Portugal, Azores - Sao Miguel

Christina and Claude from Sweden wanted to go to an exotic destination with beautiful scenery, few tourists and a short flight. The Azores met all their requirements. They fell in love with the islands, and bought a beautiful 1600-century farmhouse on the fairytale island of Sao Miguel.

There are several alternative weekly programs:
- Trail Ride Program "Riding in the Tropics"
- A week with beginner lessons, theory and outdoor rides, "Learn to Ride in a Week"
Weekly program with about 10 hours of riding, "Little Riding Week"
 
Adventurous / and or golfers
If you have a friend or partner who does not want to ride it is fine for them to come on all these tours. If they are interested in golf, Christina would be happy to book a greenfee at one of the two world class courses nearby.

Accommodation and Food

You will stay in one of the five comfortable and individually decorated double rooms in the main house. All the rooms have cable TV and private bathrooms and the main house also has a breakfast room and a common room with a bar and verandah set in the shadow of a rubber tree.

On the farm, there is a stable and indoor riding arena (Picadeiro) with a large fireplace, lounge and bar, designed in the same seventeenth century style as the other buildings.

Safe deposit box: No
A/C: No
Hair Dryer: Yes
Towels and sheets: Yes
Fridge: No
TV: Yes

You will eat the fresh and filling breakfast buffet, lunch (not on days when you have a picnic) and dinners in the dining room that was once the stable for the lord of the manor’s horses – now renovated but retaining its atmosphere. After dinner, you take a walk to the beach or sip on a glass of wine out on the verandah.

Single: It is possible to book a single room (price for single supplement available under Dates & Prices). If you are willing to share rooms, you will not have to pay a single supplement if you are allocated a single room.

Climate

Travel Information

Ability description: Trail ride level 1-3 >>

Included in the price:
Riding in a tropical landscape - 7 nights, 6 days riding, full board with wine/beer to meals, transfer to and from the airport.
Little riding week - 7 nights, 10 hours riding, breakfast buffé, airport transfer.
Learn to ride in a week - 7 nights, 6 days riding and theory, full board with wine/beer to meals, airport transfer.

Not included: Flight, potential delfin safari and others, tourist tax.

Travel: Fly to the Azores/Sao Miguel - Ponta Delgada (PDL)

Transfer: Book in advance.
You will be met at the airport. 

Single room: It is possible to book a single room (price for single supplement available under Dates & Prices).
If you are willing to share rooms, you will not have to pay a single supplement if you are allocated a single room.
VIP offer: 30 EUR discount.

Horses: Lusitano mares and Lusitano crosses.
Weight limit: 90 kilo, a few horses that can carry 110 kilo, inform in booking.

Currency: Euro
Credit card: Not accepted at riding center.
Tipping: By choice but appreciated, normally about 20-40 EUR.

Wifi: Yes

Group size: Min. 1 and maximum 10 riders.
Age limit: No

Closest village: Living in small village, Livramento, distance to ATM is about 300 m.
Beach: 900 m
Pool: No

Misc.
Riding equipment to borrow: Helmet
Saddle bag: No
Special diet: Yes, inform in booking
Tourist Tax: The six municipalities on the island of São Miguel, Azores, will start charging, from 2025, a municipal tourist tax of two euros per day/person, up to a maximum of three nights.

Feedback from our travellers

Cozy, Warm, and Personal
Delicious homemade food, always a three-course dinner. The riding was safe, secure, and full of great experiences. Christina, Claude, and their team are incredibly caring and professional. My soul is overflowing with all the amazing experiences from this trip.
Carola Marklund

Cozy, Clean, and Fresh
Absolutely fantastic food. A lovely breakfast with plenty of fresh fruit. A three-course dinner every day, always delicious. Great and varied riding in incredibly beautiful landscapes. Many long, wonderful gallops. Skilled guides. The hosts and all the staff did everything to make us feel welcome and well taken care of. I had high expectations, but they were far exceeded – the best trip ever.
Marie Rönnevall

Clean and Well-Maintained
The old farm is located right next to the stables and riding arena. Owners Christina and Claude served an incredible breakfast buffet with a wide variety of fruits, delicious lunches, and a three-course dinner every evening. The riding exceeded expectations with many long and fantastic gallops. Our guide, Bruno, was very knowledgeable, lecturing on the island's flora and prioritizing safety. The horses were stable and highly reliable, making me feel very secure in the saddle. The experience was beyond expectations! I would love to return. The riding was top-class – it felt like riding through a postcard with breathtaking views! On full-day rides, the horses were transported to different locations, allowing us to explore many different parts of the island.
Magdalena Bernhardsson

Everything Was Homemade and Varied
They chose excellent horses for my skill level. The riding trails were diverse and incredibly beautiful. My guide, Nelson, was fantastic—very experienced, making me feel safe while still challenged at the right level. A big advantage was having the same guide all week, so he got to know my preferences well. I was very satisfied, also with Horse Explorer, who checked some details before my trip. I received exactly what was promised in the program. The information about the destination matched reality perfectly.
Anders Eriksson - Learn to Ride in a Week

Great Welcome and Excellent Service
I was met at the airport and driven to the farm while receiving a small guided tour—fantastic! The food was amazing! It was incredible that both riders and horses were transported to different parts of the island to experience new environments every day. The horses were kind, well-conditioned, and well cared for. Everyone was incredibly considerate. This trip will be hard to top!
Jenny Gustafsson

A Warm Welcome – Felt Like Home
I never imagined such an idyllic place. My room was beautiful, with a canopy bed and a view of the garden. The service was excellent. The food was amazing—we were truly spoiled. We had many fantastic rides through breathtaking landscapes, with stunning views and a great mix of paces. Enjoying picnics out in the open nature was wonderful. It was an exciting and beautiful experience to ride in such a spectacular setting.
I rode four different horses and fell in love with them all. They moved beautifully and had great temperaments, each with its own charming personality. The horses are well cared for by Christina and Claude, which touched my heart deeply.
We were well taken care of in every aspect, by everyone involved. It was simply perfect. I had an amazing time and would love to return!
Suzanne Line Liss Haukeli

Exceeded Expectations in Every Way
Kristina picked us up right on time, a short transfer to the lovely accommodation while giving us some insights about the island and the farm. It was charming and wonderful in every way, far exceeding expectations with excellent service.
The food was delicious, well-prepared, and varied—three courses every day, truly exceeding expectations. The riding was fantastic, very diverse and well-organized in a stunning setting. Safety was a top priority, and the pace was well-balanced, with gallops where appropriate.
The horses were friendly, well-cared-for, and spirited, with a variety of breeds. Claude took excellent care of us, serving and entertaining guests in a wonderfully personal way. Every day, we received perfect information about the program.
The best trip so far! Exciting landscapes and a fantastic climate.
Fanny Ahlgren

One of the Best Riding Trips I've Been On!
Very pleasant, clean, and well-maintained. The food was incredibly well-prepared and delicious—simply couldn't be better. The riding was varied and of a high standard. The horses were friendly, skilled, and well-cared-for.
Margareta Wedendal

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