Horse Riding
The Algarve has some wonderful horse riding tracks and paths. Portugal is the country considered by many as the home of the pure Lusitano breed. This attractive horse has been bred and developed in the central Ribatejo and upper Alentejo regions for hundreds of years and today is considered a mix of Arab and the pure English Thoroughbred. Internationally acknowledged for its gentle nature and yet its equally graceful agile movements in the bullring. The breed is often chosen by riders for the special training to participate in the international competitions of equestrian events. A choice of Hacking or Dressage are both readily available. In the Algarve there are many established Riding Stables that are to be found the length of the coast proving that Equestrianism on the Algarve is thriving.The variable terrain of the Algarve provides a very varied selection for Hacking. In the area of Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago the soft sandy soil through enchanting pinewoods makes for a very comfortable ride. The inland region of Silves provides small valleys and tracks that take the rider into charming countryside or further up into the dense eucalyptus forests. To the west of Portimao there are seemingly endless rides into virtually uninhabited areas with open rolling hills.
Lagos has it's own riding school, about 10km west of Lagos, Tiffany's Riding Centre. Quinta Paraiso Alto, Herdade do Castanheiro, Lagos Tiffany’s charges €30 an hour for horse riding and has other options, including a three-/five-hour trip (€80/125); the latter includes a champagne picnic.