Western Algarve Horse Riding and Carriage Driving Centre

Algarve horse riding

The western Algarve horse riding and carriage driving centre enjoys an idyllic setting at the edge of the Costa Vincentina nature reserve. The farmhouse, parts of which date from Moorish times, stands in 50 acres of rolling, unspoilt countryside overlooking the coast of Cape St Vincent and less than 20 minutes drive from the popular seaside town of Lagos.

With an average of 315 days of sunshine and a network of traffic-free trails this is a fantastic area to explore by horse. Facilities at the Western Algarve horse riding and carriage driving centre include a cross country course, trails and a training area.

Here you will be very well fed with a walled kitchen garden providing a generous harvest, traditional stone bred ovens and a wood fired range presided over by a superb professional chef. The centre currently offers horse riding and carriage driving lessons and trails and holidays and you can combine your stay with country cookery lessons. The guides are on hand to help you make the most of your time here and as well as an indepth knowledge of the endless trails that criss cross the Costa Vincentina park and the local wildlife they also know the best beaches and swimming lakes and the coolest bars.

Algarve horse riding

About the Western Algarve Horse Riding and Carriage Driving

The horses are locally bred, Cruzado Portugues. This time honoured Lusitano-Arab crosses are strong and sturdy, intelligent and well natured. They are ideally suited to both the undulating country trails and the wide open sandy beaches.

We welcome beginners and will teach you the basics of either riding or carriage driving within the safety and comfort of our training school. For intermediate and experienced riders/drivers our groom guides will be happy to show you challenging and interesting trail appropriate for your experience

Riding options at the Western Algarve horse riding and driving centre include:
Farm Trail Approximately 1 hour: An introduction to your horse in the corral followed by a short gentle ride around local farm trails. €25 per person

Forest Trail A half day ride: An introduction to your horse in the corral, assist or be shown how to saddle your horse, ride or drive out along tranquil forest trails and farm tracks- the ride will be adapted to your riding experience. €45 or combine your ride with a delicious farmhouse barbecue for €65.

Adventure Trail A days’ riding: come and explore the beauties of the natural park. Leaving after breakfast, stopping for a picnic lunch and returning mid afternoon (can be arranged later in the day if prefered). Also available full day beach rides for experienced riders only. €95 per person

Carriage Driving Come and enjoy a scenic carriage ride through the countryside or learn how to drive. A one hour drive is €50/carriage, a half day is €90 or a full day is €180. Each carriage can take up to 5 guests.

Short pony or carriage rides A photo opportunity or treat for the kids. 15euros per person

western Algarve horse riding

Western Algarve Horse Riding and Carriage Driving Holidays

During our horse riding and carriage driving holidays you will stay in our historic stone built farmhouse which is a 2 minute walk from our stables and will eat with the family in the hall of the old stone barn. Breakfasts at the Lodge tend to be a leisurely and casual meal on our ocean view terrace and is often a help yourself buffet, especially if the cook is going out riding that day. Lunch is usually either a picnic on route or if we are near the stables or a suitable fire pit, something grilled over a wood fire and washed down with our excellent local wine. Dinner is not included, except for our inclusive holiday programs, but most nights our farm kitchen is serving one or two local specialties. There are also many excellent places to eat locally to suite all tastes and pockets.

On a typical Western Algarve horse riding or driving holiday your hosts will welcome you with an arrival dinner of local cuisine and wine. On your first riding or driving day you will be introduced to the horses and your guides who will accompany confident riders on their first trail. Beginners will stay in the training area and soon hopefully soon make enough progress to venture out into the park with their guide. After a light lunch at the stables, you will have the afternoon free and may wish to travel to one of the local beaches or a nearby village or secret swimming lake. You have the evening free to sample some of the local cuisine in one of the Lagos’ restaurants, or you can choose to stay at the farm and enjoy a relaxing dinner with us.

The following days will be spent riding or driving through wonderful countryside to tiny whitewashed villages, picturesque lakes and off season the beaches of the nature park enjoying stunning views, tranquility and clean air along the way. We will stop en route to enjoy a picnic eaten at the beach or by a hidden country spring. Once again, you have the evening free to visit the town or relax and dine at the farm. On your departure day you can enjoy an early morning ride or drive if your schedule permits.

We hope you will take home with you new horse riding or carriage driving skills and an understanding and love of country life in the Algarve that you will remember for ever and come back and visit us soon.

Algarve horse riding

Free Range Riding or Driving Holidays
On the free range Western Algarve horse riding or driving holidays there are no timetables. There is always time for relaxing; breakfast is at your convenience and within reason you can ride when you want.

With unlimited access you can really get to know your horse and are sure to make a new four legged friend! If you wish you can help with the feeding, grooming and mucking out and of course enjoy riding or driving out on one of our well-sprung carriages. You can start off on our own farm trails, before venturing out into the vast National Park that surrounds us.

The free range riding holidays include: unlimited riding or driving, half board, comfortable farmhouse accommodation, services of the groom and guides, frequent guided trails, group lessons in the training arena and free collection from Lagos station if required. From 70 euros per person/day, under 5s free.

Inclusive Western Algarve horse riding or driving holiday.
This 7 night holiday is suitable for absolute beginners and experienced riders. Included in the price is an arrival dinner, riding or driving on five days: three full days riding or driving including lessons or treks, a barbecue ride and a half day’s ride and free time to explore some of the wonderful local beaches or the pretty country market villages. From 550 euros per person. Extra days may be included cost pro rata

Combined riding/driving, country cooking courses
Available as a 3 night holiday 295euros or a 7 night holiday 650euros, this course includes an arrival dinner of local cuisine, plenty of time for horse riding or driving lessons or excursions along the beautiful local trails and the chance to learn the skills and idiosynchracies of cooking in a traditional brick built domed oven and wood burning range, including how to mix, knead and bake bread and how to prepare traditional Portuguese dishes such as a game pot.

Please contact us for a brochure with the full details of any of the Western Algarve horse riding and driving holidays.

western Algarve horse riding

What Will I Learn?

At the Western Algarve horse riding and carriage driving centre if you have arrived as a beginner we hope you will leave with a sincere love and understanding of horses. Our teaching methods are gentle and sympathetic and we hope that we have pointed you to an understanding of natural horsemanship. Experienced riders will of course have enjoyed the freedom of our endless traffic free trails and will have learnt to appreciate the intelligence and stamina of our locally bred Lucitano cross horses. If you have concentrated on carriage driving we hope to introduce you to a new sport which you will continue to enjoy for years to come.

The Western Algarve horse riding and driving holidays start on any day and extra days may be included cost pro rata Transfer to and from Faro airport can be arranged for 75euros, alternatively we offer a free collection service from Lagos train station. Although you can reach the Western Algarve horse riding and carriage driving centre by taxi or local bus, car hire is recommended

Please use the form below to contact us with any questions regarding the Western Algarve Horse Riding and Carriage Driving centre