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Globetrotting: Valencia, Spain

After returning to Paris and sorely missing Valencia, we realized it’s now our new favorite city in Europe.

One of my favorite things about living in Paris is the easy and inexpensive access to all of Europe. I could be on a gondola in Venice in 90 minutes, drinking a glass of Rioja in Spain in two hours, or skiing on the slopes of the Swiss Alps in three.

My partner’s birthday is at the end of August and we wanted to go to a beach destination that wasn’t a seasonal resort because it would be overcrowded and expensive. During my research, I found out that Valencia, Spain not only had a rich cultural center, as well as beautiful architecture, but also had beaches. I checked out prices of hotels and airfares, and it turned out that Valencia had a good choice of reasonable accommodations for under $150 a night, so it was Valencia here we come.

View of the sea from Pope Luna’s Castle Photo: karnavalfoto

We arrived around 11 A.M. on a hot, but not too humid, sunny day. We lucked out and found a one-bedroom Airbnb apartment for less than $100 a night. It was spacious, with a kitchen larger than ours in Paris, and the view from the fourth floor was a verdant garden. It was also a convenient location, right on the border of the newly revitalized historic district and a five-minute walk to a tram that went directly to the beach.

Hungry for lunch, we strolled through the old city, taking in the 15th and 16th century limestone buildings, grand fountain, and impressive Baroque churches. Our destination was the culinary jackpot of Valencia, the Central Market (Plaça de la Ciutat de Bruges, s/n, 46001. www.mercadocentralvalencia.es ). The 80,000 square foot market, constructed in 1928, is an Art Nouveau wonder to behold with a marvelous mix of colored tiles, stained glass panels, and a soaring dome reaching 100 feet. Inside were rows upon rows of every type of food imaginable. Most impressive of all was the extraordinary number of fresh fish stalls, proving that Spaniards are crazy about seafood. The fresh anchovies, codfish,shrimp, squid, and octopus all looked so fresh, as though they were caught only minutes before.

Plaza de la Virgen and Fountain Rio Turia Photo: Razvan Ionut Dragomirescu

Another delicacy Spaniards can’t get enough of is Bellota ham, now known as one of the highest quality hams in the world. The stalls had dozens of legs hanging from the ceiling and one of the vendors fed us samples. The buttery and smooth texture had our taste buds begging for more, but we didn’t want to spoil out appetite for lunch.

Salivating over the irresistible foods, we headed to Central Bar , surprisingly the only restaurant directly in the market. It was about 2:30 P.M., the height of lunch hour in Valencia. We impatiently waited about 20 minutes until a table became available, as we were practically swooning from the aromas and looks of the dishes being served. We dove into a yummy selection of tapas, including marinated anchovies with passion fruit ceviche; chicken croquettes; pork ribs; and decadent fried potatoes.

Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias Photo: Tatiana Popova

Afterwards, we headed to La Malvarrosa , about 25 minutes from the center, located on the Gulf of Valencia in the Mediterranean Sea. As it was the last week of August, the beach was crowded but not packed. We were happy to dig our feet into the warm sand. We later discovered there’s a gay, clothing optional beach on the northern part of La Malvarrosa. Another day, we traveled a little further, about 45 minutes by bus, to a more tranquil, less populated beach, Playa de l’Arbre del Gos , which also had a gay section.

Richard Nahem

Richard Nahem is an American travel writer and award winning photographer living in Paris. He specializes in France and European travel and pens a popular blog www.Eyepreferparis.com , an insider's guide to Paris.

World Eats: Barcelona, Spain

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A Backpackers Guide To Barcelona, Spain

by Jacob & Emily Cass | Jun 15, 2015 | Europe | 4 comments

A city we never wanted to leave! This is the first city we’ve visited that we could see ourselves living in for an extended period of time. Whilst we have thoroughly enjoyed every city we have seen so far; there was something about Barcelona that drew us in. It had an awesome mix of culture, history, beach life, city life and all round was very relaxed.

Accommodation in Barcelona

Unfortunately, we failed to realize that the weekend we were in Barcelona, there were few things going on… a football final that Barcelona’s team was in, a 3-day design conference called OFFF that Jacob was lucky enough to attend and a huge music festival called Primavera Sound . There were only a few hotels & hostels left, and they were asking 80 euro per bed ! Quite a rip off for a hostel.

This lack of available accommodation meant that during the 8 days in Barcelona we had to bounce around to a few different places, which had its pros & cons.

Booking.com

We stayed at Free Hostels Barcelona midweek (a clean, new hostel, located far from the centre of town), then moved to an Airbnb private room for another two nights on the weekend (much better location & cheaper), then moved again to another Airbnb apartment when Emily’s brother joined us (right off the main street of La Rambla).

If you love the beach, we recommend staying at La Barceloneta. There are grocery stores, restaurants, clubs, markets, cafes’ and of course the beach right at your doorstep. If you love to roam around the middle of the city and the oldest areas of Barcelona, then staying in 2 popular areas off of La Rambla  are great choices – The Gothic Quarter (Ciutat Gotic) or El Born. Air B n B has some great options or booking.com.

The beach and La Rambla are about a 20-25 minute walk apart from each other, depending on where you stay. Everywhere is very easily accessible via metro/ bus or foot! For a detailed list of what each neighbourhood has to offer, check out this extensive guide.

What To Do in Barcelona

WWII Side Car Tour

For our first day in Barcelona, we decided to do something a little different and take a sidecar tour around the city. This was run by a local by the name of Barcelona Side Car Tours. We were picked up from our hostel and driven around the city for an hour (options to have longer) gathering our bearings and hearing about the history of Barcelona.

If you opt for seeing Barcelona by public transport, ensure you get a ‘T-10 pass’ from a Tabacco store, as it gives you 10 trips and is half the cost of buying your tickets on the bus/tram/train.

Sagrada Familia

The highlight of the tour was seeing Gaudi’s masterpiece,  Sagrada Família , a large Roman Catholic church. It will cost you 15 Euro without a guide and 19.50 Euro with a guide. Do not bother coming here unless you have pre-bought a ticket or you will wait hours in a line! You can pre-buy tickets here . Gaudi has numerous stunning buildings around Barcelona, so if you’re into architecture be sure to check them out. There are ‘Gaudi’ tours available.

Sitges Day Trip

We decided to take the train out to  Sitges , a town an hour from Barcelona. Sitges is a small to mid-sized harbour village with a good selection of shops, restaurants and beaches. It makes for a perfect day trip!

You can choose to sit at any of the cafes lining the small streets or a bar along the water. Be wary of the Spanish siesta time here (it doesn’t apply as highly in Barcelona) as from 2-4 most things will be closed & there will be little to do/places to eat. Fortunately, we found a restaurant open right on the beach. We ate at Elysium Bar and the food was of good quality and reasonably priced considering it was on the beach front.

Barcelona Bar Crawl

As per usual in every city (well nearly) we join in on a signature bar crawl (social alcoholic butterflies you may say). We are yet to go on a disappointing crawl as they all have something different about them. This particular one took us to 4 bars and then a club. The crawl included free shots at each entry (mainly sugar water), a free drink, party games (beer bong anyone?) and a free shirt that said “I survived the Barcelona pub crawl. Keep the streets clean & the sex dirty.” This shirt is now being used as a pyjama shirt. Keeping it classy.

La Rambla & Eating Out

La Rambla is the main tourist strip of Barcelona, lined with restaurants & souvenir stores. Like Times Square in New York, locals will try to avoid La Rambla when possible and they definitely wouldn’t eat here. The prices are sky high and the quality is sub-par. Our tour guide told us a good rule of thumb is to avoid a restaurant whenever you see a board out the front with pictures of food, saying that they serve sangria, paella & tapas. A good restaurant doesn’t need to show you photos of their food, nor does it need to tell you there is sangria/tapas inside.

Instead, take a walk around the off-shooting alleyways, find yourself lost in the streets or come across a plaza which has a great atmosphere for a meal or an afternoon drink. This was one of our favourite things to do here. Also, check out the St Josep La Boqueria markets nearby.

La Barceloneta

La Barceloneta  is a very popular and crowded beach area that features a very long stretch of sand, boardwalk, shops, beach bars, musicians playing on the boardwalk and a general all round great place to chill & people watch. The restaurants and bars, not surprisingly, are pricey but it’s a great place to have a drink or two. Also, don’t be afraid to sunbake topless, the Europeans are very open with this!

Blai Tapas Food Crawl

Blai was a really cool street off the beaten path and not very known to tourists. The street boasts a range of pintos restaurants with tapas ranging from 1 to 2 Euro. You simply take a plate, walk to the bar, choose what you like, eat it and then return the toothpicks to the bar and pay for however many toothpicks you have on your plate. Every one of these were served on a sliced baguette. Chicken wing on bread? Why not! We went to 4 or 5 of these in our evening. It’s a great place to create your own tapas food crawl.

Magic Fountain

The magic fountain in Barcelona is similar to the one at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, where you get a water show over themed music. During the months of May-September, the show happens every Thursday-Sunday, from 9-11 pm, every half an hour and during the winter months, 7 pm-9 pm on Friday and Saturdays.

Once Emily’s brother, Adam, arrived in Barcelona we knew we were in for some fun. Starting with some drinks on the beach, this progressed into a whole lot of fun in the evening. We had met some awesome people on the beach and we decided to have a party at ours before we headed to a huge club called  Opium  on Barcelona’s beach front. This club is highly recommended for an awesome variety of electro pop and house music! Pacha would have been our second choice, but you’re really spoiled for choice when it comes to nightlife in Barcelona.

We’re Coming Back

We loved Barcelona so much, we’re already trying to figure out a way to go back, before we leave Europe in October… let’s see!

Update: We made it back for another summer !

Marriage days survived: 76

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I love that you mentioned Sitges! Most of the other posts I’ve read about Barcelona didn’t mention Sitges at all. It’s a great day-trip.

If you guys ever go back, have a look at Costa Brava. It has great beaches, especially in Lloret de Mar.

I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post…

I like the helpful info you supply to your articles. I’ll bookmark your weblog and check once more here regularly. I’m rather certain I will learn lots of new stuff proper here! Best of luck for the next!

Its such as you read my thoughts! You seem to know so much approximately this, like you wrote the ebook in it or something. I think that you just can do with some percent to pressure the message house a little bit, but instead of that, that is excellent blog. An excellent read. I will certainly be back.

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Globetrotting sailors depart DC for final leg of the Clipper Race with firework fanfare

F or over a week now, The Wharf in Washington, D.C. has housed a collection of boats belonging to some of the toughest people on Earth, and tonight they set sail again.

Even with a large red archway reading "Welcome to the Clipper Race Fanzone" adorning the Waterfront walkway, passersby who chose not to stop in may not truly comprehend the sheer gravity of the event.

Since June 17, the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race , a 40,000 nautical mile (NM) boat race circumnavigating the globe, has docked in the local D.C. port for the first time.

Team Washington, DC currently sits in tenth place. 

The 11 teams participating in the race have enjoyed an eight-day respite in the Nation's Capital after concluding the second part of the race's seventh leg, a 1,990 NM stretch from the Flamenco & Shelter Bay Marinas in Panama. The seventh leg originated in Seattle, Washington before the Central American stop.

The eight-legged in totality race began Sept. 3, 2023, when boats set sail from Portsmouth, U.K. Along their journey, the clippers have docked in ports worldwide including Spain, Uruguay, South Africa, Australia, Vietnam, China, Panama, and the United States. 

SEE ALSO |  Katie Pumphrey to make waves with historic 24-mile swim from Bay to Baltimore Tuesday

June 25 marks the start of the race's final leg, "The Atlantic Homecoming," a 3,823NM transatlantic odyssey stopping in Oban, Scotland before the ultimate conclusion of the race on July 27 at its origin in Portsmouth.

In celebrating the momentous occasion, The Wharf has planned a grand sendoff event. The eleven yachts will begin their departure at 8 p.m. in a slipping lines ceremony followed by a parade of sail where the vessels will line up together in formation. A large fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m., completing the ceremony as the teams set sail for Europe.

An astounding 730 total crew members manage the 11 yachts. Each boat is manned by one skipper, one first mate, and a crew of around 70 other individuals who keep things running smoothly. 

The first Clipper Race took place in 1996, with over 6,000 lifetime competitors in its 28-year history. No previous sailing experience is required, but prospective competitors must complete a 4-week long ocean racing course before being approved to participate.

10 Little-Known Things to Do in Tarifa Spain

Tarifa, Spain wasn’t supposed to be the destination…until it was. The plan was actually to take the ferry from this sleepy town across to Morocco. Except mother nature had different plans in the way of 100mph winds at sea. This translates into no sailing and a closed port.

Quickly changing course, I was left wondering about the things to do in Tarifa. I admit I hadn’t done much research. After all, the plan had been to dip a toe into Africa by going from Tarifa to Tangier. 

So, whether you find yourself in town unexpectedly or not, this guide has what to do in Tarifa for an enjoyable visit!

Where is Tarifa, Spain?

Before sharing what I discovered in the way of Tarifa things to do, it makes sense to take a geography break. Not only did it play a role in the wind on the day of my visit but it also puts the town’s long unstable history into context.

The white village of Tarifa is the most southern point in Spain and on the European continent. It sits along the Straits of Gibraltar, just 9 miles from the northern coast of Africa . (So close, yet so far!) 

This strait is the only place where the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea mix, which creates churning seas and typically windy conditions. (That’s where the popularity of Tarifa kitesurfing comes in.)

Given the position of this channel, it’s not hard to fathom why this port town was conquered and re-conquered over and over going back to the Roman Empire, the Moors, the Christians and everyone in between. Its strategic position was an asset for trade and military might. Even today, the strait is one of the busiest shipping lanes on the planet.

Tarifa Hotels

You can find a Tarifa hotel in every budget range. The closer you are to the water and the old town the better, especially if you have an early boat to catch for a Morocco adventure.

Keep in mind, hotels in Tarifa get booked during the warmer months, as northern Europeans take time off to enjoy the beaches of southern Spain. Be sure to book ahead if your Tarifa trip is in the summer.

I stayed at the Hotel Misiana and had a fantastic stay. The hotel is within a couple of minutes walk to the port of Tarifa, the castle, the Church of San Mateo, the beaches and more. There’s also a restaurant attached to the hotel, which serves delicious food throughout the day including a full hotel breakfast. 

There’s a reason why it’s recognized as one of the best hotels in Tarifa. The beds were comfortable and the room was spotless. The staff went above and beyond to help me get the most from my stay in Tarifa. 

Check current hotel prices in Tarifa. | Book a hotel in Tarifa Spain.

Visitors come mostly to go from Tarifa to Morocco or to kitesurf and relax along Tarifa’s beaches.

With the ferry out and no kitesurfing in my future, that left the beach and exploring the old town. You can imagine 100mph winds at sea makes for a less than pleasant beach outing. With sand and wind blowing in all directions, a quick stop to see the beach was all I could manage before giving way to the threat of a capsizing faceplant.

1. Take the ferry from Tarifa to Tangier.

It makes sense to start this guide with the most popular reason many travelers come to Tarifa. Whether you’re interested in a Morocco day trip or plan to spend a few days, the ferry from Spain to Morocco is less than an hour-long ride.

And while nearby Algeciras is another port town with boats to Morocco, the Tarifa to Tangier route is the best for day-trippers because it’s such a short ride to Tangier. Not to mention, Tarifa offers more in the way of restaurants and a walkable old town.

A few things to keep in mind if you’re planning to take the ferry to Morocco. If you’ve driven to Tarifa, there’s parking available. However, in high season which starts in April and runs through October, it’s wise to investigate all parking options before arriving in town. Reservations may be necessary.

I arranged a private tour for Tangier beforehand. The guide was taking care of logistics like ferry tickets and having our passports stamped without waiting in the line on the ship. There will also be guides for hire once you arrive in Tangier. Whichever you choose, it’s smart to go with a guide in Tangier.

Lastly, even though it can be hard to keep a level of flexibility in your travel itinerary, especially when you have a set time to travel and hotels require days notice to cancel without penalty, remember the ferry is at the mercy of the elements.

If you want to check the Tarifa weather for your visit, use Windguru Tarifa . This website shows the wind and water in Tarifa and so you know what the conditions are at sea and at the port before you arrive in town.

2. Enjoy a day at the beach.

The beach is accessible just steps away from Tarifa’s old town and near to the ship port. The unique feature of the Tarifa beach scene is once again due to its geography. Its beaches are situated along both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. There’s a land bridge dividing the two which leads out to a rocky outcropping with a lighthouse. You can walk along the road and onto either beach. The Mediterranean side has a wider beach and, even with my windy day, had calmer seas than the Atlantic side.

No matter when you visit, it’s worth a walk down to the sand. How many times will you be able to walk along, swim in, or kitesurf on both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean on the same day?! You can even book a kitesurfing lesson if you’d like to try it out.

3. Go on a Tarifa whale watching excursion.

Boats leave from the port of Tarifa and explore the waters in the Strait of Gibraltar in search of the whales and dolphins who live in the waters off the coast of Spain. Several species live in the waters including pilot whales, orcas, and bottlenose dolphins. Depending on the time of year, you’ll see different types based on where they are in their migration.

I can’t speak from experience since I visited on such a windy day in early spring but the reception at the hotel where I stayed told me summer tours can book up so it’s best to reserve in advance.

4. Climb the towers of Castillo Guzman el Bueno.

Nowhere is the town’s historic past as a strategic port town more evident than from the top of the Castle Guzman el Bueno. Tarifa’s castle makes perfect logistical sense whether you’re a Moorish conqueror from long ago or a freight ship of today. Looking south and east from the towers, a castle guard would have spied an imposing threat from the Atlantic Ocean or the Mediterranean Sea with plenty of time to prepare for whatever was coming. 

Inside the castle, there’s little left to see. An exhibit tells the story of the Christian General Guzman who sacrificed his son when given an ultimatum by an army of invading Moors to save his son or the castle.

5. Visit the Church of San Mateo.

Spain is undoubtedly a religious country and as such, each town has its own church or cathedral no matter its size. Tarifa is a reminder that every church need not be a grand cathedral to be historic.

While the outside face of the church is striking in appearance, the decor inside is subdued. The church peacefully welcomed worshippers and visitors, while a woman swept away sand from the entrance.

Like many places of worship in southern Spain, the Church of San Mateo was built atop a former mosque. A tombstone dating back to the Visigoths in the 600s even gives clues about Tarifa’s Christian past before the town was conquered by Arab Moors in the 700s. 

6. Explore Tarifa’s old town.

Just outside the Church of San Mateo, you’ll find old town Tarifa’s main street lined with shops, restaurants, and hotels. From here, wander the maze-like side streets in search of cafes, trinket shops, and gelaterias. If you’ve been to other places in southern Spain like Ronda or Granada you’ll recognize the whitewashed style of the buildings.

Small, but certainly not lacking charm, Tarifa’s narrow alleyways reveal its Arab past. Notice the keyhole arches of Tarifa’s Islamic architecture and the historic walls surrounding the town, which are still visible today. Don’t miss Puerta de Jerez, the last-standing Moorish gate dating back to the 13th century.

7. See a truly local market.

As you wander the old town, you’ll inevitably pass through the Islamic-style arch of Tarifa’s Mercado, or market. Inside, it has a small square layout with an open gathering place at the center.

Miles away from the people-filled Boqueria market in Barcelona or the glamourous Mercado San Miguel in Madrid , Tarifa’s market is lined with local vendors along the perimeter. This is where the local farmers bring their fresh produce or the fisherman sells the catch of the day.

Locals mingle with each other and exchange smiles, hugs, and greetings. As a visitor, it was more a place to see the local culture on display instead of a place to sit at a counter for tapas bites.

8. See the Roman Ruins at Playa de Bolonia.

About 14 miles northeast of Tarifa’s old town center, Playa del Bolonia has the ruins of a Roman town along its Atlantic Ocean beach. The ruins and Bolonia beach sit inside Estrecho Park, 1 of 2 natural protected areas around Tarifa where visitors can hike.

The Roman ruins are considered some of the best in all of Spain, while the beach is still an off-the-beaten-path gem for anyone looking for a restful day on one of Europe’s prettiest beaches.

If you’re a history buff like me and you’ve already visited the Moorish ruins just outside of Cordoba , it’s fascinating to compare architectural styles and to put in context the blend of cultural influences that pulse throughout southern Spain.

9. Eat fresh seafood.

I didn’t eat tuna tartar until I did. (It actually started in Barcelona at Cal Pep restuarant.) So, when the waiter at Misiana Restaurant in Tarifa recommended the truffled local tuna tartar, a Tarifa specialty, I decided to give it a try.

Delicious doesn’t even do the dish justice, nevermind the perfect seasoning and presentation. And, if you’re not enthused by eating raw fish, try any of Tarifa’s seafood. You’re steps from the ocean and your meal couldn’t be any fresher.

10. Take a day trip from Tarifa.

If you’ve run into weather issues as I did or want to base yourself in Tarifa, plan a day trip to a nearby city. Cadiz to Tarifa is just 75 minutes away by car and offers some of the best beaches in Europe and a classic city center with historic walks and delicious food.

Tarifa to Seville is just over a 2-hour drive and has its spectacular Alcazar and Gothic Cathedral. Not to mention an out-of-this-world food scene and fantastic flamenco. La Linea de la Concepcion, the place where you cross the Spanish border into Gibraltar, is under an hour’s drive, as well. And, Malaga is just 1 hour 45 minutes by car!

ProTip: You can also base yourself in Malaga and take a day trip to Tarifa if that’s a better option for your Spain itinerary.

Tarifa: A Gem in Southern Spain

The main draw to Tarifa is unquestionably its proximity to Morocco and its beaches. However, if you find yourself in town with time to spare, why not set off to discover Tarifa’s history and the local culture, as well as enjoy some time at the beach in this beautiful Spanish town.

What things to do in Tarifa would you like to do?

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4 thoughts on “10 little-known things to do in tarifa spain”.

I visited Tarifa for the proximity to Tangier. Your description of this town is spot on. It’s been one of my favorite places visiting southern Spain. I could’ve stayed on for couple weeks…

Thanks for reading and so glad you enjoyed Tarifa. Such a little gem! Hope you had a great trip to Spain!

Ha! Interesting, I had the opposite problem, couldn’t get a boat out of Tangier and couldn’t believe it, it was windy but it didn’t seem anything unusual. So to Tanger Med and to Algeciras – not quite what I wanted but job done and visa renewed.

Thanks for reading, Kelvin. Glad that all worked out for you. On the day of my crossing, the winds were really bad so it made sense even though I was wishing it wasn’t so! I’ve since made it to Morocco, though, so all good! 😉 Happy travels!

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The Costa Azul Ride, Portugal

Known as the Blue Coast, your riding holiday in Portugal will take you along the southern stretch of the country’s west coast, Costa Azul.

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The Costa Azul is as long and beautiful as the famous Algarve (Portugal’s south coast), but while the Algarve is teeming with tourists all year round, it’s here that you’ll find peaceful, deserted beaches and pristine countryside, all discovered from the back of a proud purebred or cross-bred Lusitano. The reputation of this ride among equestrian travellers is what originally drew us like a magnet to this itinerary. And who doesn’t want to explore quaint fishing villages, deserted beaches and flourishing cork forests from the back of a horse?

A true highlight of this Globetrotting experience is becoming intimate with the Lusitano breed over your six day riding itinerary. Between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries, the Lusitano was the darling of the royal courts of Europe. Lusitanos are powerful horses, noted for their intelligence and willing nature. The breed’s gaits are agile and elevated, but generally comfortable to ride. You’ll love the point-to-point nature of this ride where you’ll leap-frog from village to village, soaking up the atmosphere, varying landscapes, history, regional fare and wine. To put it simply, savouring life slowly is a Portuguese passion, and that will be your main aim – a perfect Globetrotting experience.

• Horse Breed: A mixture of pure and crossbred Portuguese Lusitanos.
• Pace: The pace varies on a daily basis from a walk right through to a fast canter whenever the terrain is suitable. There will be plenty of opportunities to trot in between.
• Weight Limit: A maximum of 85kg / 187lbs.
• Type of tack: Comfortable sheepskin-covered Portuguese military saddles.
• Seasons: Low season is March to mid June & September to October. High season is late June to early September.
• Group size: A minimum of 5 and a maximum of 10 guests. Please note: there is a ratio of 1 guide per group, regardless of group size.
• Time in Saddle: On average, between 4 to 6 hours each day.
• Riding Ability: Suitable for strong intermediate to advanced riders.   Not sure what your riding ability is? Watch THIS video to find out.
• Accommodation: You will experience a wonderful variety of accommodation on this ride, including a historic pousada (a traditional manor house), comfortable hotels in the heart of the countryside, as well as private estates. You can expect to have an en suite bathroom, and in most locations an on-site pool is also available.
• Ride Length: 8 days, 7 nights, with 6 riding days.

The price includes twin share accommodation, all meals (from dinner on day one through to breakfast on day eight), riding, luggage transfers, an English speaking guide, water, wine and soft drinks at lunch.

The price does not include international or regional flights and travel insurance (compulsory), drinks with dinner (apart from water) and bar drinks, staff tips (expected, but the amount is to be decided at your own discretion) and transfers to and from Lisbon Airport (to be paid in cash on arrival: €100 per person, round-trip).

DEPARTURE DATES & RATES

*June, July and August departure dates are subject to High Season pricing due to summer cost increases for our ride partners.

PLEASE NOTE: solo globetrotters will be required to pay the single rider rate if we do not have another guest willing to share.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE? The price includes twin share accommodation, all meals (from dinner on day one through to breakfast on day eight), riding, luggage transfers, an English speaking guide, water, wine and soft drinks at lunch.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE? The price does not include international or regional flights and travel insurance (compulsory), drinks with dinner (apart from water) and bar drinks, staff tips (expected, but the amount is to be decided at your own discretion) and transfers to and from Lisbon Airport (to be paid in cash on arrival: €100 per person, round-trip).

Accepted payment is by credit or debit card only. Depending on the ride you choose to book and your country of residence, there will be a 1.2% to 2.9% surcharge.

*Please note, this is a suggested itinerary only and subject to change at the discretion of your guides due to weather and other influencing factors.

Lynn Pirozzoli

‘The Lusitano horses are well-trained and had comfortable gaits for long rides. I rode Cujo, and he was terrific, uncomplicated and gave me a dream ride. Our guides were most accommodating and provided us with local history and culture. The food was amazing with fresh fish and grilled meat daily. Accommodations were comfortable with lovely pools to swim in after the ride. The wine flowed freely, and the riders enjoyed swapping stories about their equestrian experiences. My fellow riders were all evenly matched in riding ability, so it was a joy to ride daily!’

Patti Hollinger

‘The Costa Azul ride was my first horse riding adventure in another country! It was fun, the horses were calm and on task, the food was tasty and the hotel accommodations were nice. I rode Dragoa, who was wonderful. Our guides were helpful, kind, fun and very knowledgeable! Everyday was fun filled, but cantering on the beach was especially exhilarating. I would go again in a heartbeat!’

Michelle Elliott

‘I had the best week on the Costa Azul ride! Miguel and Anwar were very knowledgeable and professional, and made sure that everyone had an awesome time. Plenty of food, wine, laughs and company. The scenery was beautiful and the horses were even better. I rode Dragao for the week and he was the best! I would recommend this ride to anyone! Globetrotting made everything so easy and communication was great. I’m already thinking about which ride I’m going to do next. If you are thinking about booking a ride, DO IT!’

Megan Petry

‘This has been the best experience. I cannot tell you the last time the phone went away, I rode, I laughed, I ate (and drank) and slept like a baby. What a great way to understand not only the country but the flora and fauna first hand. Miguel is extremely knowledgeable about the area – I could give a TED talk on the production and economics of cork now! We loved Dennis, too – he did a wonderful set of lunches. Miguel loves and deeply cares for his horses and they were all in good shape. I appreciated that these horses knew their job (even down to the hand signals and whistles) and basically if you trusted them, you would have a wonderful time. I met wonderful folks, some who will become lifelong friends. I’m already planning for the next adventure.’

Carolyn Dowse

‘I had the most incredible horse riding adventure in Portugal! The horses, the hosts, food, accommodation, scenery, being with beautiful like minded people. I rode Iberico, and I seriously wanted to fold him up and put him in my suitcase. I fell in love with the Lusitano breed and with him. This was my first horse riding holiday but it certainly won’t be my last. The ladies I met on the ride all started talking about Morocco so in 2021, I’m there! Thank you Globetrotting, I could fault nothing – it was bloody amazing!’

Dorinda Dorsett

‘I have been on lots of riding holidays and always enjoyed them, but they didn’t always match the description. However, with the Costa Azul Ride, the question is if words can even describe it. This a forward ride and the terrain is ever changing. Miguel and Dennis are awesome! My sweet gelding, Adonis, will be in my heart forever. All the horses are trained well and know their job. One horse actually followed at liberty and just took his place in line when we would trot, canter or gallop.’

‘Portugal and the Costa Azul will win your heart effortlessly. The friendliness of the Portuguese people, stunning scenery, beautiful food, and of course the gorgeous horses are a winning combination. I loved the peace and serenity of riding through the beautiful cork trees, along the beach with the waves from the Atlantic crashing on the shore or just meandering along the hills, enjoying the vista beyond. The Costa Azul ride in Portugal was a balm to my soul after the frenetic pace of Europe.’

• On the horse
• Off the horse

Stories from the saddle

Stories from the saddle.

Meet Our Guide: Miguel

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Globetrotting Guest Horse: Abraço

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Horse Breed: Lusitano

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