Sal Island: Horse Riding Beaches, Salt Mines & Desert Trails

Summary

Horseback rides on Sal’s white sand with salt mines and desert tracks

You’ll ride gentle horses across Sal Island’s dunes and beaches, guided by locals who know every shortcut and story. Expect salty breezes at Santa Maria’s salt mines, time to relax or gallop on Kite Beach if you’re up for it, plus hotel pickup so you don’t have to plan a thing. It’s less about riding skills and more about soaking up those wide-open spaces.

What’s the experience like?

We swung up into the saddles just outside the stables at Viveiro, still brushing sand off my shoes from the walk over. The horses were patient—mine kept nosing my sleeve while our guide, Paulo, handed out helmets and tried to remember everyone’s names. I’m not much of a rider (my last attempt was a pony at age seven), but Paulo said not to worry. “The horses do most of the thinking,” he joked. And honestly? He was right.

The first stretch took us through these pale dunes that shimmered in the sun—so bright I had to squint under my hat. There was this salty tang in the air even before we reached Santa Maria’s big salt mines. The ground changed underfoot, crunchier somehow, and Paulo pointed out where locals still come to collect salt by hand. I tried to picture doing that all day in this heat; respect.

If you book the longer ride (we did), you keep going up toward Kite Beach. That part felt almost dreamlike—just endless golden sand with wind whipping little bits of foam up from the surf. Some of the group broke into a canter along the water (not me—I stuck with Paulo and his steady pace). There was this weirdly peaceful moment where all I could hear was hoofbeats and waves, nothing else. I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Horse riding tour on Sal Island

• Meet driver at hotel reception
• Transfer to stables in Botanical Gardens
• Store belongings in lockers
• Receive mandatory CE certified helmet
• Group briefing and meet guides
• Start horseback ride on sand dunes
• Visit Big Salt Mines of Santa Maria
• Continue ride to Kite Beach (if applicable)
• Gallop or walk along golden sand beach
• Return to stables to finish ride

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for horse riding on Sal Island?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Do I need experience for horse riding tours in Sal?

No experience is needed—beginners are welcome and guides help everyone.

How long is the horse riding tour on Sal Island?

You can choose between 1.5 or 2 hour trails depending on your preference.

Are helmets provided during the horse riding tour?

Yes, CE certified riding helmets are mandatory and provided for all riders.

What is the group size for horse riding in Sal?

The group is small—maximum 8 riders with guides at a 1:2 ratio.

Where does the horse riding tour start on Sal Island?

The tour starts at stables set inside Viveiro Botanical Gardens.

Is there a weight limit for participants?

Yes, there is a weight limit of 90kg per participant.

Does the tour go to Kite Beach?

The longer trails (1.5h or 2h) include Kite Beach along with dunes and salt flats.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from your accommodation on Sal Island, use of lockers at the stables for your belongings, bum bags if you want one for small items during the ride, CE certified helmets (which are required), several friendly local guides leading small groups tailored to your skill level, plus insurance and local taxes already covered so you don’t have to think about logistics.