Thanks to Alentejo’s temperate climate it is possible to ride all year around, and from horse riding on the beach to classical dressage, its often stunning and varied countryside and long tradition of equestrian excellence make this part of Portugal an ideal horse holiday destination.
Portugal is one of the least populated countries in Europe and a horse riding vacation offer you a wonderful chance to explore its diverse regions and enjoy beautiful, tranquil countryside. Alentejo's unique Lusitano horses are famed throughout the equestrian world for their obedience and reliable nature that roam on the Alentejo plain. They were bred for military purposes, and later used for dressage and bull fighting.
The dry, warm climate is ideal for long horse rides, and the Maranhão dam and the huge fields are a great example. Many riding centres organise week long riding holidays in unspoilt areas rarely seen by other tourists, so it's a great opportunity to go somewhere new and to get to know your horse.
Alentejo has continued its old equestrian traditions right through into the 21st century through the Lusitanian horse, and you can find out more about these thoroughbred animals at the Alter Stud farm, founded by king João V in 1748. The horses here are bred to form the centrepiece of the Royal Cavalry and the Royal Riding School, and it’s the oldest in the world.
There are also some great opportunities in the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Nature Park for laidback horseriding along the stunningly scenic coastal paths.
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