13 Best Horseback Riding in Portugal Experiences to Book
LOOKING FOR THE BEST HORSE RIDING TOURS IN PORTUGAL?
You are in the right place, as 13 of the best trips for horseback riding in Portugal. Horseback riding is not only an extremely popular sport in Portugal, it is also an amazing way to see some more secluded and rugged parts of the country’s natural terrain.
I’m always a little amazed at how easily I get to spend a casual Tuesday riding Lusitanos through vineyards — but that’s just how horse-filled beautiful Portugal is.
As the home of the Lusitano horse breed, there are amazing dressage riding holidays in Portugal. But if you are less of an avid equestrian, don’t worry. There are plenty of shorter treks for you to enjoy too.
🐎 Ready for the best horseback riding in Portugal experiences? Let’s go!
Horseback Riding in Portugal Multi-Day Holidays
1. Horse Riding Holiday in Peneda Geres National Park
⭐️ RATING: 4.7 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 5 DAYS | 🐴 CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
Uncover the elusive gray Iberian wolf along with herds of wild horses on this riding tour through Peneda Geres National Park.
During your experience, you’ll have the opportunity to ride the national horse of Portugal — the Lusitano. Each day brings you through different parts of the park’s rugged mountains. You’ll have the chance to see waterfalls, lakes, and the dense forests where the wolves make their dens.
Lovely people, great to talk to, wonderful how they treat and keep their horses, great riding instructions.
—CLAUDIA (READ MORE REVIEWS)
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all included, featuring as many local products as possible. The holiday also provides accommodation in a beautiful stone country home. Bonuses on this vacation include airport transfers and 🧘 yoga and meditation sessions during your stay.
Book this holiday in the park to have the opportunity to ride the beautiful Lusitano horses in their natural habitat.
HORSEBACK RIDING IN PORTUGAL
2. Yoga and Horse Riding Holiday in Northern Portugal
⭐️ RATING: 4.7 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 8 DAYS | 🐴 CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
Embark on an eight-day journey combining the relaxation of yoga with the exhilaration of time spent in the saddle. This yoga and horse riding holiday takes place amongst the calm, rolling hills of Melgaço in northern Portugal.
This is the perfect place to unwind and find harmony between your body, the nature around you, and the horses you are riding.
Every day, your instructors will guide you through breathwork, meditations, stretches, and more. Many of your sessions on horseback will bring yoga into the saddle — allowing you to build trust with your horse and find calm along with them.
Riding alongside wild horses in the National Park was really special and an unforgettable experience.
—ALICE (READ MORE REVIEWS)
Seven nights of accommodation are included in a beautifully renovated country home with comfortable facilities like Wi-Fi and central heating. All of your meals — breakfast, lunch, and dinner are prepared throughout your stay. Airport transfers are also included.
This is a great retreat for anyone looking to spend several days riding and relaxing and is open to beginner up to advanced riders.
HORSEBACK RIDING IN PORTUGAL
3. Intensive Dressage Holiday with Lusitano Horses
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 6 DAYS | 🐴 CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
The Lusitano is descended from the Iberian horse, which is the basis for the ideal equitation horse — and that is the type of schoolmaster you will have the opportunity to ride on this intensive dressage experience.
This program is for experienced riders who are already capable of riding comfortably at the walk, trot, and canter. However, you do not need any previous dressage experience.
Each day includes two lessons on exceptionally trained purebred Lusitanos for a total of eight lessons. Your lessons will have no more than two riders per session, ensuring a focused instructor who can adapt exercises to your specific needs.
João is amazing and patient horse trainer, his cheeky personality makes learning a fun experience. Susana can go to MasterChef TV show with her cooking skills, the food was so delicious!
—MIGLE (READ MORE REVIEWS)
📸 You can also get your lessons photographed or recorded both to help you learn and as a souvenir to take home.
In addition to lessons, all of your meals and accommodation are included. Your stay will be in a comfortable room with air-conditioning and Wi-Fi with beautiful views. Plus, add a bit of lovely Portuguese wine to top off the experience.
If you want a unique vacation where you will learn and relax, this is one of the best horse riding holidays to book.
HORSEBACK RIDING IN PORTUGAL
4. Eagle Eye Trail Portugal Horse Riding Holiday
⭐️ RATING: 4.7 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 8 DAYS | 🐴CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
Embark on an amazing trail riding adventure through northern Portugal on this Eagle Eye Trail Horse Riding Retreat, ideal for experienced riders who are ready to spend long days in the saddle.
You’ll have six days of riding Lusitanos or Arba crosses through the dramatic landscape of Peneda-Gerês National Park, passing herds of wild horses and the towering peaks of the Peneda mountain range.
Highly recommended! Pedro, Anabela, Mariana genially care about their customers & horses. The horses are practically a part of the family.
—SASHA (READ MORE REVIEWS)
When not in the saddle, you will have the opportunity to experience more of the Portuguese culture — from sampling the magnificent Alvarinho wine to exploring ancient castes.
The trip includes seven nights of accommodation in a beautifully restored country lodge plus all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Airport transfers are also part of the package.
This is one of the best trail rides to book for the horse enthusiasts who really want to get their boots dirty.
HORSEBACK RIDING IN PORTUGAL
5. Show Jumping and Dressage Training Holiday
⭐️ RATING: 4.7 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 7 DAYS | 🐴 CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
Level up your riding on this classical dressage and show jumping holiday. For serious, motivated riders, this is an amazing opportunity to train on quality horses with focused instruction.
You can choose from jumping, dressage, or book a holiday combining both. Those focusing on jumping will alternate between fences and flatwork lessons.
Such a fantastic holiday! Beautiful, talented schoolmasters and absolutely top class instruction
—BECKY (READ MORE REVIEWS)
Each day you will have two lessons on Grand Prix dressage horses and jumpers capable of up to 1.35 m (about 4.5 feet).
If you book this horseback riding Porto Portugal will be your nearest major city and the best to fly into if you’re coming from any country in North America.
HORSEBACK RIDING IN PORTUGAL
6. Yoga, Horsetherapy, Meditation, and Detox Retreat
⭐️ RATING: 4.87 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 6 DAYS | 🧘 CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
Head out on one of the best horseback riding in Portugal experiences on this yoga and therapy retreat.
Spend six days in a beautiful rotation of meditation, yoga, horseback riding, and more physical exercise and self-discovery. Enjoy silent beach walks and horse therapy.
Our hosts were genuinely caring and did everything to guide us in this journey through yoga, meditation, equine therapy, detox and the ayahuasca ceremony.
—FREDERIQUE (READ MORE REVIEWS)
Accommodation at this retreat is provided in a teepee in the beautiful forest location near Aljezur on the Algarve coast. Three meals — breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included daily and vegetarians as well as vegans can happily be accommodated.
This horse riding Portugal Algarve retreat is the ideal way to detox surrounded by the beautiful Portuguese nature.
HORSEBACK RIDING IN PORTUGAL
Horseback Riding in Portugal Day Trips
7. From Lisbon: Horse Riding Tour on the Beach
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 4.5 HOURS | 🐴 BOOK NOW
Experience the vast expanse of Comporta’s beach the best way possible — on horseback. This half day horseback riding vacation allows experienced riders and beginners alike to enjoy the thrill of beach riding.
You’ll be picked up from your accommodation in Lisbon and transferred directly to your waiting mount.
This was a beautiful experience for us. The view was amazing to look at. We felt safe. Highly recommend!
—ALEX (READ MORE REVIEWS)
As you make your way along the sand, you’ll be able to enjoy the gorgeous views in all directions. Cliffs, seemingly endless sand, and the sea all create an idyllic setting.
🐎 This beach horseback riding portugal tour is one not to be missed.
HORSEBACK RIDING IN PORTUGAL
8. From Lisbon: Horseback Riding In Portugal – Arrábida Natural Park
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 4.5 HOURS | 🐴 BOOK NOW
This Horseback Riding day trip from Lisbon to Arrábida Natural Park is the perfect way to escape the city and discover how amazing the nature around Portugal can be.
After views through the mountains and along the coast, the trails you follow will eventually lead you to the perfect stopping point — a beautifully picturesque winery.
This was a beautiful experience for us. The view was amazing to look at. We felt safe. Highly recommend!
—ALEX (READ MORE REVIEWS)
You’ll have the chance to sample wines and enjoy a light lunch before getting back in the saddle. This experience does require riders to have some experience as it is a long day in the saddle through somewhat challenging mountainous terrain.
But if you’re looking for a magical experience horse riding in Portugal where all elements of the day have been taken care of for you, this is the perfect trip to book.
HORSEBACK RIDING IN PORTUGAL
9. From Albufeira: Half-Day Hidden Gems & Horse Riding Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 4 HOURS | 🐴 BOOK NOW
Discover the Albufeira coast on this Half-day Horse Riding Beach Ride. Suitable for all levels, even beginners, this ride is the perfect opportunity to explore undiscovered beaches you otherwise wouldn’t be able to access.
It was an amazing experience! The ride was beautiful, the horses really sweet and the staff professional. I recomand.
—ALEX (READ MORE REVIEWS)
The day starts with a pickup at your hotel in Albufeira or Armação de Pêra. Along your trip to the stables you’ll stop at viewpoints and other Algarve hidden gems. Your guides will make sure to match you with a suitable horse and give you a safety briefing before heading out for your horse riding portugal experience.
HORSEBACK RIDING IN PORTUGAL
10. From Faro: Carrapateira Horse Riding Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 1 HOUR | 🐴 BOOK NOW
Discover the Atlantic coast on one of the best riding holidays in Portugal. This Faro Carrapteria Horse Riding Tour of the Vicentine coast hugs the dramatic cliff, bringing you to unusual and jaw-dropping viewpoints.
The horses provided are calm and quiet and know the trail, so they will be sure to keep you safe and allow you to enjoy the experience and the environment.
It was an amazing experience! The ride was beautiful, the horses really sweet and the staff professional. I recomand.
—ALEX (READ MORE REVIEWS)
The guides are also very good at accommodating mixed groups — allowing both beginners and experienced riders to feel comfortable and have the time of their life. If you’re after one of the best horse riding holidays Portugal has to offer, don’t miss out on this trip.
HORSEBACK RIDING IN PORTUGAL
11. From Lisbon: Comporta And Setúbal Trip With Horseback Riding
⭐️ Rating: 4.3 out of 5 Stars | ⏰ Tour time: 6 hours | 🐎 BOOK NOW
Trade the city’s bustle for coastal charm on this From Lisbon: Comporta and Setúbal Trip with Horseback Riding.
Starting in Setúbal, immerse yourself in the town’s rich history and fishing industry during a walking tour, exploring highlights like Mercado do Livramento, the Monastery of Jesus, and the São Filipe Fortress.
It was an amazing experience! The ride was beautiful, the horses really sweet and the staff professional. I recomand.
—ALEX (READ MORE REVIEWS)
Then, catch a ferry ride to the Troia Peninsula, known for its pine forests and sand dunes. You’ll then head to Comporta, a pristine reserve nestled between the sea and sprawling rice fields. Here, you’ll enjoy a horseback ride that will lead you to the Atlantic coast.
This day trip from Lisbon concludes with a relaxing minibus ride back to the city, along with insider recommendations from your guide for further Lisbon exploration.
HORSEBACK RIDING IN PORTUGAL
12. Melides: Horse Riding on the Beach with Wine Tasting
⭐️ Rating: 4.3 out of 5 Stars | ⏰ Tour time: 6 hours | 🐎 BOOK NOW
Saddle up for a nature-filled adventure along Melides’ pristine shores on this horseback riding adventure.
Ride through dunes, pine forests, and a 60-kilometer-long beach with the vast ocean as your companion. Keep an eye out for local wildlife and enjoy the tranquility of the Melides freshwater lagoon.
This is a bucket list activity. The groups are small and the horses are so gentle.
—REVIEW (READ MORE REVIEWS)
After your ride, indulge in a wine tasting featuring three exquisite local wines, or opt for a satisfying barbecue lunch. For a more personalized adventure, consider booking a private instructor and share this memorable day with friends or family.
Experience the perfect blend of horseback riding, coastal splendor, and delectable flavors in this unforgettable outing.
HORSEBACK RIDING IN PORTUGAL
13. Bordeira Beach: Horse Riding Tour Sunset or Sunrise
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏰ Tour time: 2 hours | 🐎 BOOK NOW
Admire the captivating Algarve sunrise or sunset from the saddle on this unforgettable horseback riding tour along Bordeira Beach.
This private experience is exclusively reserved for your group, ensuring the undivided attention of a knowledgeable guide as you ride through pine forests, dunes, and Bordeira Beach.
The views were amazing. Perfect sunset. Nelson made sure we were comfortable on our horses and also took photos.
—ANDREW (READ MORE REVIEWS)
When booking, choose between a serene sunset ride or a breathtaking sunrise adventure. Whichever you select, the beauty of Bordeira Beach awaits.
📷 the best part? Leave your camera at home, as your guide will take snaps throughout the experience and email them to you after the tour is done.
HORSEBACK RIDING IN PORTUGAL
Where can you Horseback ride in Portugal?
You can find places to go horseback riding all around Portugal. Horses are a tradition and a way of life in Portugal. They have been part of the culture for centuries, and they remain deeply ingrained across all regions.
Wherever you want to find horse riding Albufeira, the Alentejo region, farther north along the Costa Azul, or even all the way up against the Spanish border, it is there. This is a horse-rich country, and it is a perfect place for a holiday for equine enthusiasts or casual horse lovers alike.
HORSEBACK RIDING IN PORTUGAL
What are Lusitano Horses?
The Lusitano horse is a breed of horse that originates in Portugal. These horses are direct descendants of the Iberian horse — the original horse that all breeds that now exist in all corners of the world descend from.
Lusitanos are known as powerful horses which excel in dressage. They have thick necks and muscular shoulders.
How rare are Lusitano horses?
Across Portugal, you will find Lusitanos everywhere you turn. That being said, on the global scale of horses, Lusitanos are quite rare. There are only around 60,000 total registered purebred Lusitanos in the world, and around 25% of those live in Portugal.
That means you should absolutely not miss an opportunity to meet and ride a Lusitano on your trip to Portugal.
HORSEBACK RIDING IN PORTUGAL
The National Horse Fair of Portugal
Have you heard of the Feira Nacional do Cavalo? Every November, horse lovers from across Portugal (and from different parts of the world) come to the small town of Golegã, located in the Santarém District.
The Feira Nacional do Cavalo is a celebration of Portuguese equestrian culture and heritage. It features various equestrian activities, including horse exhibitions, dressage competitions, and traditional Portuguese riding styles such as Lusitano riding.
🐴 But even if you aren’t a rider, you can still come and enjoy the event.
If you do come, know that it will be hard to get accommodation in Golegã (unless you book about a year in advance and commit to staying several nights), so your best bet is to stay somewhere nearby like Santarem. There is also no public transportation all the way to Golegã. The closest train station is in Riachos, but from there you may struggle to find a ride to the fair, so driving is a good way to avoid any stress.
The fair runs for ten days at the beginning of November (exact dates vary). The weekdays are calmer while the weekends see quite a lot of drinking and larger crowds (both humans and horses).
Horseback Riding in Portugal: Frequently Asked Questions
Is horse riding popular in Portugal?
YES — horseback riding is very popular in Portugal. The country is especially famous for its success in classical dressage and the famous Lusitano horse breed which originates from Portugal.
You can find riding schools and privately owned horses all over the country. As you drive or take trains you’ll look out the window and see paddocks of horses in all directions. There is definitely no shortage of horses and horseback riders in Portugal.
HORSEBACK RIDING IN PORTUGAL
Can you ride horses in Portugal?
YES — you can definitely ride horses in Portugal. No matter if your trip takes you to the north, the south, or anywhere in between, you’ll be able to ride.
You can go on a quiet trail ride to explore the beautiful Alentejo coast, or find a riding centre based around dressage or show jumping where you can train. There is ample opportunity to add a horseback ride to your itinerary for your trip to Portugal.
HORSEBACK RIDING IN PORTUGAL
Can you ride horses on the beach in Portugal?
YES — you can ride horses on the beach in Portugal. A beach ride is definitely a bucket list item that you should not miss out on.
Read through this list of ten amazing opportunities to go horseback riding in Portugal, which includes a number of beach rides to pick out the perfect one for you.
HORSEBACK RIDING IN PORTUGAL
What is the horse capital of Portugal?
The horse capital of Portugal is a city called Golegã in central Portugal, about 100 kilometers (60 or so miles) northeast of Lisbon. The town is a sleepy place with just about nothing going on, except for ten days each year at the beginning of November when it absolutely bursts at its seams with horses, horse people, and horsey chaos.
The reason for this is that around this region — Ribatejo, there is a high density of renowned Lusitano breeders and always has been. The fair started as an agricultural show in the 18th century and has been held every year since.
HORSEBACK RIDING IN PORTUGAL
What is the famous Portuguese horse?
The famous Portuguese horse breed is the Lusitano. The Lusitano is a breed that originated in Portugal in the 1960s and is still bred extensively in the country to this day.
It originates from a lineage of horses, which are the oldest known to man. The Lusitanos are famous now for their dressage abilities, but previously were used in war and bullfighting.
HORSEBACK RIDING IN PORTUGAL
Are there wild horses in Portugal?
Yes, there are wild horse herds in Portugal. The horses are known as the Garrano horses and roam the Peneda-Gerês mountains in the north. They are one of the last groups of wild horses left in all of Europe.
It is very possible that you will get a few sightings of these wild horses if you book a Horse Riding Holiday in Peneda Geres National Park.
Final Thoughts: Horseback Riding in Portugal
Going trail riding Portugal is an unmissable experience. Whether you choose to head north and spend a week tracking wild wolves and horse herds, or if you want to enjoy the sunshine in the Algarve and ride along scraggly coastlines, all of the options are here.
Yoga, meditation, natural horsemanship, dressage, show jumping — whatever takes your fancy, the Portugal horseworld has it. With so many centuries of experience and so many amazing horsemen, you will surely not leave this trip disappointed.
