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Faial Island Trails

Overview

This comfortable ecolodge is based on the island of Faial in the Azores, a Portuguese archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean which comprises nine volcanic islands. The islands are known for their fascinating landscapes, mild climate and surrounding deep blue sea which lends itself perfectly to wha…

Highlights

  • Explore black lava beaches and volcanoes
  • Join marine biologists on a whale-watching tour
  • Comfortable ecolodge accommodation with pool and sauna
  • Well-schooled Lusitano and Portuguese Cruzado horses
  • Quality meals from an award-winning chef

Essential Facts

  • 1 itinerary available
  • Max 9 riders per group
  • Average of 4 - 5 hours riding per day
  • Weight limit: 95kg / 210 lbs / 15 st.
    more info Slightly heavier riders may be possible on consultation with horse team - please enquire.

Description

This comfortable ecolodge is based on the island of Faial in the Azores, a Portuguese archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean which comprises nine volcanic islands. The islands are known for their fascinating landscapes, mild climate and surrounding deep blue sea which lends itself perfectly to whale-watching tours. Faial is named after its beech trees ('faias') but is also known as the 'Blue Island' thanks to its beautiful hydrangeas which bloom in different shades. The ecolodge is home to a herd of Lusitano and Portuguese Cruzado horses, the perfect companions with which to explore the island's lush green meadows, black lava beaches, 'Caldeira' volcano at 1000m above sea level and much more.

Each day you ride a different route and the horses stay out in paddocks along the way, since they are used to living out together as a herd. You are then transferred back to the lodge to enjoy the pool and sauna, have a three-course dinner and a good sleep, before being driven back to the horses in the morning to explore another part of this fascinating island.

For non-riders or those wishing to fit more in, the ecolodge has lots to offer. There is a saltwater pool, sauna and other activities available including yoga, hiking and additional whale or dolphin-watching tours. It's also possible to visit the neighbouring island of Pico with a guide.

Horses & Riding

Tack

The horses are all ridden in purpose-made Prestige trekking saddles, which are incredibly comfortable for long hours of riding. Some of the horses are ridden in bitless bridles and all are accustomed to a loose rein. Saddlebags and Australian raincoats are available for guests to rent.

Horses

The horses are all Lusitanos and Lusitano Crosses (Portuguese Cruzado). The horses are calm, well-mannered, fit for the trails and able to cope with the hilly and varied terrain. They live out together all year long in the meadows or in a large open barn if a shelter is needed during the wettest winter weather.

Riding

There is 1 itinerary:

  • Faial Island Trail is a based ride

Ages

Riders must be 16 or older (please request if you child is younger).

Health

General good health recommended.

Weight

95kg / 210 lbs / 15 st. Slightly heavier riders may be possible on consultation with horse team - please enquire.

Food & Accommodation

Food

The ecolodge has its own bar and restaurant with the catering team led by an award-winning chef. A continental buffet is served and lunches are generally a light meal or a picnic lunch, served with water and juice. Dinners are three courses including fresh fish from the Atlantic, sustainably-sourced meat and organic vegetables. Vegetarian and Vegan diets can be accommodated with advance notice.

All meals are included in your stay but drinks with dinners or outside of meal times are paid locally.

The bar offers Azorean wines, cocktails, beers and a refreshing selection of soft drinks and the lodge's own spring water.

Accommodation

Accommodation is in an ecolodge, rated 4*, in lodge rooms, apartments or 'Tiny Houses' (you can upgrade). There is a saltwater swimming pool (heated in the winter), a sauna, gardens and free high speed internet. There are great views of the Atlantic Ocean, Pico Volcano and the horse pastures or round pen.

Itineraries

Faial Island Trail Standard accommodation.

Other Activities

There is plenty for non-riders to do here including whale and dolphin-watching and hiking. Yoga is also available at additional cost.

Travel

Faial is located in the central group of the Azores archipelago and the airport is Horta, the island's main city. You can fly via Lisbon to reach Horta or take a connecting flight via Ponta Delgada, one of the larger Azorean islands.

Testimonials

Meghan K., July 1, 2022

This riding holiday was amazing! The lodge was beautiful and had everything we needed. The riding itself was incredible. The team managed the riding very well, at points with numerous riders, the guides were very experienced and thoughtful and everything was geared around the safety of both riders and horses. The trails had a good variety of terrain (and always incredible views!) which made each day interesting. Overall I loved my experience and the people I met on the trail as well as all of the staff! My favourite memory was probably either cantering through the fields of Faial or getting to ride up around the volcano craters.


Kate M., Jan. 25, 2019

An incredible experience - beautiful place, lovely people, stunning views, amazing rides and loved the horses! Couldn't fault the horses at all! Equipment was more than adequate - was surprised at how comfortable the saddles were. (Favourite memory?) The canters down these beautiful paths and the bond you build with your horse. The holiday was perfect - nothing to improve.


Malcolm T., Oct. 9, 2015

Horses and tack were perfect. Guides perfect and friendly. (Favourite memory?) The superb scenery.


Itinerary & Pricing

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

Arrival into Horta airport with transfer to the ecolodge. You will meet the horses and have a briefing of your trail week, getting to know the other riders and your guide. Welcome dinner.

Day 2 - History of Whales

Riding: 4 - 5 hours

Today starts by learning about whales and their history on the island of Faial. You are then introduced to your horse and your equipment before setting out on the trail. Start on gently rising meadow paths and after a short time, you begin the first trot and canter. Your destination is a whale watching point, where with a little luck and when the sea is calm, you can see whales and dolphins. Return to the lodge along the steep coast where a delicious lunch is waiting for you.

In the afternoon you ride to two small whaling harbours. Leave the horses for the night in a small hamlet and transfer back to the lodge for a drink at the bar before dinner.

Day 3 - Lighthouse Trail

Riding: 4 hours

Today you can learn about the impact of the 1998 earthquake on Faial. You are transferred to the horses early in the morning and start your trail by riding along the coast through an avenue of blue hydrangea hedges. Reach the island's former lighthouse, which was destroyed in the earthquake - the nearby village still has a crumbling church that testifies to the power of the tremors. Around noon you reach the horses' rest area where there is time for a saddlebag picnic.

After your lunch and perhaps a swim or paddle in the sea, your ride continues with wonderful views of the ocean and the neighbouring islands of São Jorge, Graciosa and Pico. You will reach the horse paddock for the night and once the horses are settled you'll be driven back to the ecolodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Day 4 - Caldeira of Faial Trail

Riding: 3 hours

Today is just half a day of riding. During the free half-day you can join a whale watching tour on the ocean to observe whales and dolphins (payable locally - whale-watching is generally an option from April to October). Or join a guided Horta tour to visit this cosmopolitan sailing and waling tour and visit the Volcano crater (caldeira) (also payable locally). Or you can simply relax at your accommodation.

In the afternoon you ride from the horses paddocks to the forest park Cabouco which offers some nice canters and views. You may meet farmers with their cattle and the heather trees lining your route looking like giant broccoli! With the Atlantic ocean glittering in the sun, you follow a trail along country roads down to the village of Cedros where you leave the horses and head back to the lodge.

Day 5 - Cabeço Verde Trail

Riding: 4 - 5 hours

After breakfast you are driven to the Jungle camp where you prepare your horse. Ride up the green volcano, 'Cabeço Verde'. From the top you have spectacular views of Praia do Norte, Cabeço do Fogo, Morro do Castelo Branco and the volcano Vulcão dos Capelinhos. The route of descent shows you some of the vineyards which are unique to Faial - this wine-growing area is unique due to the ashes of the last volcanic eruption and a special way of growing the grapes. Lunch is another saddlebag picnic before you continue your trail through a small adventurous jungle path. After the ride you will enjoy another meal at the ecolodge, a true taste of the Azores.

Day 6 - Capelinhos Volcano Trail

Riding: 4 - 5 hours

Today the trail leads you through a mystical jungle landscape where you can enjoy fantastic canters close to the coastline. Extensive vineyards, but also small 'adegas' (wineries) line your way as you follow narrow tracks close to the shore. Eventually you reach another top highlight of the Azores, the volcano of Capelinhos which erupted in 1957. Desert-like solitude awaits you with an old whaling village covered with the ash from the volcano. Hidden under the buried lighthouse is the modern interpretation centre that reports on the volcanism of the Azores and the eruption of the volcano. You combine your saddlebag picnic with a visit to this attraction.

After lunch you ride over parts of the volcano to reach the Jungle Camp again in the late afternoon. The transfer back to the lodge is already waiting there.

Day 7 - Fajã Bay and Canyon Trail

Riding: 4 - 5 hours

Today is the last day of the trail. Fajã Bay is a hidden bay where the islanders have grown wine and fruit for 500 years and on your way there you pass more small adegas (wineries). Riding through dense jungle you reach the black lava beach of Fajã Bay - a magical, romantic world of its own. Small lava stone houses, well-tended gardens and a wild sea await you .

You cross the island from the dry south to the green north with magnificent views over terraced pastures down to the blue ocean. Extended canters lead to the highest village on the island, Ribeira Funda. A typical Azorean picnic is waiting for you directly above the 300m deep canyon. Let the sun warm you, listen to the wind and the wild cries of the buzzards circling over the deep gorge.

In the afternoon the route takes you along yam fields and through a small, wild and romantic valley to return to the lodge. A farewell dinner brings your fascinating week of trail riding to a close.

Day 8 - Departure

Riding: No riding.

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight or to the ferry port. With the early flight from Faial back to Lisbon you should be able to connect with an afternoon flight home. Alternatively, you may wish to extend your stay on the island to explore further - please ask for details.

Accommodation

Every night is spent at the ecolodge.

Experience Intermediate / Experienced

Intermediate onwards, capable of riding at all paces over a variety of different terrain.

Minimum group size 1
Maximum group size 9
Departure windows

At any time during: Jan. 1, 2024 - Dec. 31, 2024  (Flexible arrivals/departures)

Nov. 3, 2024 - Nov. 10, 2024

Dec. 8, 2024 - Dec. 15, 2024

Jan. 19, 2025 - Jan. 26, 2025

Feb. 16, 2025 - Feb. 23, 2025

March 16, 2025 - March 23, 2025

At any time during: April 12, 2025 - Oct. 31, 2025  (Flexible arrivals/departures during mid/high season)

Nov. 7, 2025 - Nov. 14, 2025

Dec. 5, 2025 - Dec. 12, 2025

Pricing

2024
Sharing, Low Season (1 Jan - 31 Mar, 1 Nov - 31 Dec)
£1585 $2075 €1895
2024
Sharing, Mid Season (1 Apr - 31 May, 1-31 October)
£1670 $2185 €1995
2024
Sharing, High Season (1 Jun - 30 Sept)
£1835 $2400 €2195
2025
Sharing Apartment, Mid Season (12 Apr - 31 May, 1-31 Oct, 16 Dec-10 Jan 2026)
£1935 $2530 €2315
2025
Sharing Lodge room, High Season (1 Jun - 30 Sept)
£1810 $2365 €2165
2025
Sharing Apartment, High Season (1 Jun - 30 Sept)
£2035 $2660 €2435
2025
Single Lodge Room, Low Season (1 Jan - 11 Apr, 1 Nov - 15 Dec)
£1640 $2145 €1960
2025
Sharing Lodge Room, Low Season (1 Jan - 11 Apr, 1 Nov - 15 Dec)
£1560 $2035 €1865
2025
Single Lodge room, Mid Season (12 Apr - 31 May, 1-31 Oct, 16 Dec-10 Jan 2026)
£1935 $2530 €2315
2025
Single Apartment, Mid Season (12 Apr - 31 May, 1-31 Oct, 16 Dec-10 Jan 2026)
£2405 $3140 €2875
2025
Single Lodge room, High Season (1 Jun - 30 Sept)
£2170 $2835 €2595
2025
Single Apartment, High Season (1 Jun - 30 Sept)
£2605 $3405 €3115
2025
Single Apartment, Low Season (1 Jan - 11 Apr, 1 Nov - 15 Dec)
£1815 $2375 €2175
2025
Sharing Apartment, Low Season (1 Jan - 11 Apr, 1 Nov - 15 Dec)
£1640 $2145 €1960
2025
Sharing Lodge room, Mid Season (12 Apr - 31 May, 1-31 Oct, 16 Dec-10 Jan 2026)
£1700 $2220 €2035
Included 7 nights accommodation (different options available), airport transfers, all meals from dinner on arrival day to breakfast on departure day, water and juice with picnic lunches, 6 days riding with an experienced trail guide, entry ticket to Capelinhos Interpretation Center, unlimited use of the sauna and swimming pool, WiFi.
Not included Flights, travel insurance, other drinks, extra activities, whale-watching tour (mid and high season only) or Horta village tour on free half-day, Australian raincoat rental (€5 euro per day), tips and personal expenses.

Extras

2024 - Single Supplement; High Season (1 Jun - 30 Sept) £330 $435 €400
Paid to Far and Ride
2024 - Single Supplement; Low Season (1 Jan - 31 Mar, 1 Nov - 31 Dec) £250 $325 €300
Paid to Far and Ride
2024 - Single Supplement; Mid Season (1 Apr - 31 May, 1-31 October) £250 $325 €300
Paid to Far and Ride
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.