Faial Island Trails

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

Arrival into Horta airport with transfer to the ecolodge. You will meet the horses and have a briefing of your trail week, getting to know the other riders and your guide. Welcome dinner.

Day 2 - History of Whales

Riding: 4 - 5 hours

Today starts by learning about whales and their history on the island of Faial. You are then introduced to your horse and your equipment before setting out on the trail. Start on gently rising meadow paths and after a short time, you begin the first trot and canter. Your destination is a whale watching point, where with a little luck and when the sea is calm, you can see whales and dolphins. Return to the lodge along the steep coast where a delicious lunch is waiting for you.

In the afternoon you ride to two small whaling harbours. Leave the horses for the night in a small hamlet and transfer back to the lodge for a drink at the bar before dinner.

Day 3 - Lighthouse Trail

Riding: 4 hours

Today you can learn about the impact of the 1998 earthquake on Faial. You are transferred to the horses early in the morning and start your trail by riding along the coast through an avenue of blue hydrangea hedges. Reach the island's former lighthouse, which was destroyed in the earthquake - the nearby village still has a crumbling church that testifies to the power of the tremors. Around noon you reach the horses' rest area where there is time for a saddlebag picnic.

After your lunch and perhaps a swim or paddle in the sea, your ride continues with wonderful views of the ocean and the neighbouring islands of São Jorge, Graciosa and Pico. You will reach the horse paddock for the night and once the horses are settled you'll be driven back to the ecolodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Day 4 - Caldeira of Faial Trail

Riding: 3 hours

Today is just half a day of riding. During the free half-day you can join a whale watching tour on the ocean to observe whales and dolphins (payable locally - whale-watching is generally an option from April to October). Or join a guided Horta tour to visit this cosmopolitan sailing and waling tour and visit the Volcano crater (caldeira) (also payable locally). Or you can simply relax at your accommodation.

In the afternoon you ride from the horses paddocks to the forest park Cabouco which offers some nice canters and views. You may meet farmers with their cattle and the heather trees lining your route looking like giant broccoli! With the Atlantic ocean glittering in the sun, you follow a trail along country roads down to the village of Cedros where you leave the horses and head back to the lodge.

Day 5 - Cabeço Verde Trail

Riding: 4 - 5 hours

After breakfast you are driven to the Jungle camp where you prepare your horse. Ride up the green volcano, 'Cabeço Verde'. From the top you have spectacular views of Praia do Norte, Cabeço do Fogo, Morro do Castelo Branco and the volcano Vulcão dos Capelinhos. The route of descent shows you some of the vineyards which are unique to Faial - this wine-growing area is unique due to the ashes of the last volcanic eruption and a special way of growing the grapes. Lunch is another saddlebag picnic before you continue your trail through a small adventurous jungle path. After the ride you will enjoy another meal at the ecolodge, a true taste of the Azores.

Day 6 - Capelinhos Volcano Trail

Riding: 4 - 5 hours

Today the trail leads you through a mystical jungle landscape where you can enjoy fantastic canters close to the coastline. Extensive vineyards, but also small 'adegas' (wineries) line your way as you follow narrow tracks close to the shore. Eventually you reach another top highlight of the Azores, the volcano of Capelinhos which erupted in 1957. Desert-like solitude awaits you with an old whaling village covered with the ash from the volcano. Hidden under the buried lighthouse is the modern interpretation centre that reports on the volcanism of the Azores and the eruption of the volcano. You combine your saddlebag picnic with a visit to this attraction.

After lunch you ride over parts of the volcano to reach the Jungle Camp again in the late afternoon. The transfer back to the lodge is already waiting there.

Day 7 - Fajã Bay and Canyon Trail

Riding: 4 - 5 hours

Today is the last day of the trail. Fajã Bay is a hidden bay where the islanders have grown wine and fruit for 500 years and on your way there you pass more small adegas (wineries). Riding through dense jungle you reach the black lava beach of Fajã Bay - a magical, romantic world of its own. Small lava stone houses, well-tended gardens and a wild sea await you .

You cross the island from the dry south to the green north with magnificent views over terraced pastures down to the blue ocean. Extended canters lead to the highest village on the island, Ribeira Funda. A typical Azorean picnic is waiting for you directly above the 300m deep canyon. Let the sun warm you, listen to the wind and the wild cries of the buzzards circling over the deep gorge.

In the afternoon the route takes you along yam fields and through a small, wild and romantic valley to return to the lodge. A farewell dinner brings your fascinating week of trail riding to a close.

Day 8 - Departure

Riding: No riding.

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight or to the ferry port. With the early flight from Faial back to Lisbon you should be able to connect with an afternoon flight home. Alternatively, you may wish to extend your stay on the island to explore further - please ask for details.