25/07/2026
Portugal Equestrian Property Tour – What an Incredible Journey!
The Portugal Equestrian Property Tour began on Tuesday as we left Tavira and headed west to Lagos, where we met Sue at QPA Riding Centre. We had the pleasure of interviewing Sue about the incredible work of the Riding for the Disabled Association in Portugal. It was the perfect way to begin the tour, and I would like to sincerely thank Sue for her continued support and dedication to this wonderful part of the equestrian community.
From there, we travelled to a truly remarkable 16ha off-grid property nestled high in the Monchique Mountains. The drive alone was unforgettable, winding through spectacular scenery with breathtaking panoramic views stretching across the Algarve coastline. This is a property that deserves its own feature, so stay tuned for more!
Crossing the mountains into southern Alentejo, our focus shifted to a large estate with impressive commercial equestrian facilities. The timing couldn't have been better, as I was lucky enough to meet a beautiful filly that had been born just a week earlier. Moments like these are what make every journey worthwhile.
That evening I arrived in Castro Verde, a charming town in the heart of the Alentejo. Rich in traditional architecture and local history, it also happened to have a fantastic takeaway pizza restaurant! I think I left the hotel lift carrying more than just my luggage I’m fairly sure it still smelt of pepperoni pizza!
After a restful night and an excellent breakfast, it was time to visit Monte da Rocha Dam, just north of Ourique. Every visit leaves me in awe. The tranquillity, the vast open spaces and the beautiful water views are simply unmatched. Combined with excellent equestrian facilities, quality grazing land, rolling hills and mature trees, this property offers an exceptional opportunity for a private equestrian lifestyle or a boutique commercial enterprise. I'll be showcasing this special property in greater detail over the coming week.
The journey then continued north, passing Lisbon before arriving at an outstanding estate on the outskirts of Mafra. The impressive entrance and magnificent tree-lined driveway hinted at what lay beyond, but nothing quite prepared me for the scale of this elegant residence, surrounded by beautifully maintained mature gardens. Set on 5 hectares, this rare property offers complete privacy and security, with the equestrian facilities thoughtfully positioned away from the main residence. Without doubt, it boasts one of the finest indoor arenas (60 x 25 metres) I have seen in many years. Full details will be coming soon, this is definitely one to watch.
While in the area, I was determined to visit Emergosol Lusitanas, and I certainly wasn't disappointed. The quality of their Lusitano horses is truly exceptional and a credit to them in continueing Portuguese breeding. Thank you for allowing me to visit.
Continuing north to Bombarral, I finally had the opportunity to visit one of our own listings in person. Competitively priced, it offers a surprisingly spacious home with sloping land ideally suited to a private equestrian lifestyle or a smallholding. Seeing the property firsthand reinforced just how much value it offers.
After a quick overnight return to Mafra to gather additional information on the estate, Friday began with a visit to Alenquer to complete a virtual viewing of a lovely small farm located close to Academia Dressage. Unfortunately, time didn't allow me to stop by and say hello, but hopefully next time.
My final visit was perhaps the one I had been looking forward to most. In my next post, I'll be sharing an interview with Sarah, who made the life-changing decision to relocate from the UK to Salvaterra earlier this year. We had the privilege of helping Sarah and her husband Martin find what has become their dream property, and seeing them, their horses and their dogs so happy, settled and thriving was incredibly rewarding. Stories like theirs remind me why I do what I do.
What a truly special tour this has been.
I would like to thank everyone who followed the journey, commented, shared the posts and reached out across all our platforms. The Portugal Equestrian Property Tour has never been just about real estate. It has always been about bringing together a community of equestrians, sharing knowledge, showcasing Portugal's incredible equestrian opportunities, and connecting people who all share one common passion, the horse!
Until the next tour... thank you for coming along for the ride.
If you're dreaming of experiencing Portugal's unique equestrian lifestyle and wondering where to begin your own journey, I'd love to help. Whether you're looking for your ideal equestrian property, considering a move to Portugal, or simply want to learn more about what this incredible country has to offer, please don't hesitate to get in touch. I'm always happy to have an informal chat and share my experience to help you take the first step,
Tel. + 351 96 940 3355 or
Email. [email protected]
Exp Portugal AMI 18470
