Horseback Riding in Sal Island: Beach & Salt Mines Trail

Gallop through surf or walk the shore: the trail matches your riding level.

Horseback riding on Sal Island takes you across white sandy beaches, salt mines and desert on trails suited to beginners through experienced riders. Groups stay under eight with guides on horseback at a 1:2 ratio, ensuring the pace fits your skill. Hotel pickup, helmet, insurance and a professional guide in your language are included; you choose between a 1-hour walk, a 1.5-hour beach ride, or a 2-hour route combining salt flats and Kite Beach.

Step-by-step itinerary

Horse riding tour on Sal Island

• Meet driver at hotel reception
• Transfer to stables in Botanical Gardens
• Store belongings and receive helmets
• Group briefing and horse assignment
• Ride through sand dunes
• Visit Big Salt Mines of Santa Maria
• Continue to Kite Beach (1.5h or 2h trails)
• Gallop or walk along golden sand beach
• Return to stables

The Experience

You get picked up at your hotel and driven to the stables set into the Botanical Gardens. There you'll meet your horse, store your belongings in a locker, and put on a CE-certified helmet before the guides brief the group on the day ahead. The riding centre keeps groups small—no more than eight riders—with multiple guides on horseback to watch the group, so someone is always watching your position and pace.

The ride starts at a walk through sand dunes toward the Big Salt Mines of Santa Maria, where the white flats stretch flat and strange underfoot. If you're on the 1-hour trail, you'll turn back here at a relaxed walking pace throughout. On the longer routes, you head past the salt flats toward Kite Beach, where the sand opens into an endless golden shore. Experienced riders get the chance to canter and gallop through the surf; beginners and anyone who wants to take it easy ride gently along the water's edge with the guides alongside. The whole experience is built around what you're comfortable with, not what the itinerary demands.

All rides finish back at the stables, where you can cool down and collect your things. The helmet, insurance, and guide are all included, so there's nothing to arrange on the day itself.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• professional guide on horseback.
• CE-certified helmet.
• use of lockers for your belongings.
• insurance.
• local taxes.
• and a bum bag to carry essentials during the ride.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Santa Marilha Horse Excursions

Is this one for you?The small-group format with guides on horseback at a 1:2 ratio means you're not following a fixed pace—the ride adjusts to whether you're a first-time rider wanting a walk or an experienced one ready to gallop. If you land in Santa Maria with an afternoon free and no riding experience, the 1-hour trail keeps you in the saddle without pressure; if you've ridden before, the longer routes let you canter and gallop along Kite Beach.

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Top questions

Can I ride if I've never been on a horse before?

The 1-hour trail is designed for beginners and novice riders, conducted entirely at a walking pace with guides on horseback at a 1:2 ratio to keep you steady and comfortable. The 1.5-hour and 2-hour trails are also suitable for beginners, though more experienced riders on those routes get the chance to canter and gallop.

What happens at the Salt Mines of Santa Maria?

The Big Salt Mines are a white, flat landscape you ride through on the way out or as part of the longer trails. The salt flats are a striking part of Sal Island's terrain, and you'll leave your tracks across them on horseback.

Is hotel pickup really included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the price. A driver meets you at your hotel reception and takes you to the stables, then brings you back after the ride.

What if I'm worried about falling or losing control?

The horses are gentle and well-trained, and the guides lead the group on horseback at a 1:2 ratio—one guide for every two riders—so you're never alone. The 1-hour trail is entirely at a walk, and even on longer routes, beginners ride at a walking pace with guide support.

How long does the whole experience take?

The ride itself lasts 1 hour, 1.5 hours, or 2 hours depending on which trail you choose. Add time at the stables before and after to meet your horse and collect your things.

What languages do the guides speak?

Guides speak English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and one additional language, so you can book in the language you're most comfortable with.