Explore Southern Portugal

on horse back or on foot

Equiserra is family owned and run and all our guests are treated as part of the family. We have a selection of horses, ponies and mules suitable for all ages and levels. We are open all year and our rides and walks take in some of the most beautiful and spectacular scenery in Southern Portugal, only 40 minutes from the Algarve coast.

About Equiserra and Our Horses

Equiserra is run by Martyn and Bobby, between us we have over 50 years experience with horses and are internationally qualified instructors.

The horses we use are mainly Lusitano crosses. The Lusitano is the Portuguese national breed, famed throughout the horse world for its obedience and reliable nature. All our animals are well schooled, perfectly mannered with beginners yet will give the more experienced a truly exhilarating ride. For those of you with a sense of adventure, we also offer the chance to practice your jumping or dressage on our German Warmblood or our classically trained Purebred Lusitano, or experience the novel sensation of riding a mule. For the romantics out there, how about an unforgettable wedding on horseback in sunny Southern Portugal?

We offer one, or two hour rides and half day barbecue rides for novice and experienced riders from the age of 5. Our adventure rides or breaks last from one day to one week and are designed for experienced riders with hours of riding through stunning, unspoilt countryside. All adventure rides & breaks include collection and return to your hotel or Faro airport.

All rides and walks are accompanied and we offer the choice of English, western or traditional Portuguese saddles —whichever you prefer. We provide riding hats and chaps if you do not have your own.

Santana is home to one of Southern Portugal's foremost bullfighters - Tito Semedo - and, by arrangement, it is possible to visit and watch his Lusitano stallions being trained.

About the Area

The Alentejo is the rural heart of Southern Portugal. We are situated in the Serra Caldeirão close to the picturesque village of Santana da Serra in the Southern Alentejo approximately 40 minutes drive north of Albufeira and the Algarve Coast. The magnificent Santa Clara Lake, one of the largest man-made lakes in Europe, is only 4 kilometres away and the whole area abounds with a wide variety of plants and wildlife.

The area around Santana da Serra has changed very little in the past 200 years, despite the efforts of modern day living. This is the real Portugal that gave birth to some of the world’s greatest explorers.

The village itself has been in existence for over 700 years and still has many houses dating from the early 1700s. The surrounding countryside, similarly, has changed little over the centuries. Cork and Stone Oaks, Medrorthal, Olive, Almond and Fig trees abound and many of the old montes are still inhabited by descendants of the original families that built them, in many cases still practising the old traditional crafts in traditional ways.

During your stay, you will live with us in our re-built farmhouse on one of the highest points in southern Portugal with stunning 360 degree views, spectacular sunrises and sunsets and the clearest of star-filled night skies.

You will be able to take in the natural beauty of the area, both day and night and thrill to the sight of eagles or storks overhead and all manner of harmless animals roaming the nearby hills and valley as well as enjoying superb weather almost all year round.

You will live as we do, eating fresh local meat and fish, together with fruit and vegetables from our own traditional walled garden (horta) and drinking local wines and water drawn from our fresh spring.

If you wish, you can spend some time camping by Santa Clara lake. There will be ample time for swimming or fishing in the lake and learning about some of the traditional local activities such as cork, olive and grape growing and stone carving.

It is also possible to arrange for some excursions to the Algarve or other parts of Portugal (at extra cost), with prior notice.

Our aim is to make your stay in Southern Portugal the holiday of a lifetime and we try at all times to cater to your specific requirements and tailor your holiday to your needs

Details and Booking

Location:
Santana da Serra, Ourique, Alentejo, Southern Portugal

Activities and Prices:

Half Day Nature Walk €35
A guided walk in the foothills of Serra de Calderão, suitable for families, if you wish our mule can carry your belongings and a barbecue is available for a small additional charge

Horse Riding: for beginners and experienced riders
1 hour ride in the countryside €25, 2 hours €40
Half Day Barbecue Ride €65, a scenic three hour ride followed by a delicious barbecue

Adventure Horse Riding: rides and breaks for experienced riders. Prices include collection and return to your hotel or Faro airport
A full day's scenic riding €80; including a picnic lunch of fresh local food on the shores of Santa Clara Lake
2 day camper €150; 10 to 12 hours trekking through spectacular scenery, camping on the shore of Santa Clara Lake and delicious meals.
3 day mini break €200; a real taste of rural Portugal- 5 to 6 hours riding a day, one night's accommodation in our farm house and one night camping, meals
One week riding holiday €450, a horse-lover's dream, 7 day's riding and working with our horses including approx. 40 hours riding, accommodation, meals. You have the option of riding lessons and will have free time to explore the area or just relax- these holidays can be tailored to your own requirements just tell us what you're looking for.

We can arrange other activities in the area on request

Accommodation offered?
Yes, you can stay in our renovated farmhouse or camp by Santa Clara lake.

Languages spoken:
We speak English and Portuguese

Beginners are welcome.
Children are welcome, to ride you must be over 5 years old.

Contact Details
Please use the form below to contact us