FAIAL ISLAND TRAIL – SMALL

The Essence of Faial. Three Days in the Saddle.

5 Days · 4 Nights · 3 Riding Days · Around 60 km

Sometimes, a few days are all you need to experience something unforgettable.

The Faial Island Trail – Small was created for experienced riders who want to discover Faial from the saddle, but have a little less time on the island. Over three days of riding, you’ll join selected sections of our signature Faial Island Trail, following routes through green meadows, hydrangea-lined paths, forests, volcanic landscapes and along the Atlantic coast.

Covering around 60 kilometres, the Small Trail gives you a taste of the landscapes, horses and sense of adventure that define our longer journey — while leaving you time to discover even more of Faial before or after your ride.

And while you travel across the island, 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.

Three days in the saddle. Around 60 kilometres. One memorable Faial escape.

AT A GLANCE

Duration 5 days · 4 nights
Riding Days 3 days
Distance Approximately 60 km
Riding Time Approximately 4–5 hours per day
Riding Level Experienced riders only · Confident in walk, trot & canter in open terrain
Horses Lusitano & Cruzado Portuguese horses
Accommodation 4 nights at PÁTIO Ecolodge
Meals Breakfast & dinner daily · Trail picnic on each riding day
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

A Taste of the Trail

Over three days, the landscape keeps changing. You’ll ride through green meadows and forests, along hydrangea-lined paths and volcanic trails, through small villages and towards the Atlantic coast.

The Small Trail follows selected sections of our signature Faial Island Trail, bringing some of its most memorable landscapes into a shorter journey. The exact route depends on where the main trail is running, making each experience a little different.

And with a shorter riding programme, there is still time to discover Faial beyond the saddle.

And this is how your journey unfolds.

Your trail, day by day

  • Welcome to Faial.

    Upon arrival at Horta Airport or the ferry terminal, you’ll be transferred to PÁTIO Ecolodge, where your Faial riding experience begins.

    You’ll meet the horses and your guide, receive an introduction to the programme and be matched with your horse for the trail. Depending on your arrival time, the horse introduction and allocation may take place the following morning.

    In the evening, settle into PÁTIO and enjoy dinner before your first day in the saddle.

  • Approximately 4–5 hours in the saddle

    After breakfast, it’s time to join the trail. Your first riding day takes you onto one of the selected sections of our Signature Faial Island Trail, beginning three consecutive days of exploring the island from the saddle.

    The exact route depends on the Signature Trail schedule and local conditions, but wherever your journey begins, expect changing landscapes, time in the saddle and a trail picnic along the way.

    At the end of the ride, you return to PÁTIO for a relaxed evening and dinner.

  • Approximately 4–5 hours in the saddle

    Your journey continues with the next section of the trail, picking up where the horses finished the previous day.

    As you ride, Faial continues to reveal itself — green countryside, forests, volcanic landscapes, small villages and Atlantic views are all part of the wider Signature Trail experience.

    Enjoy another trail picnic before returning to PÁTIO for the evening.

  • Approximately 4–5 hours in the saddle

    Your final riding day continues the journey with the third consecutive section of the Signature Faial Island Trail.

    Another day on horseback brings another perspective on the island and one last opportunity to experience Faial at the natural rhythm of the horse. The exact landscape depends on where your three-day journey falls within the Signature Trail.

    After your final trail picnic, return to PÁTIO for your last evening and dinner.

    Three consecutive riding days. One part of a much bigger journey.

  • After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye — unless you decide to stay a little longer.

    Your departure transfer to Horta Airport or the ferry terminal is included according to the programme.

    Or extend your stay and discover another side of Faial: go whale watching, hike the Caldeira, explore Horta, visit Pico or simply slow down and enjoy a little more time at PÁTIO.

Rates

  • LS Double: €1,199 · Single Supplement: +€200
    SS Double: €1,359 · Single Supplement: +€360
    HS Double: €1,439 · Single Supplement: +€440

  • LS Double: €1,119 · Single Supplement: +€120
    SS Double: €1,199 · Single Supplement: +€200
    HS Double: €1,279 · Single Supplement: +€280

  • LS Double: €1,099 · Single Supplement: +€100
    SS Double: €1,159 · Single Supplement: +€160
    HS Double: €1,239 · Single Supplement: +€240

  • 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

The Package

  • Your package includes everything you need for three riding days and four nights on Faial:

    • 4 nights at PÁTIO Ecolodge, according to the selected accommodation option

    • 3 riding days with an experienced English-speaking horse guide

    • Daily trail briefing on riding days

    • 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 according to the programme

    • 4 breakfasts

    • 3 trail picnics

    • 4 dinners (drinks not included)

    • Choice of meat, fish or vegetarian meals

    • Complimentary Wi-Fi and access to the PÁTIO lounge and garden

  • The following are not included:

    • Optional activities not specifically mentioned as included

    • Drinks and meals other than those specified in the programme

    • Transfers outside those included in the programme

    • Personal expenses

    • Travel insurance

    • Gratuities

FAQ

  • The Faial Island Trail – Small includes three consecutive riding days selected from our Signature Faial Island Trail programme.

    The exact trails are not fixed in advance. Depending on the Signature Trail schedule, existing riders, weather and trail conditions, you may join the main trail at the stage it has reached or follow three selected consecutive sections of the programme.

    This means your Small Trail may begin at different points of the Signature Trail, rather than always starting with Day 1. Whichever sections you ride, you’ll experience three full riding days as part of the same Faial Island Trail journey.

    To get a better idea of the trails and landscapes you may experience, explore the Signature Faial Island Trail day by day.

  • No. The Faial Island Trail – Small 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 – Small can start on any day of the week.

    Your dates. Your journey. We’ll take care of the trail.

  • The Faial Island Trail – Small is designed for experienced riders who are confident riding independently in walk, trot and canter in open terrain and are comfortable spending approximately 4–5 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 four 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 – Small, but the exact three sections you ride depend on the progression of the main Faial Island Trail, weather, trail conditions and local circumstances.

    Individual trails may be ridden in either direction, starting points may vary and the route 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.