Comporta Beach Horseback Ride Review: Lisbon Day Trip

Thinking about going horseback riding on Comporta Beach from Lisbon? Maybe you’re checking if it’s really as great as it sounds. That’s exactly what I did! It turned out to be way more than just a simple horseback ride, to be honest. So, get comfy, because I’m going to give you the complete lowdown on my experience, from getting there to what to expect during the ride. I will sprinkle in some tips to help you decide if it’s something you really want to do.

Why Comporta? The Beach Beckons

Why choose Comporta for horseback riding, right? I mean, there’s likely riding stables closer to Lisbon! So, Comporta, you see, is very much something else. You know, it’s like stepping into a postcard. Instead of busy tourist spots, it’s just miles of beach that, in some respects, look like they have always been the same, along with those amazing rice paddies. Very picture-perfect! It gives a relaxed, almost secretive vibe. That part of Portugal kind of attracts a cooler, more laid-back crowd, in a way. Trust me, just being in Comporta is already part of the adventure! A beach horseback ride seemed like a pretty wonderful way to experience that calming place, so it seemed that the 90-minute trek from Lisbon was quite worth it. Now, was it as good as they said it was?

Booking My Ride: Finding the Right Stable

Booking ahead is something you might very much want to do, right? Many outfits offer beach rides, so do your homework a little bit. Reading past rider experiences often gives you such a clearer idea than going straight to their flashy websites. I really wanted something very well-regarded and cared about animal welfare. In some respects, seeing is believing and those places posting countless positive experiences stood out, you know. Make sure to very carefully look into group sizes too, as a smaller group almost always results in such a personal time. Getting locked into large groups may impact the total fun, I guess.

Getting There: The Drive from Lisbon

The drive from Lisbon to Comporta? Is that pretty? It is pretty easy, honestly! You should expect about one and a half hours behind the wheel, give or take, of course. So, you head south over that Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge, so very picturesque if you catch it on a good weather day. After that, it is just highway driving. When you begin to near Comporta the countryside sort of opens, if that makes sense. Rice fields start stretching out on both sides. This area gets rather green at specific times! My tip would be to set out kind of early, so that way you’re not battling the traffic or trying to find that stable last minute. Allow a bit more driving duration in summer, alright?

Meeting the Horses: Gearing Up for the Ride

I finally reached the stable. I was matched to this calm and well-trained Lusitano horse, too, its name was “Ventura,” so they told me. These horses almost always have gentle natures; in some respects they make it easier if it’s almost your first time. The guides tend to check to make sure you’re comfy with how to handle things and review basic commands. Don’t hesitate to ask about anything that worries you even a bit! So, wear comfortable clothes. So, long pants come recommended to reduce chafing during those longer rides, also sturdy shoes and a helmet. These things will definitely get your time riding up a notch.

Riding on the Beach: Sand, Sea, and Serenity

The sensation as you and your horse trot along the sand with sea breezes is so very cool! On one side you’ve got crashing waves, and on the other are pristine dunes almost. Very peaceful, I felt! Those beaches often stretch as far as you are able to observe, which is very liberating, if you like such an expression. The guides often adapt the tempo to everyone’s abilities, which enables even those with hardly any prior experience to keep pace. Be ready to be covered in salty spray; It’s almost definitely worth it. Taking pics is very challenging while riding; be sure that others on your ride can grab those shots!

The Scenery: More Than Just a Beach

So, yeah, the beach is super striking, alright? However, the area near Comporta includes loads of awesome scenery! From time to time those rides lead through rice fields or along wooded areas next to shorelines that are somewhat shielded, too. These various settings are great spots to see local birds or even just to stop for a minute, I felt. The guides typically know such local wildlife locations! They’re likely happy to share things regarding ecology. Those detours enhanced the overall trip, you know.

What to Bring: Preparing for Your Ride

Being prepared for that beach riding might be important for enjoying your time, right? So, of course you are going to need things such as sunscreen to really fend off sunrays along with your shades. And probably a brimmed hat too. I found taking a tiny backpack with waters quite beneficial on a sunny afternoon. Should you plan to go swimming at a shore later, pack a towel and a spare dress, too it’s almost sure you will want one! Do you want those awesome photographs? Confirm that your batteries are completely topped off and you also have open storage, as you’ll snap hundreds.

Is It Worth It?: My Final Thoughts

So, should you travel from Lisbon to Comporta solely for the riding opportunity? Well, in short, yes. Totally yes! So, if you appreciate natural scenic spots, right, and seek unique happenings instead of predictable sightseeing activities, you won’t possibly be disappointed. Those rides provided an opportunity for some active relaxation where you engage the scenery differently! Making the whole journey super-satisfying, too it’s almost worth the price for sure. Definitely something to include on a travel plan.