The Costa Azul, the Blue Coast, measures 180 km of coastline - the same length as the Algarve. While in the south the masses crowd, the southern west coast of Portugal is almost unknown. Even in summer, deserted beaches are not uncommon, and the hinterland, despite its scenic attractions and many cultural monuments, is left behind on the fast drive from the Algarve to Lisbon. This of course pleases the rider especially. Discover an unknown piece of Portugal. South of Lisbon lies the mouth of the Rio Sado. The nature reserve with an area of 23.000 ha accommodates dolphins in the calm lagoons of the deep blue river. From here, 60 km of sandy beaches stretch southwards, interrupted here and there by lagoons and small fishing villages. The hinterland gradually rises to the Sierra de Grândola, whose hills are covered with lush green, eucalyptus and cork oak forests, even in summer.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon and transfer to Grândola, about 100 km south of Lisbon. You are accommodated in a converted farm building. Refresh yourself in the pool or relax in the comfortable rooms after dinner.

Day 2: Breakfast together, arrangement of the horses and first long stage towards Santiago do Cacém through hilly countryside. After the first trot and gallop sections you can already see how good the horses´ character is and how sure-footed they are. A fine picnic with fresh salad and meat interrupts the ride through the beautiful landscape. Well rested, the ride continues through pine and cork oak forests. At Pousada da Quinta da Ortiga the horses stay and you will be taken to your hotel in Santiago do Cacém.

Day 3: After breakfast, you will ride through eucalyptus and cork oak forests. A delicious picnic and time to relax follows. Afterwards you will ride at a brisker pace and enjoy magnificent views along the Portuguese countryside. Dinner and overnight stay as the day before.

Day 4: Today, either in the morning or in the evening (depending on weather conditions), there will be a transfer of about 30 minutes to Sebutal on the river Sado, where you will take a two-hour boat trip to see the dolphins in the river mouth. Dolphin sightings cannot be guaranteed, but are very likely. Your ride today will take you along sandy trails across fields and forests, allowing for long gallops. You will ride past the lagoon St. André - at this place you can see flamingos and storks. You will also discover rice fields along your route - in late summer they shine in beautiful green.

Day 5: Today you will ride to the Santo André Lagoon, the largest lagoon on the Alentejo coast and home to many water birds. Here on the beach you can gallop wonderfully, but the sand is often very deep and the gallop is accordingly exhausting for the horses. Enjoy the feeling of peace and relaxation on this ride along the miles of coast. Here you will certainly forget your everyday stress. Dinner in a restaurant with traditional Portuguese cuisine.

Day 6: Ride from Santo André back home towards Grândola. Again there are plenty of opportunities for beautiful gallops on the ride through the pine forests. White and red sand paths alternate, often framed by pine trees. Cows and sheep often graze freely and without pasture fences. The horses stay on the stage, in the evening short transfer to the hotel for the last two days.

Day 7: Across the Serra do Grândola plateau, which is cut through by deep valleys, the tour leads through some picturesque villages. You will hear the sound of hooves on the village road. After the picnic the ride continues through oak forests. In the evening you reach Grândola.

Day 8: Return to Lisbon and start the journey home. At

Connoisseur dolphin coast ride - similar route, but higher quality accommodation (usually with pool/jacuzzi):

Day 1: Arrival and collective transfer from Lisbon airport to the hotel (approx. 100 km), dinner.

Day 2: Breakfast together, allocation of the horses and first long stage towards Santiago do Cacém through hilly landscape. After the first trot and gallop sections you can already see how good the horses are and how sure-footed they are. A fine picnic with fresh salad and meat interrupts the ride through the beautiful landscape. Well rested, the ride continues through pine and cork oak forests. After your ride you will be brought to your accommodation (transfer approx. 30 minutes).

Day 3: After breakfast you will ride through eucalyptus forests to the Morgável reservoir. You will have a picnic by the lake and have time to relax. In the afternoon you will enjoy the Lusitanos´ busy gallop on long sandy paths. Short drive to the hotel in Santiago do Cacém.

Day 4: Today, either in the morning or in the evening (depending on weather conditions), there will be a transfer of about 30 minutes to Sebutal on the river Sado, where you will take a two-hour boat trip to see the dolphins in the river mouth. Dolphin sightings cannot be guaranteed, but are very likely. Your ride today will take you along sandy trails across fields and forests, allowing for long gallops. You will ride past the lagoon St. André - at this place you can see flamingos and storks. In addition, you will pass rice fields again and again - in late summer they shine in a wonderful green.

Day 5: Your way will lead you further towards the coast. Between 01.06. and 15.09. the ride takes place at daybreak to avoid the tourists on the beach. It is a great ride over the dunes at sunrise. There is also the possibility for gallops on the beach before enjoying a delicious picnic in a pine forest. You can go for a swim in the sea after lunch before heading for your accommodation. Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 6: Ride home from Melides towards Grândola. Again there are plenty of opportunities for you to gallop through the pine forest. White and red sand paths alternate, occasionally you will meet a peacefully grazing cow or sheep herd. You will enjoy the scent of the pine trees and the peace and quiet in the midst of beautiful nature. In the evening short transfer to the hotel for the last two nights.

Day 7: Over the Serra do Grândola plateau, which is cut through by deep valleys, the tour leads through some picturesque villages. You will hear the sound of hooves on the village road. After the picnic the ride continues through oak forests. In the evening you reach Grândola.

Day 8: Return to Lisbon and start the journey home.

Please note that the program may change at short notice due to weather conditions. This is for your safety as well as the safety of the horses.

Accomodation
Accommodation in double or single rooms with shower/WC in middle class hotels (Dolphin Coast) and comfortable 3*- Hotels & Pousadas (connoisseur dolphin ride)

Saddle & Tack: Portuguese military saddles and English saddles.

Experience: For advanced riders, comfortable in all gaits and experienced in varied terrain. Gallops are definitely longer and faster (beach). Riding time: 1 riding day with 2-3 hours, 5 riding days with 4-6 hours, Max. 85 kg.

Horses: Reliable and sure-footed Lusitanos and Lusitano mixes.