Exploring Faial Island on Horseback: A Friendly Guide to the Lusitano Trail for Beginners
If you’re considering adding a bit of adventure to your time on Faial Island, the Lusitano Trail horseback riding tour might be just what you need. Without needing any prior riding experience, this tour offers a relaxed and scenic way to see the island’s lush meadows and rugged cliffs. We’ve looked into what makes this experience special, and here’s what you should know before booking.
First off, what caught our eye? Two things stand out. The expert guides make all the difference—they’re knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely seem to enjoy sharing about the island and the horses. Second, the stunning scenery—riding along the coastline or through volcanic hills—offers a peaceful, picture-perfect backdrop. But, on the flip side, this is a short, one-and-a-half-hour ride, so it’s more of a gentle introduction rather than a full-day adventure. If you’re craving a longer or more intense ride, this might not satisfy that desire. Ultimately, this tour suits beginners, families, or anyone looking for a casual, scenic experience with safe horses and a friendly vibe.
Key Points
- Ideal for beginners: No prior riding experience needed, and horses are steady climbers.
- Short but sweet: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes total, including briefing and riding.
- Beautiful scenery: Ride through green meadows, along wild cliffs, or up volcanic hills.
- Small group setting: Max 9 riders, fostering a more personal experience.
- Expert guides: Friendly, knowledgeable, and safety-conscious.
- Convenient timings: Daily options at 9:30 am and 3 pm, with easy access to amenities like WiFi and lounge.
What to Expect on the Lusitano Trail Tour
This is a beginners-friendly horseback riding experience that doesn’t require any special skills—just a love of nature and a willingness to try something new. The tour is set in Cedros, Faial Island, and lasts roughly 1 hour 30 minutes, which includes a briefing, some light training, and the actual ride. The focus is on enjoying the scenery and feeling safe while riding.
Planning more time in Faial Island? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
The Itinerary Breakdown
Meeting and Introduction:
You’ll start at the Rua da Igreja in Cedros, where the staff will greet you and provide a brief introduction about the horses, the trail course, and safety tips. They also include a helmet and insurance, so you can relax knowing safety’s a priority.
Training and Preparation:
Even if you’ve never ridden before, don’t worry. The guides ensure everyone feels comfortable, giving you simple instructions on how to handle the horse and what to expect from the walk gait. This initial part helps build confidence before heading out.
The Ride:
Depending on the day, you might find yourself riding along the coastline, feeling the breeze and gazing at the Atlantic, or navigating lush volcanic hills, where the scenery is lush and green. The horses are described as steady climbers, making them perfect for a relaxed trail.
Scenic Highlights:
The route takes you through green meadows with vibrant flora, and the wild cliffs of the north coast—think rugged views, crashing waves, and maybe even spotting some local wildlife. Reviewers rave about the beautiful scenery and the calm, steady nature of the horses, making it an accessible yet memorable experience.
Return and Relaxation:
Once back at the meeting point, you’re free to relax and enjoy access to the PÁTIO Lounge and WiFi—great for catching up on photos or just unwinding after your ride.
The Horses and Guides
The horses are described as well cared for and with excellent temperaments, which is a huge plus for beginner riders. As one reviewer put it, “The horses had excellent temperaments and we felt safe,” which should reassure anyone feeling a bit nervous about riding for the first time.
The guides are praised for their kindness and helpfulness. Diogo, in particular, was mentioned as an excellent guide who made everyone feel confident. You’ll appreciate their patience and local knowledge, especially if you’re curious about Faial’s natural and cultural landscape.
The Experience Value
At $80.29 per person, the price seems fair given the personalized small-group setting and inclusions like helmets and insurance. For travelers looking for a relaxed, scenic activity that doesn’t demand prior riding skills, this is a good investment. It’s a chance to connect with nature, learn about the island from knowledgeable guides, and enjoy a gentle adventure that’s suitable for most ages over 10.
Some might find the duration a bit short if they’re craving a long ride or a deep dive into horseback riding. But for many, the focus on safety, comfort, and scenery makes this a worthwhile, manageable experience—especially if your time on Faial is limited.
Practical Considerations
The tour is booked frequently—on average, about 55 days in advance—reflecting its popularity. It’s scheduled twice daily, at 9:30 am and 3 pm, which makes fitting it into most itineraries pretty straightforward.
It’s best suited for those under 95 kg and over 10 years old, with younger riders needing to be accompanied by an adult. The group sizes are small, with a maximum of 6 travelers, enhancing the personal touch and safety.
Weather can impact the tour, as it’s weather-dependent. If the conditions aren’t ideal, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled with a full refund, so it’s good to keep an eye on the forecast.
Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This?
If you’re looking for a gentle, scenic introduction to horseback riding in a stunning island setting, this tour fits the bill. It’s especially appealing if you prefer a small-group atmosphere and want a guide who’s friendly and knowledgeable. It’s perfect for beginners, families with older children, or anyone who wants to experience Faial’s landscapes from a different perspective without risking an intense ride.
While it’s not the right choice for adrenaline junkies or those seeking a longer, more demanding ride, it offers a memorable, relaxing way to connect with nature and enjoy the island’s beauty.
Lusitano Trail – Horseback riding for beginners
“Who doesnt want to horse back ride on a beautiful island with beautiful cliff views? We didnt want to miss this and neither should you. Clean facil…”
FAQs
Is this tour suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, it’s designed specifically for beginners and those restarting their riding experience. The guides provide a full introduction and training to ensure everyone feels comfortable.
How long does the ride last?
The entire experience, including briefing and riding, lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes. The actual riding time is around that duration.
What is included in the price?
The cost covers the guided ride, safety helmets, insurance, and a briefing. You also get access to the PÁTIO Lounge and WiFi after the ride.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund. Less than 24 hours, and it’s non-refundable, so plan accordingly.
What are the age and weight limits?
Riders should be over 10 years old and under 95 kg. Riders under 14 need to be accompanied by a paying adult.
What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothes suitable for riding, and don’t forget to wear the provided helmet. Bring your camera, and perhaps a light jacket if weather is cool.
Where does the tour start and end?
The meeting point is Rua da Igreja in Cedros, Portugal. The tour ends back at the starting point, so no transportation is needed after the ride.
If you’re craving a peaceful, scenic ride on gentle horses with friendly guides, the Lusitano Trail on Faial Island offers a lovely way to spend part of your island adventure. It’s a relaxed activity that suits most travelers looking to connect with nature without a steep learning curve or long hours in the saddle.
