The Serra d’Arga Nature Park is a true outdoor paradise. The green mountains are favorited among mountain bikers, hikers and climbers and trail riders will also find plenty to enjoy here. If you want more from Portugal than just the classic beach ride, you can discover a real hidden gem in the north of the country, above the Lima Valley. Riding trails wind through the mountainous landscape, passing wild ponies, free-roaming cattle, and shy wolves. On a clear day, you can also see the sea in the distance.

Hidden paradise in the heart of the mountains



Late in the evening, I arrive at the tiny house I booked in the mountains. Our host, Pedro, has left me a warm welcome message and a bottle of Vinho Verde from the region. I’m able to settle into my “new home” at my own leisure and wind down the evening in the on-site indoor hot tub. Through the windows I can see the lights of Ponte de Lima in the distance. Our hosts bought the property a few years ago and renovated it for guests seeking a calm getaway in nature. You can find several tiny houses, a small stable for trail horses and soon a restaurant of their own here. They also own a large riding stable down in the village. The tiny houses are all thoughtfully integrated into the natural surroundings and offer a high degree of privacy. Each cottage is equipped with a bathroom, a small kitchen and a bedroom—a cozy retreat. In the morning, a picnic basket filled with a very nice breakfast is delivered right to my doorstep. I take what I need and start the day with breakfast in the garden. Now, in mid-March, the temperatures are already pleasantly warm.

Trail riding in Serra d`Arga



After breakfast, I head down to the riding stable. There, I’m greeted by our guide Pedro and seven Lusitanos, who are eating their oats and standing around relaxed on the grounds. In the shelter, Pedro is saddling our two horses: Pirata, an Arab-Lusitano-Mix and Spirit. The horses are always together in the herd. In the large paddock, they have several bales of hay at their disposal. When they’re not out on trails, they’re even allowed to roam freely throughout the surroundings. This makes them particularly calm and sure-footed trail horses. It also fosters good group dynamics. Pedro saddles the horses in the traditional Portuguese style. He wants guests to get a feel for the traditional riding style. The work saddles are all equipped with a picnic blanket and are especially comfortable for long rides. As soon as I take my seat, I feel right at home.
We set out on a long ride into the surrounding mountains. My guide, Pedro, tells me all about the history of the Serra d’Arga and points out a few scenic views along the way. His knowledge of the area is remarkable. When we ride past a wolf tracks, he spots it immediately and points it out to me. There are various wild animals in the Serra d’Arga. The wolves are considered particularly shy. Most of the time, you'll only see their tracks. However, as we turn onto the trails we spot herds of wild ponies. The stallions are keeping an eye on us, while the mares gallop past us with their newborn foals. Pirata and Spirit aren’t fazed by this. They remain well-behaved, keeping their focus on their riders. Our route takes us over the hilltops of the Serra d’Arga and down into a few small villages. Here, time seems to have stood still. The Portuguese farmers are busy preparing for the approaching spring and greet us warmly as we ride by. The forest invites us to break into a gallop here and there—the horses enthusiastically embrace the fresh pace. Today, however, we keep the ride mostly relaxed. Now, at the start of the season and fresh off the winter break, Pirata and Spirit haven’t quite gotten back into full training yet.

Comfort trail in the mountains of Portugal


The 6-day trail for our guests winds along varied paths through the mountains of the Serra d’Arga. From a distance, I can see the monasteries and mountain villages that serve as destinations for the day’s upcoming stages. Sometimes the horses stay behind while the guests are brought back to their tiny houses in the late afternoon: trail riding without having to pack a suitcase. I find the horses to be very reliable and friendly. You can tell that they’re lucky enough to spend their free time roaming freely with the herd, in addition to their work as trail horses. Our guide, Pedro, has extensive knowledge of the area and a keen eye for his horses. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Serra d’Arga and can highly recommend this hidden gem in the mountains of Portugal.

More information: https://www.equitour.com/pegasus/uk/reisen/europa/portugal/arg006.htm