Azores - Relaxed Ride
The Azores are an archipelago of nine islands in the Atlantic Ocean. São Miguel is the largest island in the Azores and measures 81 km long and 15 km wide at its maximum points. The islands are volcanic in origin and this volcanic activity has created vast craters, blue lakes, black cliffs along the shore, green valleys, mountains and hot mineral springs and geysers. The fertile terrain is uneven and rocky, making for small green fields divided by stone walls and edged with flowers.
On the Relaxed Ride it is possible to plan for just ten hours riding over the week, which leaves lots of time to explore the island. You would need a rental car and this option is on a bed and breakfast basis at the Quinta to give you optimum flexibility.
You should be happy at walk, trot and canter to join this ride. The riding centre has some 20 much loved horses. They are all well-schooled and a pleasure to ride, whether in the arena or out on the trail.
Hard hats are mandatory on this ride.
The tack and riding style is English.
The Quinta da Terça house is one of the oldest buildings on the islands on the south of the island not far from the main town of Ponta Delgada. The historic house of the Quinta (farm) is one of the oldest homes on the island and dates from the 17th Century. You should ask for a tour of the private parts of the house, which is really worth seeing.
There are five guestrooms each with private bathroom (shower). Three have double beds and two have twin beds.
You have meals in the welcoming dining room converted from a former stable. There are places to sit and relax, either indoors or on the veranda or in the gardens adjoining the horse paddocks.
The Relaxed Riding week is available all year and you may arrive/depart any day.
Sample Itinerary for Relaxed Ride
If travelling from the UK there are usually flights from London Gatwick or Stansted directly to Ponta Delgada between April and October.
Select your preferred arrival date:
| RELAXED RIDE (7 nights) | ||
| Rider | Non-rider | |
| 2023: 1 January to 31 March | $1,226.46 | $697.93 |
| 2023: 1 April to 31 October | $1,273.89 | $745.36 |
| 2023: 1 November to 31 December | $1,226.46 | $697.93 |
INCLUDES Seven nights accommodation; ten hours riding; airport transfers; breakfast.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT $372.68 if you are in a single room. If we find you a sharer this is refunded.
PAYABLE LOCALLY Lunch & dinner; drinks; tips.
NEAREST AIRPORT Ponta Delgada.
TRANSFERS Included from Ponta Delgada.
NOT INCLUDED International flights to Ponta Delgada.
Transfers are included from Ponta Delgada airport and flights can arrive and depart at any time.
The riding is on São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. This flexible itinerary allows you plenty of time to relax and explore the island.
The Azores have a mild temperate climate with average temperatures ranging from 14ºC to 22ºC. However the weather is changeable and it is not uncommon to experience four seasons in one day. During the summer months it can become very humid.
Fabulous horses, hosts, scenery and guides. Excellent, all very good. Excellent holiday destination for all, the horse riding was the icing on the cake. Enjoyed the rides out seeing the amazing scenery. Also had a couple of lessons too. A very big thank you from us all.
Julie ,Isle of Anglesey
Overall rating: 4/5
The whale watching trip is a great adventure. There is a high chance of seeing dolphins and you may be lucky enough to see whales!
In The Saddle says
This is a really lovely riding holiday. The island of São Miguel is beautiful with exotic flowers and lush vegetation. It's also steeped in history, since it was a stopping point for all the ships which sailed from Portugal to the "new world".