Horse drawn

WE’VE TAKEN YOU MOTOR BIKING, CYLING AND WALKING. NOW IT’S TIME TO GET ON HORSEBACK FOR A VERY DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE, AND ONE THAT COULD NOT BE BETTER THAN HERE ON THE ALGARVE

Pinetrees Riding Centre

RNAAT license nº 328.2020

Where: Corgo da Zorra, Almancil

Ride duration: 1 hour

Suitable for: All standards of riders, from 8 to 70, weighing up to 90kgs.

How it starts: The first part, in the arena, helps to build rapport with the horse, improving the rider’s balance, flow and confidence. For the second part you ride directly out into the pinewoods on the nature walk on undulating sandy paths.

What you’ll see: The rides will take you through sandy trails through pine forest, cork and carob trees and prickly pear cactus. You’ll see azure wing magpies, hoopoes, butterflies, beetles, the green ocelot lizard and spring flowers. Within the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve.

Cost: €60 per person, includes riding gear, insurance and tax. If you buy a five- or 10-hour card, you can use a unit from the discount card for the Experience. Five hours is €200; ten hours is €350. Children from four to eight years old might prefer the Mini Pinetrees Experience (30 minutes, €40 per person)

BEV GIBBONS

T: 289 394 369

E: bevpinetrees@gmail.com

W: pinetrees.pt

Adventure Riding

RNAAT number 419/2019

Where: Parque Natural do Sudoeste

Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, Aljezur

Ride duration: 2 hours

Suitable for: Beginners or advanced riders, Minimum age 10, maximum weight 85kg.

How it starts: Beginners ride: walk; advanced ride: walk, trot, canter/gallop. What you’ll see: Ocean views, browneyed rock roses, white crowberries, ice plants and the ruins of Ribat da Arrifana. The tour starts in our little village Vale da Telha, on the Rota Vicentina. In just a few minutes you are surrounded by nature, on a magical sand trail, which leads to the stunning, 60-metre high cliffs between the beaches Arrifana and Monte Clérigo, and the breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean. On this two-hour ride, we pass the so-called ‘Stork Rock of Vale da Telha’, with nesting birds from February to June. The Cliff Top Ride is the most beautiful and popular ride.

Cost: €80 per person in a group of maximum four of similar riding skills.

YVONNE

T: 961 448 747

E: caza.lusitana@gmail.com

W: adventure-riding.com

The Clube H Pico Do Bi

RNAAT 523/2014

Where: Rua da Universidade, Gambelas

8005-226 - Faro

Ride duration: The most popular tour is the Salt Pans Riding, which lasts approximately two hours.

Suitable for: All riders, up to 80kg in weight and including beginners from 12 years of age.

How it starts: This well-known riding school has a 33-year history and specially-trained horses.

What you’ll see: The beauty of the Ria Formosa Natural Park and the unique landscapes of the salt flats, where you can also appreciate the different birds that make their home here, with special emphasis on the wonderful flocks of flamingos.

Cost: €55 per person.

SVETLANA PLEKHANOVA

T: 926 987 472

E: clubehipicobie@gmail.com

W: clubehipicodobie.com

Donkey Tours Algarve

RNAAT 857/2017

Where: Sítio do Montinho, Paderne

Ride duration: 4.5 hours which includes a snack, drinks and a stop in a Portuguese bar.

Suitable for: All ages, and levels, no need to ride as you can walk alongside the riders. Maximum weight for riders, 80kg. How it starts: Catalan and Miranda donkeys –Julieta, Jeropiga, Jota, Pedro, Camilla, Luise, Eal, Heidi, Malu, Malibu, Amora and Joco – are calm, laid back and loyal. This trip is perfect for those looking to recharge their spirit. What you’ll see: Explore the Algarve’s nature reserves and breathtaking panoramic views to Monchique mountain. Lavender, oranges blooming, orchids, wild thyme. And much more. Cost: €75 which includes insurance and transfers

SANDRA SCHNEIDER

T: 916 017 061

E: info@burropaderne.com

W: donkey-tours-algarve.com

Rosenkilde Equestrian Centre

RNAAT number tba

Where: Rua de Bica 8375-059 São

Bartolomeu de Messines next to the Barragem de Funcho Lake Ride duration: 1 hour, 1.5 hours, or 2 hours

Suitable for: First timers to advanced, from age six, weight limit 120kg. Speed of rides depends on the experience of the rider.

How it starts: We specialise in small groups and only take one booking out at a time and never mix groups. This way we can offer a more personalised experience.

What you’ll see: There is a big variety of landscapes, flora and fauna. From Barragem de Funcho Lake and steep hills surrounding it, deep lush valleys with rivers winding through, tranquill coak oak forests, open heathland with stunning views, lakes and ponds (some of which you can swim in). Each area has its own ecosystem with its own unique flora. Our area is also full of wildlife, from deer, boar, foxes, mongoose, rabbits and hares.

Cost: €45 to €70 per person depending on length of ride. All prices include equipment and taxes.

AMY ROBERTS

T: 912 528 145

E: rosenkilde.equestrian@gmail.com

W: rosenkilde-equestrian.business.site

RNAAT is a government certification that a company must have to show it is insured and legally allowed to work with tourists and in the tourism industry. Our thanks to Bev Gibbons of Pinetrees Riding Centre, who was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award in the 2022 Algarve Business Awards, for her help with recommending the riding experiences listed here.