The so-called blue coast stretches along 180km in the south of Troia, and has the same extension as the Algarve. However, unlike the south, this region is still largely unknown, with almost normal deserted beaches in summer and the interior only used as a feeder by car drivers wishing to reach the Algarve. It is an excellent region for riders wishing to discover a secluded landscape in Portugal. 60 km south of Setubal you will find endless white beaches and some fishing villages and inland you ride high into the mountains of Ceral with the green covered eucalyptus hills and cork trees.

The continuation of our dolphin coastal tour is this riding tour organized by the same partner, which leads further south towards the Algarve. The landscape changes constantly due to the straight route, the riding paths are fantastic and can be used extensively for cantering. Flat beaches alternate with rocky coasts, sand dunes separate the sea from the wooded back country.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Lisbon and transfer to Melides, about 135 km south of Lisbon. Dinner and overnight in a typical country house.

Day 2: Your way continues towards the coast. Between the 01.06. and the 15.09. the ride takes place at daybreak to avoid the tourists at the beach. It is a great ride over the dunes at sunrise. There is also the possibility for gallops on the beach before you enjoy a delicious picnic with grilled meat, fish and salad in a pine forest. You can swim in the sea after lunch before heading towards the accommodation. Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 3: Today you ride towards Santiago de Cacém to the lagoon St. André, a wonderful place of peace - here you can see flamingos and storks. In addition, you will pass rice fields again and again - in late summer these shine in a wonderful green. At a shady spot in the forest you stop for a picnic before continuing your ride to the Quinta da Ortiga. Here you leave the horses behind and are driven to your hotel (approx. 30 min.), an old restored pousada.

Day 4: After breakfast, continue your journey towards Cercal. The ride takes you over hills into unspoilt countryside. On the way there will be a lunch picnic again, where delicious specialities will be freshly prepared on the grill. After a small siesta we continue in the direction of Verdemar. The next 4 nights you stay in Verdemar in an antique furnished house with garden and pool. The typical dinner will be served on the terrace. The olive grove invites you to relax.

Day 5: Today the ride leads into the mountains of Cercal near the dam of Campilhas. Afterwards you cross some picturesque villages on horseback, which are mostly so sleepy that you will wake the inhabitants with hoof clatter. As usual, the driver has a delicious picnic again. The evening is free for a visit to the fishing village of Vila Nova de Milfontes with its flair.

Day 6: After breakfast you ride on over the coastal mountains. After some trotting and galloping you reach the picnic place next to a dam. The landscape in the region is very varied. In the afternoon you return to Verdemar, where the pool promises cooling.

Day 7: On the last riding day you will explore the mountains of Cercal. You will pass a chapel with a great view of the surrounding area. In the evening you will have a last dinner together.

Day 8: Return home after breakfast.

Subject to change. Please note that the tour is ridden the other way round, from south to north, depending on the date.

Accomodation
Overnights in double or single rooms, middle class hotels and Pousadas.

Saddle & Tack: Portuguese military saddles and english mount

Experience: Advanced knowledge: saddle-bound in all gaits and terrain experience. Some gallopades can be a little faster (beach) and sometimes long. Riding time: 1 riding day with 2-3 hours, 5 riding days with 4-6 hours. Max. Weight 85kg.

Horses: Reliable and shure footed Lusitanos and Lusitano Cross breeds