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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Portugal
Intro to Portugal
![]() Alentejo / Blue Coast![]() Alto Alentejo![]() Azores![]() Lisbon Area![]() Northern Portugal
Spain
France
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Europe Overview
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Faial Island Trail
Azores
Portugal
Volcanic forces created inspiring and magnificent islands in the middle of the Atlantic. The unique nature of the Azores enchants its visitors - especially when traveling on horseback. By riding through this marvellous
landscape, you will discover the hospitality and the relaxed lifestyle of the locals. Riding between hydrangea hedges, or through bizarre volcanic landscapes. Natural pools of lava-rock invite you to a refreshing swim.
Discover dreamlike forests and picturesque villages close to the Atlantic ocean.
This week-long riding holiday includes 6 riding days and covers about 150 km total, around the Island of Faial. You sleep at the lodge every night and are transferred back to the horses' paddock on the trail every morning.
Every day, you will enjoy new highlights: old lighthouses, the picturesque sailors town Horta, lonely bays, riding through junglelike forests or on a volcano... One of the highlight of the week is certainly the amazing sight of the old whale spotter outlooks.
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Progressive Ride (no camping)
Center-based ride
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Meeting:
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Cedros
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Airport:
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Horta Airport
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Transfer:
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Horta Airport
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
9 riders
(per riding group)
Max Capacity
28
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2024
Rates include*:
Accommodation, All meals, 6 riding days with English speaking guide & Transfers
Extension: Accommodation, Meals mentionned in the program, Transfers & Activities as described in the itinerary.
Some helmets available to lend.
| A | 2024 | 8 day trip - Lodge option (High) | 8d / 7n | €2200 | $2420 |
| Single supplement | €400 | $440 |
| Upgrade to apartment (dbl) | €300 | $330 |
| Upgrade to apartment (single) | €800 | $880 |
| B | 2024 | 8 day trip - Lodge option (Mid) | 8d / 7n | €2000 | $2200 |
| Single supplement | €300 | $330 |
| Upgrade to apartment (dbl) | €300 | $330 |
| Upgrade to apartment (single) | €700 | $770 |
| C | 2024 | 8 day trip - Lodge option (Low) | 8d / 7n | €1900 | $2090 |
| Single supplement | €300 | $330 |
| Upgrade to apartment (dbl) | €200 | $220 |
| Upgrade to apartment (single) | €500 | $550 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Transfer and Other Charges:
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2024
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Transfer from/to Horta airport included at set times
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2024
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Non-riders welcome - please inquire for rates
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2024
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5-day extension available - please inquire for rates
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2024
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3-day extension available - please inquire for rates
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2024
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Tiny House accommodation discount - please inquire
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Pick-up/ drop-off for this trip is from Horta airport (HOR).
On the first day, we pick you up according to your arrival time.
On the last day, we drop you off around 8:30am.
Tour Dates for 2024
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| C |
2024
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01/31
- 03/31
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip - Lodge option (L...
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2
/9
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Reserve
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| B |
2024
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04/01
- 05/31
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip - Lodge option (M...
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2
/9
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Reserve
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| A |
2024
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06/01
- 09/30
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip - Lodge option (H...
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2
/9
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Reserve
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| B |
2024
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10/01
- 10/31
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip - Lodge option (M...
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2
/9
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Reserve
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| C |
2024
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11/01
- 12/31
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip - Lodge option (L...
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2
/9
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Reserve
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Custom dates are possible from April to October (Mid & High season).
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Rates do not include:
Museum entrance, Drinks & Gratuities
Extension: Meals not mentioned in the program
NOTE: All trails itineraries are general guidelines and in order to offer our guests the best-riding holiday experience we may change these. Depending on the number of trails running, the season, the weather and national holidays, we may make alterations to itineraries at short notice, which could affect the number of riding hours per day, the route we take to any given destination or the use of alternative accommodation. Trails can also be ridden in both directions. All changes are at the operator's discretion.
Sample Itinerary - subject to changes
You will be driven back to the Lodge every evening while the horses stay in a paddock on the trail.
Note that Whale watching is only available from April to October. Alternative activities will be offered from November to March.
Day 1: Arrival
Transfer from the airport to the lodge and first contact with the horses. Tonight, you will enjoy a welcome dinner.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2: Whales Ride
This morning, you will learn a lot about whales and their history on the island of Faial. Then you will get to know your horse and your equipment. We start riding on gently rising paths. After a short while, we begin the first trot and canter. We will reach a whale watching point. With a little luck and when the sea is calm, we can see whales and dolphins. We will then head back to the lodge along the coast. A delicious lunch is waiting for us.
In the afternoon we ride to two small whaling harbours. If the weather is good, you can swim. The horse resting place for the night is in a small hamlet. We drive back to the lodge.
Riding approx. 20 km (4-5 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Lighthouse Ride
Today you will learn about the impact of the 1998 earthquake on the island. We go to the horses early in the morning. Today's trail begins along the coast through blue hydrangea hedges, to the island's former lighthouse, which was destroyed during the earthquake. The nearby village still has a crumbling church that testifies to the power of the earthquake.
At noon we will appreciate our saddlebag-picnic right at the seaside. Time to go for a swim or to wet your feet. After this nice break we will continue our ride. Wonderful views to the sea and the neighborhood islands São Jorge, Pico and Graciosa.
After a while we reach our paddock for the night. The transfer team is bringing you back to the Ecolodge. Enjoy and relax at the pool.
Riding approx. 20km (4 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Caldeira Ride
Today we start early in order to get to Faial’s crater, the Caldeira, located at an altitude of over 1,000m in the center of the island.
This is a real challenge for riders and horses. Sometimes we meet farmers on the way. Heather trees along our route look like giant broccoli. The Atlantic Ocean glitters in the sun. We slowly ride our way up to the crater rim via switchback tracks. If you want, you can descend into the depths of the crater with our nature park guide (extra fee - see extension program).
After our picnic, we ride through the lonely and wild landscape of the high mountains. Our trail leads us over farm roads down to a small volcano whose inner crater we can reach on foot through a small tunnel. A very special atmosphere awaits us in this tunnel.
We then arrive at the Jungle Camp in the late afternoon. The transfer to the lodge is already waiting here.
Riding approx. 30 km (6-7 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Cabeço Verde Trail & Whale Watching
After the breakfast we drive to Horta town to meet a team of marine biologists. Together with them we go out to the ocean in a powerfully motorized zodiac. More than 30 different whales and dolphins can be encountered in the ocean surrounding Faial. It's a wonderful experience to be so close to the largest mammals in the world. If the weather and season do not allow whale watching, you will find enough time to discover this colourful and cosmopolitan port town. Walk along the sailing harbour and find secluded spots in the town.
Before we start our trail ride, we enjoy lunch in a typical 'Tasca'.
After preparing the horses, we climb up to the Green Hill called Cabeço Verde. From the top we can admire spectacular views over Praia do Norte, Cabeço do Fogo, Morro do Castelo Branco and the volcano Vulcão dos Capelinhos. The way down will allow us to see the vineyards unique to Faial Island - a wine growing area which, thanks to the ashes of the last eruption and the special way of growing the grapes, has special features in the archipelago.
Riding approx. 15 km (3 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Volcano of Capelinhos Trail
Today the trail leads us through a mystical jungle landscape. We enjoy fantastic canters close to the coastline. Extensive vineyards, but also small adegas line our way. Via narrow tracks, close to the shore, we reach the volcano of Capelinhos, which erupted in 1957. An old whaling village covered with the ashes of the volcano sits there, abandoned. Hidden under the buried lighthouse is the modern interpretation center that reports on the volcanism of the Azores archipelago. We combine a saddlebag picnic with a visit to this attraction.
Riding over parts of the volcano, we reach the Jungle Camp in the late afternoon. The transfer back to the lodge is already waiting here.
Riding approx. 20 km (4-5 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Fajã Bay & Canyon Trail
Today is the last day of the trail. Fajã Bay is a hidden bay where islanders have been growing wine and fruits for 500 years. On the way, we pass small adegas, wine houses with their vineyards. Riding through dense jungle we reach the black lava beach of Fajã Bay. A magical, romantic world of its own. Small lava stone houses, well-kept gardens and a wild sea await us. We cross the island from the dry south to the green north. Magnificent views over terraced pastures down to the blue ocean. We canter to the highest village on the island - Ribeira Funda, located directly above the 300m deep canyon. We allow ourselves to be warmed by the sun, listen to the wind and the wild cries of the buzzards circling over the deep gorge. Our saddlebag picnic area is beautifully located overlooking majestic canyon and the ocean. In the afternoon the route takes us along yam fields through a small, wild and romantic valley after 6 days of riding back to the Lodge. A farewell dinner at the lodge closes the fascinating week of trails.
Riding approx. 20 km (4-5 hours)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Departure
Departure after breakfast (around 8:30am) and transfer to the airport.
Meals included: Breakfast
3-day extension - Whale watching & Volcano
To make the most out of your stay on the island, extend your holidays with our 3-day extension program before or after your Horse Trail. It is also possible to extend your stay at the Lodge without the following program, in case you just want to relax (inquire for night rates).
This extension program is also perfect for accompanying non-riders (longer program available, please inquire).
Day 1: Relax
Relaxing feels so good after one week on horseback. Enjoy your time in the Lodge Garden, on small hikes or go for a swim at nearby rock-pools.
Day 2: Whale-Watching (only available during high season) or Island Van Tour & Volcano Trail (available all year)
Whale-watching option: Morning transfer to Whale Watching Station, in Horta. You spend the morning on the sea and observe the whales with a Marine Biologist Team. Then individual lunch. Free afternoon and transfer to the Lodge for overnight stay.
Island Van Tour & Volcano Trail option: In the morning you start your Faial Island Van Tour. Together with your guide you visit old whaling bays and explore the city of Horta. You will se the old whaling factory. Individual lunch. Our Nature Park Guide picks you up and drives you to the highest point of Faial, the huge caldeira of the volcano. Depending on your condition, you hike around the caldeira or descend 400m deep into it (2.5h hike). In cloudy weather, we will alternatively hike on the volcano of Capelinhos.
Day 3: Departure
After breakfast at 8:30 AM transfer for departure.
5-day extension - Whale watching & Volcano
Day 1: Relax
Relaxing feels so good after one week on horseback. Enjoy your time in the Lodge Garden, on small hikes or go for a swim at nearby rock-pools.
Day 2: Whale-Watching (only available during high season) or Island Van Tour & Volcano Trail (available all year)
Whale-watching option: Morning transfer to Whale Watching Station, in Horta. You spend the morning on the sea and observe the whales with a Marine Biologist Team. Then individual lunch. Free afternoon and transfer to the Lodge for overnight stay.
Island Van Tour & Volcano Trail option: In the morning you start your Faial Island Van Tour. Together with your guide you visit old whaling bays and explore the city of Horta. You will se the old whaling factory. Individual lunch. Our Nature Park Guide picks you up and drives you to the highest point of Faial, the huge caldeira of the volcano. Depending on your condition, you hike around the caldeira or descend 400m deep into it (2.5h hike). In cloudy weather, we will alternatively hike on the volcano of Capelinhos.
Day 3: Excursion to the whale and wine island of Pico
Transfer to the first ferry that will take you to the island of Pico in the early morning (30 min. crossing). Your guide will be waiting for you there. Together you roam the vineyards around the town of Madalena (UNESCO World Heritage Site). You will visit an old schnapps distillery, the freshwater lakes on the high plateau, the Casa de Montanha at the foot of the steep Pico and the old whaling town of Lajes. Including typical island lunch. After the impressive day you will travel back to Faial with the last ferry. Transfer to the Lodge and overnight.
Day 4: Swimming with dolphins (only available during high season) or Half-day horse trail (available all year)
Swim with dolphins option: We'll take you to the whale watching station in the morning, Horta. After the briefing you will receive your wetsuit and diving glasses. Together with your guide you go out to sea in the Zodiac boat and look for dolphins. As soon as they appear, you jump into their element and swim with them in the deep blue Atlantic. Individual lunch. Free afternoon. Transfer to the Lodge and overnight.
Half-day horse trail option: Your horse trail guide will show you the most beautiful riding trails along the north coast of the island of Faial on a half day horse trail. A delicious picnic will be waiting for you on your return. The perfect way to say goodbye to the horses. Overnight at the Lodge.
Day 5: Departure
After breakfast at 8:30 AM transfer for departure.
Non-Riders
Non-riders are welcome to join this trip (inquire for rates).
Non riding activities include: hiking, jeep tour, whale watching, swimming with dolphins & scuba diving.
Meeting:
Cedros
Airport:
Horta Airport
Transfer:
Horta Airport
Distance:
20 km
Pick-up/ drop-off for this trip is from Horta airport (HOR).
On the first day, we pick you up according to your arrival time.
On the last day, we drop you off around 8:30am.
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Tack:
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Trail saddle with saddle bag
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Horses:
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Lusitano and Cruzado Portuguese horses
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Pace:
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3-5 hours in the saddle per riding day - covering 120km total
Approx 20% canter, 10% trot and 70% walk
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
16
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Max
99
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Weight:
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Max
210 lbs / 95 kg
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
9 riders
(per riding group)
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Max Capacity
28
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Riding Experience
You should be able to ride at all paces in open countryside. We expect support from our guests in feeding and tacking the horses as well as with cleaning the personal trail equipment.
Horses
We have about 20 horses are living as a herd in the meadows around the barn, all year round. Our horses are mostly Lusitano and Cruzado Portuguese horses averaging 7 years old.
Anja, our horse specialist and trainer (Horse Academy of Cologne, Germany) and Victor, Trail-Guide (German Trail-Rider-Academy) are training our horses carefully and permanently. In that way they are becoming cooperative, hard-working and relaxed companions.
Equipment
We use equipment approved by the German Trail-Rider Academy.
Our most important piece of equipment is the Trail-Saddle. We only use the First Class Trekker-Saddle from the Italian saddlery Prestige.
Seating, safety and correct fit are without comparison. All saddles are equipped with a Prestige saddle bag for personal stuff and tension belts for your coat.
Guide
All horse-trail guides are entertaining and passionate. They speak English and mostly a second or third language. Experienced in horsemanship and as well trained horseback riders, they have profound knowledge of the island nature, history, social life and small hidden secrets. Safety of the ride is top priority.
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.Passport Note(a) Sufficient fu. more
Horta area
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Month
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
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62
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62
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62
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64
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67
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71
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76
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78
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76
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71
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67
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64
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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55
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54
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55
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56
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58
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62
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66
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68
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67
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63
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59
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56
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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17
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17
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17
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18
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19
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22
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24
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26
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24
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22
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19
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18
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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13
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12
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13
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13
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15
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17
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19
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20
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19
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17
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15
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14
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Source: NOAA
Seasons
The famous anti-cyclone over the Azores allows Faial island to get stable and mostly nice weather conditions.
Summer (May to October)
The maximum temperature can be 29ºC. Rain and wind are rare during this time of the year. The days are long and at night you can listen to the chirp of the crickets and watch the star strewn sky.
Shoulder season (November-December & April-May)
These month are ideal for trail riding with nice mild temperature (13-20°C). It is mostly sunny with some showers from time to time.
Winter (January to February)
The weather can be wet and hard to predict at this time of the year. Fog and strong, sometimes horizontal, rain together with gale-force winds can affect the island. However, this weather give very special atmosphere to the island. Winter also has some wonderful days with blue sky and plenty of sun.
We suggest that you bring the following equipment with you:
- waterproof trekking footwear
- windproof and waterproof jacket and trousers
- riding helmet
We have Australian raincoats available for rental at 5 euros per person per day.
Riding equipment is free of charge up to 10 kg with the Azores Airlines.
| This list is only a guideline for you |
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| Travel documents and Voucher |
| Flight tickets |
| Passport |
| Visa (check with your consulate) |
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| RIDING GEAR |
| Cotton shirts with long sleeves (protection against the sun!) |
| Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!) |
| Riding boots + Minichaps |
| Riding helmet (recommended for all trips) |
| Riding gloves |
| Hat (with chin strap) for sun protection |
| Rain coat |
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| PERSONAL CLOTHING |
| Jacket or sweater for cool evenings |
| Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
| Jeans |
| Shorts |
| Underwear and socks |
| Jogging suit / Pyjama |
| Light summer jacket |
| Comfortable shoes/sneakers |
| Swimsuit and towel |
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| ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
| Personal Toiletries |
| Insect protection |
| Personal medications |
| Sore cream (for an emergency) |
| Sewing kit |
| Handkerchiefs |
| Adapter for electric appliances |
| Camera and enough extra films |
| Small bag to buckle on (for small items needed during the ride) |
| Spur straps (to tie sweater or parka onto the saddle) |
| Sun glasses with strap |
| Sun tan lotion and lip balm |
| Flash light |
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
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Accommodation
This is a stationary ride so all nights are spent at the same location.
Description
You can choose your preferred accommodation type for your stationary ride. There is free Wi-Fi access at this property, no matter the room option you choose.
The lodge has been built with natural materials and was designed in order to be in harmony with its environment. Free wi-fi is available in all room types.
You can choose between 3 different rooming options:
- Panorama Apartments
- Lodge Rooms
- Tiny Houses
Panorama Apartments
Each of the 7 apartments have their own entrance with splendid view. They come equipped with one bedroom (double or twin), a spacious bathroom, a small kitchen, a living room and a private terrace.
Lodge Rooms
All 4 rooms feature a sea view, a double or twin beds and an ensuite bathroom with hairdryer.
Tiny Houses
The 3 tiny houses are located in the garden and offers beautiful ocean view. They have a Queen size bed, a small bathroom and a kitchenette.
Guests can use our spacious saltwater swimming pool, which is operated as a heated indoor pool in winter.
All year-round guests can use the sauna and infrared heat cabin as well as the yoga room. Our yoga instructors offer yoga sessions for advanced and beginners for an additional charge.
Room Occupancy
Solo travelers might be able to share a room with another solo traveler of the same sex in order to waive their single supplement fee - please inquire at time of booking.
This option is currently not available during the pandemic.
Meals
All meals are included in your trip from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on your last day.
We provide our guests with sustainable organic vegetables and flowers, sourced as close as possible. We created also our own organic garden.
The restaurant team, led by our award-winning chef, offers a full continental breakfast buffet in the morning and wonderful picnics and light snacks at lunchtime.
Every evening, the team serves 3-course menus featuring freshly caught fish from the Atlantic, sustainable meat and the best organic vegetables.
Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions with prior notice.
This trip
can accommodate special dietary requests.
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Tack:
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Trail saddle with saddle bag
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Horses:
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Lusitano and Cruzado Portuguese horses
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Pace:
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3-5 hours in the saddle per riding day - covering 120km total
Approx 20% canter, 10% trot and 70% walk
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3
out of 5) Intermediate
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Age:
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Min
16
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Max
99
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Weight:
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Max
210 lbs / 95 kg
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
9 riders
(per riding group)
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Max Capacity
28
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Riding Experience
You should be able to ride at all paces in open countryside. We expect support from our guests in feeding and tacking the horses as well as with cleaning the personal trail equipment.
Horses
We have about 20 horses are living as a herd in the meadows around the barn, all year round. Our horses are mostly Lusitano and Cruzado Portuguese horses averaging 7 years old.
Anja, our horse specialist and trainer (Horse Academy of Cologne, Germany) and Victor, Trail-Guide (German Trail-Rider-Academy) are training our horses carefully and permanently. In that way they are becoming cooperative, hard-working and relaxed companions.
Equipment
We use equipment approved by the German Trail-Rider Academy.
Our most important piece of equipment is the Trail-Saddle. We only use the First Class Trekker-Saddle from the Italian saddlery Prestige.
Seating, safety and correct fit are without comparison. All saddles are equipped with a Prestige saddle bag for personal stuff and tension belts for your coat.
Guide
All horse-trail guides are entertaining and passionate. They speak English and mostly a second or third language. Experienced in horsemanship and as well trained horseback riders, they have profound knowledge of the island nature, history, social life and small hidden secrets. Safety of the ride is top priority.
Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart except:
1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Passport Note
(a) Sufficient funds are required for all except EU nationals. (b) Portugal is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for touristic stays of up to 90 days.
Visa Note
Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy/consulate to check visa requirements
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Faial Island Trail
Tour Code:
IT-PGPAT1
8 days /
7 nights
Dates :
All year
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner
 | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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