Green Island Trail
12 October 2025
The Riding
The Accommodation
Before Your Holiday
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We weren't able to get our pre-planning booklet as with previous trips because of new restrictions on packages mailed to the US. This is not the fault of In the Saddle. We got it instead when we arrived at the Quinta and it's a nice souvenir of the trip.
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I took a non-rider on this trip and everyone made an effort (including the wonderful man who drives the horse lorry!) to keep him occupied and happy. He didn't ride, but he lots of fabulous and fond memories of his time in the Azores.
We found the people in the Azores to be friendly, helpful, and willing to share their knowledge and history of the towns and the Island. They are very proud of where they live and rightly so. We would not hesitate to return.
Janice who has been on 3 In The Saddle rides. Exceeded expectations | I would give this trip 10 stars out of 5 if I could. From the very first moment we were picked up at the airport by a very pleasant driver, everything exceeded my expectations. I'll break it down:
HORSES: I wasn't impressed by how they behaved in the indoor arena during our evaluation (ignored simple aids, wouldn't canter, etc.) but out on the trail they were rock solid. I rode several horses and chose a favorite, Espanol, whom I rode whenever he was available.
RIDING: The scenery was spectacular, and what would a ride in Europe be without riding through a town? Even with tourist buses coming within inches of them, the horses didn't flinch. I never worried about my horse spooking. We did a lot of trotting and cantering which would definitely not be suitable for beginners but really pleased the experienced riders in our group. On our last day, the big finale at Sete Cidades, it poured rain, but we still enjoyed it, especially when the clouds broke occasionally and gave us a glimpse of the unparalleled beauty of the Island.
GUIDES: Bruno and Hugo were so good at their jobs and made us feel special every day. They were both excellent riders and really kind to the horses. I felt very safe riding with them. Safety was their first priority, both for the riders and the horses.
FOOD: Oh. My. God. Every day (except for when we ate out), Christina made a dinner menu worthy of a 5-star food review. It was so delicious, plentiful, and mouth-watering. There was no skimping on wine, either. Claude started every meal with a little dancing (all of us) to some upbeat music, which set the tone for the meal. He was attentive and replaced the wine bottles as they mysteriously emptied. Breakfasts consisted of fresh fruit (including pineapples grown on the Island), breads, meats, boiled eggs and cereals. Lunches on the trail were wonderful, too. I was NEVER hungry, and I live for food.
THE TOWN: I believe the town has grown up around the Quinta which has been operating for 24 years so it's kind an anachronism. Within easy walking distance is a small grocery/pharmacy/cafe which has everything you need, and there's a lovely beach just a 15-20 minutes walk away.
THE HOSTS: Christina and Claude LOVE their horses, and you can see the feeling is reciprocated. They have rescued so many wonderful equine souls and given them a meaningful, safe life. It's very heartwarming. And they make their human guests feel at home and special, even thought Claude and Christina have been doing this a really long time. You will be made to feel like you're the one and only!
THE QUINTA: It's very old, but super charming. The only caveat is there is no a/c in the rooms, and even though we were there in October, it was quite warm. Fans are provided, but some nights were uncomfortably warm. Just FYI for people who are heat-intolerant.
THE OTHER GUESTS: We lucked out. Everyone was truly fabulous and we all became fast friends on the first night. Often, other guests can detract from the enjoyment of a trip, but not in this case. I miss them all! And I miss the laughing!!!!
EXCURSIONS: The excursions that were included were lovely and well-planned and in most cases we were able to avoid the massive amounts of tourists that disgorge from the big tour buses and ruin everything. Our guide knew what he was doing!