Our Quinta (farm) is situated, near Gois ( Pronounced Goysh) in the green heart of Mid Portugal, one of the most unspoilt terrains for horse riding in Europe. The spectacular, diverse landscape ranges from eucalyptus, pine and cork oak forests on the lower slopes, with tracks climbing up to heather clad hilltops where you have breathtaking views. We are well away from the tourist trails, even in the peak season you can ride all day and hardly see another person.

Our holidays are perfect not only for horse riders, but also for people who enjoy walking, cycling, swimming in the river, or just relaxing. In springtime the air is sweet with orange blossom, heathers, and hundreds of different wild flowers. From our veranda you can see the river, and in summer it's a wonderful way to cool off after riding. Autumn is lovely, with cooler days, and the smell of ripe grapes ready to be picked for next years wine.

We offer holidays for people who do not want a strict itinery, holidays are for relaxing, not being told what time you must be up for breakfast!

The accomodation is a restored 2 bedroom stone cottage with a bathroom and kitchen/living area, and a mezanine bedroom (as above) click HERE for more photo's.  We also offer a bedroom with private patio within our farmhouse.

The horses have a day off in the middle of the week. You can either relax & soak up the sun, or, if you have a hire car, there is plenty to do in the surrounding areas. You can visit the beautiful historic city of Coimbra or the wonderfully preserved Roman ruins at Conimbriga.

A little further to the east (about one and a half hours) there are the Serra de Estrela mountains which are the highest in Portugal. To the west, about the same distance, is the rugged Atlantic coast with sweeping surf beaches and small fishing villages.

Staying more locally you can explore small mountain roads leading to stone villages perched on hilltops or nestled in steep valleys, some of which have hardly changed in  centuries. If you choose not to hire a car, Steve can drop you at a nearby station where the mountain train meanders its way to Coimbra

Apart from the picnic rides, lunch is served at our house al fresco.  Evening meals are mainly typical local dishes and barbecues all home cooked by Steve who loves to cook . He also has a good repertoire of vegetarian dishes & if you, or a child just like plain food, that's ok as well. Local wines and beer or soft drinks are served with meals.

Non riders are very welcome, and can accompany Steve by car to the picnic locations. The area is wonderful for serious walkers, one regular walker and mountain biker who visits us, compares it to the Highlands of Scotland, but much warmer !! After your ride take the chance to relax in a hammock or sunbed on your shady patio, or go for a swim in the river which flows just 100 metres from the house.   Top of Page

We are lucky enough to live in an area with lots of different riding options...from quiet one hour hacks, to picnic day rides, galloping along wide mountain ridges. We can talk with you and work out the type of riding you want to do, related to your experience. A normal guide would be, two full day picnic rides, and three 2 - 3 hour rides, returning home for lunch on the veranda, and having the afternoon free for swimming in the river, relaxing, or if you have a hire car, for more sightseeing. We also have a 15m x 30m arena which you are welcome to use in the evenings.