Horse riding on the beach in the Algarve

Horse riding has always managed to capture the imagination of people all around the world and the Algarve is the perfect place to connect with these magnificent creatures. Alone or with friends, family or partner, the Portuguese coasts will cast a rose-coloured tint on your holiday memories. Toasty sunshine, cloud-free blue skies and pleasant temperatures will be your backdrop as you wander through beaches, hills and lagoons with your horse.

Set in the beautiful countryside of rural Algarve, amongst orange groves and cork fields, gallop over soft sand tracks and venture onto beautiful white beaches on treks, riding lessons or pony club adventures, whether you’re a complete beginner or an advanced rider!

Albufeira, located close to the beach and the beautiful countryside, is one of the most popular horse riding spots in the Algarve, with plenty of open spaces and the opportunity to ride through spectacular lagoons. Riding through Lagoa dos Salgados will transport you through beautiful flora, home to hundreds of magnificent bird species.

It doesn’t matter what your level of experience is, as the professional teams will teach you everything you need to know, and pair you with horses trained to suit you perfectly. All the equipment you’ll need is provided so you don’t need to worry about packing any kit with you. Albufeira also offers the opportunity for children to venture out on a pony trekking tour, while more experienced riders can trek on the dunes of the Praia Grande beach between November and March each year..

If you’re looking for a luxury home for a few weeks in the south of Portugal, Martinhal occupies a stunning position overlooking the beach, just 15 minutes from the historic port of Sagres. A luxury hotel situated in a protected national park, surrounded by sand dunes and overlooking a wonderful bay, couples and families return here time and time again to indulge in the contemporary and stylish design and fabulous range of facilities and activities available.

Room types range from “Terraces & Beach Rooms” to “Family Houses”, which sleep up to 6 people, and there is also a private collection of villas which sleep up to 10. Martinhal prides itself on serving genuine, authentic Portuguese produce. There are three restaurants to choose from, all child-friendly with kids menus and play areas supervised by a member of the Kids Club. “O Terraco” is an authentic Portuguese eatery, “As Dunas” is a beachfront seafood restaurant and “Os Gambozinos” is a popular Italian restaurant in the “Square”.

Over 3300 sqm is purely dedicated to children’s play areas, with a creche for 6-30 months and clubs for 2-16 years old. Depending on age, there is a varied programme including arts and crafts, games and sports activities, including windsurfing, surfing, tennis, football and swimming.

A three-minute walk takes you down to the beautiful sandy beach, although there are five pools in the as well! The Finistera SPA is an oasis of calm with six treatment rooms, complete with a gym and bike station. Other activities include boat trips, fishing and dolphin watching, walking and bike tours, pilates, yoga and zumba classes, golf, Jeep safari and horse riding.