Portugal · HORSES
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 10 horse riding worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Ride for one hour through Carrapateira with guides such as Nelson or Bea, beginning with horse grooming and feeding before crossing the beach, climbing to coastal viewpoints, and returning through inland vegetation and the village. Expect a calm, scenic ride for beginners and experienced riders.
“Really nice tour! We enjoyed and the tour guide was amazing! Highly recommended”
Ride for 100 minutes through the countryside near Albufeira, with views across a lagoon and coastal scenery. English and Portuguese-speaking guides match the pace to your ability. Beginners receive help, while experienced riders may canter after a safety check. Pickup in Albufeira is available.
“My family enjoyed this so much, it was a birthday gift for my granddaughter and she, her mother and father said that this was the highlight of their trip. Great value for money!!. Thank you so much.”
Travel from Lisbon to Comporta for a two-hour horseback ride through Atlantic forest, dunes, and the broad Atlantic beach. Calm, well-trained horses suit beginners, with Lusitanos among the choices. Guides speak English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese. Optional photography and video help preserve the day.
“Excellent experience. This activity was the highlight of our trip! Highly recommended!!”
Join Beatriz, Nelson, or another Carrapateira Extreme Tours guide for a private two-hour ride through pine forest, countryside, and along the beach near Carrapateira. Suitable for all levels from age 12, with a possible beach canter when conditions and confidence allow.
“This is probably the most beautiful experience I’ve ever had with horses! Nelson was absolutely incredible and funny. The horses are well fed, well treated and not overworked. Would 100% recommend”
Ride a calm horse through Melides pine forest and dunes, along a vast beach, and near the freshwater lagoon. Your Portuguese, English, or Spanish-speaking instructor explains local wildlife. Add three regional wines or a barbecue lunch, and choose a private group for a more personal outing.
“Pas op voor deze plek! Mijn partner en ik hadden een paardrijtocht met wijnproeverij geboekt, maar de ervaring was verschrikkelijk. Toen we aankwamen, werden we begroet door twee jonge mannen waarvan er één alleen Portugees sprak en de ander gebrekkig Engels. We kregen weinig tot geen uitleg over de activiteit. De paardrijtocht duurde veel te lang en was saai. Daarna was de zogenaamde "wijnproeverij". Het bleek gewoon een goedkope fles wijn te zijn met een paar plakjes ham. Alsof dat nog niet genoeg was, vroegen de medewerkers ons om zelf af te sluiten omdat ze weg moesten. De prijs die we betaalden kwam ook niet overeen met de prijzen die…”
Join a local guide such as Gianni or Ricardo for a four-hour Albufeira outing that pairs coastal viewpoints and local history with horseback riding through a protected bird area. Beginners are welcome, and more confident riders may get a chance to canter.
“Amazing experience, as someone who has a lot of experience with horses previously this is an amazing trip out, you get to go with a 2nd guide for a canter if you wish then regroup with everyone else. The stables are so well run and the staff are super friendly and quick, and also are very good at matching people with a horse suited to them. The horses are gorgeous and so well looked after, I had the pleasure of taking Caramelo. Would definitely recommend to anyone whether a complete beginner or experienced. Thank you !!”
Ride from Horses By The Beach through Atlantic forest to Melides Beach with calm, trained horses and guide Joana. The two-hour small-group outing suits beginners and experienced riders, includes equipment and beach entry, and offers Portuguese, English, Spanish, French, and Traditional Chinese guidance.
“Owner was amazing. So helpful experienced and kind . Have done man at activities around the world travelling but this was soo special and the area. Really great value and highly recommend. We will be back to being friends and family.”
Travel from central Lisbon to Setúbal, visit Livramento Market, cross the Sado Estuary by ferry, then ride a calm horse through Comporta’s rice fields, pine woods, dunes, and beach. English and Spanish guides lead this small-group trip, adapted for beginners, with some departures led by guides such as Artur, Tom, and Maria.
“Good transport (however a little late at the meeting point), nice horses, competent and experienced guide on horse. I would definitively book it again.”
Spend a morning at Lisbon’s Henrique Calado Riding Ring watching Alter Real Lusitano horses train, then see handlers care for them in the Nora Patio. Period costume, court music, an audio guide, and wheelchair access are included, but bring headphones and use the correct ticket.
“Wonderful way to spend 2hrs staff are all very pleasant and helpful really enjoyable for those with a love of horses”
Spend a morning at the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art, where Lusitano horses from the Alter Real Stud Farm warm up, rehearse, and receive careful stable care. You will see riders in period costume, explore the Nora Patio and Henrique Calado Riding Ring, and use an audio guide in English, Portuguese, or French.
“Rigtig godt, kom meget tættere på hestene end jeg havde turde drømme om. Super god oplevelse. Guiden - mjaaa ikke rigtig eksisterende.”
Pick a coast, a cellar or a cliff.
