Portugal: Alentejo - the coast of the dolphins
From 2.266 €

Portugal: Alentejo - the coast of the dolphins

holiday package
Created: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Ref ID: 21043937
prezzo del pacchetto per persona From
2.266 €
Based on 2 adults
Itinerary
Tours

Day 1: Grandola

Join us to discover the "Costa Azul" on horseback. About 100 km south of Lisbon, there is a lesser-known area that, even in the busy summer months, allows us to explore isolated and beautiful beaches, far from mass tourism. Home to the Rio Sado Nature Reserve and Sanctuary, this 57,500-acre pristine territory is where you can admire dolphins. From here, heading south, there are about 50 kilometers of untouched beaches, interrupted only by some calm lagoons and fishing villages. Come discover this beautiful area on the noble Lusitano horse... from the green coastal mountains of Grândola to the turquoise waters of Costa Azul. A journey full of pleasant experiences: tasty picnics, swims in the beautiful sea, memorable dinners with fresh fish, dolphins, and wonderful horses!

Highlights of the trek:
• Santiago do Cacém, a town set on a hill, with the castle of Arab origin at its summit, reconstructed by the Templars with double walls.
• Santo André Lagoon, which occupies part of the coastline of the municipalities of Sines and Santiago do Cacém, as well as a stretch of sea 1.5 km wide, delimited by the coastline. The nature reserve is formed by the Lagoa de Santo André, the largest lagoon on the Alentejo coast, covering almost 500 hectares. Thanks to the presence of both freshwater and saltwater, it attracts many bird species, including flamingos.
• Grândola Sierra, with its hilly landscape and picturesque villages.

ITALY / LISBON / GRANDOLA (-/-/D)
Pick-up at Lisbon Humberto Delgado International Airport (LIS) at 5:30 PM (EUR 100.00 per person to be paid locally - other times available upon request) and transfer approximately 100 km south to Herdade das Barradas da Serra (or similar), a beautiful rural house in the Grândola region. Dinner and overnight stay.


Day 2: Santiago do Cacem

GRANDOLA / SANTIAGO DO CACEM (B/L/D)
First day horseback riding through a hilly landscape to Santiago do Cacém. On this first day, you will appreciate the beautiful character of these horses. Picnic lunch, and after a little rest, we will continue through pine forests to reach Quinta da Ortiga, where we will leave the horses and take a short 30-minute transfer to your hotel, Quinta de Malmedra (or similar), for dinner and overnight stay.


Day 3: Santiago do Cacem

SANTIAGO DO CACEM (B/L/D)
Full day on horseback through eucalyptus forests with a sweet fragrance. Near Morgavel, we will stop for a picnic lunch and some relaxation. In the afternoon, we will have the chance to gallop along the sandy paths of the Portuguese countryside. Dinner and overnight stay at Quinta (or similar).


Day 4: Vila Nova De Santo Andre

SANTIAGO DO CACEM / VILA NOVA DE SANTO ANDRE (B/L/D)
In the morning or afternoon, there will be a 30-minute transfer by vehicle to the north, to the Sado River, for a two-hour boat tour to discover the dolphins that inhabit these waters. The other half of the day on horseback will be spent around the Santa Andre Lagoon, home to flamingos. Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel Vila Park (or similar).


Day 5: Vila Nova De Santo Andre

VILA NOVA DE SANTO ANDRE (B/L/D)
Today we will ride to the beach (not between June and September 15th) at dawn, and we will be able to see the beautiful dunes turn pink. Gallop along the beach before stopping for a picnic lunch in the cool shade of the pine forest. While the horses rest, you can take a swim. In the afternoon, return, dinner at a local restaurant, and overnight stay at Hotel Vila Park (or similar).


Day 6: Grandola

VILA NOVA DE SANTO ANDRE / GRANDOLA (B/L/D)
From Melides, we will go to Grândola, and there will be opportunities for several gallops throughout the day along the long tracks between the forests. We will return to Barradas Da Serra today, where we can refresh ourselves with a dip in the pool before dinner. Dinner and overnight stay at Herdade das Barradas da Serra (or similar).


Day 7: Grandola

GRANDOLA (B/L/D)
Today we will ride from the Sierra de Grândola through a hilly landscape and picturesque villages. Picnic lunch and in the afternoon, continue to Herdade das Barradas da Serra, a beautiful estate in typical Alentejo style. Farewell dinner at Herdade das Barradas da Serra (or similar).


Day 8:

GRANDOLA / LISBON / ITALY (B/-/-)
Breakfast and transfer to the international airport with arrival around 10:30 AM (consider booking a flight departing after 12:00/12:30).

Note: The above itinerary is to be considered indicative. It may be subject to changes due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control.
A less demanding program is available for inexperienced riders.

After the confirmation, it will be mandatory to send the following data via email

-Name and surname
-Date of birth
-Phone number
-Arrival date and flight details
-Departure date and flight details
-Destination
-Hight
-Weight
-Equestrian level
-Favourite tack
-Outdoor Riding (YES/NO)
-How long have you been riding
for?
-How often
-Food allergies

Note: (B/L/D): B = breakfast; L = lunch; D = dinner
Difficulty Level: From ° to °°°°°

DURATION: 8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS
DIFFICULTY: °°° (INTERMEDIATE)
ACCOMMODATION: Traditional Portuguese Quinta
EQUIPMENT: ENGLISH SADDLE or Portuguese cavalry saddle with space for a water bottle.
HORSES: PUREBRED LUSITANO, as famous as its Spanish cousin, the Andalusian, these are considered the oldest horses in Europe, predecessors of any breed found today on the American continent. Famous for their beauty, used in the Haute École and also in dressage in the past, until the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) introduced breeds capable of greater trot extension. They remain great horses, very fascinating, and suitable for equestrian shows.
PACE: 4 TO 6 H A DAY IN THE SADDLE, approximately. The three gaits are used. Riders must be able to control the horse in open environments. Possibility of long gallops on the beach. WHAT TO BRING: layered riding clothing, including waterproofs. Fanny pack since the saddles are not equipped with saddlebags. Protective helmet, sunscreen, insect repellent, emergency medications. Swimsuit, towel. We recommend soft luggage.
MAXIMUM WEIGHT: 85 Kg
TYPE: semi-itinerant trekking with overnight stays in traditional hotels

ACCOMMODATION:
Night 1: Hotel das Faias in Grandola
Night 2 & 3: Quinta de Malmedra in Santiago do Cacém
Night 4 & 5: Hotel Vila Park near the Natural Reserve of Santo André and Santa Sancha Lagoons
Night 6 & 7: Hotel das Faias in Grandola

Hotel Das Faias A small structure immersed in greenery. Spacious rooms equipped with every comfort: air conditioning, TV, Wi-Fi. Indoor pool available to guests.

Quinta de Malmedra Located just 2 kilometers from the center of Santiago do Cacem. Offers 12 standard rooms with a balcony and 2 suites with views of the historic city castle. Equipped with a pool, gym, and restaurant.

Hotel Vila Park Located in Vila Nova de Santo Andre, between the towns of Sines and Santiago do Cacém. Offers 79 modern rooms equipped with every comfort: TV, radio, air conditioning, hairdryer. Equipped with a pool and restaurant.


SUPPLEMENTS
Supplement Single room low season: 770 euro
Supplement Single in high season: 780 euro

prezzo del pacchetto per persona From
2.266 €
Based on 2 adults
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This idea includes
Destinations 4
Accommodations 1
Tours 1
Tour summary
Guide languages
English
Português
Included
All meals as per the program
7 overnight stays
6 full days on horseback
Support vehicles
Horses and equipment provided
Boat trip
Experienced guide speaking Portuguese and English
Basic medical insurance

Excluded
Flights to/from Lisbon
Transfer to/from Lisbon airport
Meals not mentioned, airport taxes, drinks, tips, personal extras
Alcoholic beverages during meals and otherwise
Possible extensions
Anything not highlighted in the "The fee includes" section
Cancellation Maximum Adjustment, mandatory for trips over €2,000
Accommodation
- Hotel