Faial Island Trail - Small.

3 Full Day Trail - 60 km - 4 nights

…enjoy a short break in the middle of the Atlantic.

The blue island of Faial offers trail riding as it’s finest. But there is more to discover on this fantastic Atlantic Island. Whale Watching, hiking, hanging around in the picturesque sailors town Horta or simply relaxing at black beaches.

Ride 3 days on the route of the Faial Island Trail and get enchant by the marvelous landscape.

Riding between hydrangea hedges, or through bizarre volcanic landscapes. Discover dreamlike forests and reach picturesque villages located close to the Atlantic ocean. Natural pools of lava-rock invite you to a swim.

Combine this short trail with some more days on Faial Island and amazing activities. Discover whales and dolphins at the ocean or hike with our Nature Park Guides through jungle like areas or visit the amazing neighbor island Pico. Or simply discover other islands of the Azores Archipelago.

Faial Island Trail - Small

Three days take part in one of the most fascinating horse trails in Europe - The Faial Island Trail.

With your Lusitano trail horse you will get to know island routes that are determined by wine,
whales and volcanism. You might ride along small vineyards and “Adegas”, canter along the coast, or might discover whale viewpoints and lighthouses.

Our team will love to support you in the organization of the extension of your stay. Relax in the wonderful Ecolodge or discover by foot or car the amazing Faial Island. Join a whale watching tour or hike around the Caldeira of Faial. Travel with the ferryboat one day to Pico Island or enjoy another day of horseback riding. Or just discover new islands of the Azores. Plenty of activities are possible.

Arrival on Faial Island (Horta Airport) and transfer to PÁTIO Ecolodge. First contact with the horses and briefing of the trail week. Get to know the group and the guide. Allocation of horses. (depending on your arrival time might happen on the next morning). Dinner.
(~20km, 4-5 h riding time)
Today you will take part of the Faial-Trail. Depending on the running course of the trail you might ride at the northern coast, to lovely seasides, green junglelike forests or riding in the landscape close to the Volcano of Capelinhos.
A delicious saddlebag picnic or a served picnic is waiting for you.
The horses stay overnight at several paddocks around the island whereas you will drive back to the lodge. Enjoy a drink at the bar and in the evining a nice dinner of our master chef.
(~20km, 4-5 h riding time)
See itinerary of the 1st Full - Day - Trail.
(~20km, 4-5 h riding time)
See itinerary of the 1st Full - Day - Trail.
Our guests who don’t want to extend their stay with we transfer to the airport or the ferry harbor on the island of Faial right after breakfast.

Horse-Trail without packing.

We love to concentrate us on the essential of a trail - You & the horse.

Riding a trail with us means that you’d don’t have to pack every day your luggage. You stay the whole week in your preferred PÁTIO Ecolodge accommodation. Whereas the horses stay on several overnight paddocks spread on the trail route.

You have the choice of 3 different kind of accommodation.

Prices

LS Double:* 985 € Single: +120 €
SS Double:* 1.185 € Single: +310 €
HS Double:* 1.255 € Single: +380 €
40 sqm detached panorama apartments, sea and island views (double/twin beds, shower room, mini-bar, kitchenette, living room, private terrace, free wifi)
LS Double:* 915 € Single: +60 €
SS Double:* 1.015 € Single: +160 €
HS Double:* 1.095 € Single: +240 €
20 sqm room, sea and island view (double/twin, shower room, minibar, free wifi)
LS Double:* 905 € Single: +50 €
SS Double:* 975 € Single: +120 €
HS Double:* 1.399 € Single: +200 €
18 sqm tiny house, sea view (1 double alcove bed, shower room, mini-bar, kitchenette, free wifi)

* LS Low Season: Jan-Mar & Nov-Dec | SS Shoulder Season: Apr-May & Oct | HS High Season: Jun-Sep

Dates of Faial Island - Trail Small:

LS: 27.-31.12.2024 or 30.12.2024-03.01.2025 | 19.-23.01.25 or 22.-26.01.2025 | 16.-20.02.2025 or 19-23.02.2025 | 16- 20.03.2025 or 19.-23.03.2025

SS/HS: Every day departure (daily guest arrival possible)

Faial Island Package:

INCLUDING:

Daily individual trail briefing on the riding days
Organization of all possible activities on your extension days
choose between meat, fish, vegetarian or vegan food
Incoming/Outgoing Transfer transfer after breakfast
All transfers according to the program
3 riding days with qualified English-speaking guide
Friendly, persistent and sure-footed Lusitano and Cruzado Portuguese horses
Special trail equipment (Prestige Trekker saddles)
4x overnight stays (according to chosen option), lounge, garden, free WiFi
4x breakfast, 3x saddlebag picnic, 4x dinner without drinks

NON INCLUDING:

Australian raincoat rental fee €5 per person /day
Drinks and meals, unless otherwise mentioned in the program
Tips (recommendation / week: €30 trail guide and €20 lodge team)
Other personal expenses
Travel insurance
Incoming/Outgoing Transfer transfer not after breakfast

What else to know:

Qualifications of the rider:
Able to ride the 3 gaits in the open field. Light trot, easy seat in canter, sporty. Rider weight max. 95 kg. We expect support from our trail guests with the care of the horses, saddling and grooming as well as tidying up and cleaning their personal trail equipment. We recommend bringing the following equipment: waterproof trekking shoes, raincoat or jacket and pants, riding cap. Riding equipment up to 10 kg is transported as free baggage with Azores Airlines!

Accommodation.

Double room sharing and participation of non-riders :
Double or twin rooms / apartments / tiny house / holiday house are only available for guests traveling and booking together. Minimum occupancy of the Holiday House is 1, maximum 6. We do not offer ½ occupancy for single traveller looking for a roommate. Tiny houses are only suitable for single or couples due to their double bed.

The trip is suitable for accompanying non-riders. In this case, we will charge the proportional accommodation and services used by the non-rider.

Minimum age.

16 years old. (Below 16 years after individual consultation)

Important note.

All information about the trail are guidelines. We reserve the right to make occasional changes to ensure the flow of a high-quality riding holiday. Depending on the season, weather, national holidays, local activities and possibly simultaneous trails, there may be short-term deviations in the schedule. This can include the number of riding lessons / day, the route to a location or alternative accommodation. Our trails can be ridden in both directions. Depending on the starting date, the start can be in different places. All changes are up to our discretion. If there are changes, we guarantee compliance with our high quality standards.

Horse-Trail Guides.

Our horse trail guides are dedicated and experienced. They speak English and mostly a second or third language. As trained riders and guides, they have extensive knowledge of nature, history and island life. Safety is our top priority for you and us.

Ecolodge Apartment