FAIAL ISLAND TRAIL

PÁTIO’s Signature Trail. Discover Northern Faial from the Saddle.

8 Days · 7 Nights · 6 Riding Days · Around 130 km

There are places you visit. And there are places you truly experience

The Faial Island Trail was created for riders who want to discover the island differently — slowly, deeply and from the saddle. Over six days of riding, the trail leads through the landscapes of northern Faial, from green meadows and hydrangea-lined paths to forests, volcanic highlands and the dramatic Atlantic coast.

And while you travel across Faial, your luggage stays at PÁTIO. Each evening, you return to the comfort of the Ecolodge, while the horses rest in paddocks along the route, ready for the next day’s adventure.

Six days in the saddle. Northern Faial. One unforgettable journey.

AT A GLANCE

Duration 8 days · 7 nights
Riding Days 6 days
Distance Approximately 130 km
Riding Time Up to 4–6 hours per day
Riding Level Experienced riders only · Confident in walk, trot & canter in open terrain
Horses Lusitano & Cruzado Portuguese horses
Accommodation 7 nights at PÁTIO Ecolodge
Meals Breakfast & dinner daily · Trail picnics and lunches according to programme
Transfers Airport / ferry transfers & all programme transfers included
Minimum Age 16 years · Younger riders on individual consultation
Maximum Rider Weight 95 kg
Departure Daily arrivals possible
Good to Know No daily packing · You stay at PÁTIO throughout the entire programme

Your trail, day by day

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, +800m, -700m, 4-5 h riding time)
Today, you'll embark on an exciting journey to learn about whales and their rich history on Faial Island. You'll familiarize yourself with your horse and gear as we set out on gently rising meadow paths. Before long, we’ll begin our first trot and canter, leading us to a breathtaking whale watching point. With a bit of luck and calm seas, we may spot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.
As we make our way back to the lodge along the majestic cliff coast, a lunch will be awaiting you. In the afternoon, we'll ride to two quaint whaling harbors before settling in for the night at a peaceful resting spot for our horses in a nearby hamlet.
After our adventure, we’ll return to the lodge where you can unwind with a drink at the bar and enjoy a delightful dinner in our restaurant.
(26km, +750m, -450m, 5 h riding time)
Today, you will discover the impact of the 1998 earthquake on Faial. In the morning, we’ll drive to the horses and start our ride along the coast, surrounded by stunning blue hydrangea hedges, leading us to the island's former lighthouse that was lost to the earthquake. Nearby, you can still see the crumbling church that stands as a testament to the earthquake's power.
At noon, we’ll enjoy a saddlebag picnic right by the seaside. Feel free to go for a swim or dip your toes in the water. After this refreshing break, we’ll continue our ride, taking in the breathtaking views of the sea and the neighboring islands of São Jorge, Pico, and Graciosa.
We’ll arrive at our paddock for the night. The transfer team will take you back to the Ecolodge, where you can unwind and relax by the pool. Dinner will be waiting for you, made with love and local ingredients.
(25 km, +400m, -650m, 6h riding time)
Today, we begin our adventure early by visiting one of the top highlights of the Azores: the Faial Crater - Caldeira. Perched at an elevation of 1,000 meters, this ride presents a true challenge for both horse and rider. We’ll follow winding paths as we gradually ascend to the summit of the island, offering breathtaking views of a crater that is 400 meters deep and 2,500 meters wide. After enjoying a delightful picnic from our saddlebag, we’ll continue our ride through the rugged and remote landscape of the highlands. In the late afternoon, we’ll approach the Jungle Camp, where a transfer to the lodge will be waiting for us. Dinner will follow, providing a perfect end to a day of exploration.
(15km, +500m, -550m, 3 h riding time)
This morning is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Treat yourself to a relaxing massage in our spa, participate in a rejuvenating yoga session, or take a trip to Horta to meet a team of marine biologists. Together, you can board their powerful boats and venture into the ocean to observe whales (all activities are optional). Before your afternoon adventure, be sure to pick up your saddlebag picnic. In the afternoon, we will ride to the Green Hill (Cabeço Verde), a volcano where you can enjoy spectacular views. On the way back, you'll pass by the old vineyards of Faial. In the evening the dinner will wait for you.
(20km, +670m, -670m, 4-5 h riding time)
Today, the trail takes us through a mystical jungle landscape, where we revel in thrilling gallops along the coastline. Expansive vineyards and quaint “Adegas” dot our path. Following narrow trails near the shore, we arrive at one of the Azores' top highlights: the Capelinhos Volcano, which erupted in 1957. Here, we find a desolate former whaling village now covered in volcanic ash. Beneath the buried lighthouse lies a modern interpretation center that showcases the volcanism of the Azores and the story of the eruption. We’ll enjoy a saddlebag picnic while visiting this fascinating site. As we ride across parts of the volcano, we’ll make our way to the Jungle Camp in the late afternoon, where the transfer back to the lodge will be waiting. After a day full of adventure, we will gather for dinner.
(25km, +550m, -700m, 4-5 h riding time)
Today marks the final day of our trail. Fajã Bay, a hidden gem, has been home to islanders cultivating wine and fruits for 500 years. As we ride, we pass charming “Adegas,” the wine houses nestled among their vineyards.
Venturing through a lush jungle, we arrive at the stunning black lava beach of Fajã Bay—a magical and romantic realm all its own. Here, you'll find small lava stone houses, beautifully maintained gardens, and the untamed sea stretching before you.
Our journey crosses the island from the arid south to the vibrant north, offering breathtaking views of terraced pastures rolling down to the vivid blue ocean. Extend your gallop as we reach Ribeira Funda, the highest village on the island, perched above a dramatic 300-meter deep canyon. We’ll take a moment to bask in the sun, listen to the whispering wind, and enjoy the wild calls of the buzzards soaring over the gorge.
An Azorean picnic awaits, providing the perfect opportunity to savor the spectacular sights of the canyon and ocean. In the afternoon, our route meanders through yam fields and into a small, wild, and enchanting valley. After six incredible days of riding, we make our way back to PÁTIO Ecolodge.
We conclude this remarkable week with a dinner, reflecting on the adventures and memories we've shared along the trails.
We bring our guests who do not individually extend their stay with us to the Faial Airport or to the Ferry Port after their breakfast.

More than the trail

Over six days, the landscape keeps changing. You’ll ride towards old whaling lookouts and hidden bays, through small villages and traditional vineyards, across forests and volcanic landscapes, and along trails overlooking the Atlantic.

The journey takes you through some of northern Faial’s most remarkable places, from the island’s mountainous interior and the Caldeira to the raw volcanic landscape of Capelinhos. Along the way, views towards Pico, São Jorge and Graciosa reveal themselves from different sides of the island.

Each day brings a different trail, a different landscape and another part of Faial’s story.

And this is how the journey unfolds.

Rates

LS Double:* 1.965 € Single: +210 €
SS Double:* 2.315 € Single: +560 €
HS Double:* 2.435 € Single: +680 €
LS Double:* 1.865 € Single: +100 €
SS Double:* 2.035 € Single: +280 €
HS Double:* 2.165 € Single: +430 €
LS Double:* 1.835 € Single: +90 €
SS Double:* 1.965 € Single: +280 €
HS Double:* 2.095 € Single: +350 €
Your rate depends on the dates of your stay.
LS · Low Season
7 January–31 March & 1 November–19 December
SS · Shoulder Season
1 April–31 May & 1–31 October & 20 December–6 January
HS · High Season
1 June–30 September

What’s Included

Your Faial Island Trail package includes everything you need to enjoy six days of riding and seven nights on Faial:
- 7 nights at PÁTIO Ecolodge, according to the selected accommodation option
- 6 riding days with an experienced English-speaking horse guide
- Daily trail briefing
- Lusitano and Cruzado Portuguese trail horses
- Prestige Trekker trail saddles and riding helmets
- All transfers required as part of the programme
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Entrance to the Capelinhos Interpretation Centre
- 7 breakfasts
- 4 saddlebag picnics
- 1 lunch
- 1 Azorean picnic
- 7 dinners (drinks not included)
- Choice of meat, fish or vegetarian meals
- Complimentary Wi-Fi and access to the PÁTIO lounge, garden, heated saltwater pool and sauna
The following are not included:
- Whale watching and other optional activities not specifically mentioned as included
- Drinks and meals other than those specified in the programme
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities

FAQ

No. The Faial Island Trail has no fixed departure dates, giving you the freedom to plan your trip around the dates that work best for you.
Simply choose your preferred arrival date and let us know. Subject to availability, your Faial Island Trail can start on any day of the week.
Your dates. Your journey. We’ll take care of the trail.
The Faial Island Trail is designed for experienced riders who are confident riding independently in walk, trot and canter in open terrain and are comfortable spending approximately 4–6 hours per day in the saddle.
Riders should be physically fit and prepared to assist with the care of their horse during the trail, including grooming, saddling and tying up when required.
Maximum rider weight: 95 kg.
Faial’s Atlantic weather can change throughout the day, so we recommend bringing comfortable riding clothes and being prepared for both sunshine and rain.
Waterproof trekking or riding shoes, comfortable riding trousers, a waterproof jacket or raincoat and suitable layers are recommended.
Riding helmets are provided, although you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer to ride with equipment you are already familiar with.
The minimum age for participation is 16 years.
Younger experienced riders may be accepted following individual consultation, taking into account their riding experience and ability.
Yes. Non-riding companions are welcome to stay at PÁTIO Ecolodge while you take part in the riding programme.
Accommodation and any additional meals, activities or services used by the non-rider are charged separately.
This makes the Faial Island Trail a great option for couples or travel companions who would like to experience Faial together, even if only one of them rides.
You stay at PÁTIO Ecolodge for all seven nights, so there is no need to pack and unpack as you travel around the island.
Depending on the selected package and availability, accommodation is offered in our Apartments, Lodge Rooms, Tiny Houses or Quinta do Moinho.
While you return to PÁTIO each evening, the horses may stay overnight in paddocks along the trail, ready to continue the journey the following day.
Your trail is led by experienced horse guides with extensive knowledge of Faial, its horses, landscapes and riding routes.
Our guides are there to support you throughout the journey, from the daily trail briefing and preparation of the horses to the hours spent exploring the island from the saddle. Safety and the wellbeing of both horse and rider remain the priority throughout the experience.
All horse experiences at PÁTIO are provided by Diogo Silva – Equestrian Adventure Unipessoal Lda., based here at PÁTIO, with PÁTIO acting solely as an intermediary.
Yes. The published itinerary is designed to give you a clear picture of the Faial Island Trail, but riding on an Atlantic island also means adapting to weather, trail conditions and local circumstances.
Individual trails may be ridden in either direction, starting points may vary and the order of riding days may occasionally change.
Whenever an adjustment is necessary, the programme will be adapted with the aim of maintaining the safety, comfort and overall quality of the riding experience.
Gratuities are not included and are always entirely at your discretion.
As a guideline, we suggest €30 per person for your horse guide and €30 per person for the PÁTIO lodge team for the week.
A tip should always reflect your experience. If you enjoyed your time with us, it is a wonderful way to show your appreciation to the people who helped make your stay and riding experience special.
And if something has not met your expectations, please speak to us directly during your stay or before you leave. We value the opportunity to listen, understand what happened and, whenever possible, make things right while you are still here.