Horse Riding in the Algarve - Giddy Up!

The Portuguese Algarve is an ideal setting for a great horse-riding experience that is very different from riding in the UK. Rides are available on beaten tracks through the unspoilt countryside, around the high cliffs that offer amazing views over the Atlantic and in the spray of the sea along secluded beaches. The wonderful Algarve climate and friendly guides will only add to the pleasure of your rides.

There are lots of opportunities for riding alone or in small groups and all levels of expertise are catered for. Check out some of what is available here. 

Quinta Paradise Alto (QPA), Lagos – offers everything from a 1 or 2 hour accompanied ride in the beautiful countryside to a week-long horse riding experience.

• Short rides take you through well-worn tracks taking in rivers, hills and valleys with a qualified instructor
• 20 minute pony rides are available for small children
• Picnic and restaurant rides take about four hours and involve lunch in the countryside with the possibility of accompanying your horse on a swim in te river!
• 2 day, 4 day and full week immersion experiences, with accommodation at the stables included is also available.

QPA gets great reviews from its customers.

Albufeira Horse Riding Centre – offer 1 or two hour accompanied rides for all levels of expertise, including kids. The rides take you deep into the countryside, through little villages and orange groves, yet the stables are only a five minute drive from Albufeira. This attraction is great as an introduction to horse riding or as a way to pass a few hours away from the tourist areas. It gets great online reviews from many satisfied customers.

Horses in the Sun, Lagos – This riding centre is set in the New Forest Lodge, twenty minutes from Lagos and an hour from Faro. The area is a peninsular, almost surrounded by the ocean and dotted with little villages. Unusually, the centre offers carriage driving as well as horse riding with everything from short, one hour rides to full week long experiences, with on site accommodation in beautiful cottage rooms. Rides are offered through the countryside among the lakes and also along the beautiful beaches. In addition, the riding centre offers a country cooking school. Another centre that gets great reviews.

Holistic Riding Centre, Monte Velho – offers something different. Saying on site for four days or more, guests are encouraged to develop a more spiritual riding experience using yoga and meditation techniques. Guests are trained to understand the body language of the horse and are offered:

• Individual lessons to combat fear and build up a relationship with the horse
• Holistic horsemanship
• Beautiful trails and even moonlit rides
• Courses and workshops, including use of bow and arrows

The courses on offer have been described as the ‘best riding experience ever’ and consistently attract amazing reviews. 

Country Riding Centre, Silves – This purpose built centre has a great location and facilities that are second to none. Catering to all abilities, from absolute beginners onward, the centre offers gentle rides, gallops for more experienced riders and even horseback swimming in a lake. Riding lessons are also available with fully qualified instructors. The centre is more than just a stables...it includes two riding arenas and a terrace where you can relaxation in the sunshine with a wine or a coffee. When it comes to riding, this is available from 30 minute beginner sessions to a half day rides with picnic included. This is another riding experience that attracts wonderful reviews. 

Pine Trees Riding Centre - is just 20 minutes from Faro Airport, based in the ‘Golden Triangle’ between Vale do lobo. Quinta da Laga and Almancil. It specialises in pony rides for kids, as well as offering horses that suit all levels of ability and great instructors. Even the right clothing is provided! Pine Trees prides itself in getting children involved in horse-riding, using progressive, fun teaching methods...and even offers 5 and 10 hour passes at discount prices. The terrain is ideal for riding with sandy soil and lots of forest land with great views. Also on offer is an overnight camp where your kids can stay onsite with their ponies in tents...Quite an adventure! 

Tiffany’s Riding Centre, Lagos – Just 7 kilometres from the centre of Lagos, Tiffany’s is less than ten minutes’ drive from the holiday resorts of Lagos, Burgat, Budens and Praia de Luz. Rides are led by fully qualified guides with a detailed knowledge of the area and its wildlife. Rides start from 20 minute pony hacks to an all day adventure, taking in the National Forest and including a picnic beneath pine trees and in view of the spectacular mountains of Monchique. The two hour return ride passes through several tiny hamlets along the way. This is another riding opportunity that attracts five-star reviews and has many satisfied customers.

This article was provided by Mike James, an independent content writer in the travel sector working with a selection of companies – including For Airport; the complete traveller’s guide to the stunning Portuguese Algarve.