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 in Lisbon and transfer (17:30) to Melides, approx. 135 km south of Lisbon. Dinner and overnight stay in a typical country house.

Day 2 Your journey continues towards the coast. Between 01.06. and 15.09. the ride takes place at dawn to avoid the tourists on the beach. It is a great ride over the dunes at sunrise. There is also the option of galloping along the beach before enjoying a delicious picnic with grilled meat, fish and salad in a pine forest. After lunch, you can go for a swim at sea before returning to your accommodation. Dinner in a local restaurant.

Day 3: Today you drive towards Santiago do Cacém, past the Santo André lagoon. You can observe flamingos and storks in this beautiful place. You will drive past the rice fields in the area, which turn a beautiful shade of green in late summer before the harvest. Take a break for a picnic in the pine forest. After lunch to ride you continue to the quinta where we stable the horses. A short transfer of 30 minutes takes you to a modern, luxurious country hotel where you will have dinner and spend the night.

Day 4: After breakfast, continue your journey towards Cercal. The journey takes you through hills into an untouched landscape. On the way, there is another picnic lunch where delicious specialties are freshly prepared on the barbecue. After a short siesta, you continue towards Verdemar. You will spend the next 4 nights in Verdemar in an old house with a garden and pool. A typical local dinner is served on the terrace. The olive grove invites you to relax.

Day 5: Today's ride takes you into the mountains of Cercal near the Campilhas reservoir. You then ride through some picturesque villages on horseback, most of which are so sleepy that the inhabitants will wake you up with the clattering of their hooves. As usual, the driver has prepared another delicious picnic. The evening is free for a visit to the fishing village of Vila Nova de Milfontes with its flair.

Day 6: After breakfast to ride you continue over the coastal mountains. After a few trotting and cantering sections, you reach the picnic area by a reservoir. The landscape in the region is very varied. In the afternoon you return to Verdemar, where you can cool off in the swimming pool.

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

Day 8: After breakfast you start your journey home.

Subject to change without notice. Please note that, depending on the date, the tour is run in the opposite direction, i.e. from south to north.

Accomodation
Overnight stay in double or single rooms with shower/WC, mid-range hotels & pousadas.

Saddle & Tack: Portuguese military saddles and English saddles.

Experience: Advanced knowledge: Comfortable in all gaits and trail experience. Some canter sections can be a little faster (on the 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 sure footed Lusitanos and Lusitano Cross breeds