Algarve Beach & Forest, Portugal
Reviews
“The horses were well looked after and there was plenty of choice. The rides and scenery were magnificent and plentiful. There were many memories especially of the homely and entertaining staff. ”
Horses
Type of horses:
Part bred Lusitanos, Irish Draft, Welsh mountain and a donkey!
Nature of horses:
Calm but forward going
Height of horses:
12.2 - 16.0hh
Weight limit:
100 kg
Tack type:
English
Weather
Current Conditions:
Fair, 23 C
Forecast:
Fri - Sunny. High: 31 Low: 21
Sat - Sunny. High: 31 Low: 21
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
Pricing
Forest & Beach
The price of this programme is inclusive of a minimum of 15 hours of riding and accommodation in lovely apartments only 5 minutes walk from the stables. This is a self catering option although the fridge will be stocked with a few essentials prior to your arrival to get you started.
£836 per person
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Beginners Programme in the sun
2010 price: £75 per person, per day.
This price is inclusive of riding for three or five day course, accommodation in lovely apartments (only five minutes walk from the stables). This is a self catering option although the fridge will be stocked with essentials to get you started.
There is a 10% reduction for a group of four or more
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Long Weekend / Short Break Programme
This price is inclusive of four nights accommodation in lovely apartments only five minutes walk from the stables and ten hours of horse riding. Lunches on day two and day three are also included, please see the programme for details.
£370 per person
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Four Day West Coast Ride
The price of £460 per person, includes accommodation and riding but does not include dinner, flights or travel insurance.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
This ride truly does have something for everyone. Every level of rider is catered for from complete beginners who wish to learn to ride in the warmth and beauty of the Algarve, to those more experienced riders wanting to appreciate and explore the area outside of the centre. There is a range of trails are available allowing you to witness unspoilt landscapes and breathtaking mountain views making this a perfect option also for experienced riders looking for hours of endless trails amongst dramatic scenery.
All riders wishing to take advantage of the tuition available have the option of a basic or intensive programme including trail riding if you wish. Beginners will leave not only having learnt to ride but also with an understanding of the horse and basic care.
In the mountain areas of the ride you will see magnificent views looking down to the sea. The ride also takes you through valleys surrounded by an impressive variety of wild vegetation typical of southern Europe. These include eucalyptus, orange, fig, cork and almond trees.
Wildlife is abundant and at various times you may see hoopies or griffin vultures and sometimes eagles soar overhead. There are partridge strutting around and sometimes a mongoose or wild boar crosses the track. Swallows nest in the stables and at certain times love to dive bomb the horses and riders!
This ride lies in a region where the weather allows horseriding even in the winter. The spring is particularly beautiful as the landscape is covered in an abundance of wild flowers, blanketing the area in an amazing variety of colour. In contrast the autumn brings perfect weather, mild temperatures and serene days perfect for enjoying magnificent sunsets and riding to the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. Even winter brings pleasant weather. The sun is seldom absent with winter in this region being the mildest in Europe.
These well run stables are approved by the ABRS and the Portugese Equestrian Federation. Riding is also offered to disabled riders.
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
There is a choice of accommodation. Many guests choose to take advantage of the lovely self contained apartments only 5 minutes walk from the stables. These simply but tastefully furnished apartments make for a comfortable annf enjoyable stay.
Nearby is a beautiful cottage renovated to a very high standard. It is simply furnished with great style and comprises a beautiful lounge with a vaulted beamed ceiling. Leading off from this is a terrace edged by herbs and shrubs. This is a great place to sit, enjoy a drink and the most amazing views. There are two comfortable bedrooms, again tastefully furnished and a very modern large bathroom.
There are also top class apartments available in nearby Lagos - one in the Marina and one near to a golf course. Both are decorated to a very high standard.
Guests are able to take advantage of the lovely swimming pool at the villa on site after returning from a few hours in the saddle.
This is a self-catering option although the fridge is always stocked with a few essentials prior to your arrival to get you started. Self catering allows you to add flexibility to your holiday and sample some of the many wonderful restaurants in the locality.
In the local village there are two good restaurants. One is run by a local couple who spent many years in Australia so you can expect a very varied menu. The other restaurant is all Portugese offering an array of local dishes. The village also has a minimarket which is great for those wishing to eat in.
The town of Lagos is only 7km and well worth a visit with many excellent places to try out those delicious Portugese specialities as well as, Indiian, Chinese and Thai. You will also find a number of places serving more traditional dishes.
Activities
There is a beautiful swimming pool next to the stables perfect for your periods of relaxation and sunbathing after a day in the saddle.
Also in the vicinity there are three local golf courses for those who like to play a round or two and nearby towns of Lagos and Portimao offer a wide gamut of restaurants, shops and other diversions for the visitor.
A hire car is a good idea so you can explore this wonderful area. The lighthouse at Sagres which is the most south westerly point of Europe is worth a visit or a trip up to the mountain to Monchique There are many places which are worth a visit and a beautiful beach to lie on only a few minutes away by car.
Further Details
Languages: English, Portugese, German and Dutch
Health requirements: No specific health requirements
Age limit: None
Tuition: Yes
Included: Riding and accommodation as detailed by the programmes
Not included: Flights, transfers, travel and medical insurance.
Travel Information
The resort is only 70 kms North of Lagos making this destination very easy to access from Faro airport. Easyjet are just one of the airlines now flying into Faro at a very competitive rate. Ryanair now fly from London Stansted. Flybe also fly here from Southampton and Exeter.
We can arrange car hire for you at a very cheap rate which is perfect for allowing you to explore this fantastic area. However, we can also arrange taxi transfers to and from Faro airport.
Airport: Faro
Programmes
Forest & Beach
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This is a tried and tested formula for a wonderful riding holiday. You will be riding in this diverse countryside through scented eucalyptus woods over endless hills towards the sea. It is a ride for fit and confident riders able to canter in groups because there are many opportunities for long fast canters. Day One Arrive at Faro airport. Transport is available to but we do suggest car hire which is inexpensive and allows you time to look around when not riding. Today you will be settled into your accommodation and will meet the horses and dogs, have a swim or stroll around the valley. Day Two In the morning you ride up into the hills through the wonderful scented eucalyptus woods, emerging at the top by the old windmill from where you have the most stunning 360º view, south over Lagos to the sea, west to the village of Bensafrim and north and east over endless hills. Continuing up and down through the hills you finally descend to the valley, riding through the backyard of an old tumbledown farmhouse only vacated after the 2003 fires, before your quinta appears over the hill. In the afternoon, choose between a lesson in the ‘picadeiro’ if you want a bit of ‘brushing up’ or a ride down Mad Valley. This is a long winding roller coaster of a track. Where the horses and riders enjoy a good canter. You return along the winding contour tracks cleared years ago for the planting of the umbrella pines. Day Three You take a leisurely two hour ride through quite different countryside. It’s a fast ride with plenty of tracks for trotting and ‘blasts’ up the hills. You pass through Palm Tree Farm, a range of deserted buildings dominated by a lone Palm tree and surrounded by almond trees (see the confetti like blossom in spring!) and fig trees (pick your own!). Day Four Restaurant Ride day. You take the stunning ride up to the dam (Barragem) and ride along the water’s edge, over the dam wall (hopefully no vertigo!) before lunch in the friendly restaurant overlooking the water. The horses munch in the shade of the pine trees while riders enjoy a cool drink and the dish of the day. The ride there is approx. three hours leaving a shorter trip home. Day Five Rest day. A day for you to discover the many delights of Lagos, a trip to the hills of Monchique or to ‘worlds end’ at Cape St Vincent. Day Six Westward Ho! day. Approx. four hours ride through the National Forest to the dramatic West Coast. Apart from crossing the main road in Bensafrim you are unlikely to see or be seen by anyone until you emerge at the coast – don’t worry your guides do know the way! A light lunch followed by plenty of time to ride on the beach. Horses and riders stay in Carrapateira for the night. Although out of the way there are several good restaurants worth visiting with the freshest of fish on the menu. Day Seven We have to make our way back to Bensafrim and the quinta. The countryside is different yet again, this time mostly giant cork oaks shading the tracks. The horses are always in a hurry to get home but are quite used to stopping for a refreshing drink on the way through the village. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Riding fit and confident enough to canter in groups |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | 15 hours minimum |
| Departure dates: | Saturday - Saturday by arrangement (not July or August) |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Beginners Programme in the sun
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This is a course which ensures that the complete beginner will understand the basics of riding and horse care leaving them confident enough to venture out on a trail. This programme can also be tailored to suit those returning to riding and wanting to brush up on their skills. The programme will be tailored to suit the individual needs of the rider. Experienced and individual attention is given to every client and the warm and friendly atmosphere makes this the perfect place to learn. This itinerary may vary but is an example of your programme. Example Itinerary Day One: Early arrival at Faro airport. Transport is available to but we do suggest car hire which is inexpensive and allows you time to look around when not riding. You will be settle into your accommodation before your first horse experience starts. In the afternoon you are handed a headcollar and sent off to collect your horse from the field or stable with a member of staff. You will learn how to put on the head collar correctly, how to brush and prepare the horse and then tack up and prepare to ride. You will then be shown the correct way to mount your horse and your first lesson will begin in the school. Day two and three OR two, three, four and five: Each day’s preparation and riding instruction will last for three hours and will also cover all aspects of horse care to include: further grooming and tacking up, basic school rules and how to ride safely, an introduction to parts of the horse and various minor ailments that horses are susceptible to, you will learn about keeping and feeding a horse and any questions you may have on horse care will be answered by our experts. As well as daily lessons there is also the opportunity to take part in short trail rides depending on your progression, confidence and past experience. After your riding sessions there is plenty of time to explore the area or simply relax by the pool. By the end of this course you will now have a basic understanding of horse care, built a basic and solid foundation to continue your riding in the future and have the confidence to expand your horse riding holiday portfolio. |
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| Minimum group size: | 1 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Complete beginners and novice's wanting to improve their basic skills |
| Type of ride: | Lessons and trails |
| Total riding time: | Three or Five day courses. Three hours per day to include preparation and tuition. |
| Departure dates: | To suit except July and August |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Long Weekend / Short Break Programme
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This programme is perfect for the intermediate or experienced rider looking for a short getaway. Fantastic countryside and well schooled horses combined with the warmth of the Algarve makes this an excellent choice for those wishing to escape the winter weather. The varied trails allow you to witness unspoilt landscapes and breathtaking mountain views discovering some of the areas most dramatic scenery. Day One: Most guests choose to arrive at the stables, allowing them to meet the host and guides before being shown or directed to your apartment. Directions however will be provided for those wishing to go straight to their accommodation. In the afternoon you will have a one hour ride in the menage to allow you to get to know your horse and guide. Day Two: Today you will venture out on your first trail, a restaurant ride allowing you to explore some of the area as well as sample genuine Portugese cooking and local wine. This will involve a two hour ride to the restaurant and one hour back to the stables. Day Three: Another chance to explore the area- you will venture on a picnic ride along the banks of Barragem de Bravura, a beautiful dam. Day Four: Today marks the end of your ridng, a two hour ride allowing you one last chance to ride witness the dramatic scenery from horseback. Day Five: Departure. |
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| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Intermediate and above |
| Type of ride: | Trails but lessons by arrangement |
| Total riding time: | 10 hours |
| Departure dates: | To suit, except July and August |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Four Day West Coast Ride
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All riding is in the carefully protected National Park of Costa Vincentina, a wonderfully natural and unspoilt park brimming with wildlife. Day 1: After breakfast you leave the stables after getting acquainted with your horse. Your ride starts in a westward direction. You will stop for a picnic on the top of "Espinho de Cao" which has amazing views of endless hills. After this pleasant break you get back in the saddle and continue down through the 'medronho' woods of the National Park to Herdade de Beicudo, to the beautiful farm inland from Carrapateira where the horses will spend the night. Accommodation is at a guesthouse in the village of Carrapateira. Dinner tonight is at a well renowned restaurant "Sitio do Rio". Today you will have ridden for 4/5 hours. Day 2: After breakfast of fresh rolls and coffee in the village square, you will tack up your horse and continue riding westwards through the sand dunes and flat lands to the village of Vila do Bispo, where the horse will be tied up in the market square while riders enjoy a lunch in a local cafe. On the return ride to Beicudo you will drop down to Castelejo for a canter on the beach and a welcome drink at the beach bar. Accommodation is in Carrapateira once again and dinner is at a restaurant of your choice. Today you will ride for about 4 hours. Day 3: After another quick breakfast you will head off north bound up the cost through fabulous pinewoods and over hills making your way through valleys and rivers to Vale da Telha Riding Centre where the horses will spend the night. Accommodation will be in the beautiful historic town of Aljezur and dinner will once again be a local restaurant of your choice. Today you will have ridden for 4 hours. Day 4: On day four of your riding you will make your way back to the stables in Bensafrim. This is once again a fabulous ride through stunning countryside. Your ride today will be for 3 hours. |
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| Accommodation: | Accommodation on the trail is at Carrapateira and Aljezur. |
| Minimum group size: | 4 |
| Maximum group size: | 6 |
| Ability description: | You need to be comfortable at all paces |
| Type of ride: | Trail |
| Total riding time: | 16 hours |
| Departure dates: | To suit May, June, September |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |