You will experience a wonderful variety of accommodation on this ride, including a historic pousada (a traditional manor house), comfortable hotels in the heart of the countryside, as well as private estates. You can expect to have an en suite bathroom, and in most locations an on-site pool is also available.
  • Ride Length:8 days, 7 nights, with 6 riding days.
  • Inclusions:

    The price includes twin share accommodation, all meals (from dinner on day one through to breakfast on day eight), riding, luggage transfers, an English speaking guide, water, wine and soft drinks at lunch.

  • Exclusions:

    The price does not include international or regional flights and travel insurance (compulsory), drinks with dinner (apart from water) and bar drinks, staff tips (expected, but the amount is to be decided at your own discretion) and transfers to and from Lisbon Airport (to be paid in cash on arrival: €100 per person, round-trip).

 

DEPARTURE DATES & RATES

NEW! Secure your saddle seat NOW with a 10% deposit - as part of our 10x 10% payment plan!
Departing FinishingAvailabilityTotal
June 16, 2024June 23, 2024SOLD OUT!
From: €1,890 EUR ?Tour costs €1,890 EUR which is approximately $3,135 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
From: €2,490 EUR ?Tour costs €2,490 EUR which is approximately $4,131 AUD - Single Rider?Happy to pay a booking supplement for own room
From: €1,160 EUR ?Tour costs €1,160 EUR which is approximately $1,925 AUD - Non Rider?To twin-share with a riding guest
June 23, 2024June 30, 2024Limited
From: €1,890 EUR ?Tour costs €1,890 EUR which is approximately $3,135 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
Booking Request

2.5% credit card surcharge

From: €2,490 EUR ?Tour costs €2,490 EUR which is approximately $4,131 AUD - Single Rider?Happy to pay a booking supplement for own room
Booking Request

2.5% credit card surcharge

From: €1,160 EUR ?Tour costs €1,160 EUR which is approximately $1,925 AUD - Non Rider?To twin-share with a riding guest
Booking Request

2.5% credit card surcharge

July 7, 2024July 14, 2024SOLD OUT!
From: €1,890 EUR ?Tour costs €1,890 EUR which is approximately $3,135 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
From: €2,490 EUR ?Tour costs €2,490 EUR which is approximately $4,131 AUD - Single Rider?Happy to pay a booking supplement for own room
From: €1,160 EUR ?Tour costs €1,160 EUR which is approximately $1,925 AUD - Non Rider?To twin-share with a riding guest
August 18, 2024August 25, 2024SOLD OUT!
From: €1,890 EUR ?Tour costs €1,890 EUR which is approximately $3,135 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
From: €2,490 EUR ?Tour costs €2,490 EUR which is approximately $4,131 AUD - Single Rider?Happy to pay a booking supplement for own room
From: €1,160 EUR ?Tour costs €1,160 EUR which is approximately $1,925 AUD - Non Rider?To twin-share with a riding guest
August 25, 2024September 1, 2024SOLD OUT!
From: €1,890 EUR ?Tour costs €1,890 EUR which is approximately $3,135 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
From: €2,490 EUR ?Tour costs €2,490 EUR which is approximately $4,131 AUD - Single Rider?Happy to pay a booking supplement for own room
From: €1,160 EUR ?Tour costs €1,160 EUR which is approximately $1,925 AUD - Non Rider?To twin-share with a riding guest
October 20, 2024October 27, 2024SOLD OUT!
From: €1,710 EUR ?Tour costs €1,710 EUR which is approximately $2,837 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
From: €2,270 EUR ?Tour costs €2,270 EUR which is approximately $3,766 AUD - Single Rider?Happy to pay a booking supplement for own room
From: €1,060 EUR ?Tour costs €1,060 EUR which is approximately $1,759 AUD - Non Rider?To twin-share with a riding guest
October 27, 2024November 3, 2024SOLD OUT!
From: €1,710 EUR ?Tour costs €1,710 EUR which is approximately $2,837 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
From: €2,270 EUR ?Tour costs €2,270 EUR which is approximately $3,766 AUD - Single Rider?Happy to pay a booking supplement for own room
From: €1,060 EUR ?Tour costs €1,060 EUR which is approximately $1,759 AUD - Non Rider?To twin-share with a riding guest
November 10, 2024November 17, 2024Limited
From: €1,710 EUR ?Tour costs €1,710 EUR which is approximately $2,837 AUD - Twin Share?Happy to share with another solo traveller of the same gender
Booking Request

2.5% credit card surcharge

From: €2,270 EUR ?Tour costs €2,270 EUR which is approximately $3,766 AUD - Single Rider?Happy to pay a booking supplement for own room
Booking Request

2.5% credit card surcharge

From: €1,060 EUR ?Tour costs €1,060 EUR which is approximately $1,759 AUD - Non Rider?To twin-share with a riding guest
Booking Request

2.5% credit card surcharge

*June, July and August departure dates are subject to High Season pricing due to summer cost increases for our ride partners.

PLEASE NOTE: solo globetrotters will be required to pay the single rider rate if we do not have another guest willing to share.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price includes twin share accommodation, all meals (from dinner on day one through to breakfast on day eight), riding, luggage transfers, an English speaking guide, water, wine and soft drinks at lunch.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
The price does not include international or regional flights and travel insurance (compulsory), drinks with dinner (apart from water) and bar drinks, staff tips (expected, but the amount is to be decided at your own discretion) and transfers to and from Lisbon Airport (to be paid in cash on arrival: €100 per person, round-trip).

Accepted payment is by credit or debit card only. Depending on the ride you choose to book and your country of residence, there will be a 1.2% to 2.9% surcharge.

Click HERE to read more about our fees and charges.
Click HERE to read our recommendations on which cards are best to use to avoid international transaction fees.
WHY IS THE PRICE QUOTED IN EUR?
With our riding destinations, the currency is dictated by our ride partner in that country. Therefore due to fluctuating exchange rates we have to quote in the same currency.

Itinerary

Expand AllCollapse All

*Please note, this is a suggested itinerary only and subject to change at the discretion of your guides due to weather and other influencing factors.

Expand AllCollapse All
  • Day 1

    Known as the Blue Coast, your riding holiday in Portugal will take you along the southern stretch of the country’s west coast, Costa Azul. It’s here that you’ll find peaceful, deserted beaches and pristine countryside, all discovered from the back of a proud Lusitano.

    Your hosts will meet you at Lisbon Airport at 5:30pm and drive you south (approximately 100km) to the starting point of the ride. This drive will be your first chance to glimpse the lush green coastal mountains of the Grândola, overgrown with pine and cork oak forests.

    Your first night’s accommodation is Monte das Faias, a beautiful country house of typical ‘Alentejana’ architectural style situated on a cork oak farm in the foothills of the Grândola Mountain Range. Equipped with all the comforts of a modern hotel, the special touch here is the charming staff, who will go out of their way to ensure you’re enjoying your stay in their elegant establishment. There is time to enjoy a dip in the pool or the hot tub, or relax in your well-appointed room, before sitting down for a three-course dinner. Be sure to loosen your belt buckles, Globetrotters, and try each one of the moreish Portuguese specialties on offer. This is one riding holiday where you won’t be going hungry! From bacalhau (cod fish) to caldo verde (soup) to feijoada trasmontana (a hearty meat stew), you’re going to eat AND ride your way around the country!

  • Day 2

    This morning, after indulging in a delicious breakfast (freshly baked pastries, fresh fruits, traditional bread of Grândola and local honey or homemade jam), you’ll meet the Lusitano horses. Well schooled, responsive and with a naturally proud head carriage, you’ll feel like kings and queens astride these powerful equines as you ride through the hills in the direction of your first destination: Santiago do Cacém. A blend of maritime coast, pine forest and Alentejan inspiration, it’s here where you’ll have to pinch yourselves as the stunning Portuguese countryside stretches away before you. There will be opportunities to trot and canter and you’ll notice how surefooted the Lusitanos are.

    After working up an appetite, a tasty picnic spread is on offer for lunch (think something delicious grilled alongside fresh salads). Full and well rested after lunch, you’ll continue on, riding through the forests of pines and cork oaks.

    Today’s ride will finish at Quinta da Ortiga, where you’ll stable the horses and catch a short transfer (approx. 30mins) to your hotel, Quinta de Malmedra. This establishment has both personal charm and modern luxuries (yes, there’s a pool). Settle in, globetrotters, as you’ll be staying here for the next two evenings.

  • Day 3

    After another stomach-filling breakfast to start the day, you’ll be transferred back to the horses, who have enjoyed a peaceful evening at their stables. Today you’ll cross forests of eucalyptus, savouring their distinct scent clearing your nose and the sound of the leaves cracking under the horses’ feet. You’ll stop for a picnic lunch and a siesta near Morgavel’s Water Reservoir.

    After lunch and a well-earned siesta, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy some fast canters on the sandy trails that cross the Portuguese countryside before heading back to the hotel, where you might have time to enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool before dinner. You’ll enjoy another peaceful night in your slice of Portuguese paradise.

  • Day 4

    Today’s ride will see you travel over sandy trails through fields and forests, with several fast canters thrown in for good measure and fun! You’ll ride past the Santo Andre Lagoon where, if you’re lucky, you might get the opportunity to see some flamingos and storks wading in the water. In the afternoon, the horses get a rest while you have the opportunity to visit wild dolphins in their natural habitat, in the Sado River near the town of Setúbal. The estuary of the River Sado is home to a community of about 27 bottlenose dolphins and to observe these elegant, playful creatures in their own habitat will be a sight to behold.

    *Please be advised, depending on the weather, the program can also be changed so that you visit the dolphins in the morning and ride in the afternoon. If unfavourable weather conditions prohibit you from using the boat, you’ll spend the time further exploring the region.

    Tonight you’ll be staying in Vila Nova de Santo André, a gorgeous town known for its Blue Flag beaches and a brilliant nature reserve with an unbelievable diversity of birdlife.

  • Day 5

    You’ll ride on in direction of Portugal’s coastline today, globetrotters, and it’s here that you’ll finally get to experience some exhilarating long canters along the beach. It promises to be a beautiful ride at first light as the sun rises over the dunes. With birds soaring overhead and the green of the pine forests against the shore, you’ll feel a wonderful sensation of peace and tranquility. You’ll enjoy a picnic lunch in the pine forest and have time for a refreshing swim in the salty sea before riding back to Santo André for the evening.

  • Day 6

    You’ll be riding towards Grândola today, and there will be plenty of opportunities for some good fast canters – woohoo! A small Alentejan town, Grândola is set amidst plains of crops and vast gatherings of cork trees. While it might be hot and dusty in the summer months, it has somehow managed to capture the feeling of a place where people work hard but don’t take life too seriously and enjoy it at a slower pace. Red earth paths alternate with those of sand and you might even come across herds of cows or sheep being tended to by shepherds. You’re making your way back to the hotel you stayed at on night one of the ride, so after you’ve stabled the horses, there might be time to have a refreshing swim in the pool before enjoying dinner.

  • Day 7

    Today will see you riding past the Sierra de Grândola (the mountain range of Grândola) through rolling landscapes and picturesque villages where curious inhabitants, attracted by the noise of the horses’ hooves on the paths, will come out of their houses to greet you. As usual, you’ll pause for one last picnic and siesta, before continuing on to the forests of cork oaks.

    It will then be time to say farewell to your faithful Lusitano steeds before you head back to the hotel (the same as the previous night) and enjoy your final dinner together in Portugal, topped off with a tipple of port.

  • Day 8

    After breakfast you will be transferred back to Lisbon Airport for onward travel. Please don’t book departing flights until after 12 midday.

  • Transfer Information

    A transfer service is available to and from Lisbon Airport on the first and last days of the itinerary (€100 per person round trip, to be paid in cash on arrival). Pick up time is 5:30pm on day 1 of the ride (please ensure your flight arrives no later than 4:30pm). The meeting point in Lisbon’s airport is located to the right after leaving the luggage collection area. You’ll be welcomed there by a ride representative.

    The transfer will depart your accommodation on the final day after breakfast at 10:30am. No flights are to be booked before 12 midday on departure day (1pm or later preferred).

    Globetrotting is happy to provide a competitive quote on international flights, travel insurance, car hire and hotels before and after your ride.

What our valued Globetrotters say about The Costa Azul Ride

The Costa Azul Ride, Portugal, Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Lynn Pirozzoli

‘The Lusitano horses are well-trained and had comfortable gaits for long rides. I rode Cujo, and he was terrific, uncomplicated and gave me a dream ride. Our guides were most accommodating and provided us with local history and culture. The food was amazing with fresh fish and grilled meat daily. Accommodations were comfortable with lovely pools to swim in after the ride. The wine flowed freely, and the riders enjoyed swapping stories about their equestrian experiences. My fellow riders were all evenly matched in riding ability, so it was a joy to ride daily!’

Costa Azul, Portugal - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Patti Hollinger

‘The Costa Azul ride was my first horse riding adventure in another country! It was fun, the horses were calm and on task, the food was tasty and the hotel accommodations were nice. I rode Dragoa, who was wonderful. Our guides were helpful, kind, fun and very knowledgeable! Everyday was fun filled, but cantering on the beach was especially exhilarating. I would go again in a heartbeat!’

Costa Azul, Portugal - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Michelle Elliott

‘I had the best week on the Costa Azul ride! Miguel and Anwar were very knowledgeable and professional, and made sure that everyone had an awesome time. Plenty of food, wine, laughs and company. The scenery was beautiful and the horses were even better. I rode Dragao for the week and he was the best! I would recommend this ride to anyone! Globetrotting made everything so easy and communication was great. I’m already thinking about which ride I’m going to do next. If you are thinking about booking a ride, DO IT!’

Megan Petry

‘This has been the best experience. I cannot tell you the last time the phone went away, I rode, I laughed, I ate (and drank) and slept like a baby. What a great way to understand not only the country but the flora and fauna first hand. Miguel is extremely knowledgeable about the area – I could give a TED talk on the production and economics of cork now! We loved Dennis, too – he did a wonderful set of lunches. Miguel loves and deeply cares for his horses and they were all in good shape. I appreciated that these horses knew their job (even down to the hand signals and whistles) and basically if you trusted them, you would have a wonderful time. I met wonderful folks, some who will become lifelong friends. I’m already planning for the next adventure.’

Costa Azul, Portugal - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Carolyn Dowse

‘I had the most incredible horse riding adventure in Portugal! The horses, the hosts, food, accommodation, scenery, being with beautiful like minded people. I rode Iberico, and I seriously wanted to fold him up and put him in my suitcase. I fell in love with the Lusitano breed and with him. This was my first horse riding holiday but it certainly won’t be my last. The ladies I met on the ride all started talking about Morocco so in 2021, I’m there! Thank you Globetrotting, I could fault nothing – it was bloody amazing!’

Costa Azul, Portugal - Globetrotting horse riding holidays

Dorinda Dorsett

‘I have been on lots of riding holidays and always enjoyed them, but they didn’t always match the description. However, with the Costa Azul Ride, the question is if words can even describe it. This a forward ride and the terrain is ever changing. Miguel and Dennis are awesome! My sweet gelding, Adonis, will be in my heart forever. All the horses are trained well and know their job. One horse actually followed at liberty and just took his place in line when we would trot, canter or gallop.’

Globetrotting horse riding holiday in Costa Azul, Portugal

Anna King

‘Portugal and the Costa Azul will win your heart effortlessly. The friendliness of the Portuguese people, stunning scenery, beautiful food, and of course the gorgeous horses are a winning combination. I loved the peace and serenity of riding through the beautiful cork trees, along the beach with the waves from the Atlantic crashing on the shore or just meandering along the hills, enjoying the vista beyond. The Costa Azul ride in Portugal was a balm to my soul after the frenetic pace of Europe.’

STORIES FROM THE SADDLE

HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RIDE OR WHICH IS MOST SUITABLE FOR YOU?

CONTACT US DOWNLOAD FACTSHEET