Setubal & Comporta Trip with Horseback Riding from Lisbon

Exploring Portugal’s Hidden Gems: The Setúbal & Comporta Horseback Riding Day Trip

This tour offers a chance to step away from Lisbon’s bustling streets and uncover some of Portugal’s less-visited coastal treasures. It combines a mix of sightseeing, culture, and outdoor adventure—all in a manageable six-hour window. The experience is designed to give you a taste of local life, pristine beaches, and scenic landscapes that many travelers overlook.

What we really like about this trip is the personalized small-group setup—limited to just 12 travelers—which makes for a more relaxed, intimate atmosphere. Plus, the inclusion of horseback riding on Comporta’s beaches stands out as a memorable highlight. However, the itinerary involves quite a bit of time spent traveling in a van, so if you’re looking for a speedy, activity-packed day, this might feel a bit long in the car.

This tour fits travelers who want more than just the typical tourist trail. It’s perfect for those craving authentic experiences, nature lovers, and anyone interested in discovering Portugal’s quiet coastal corners with a dash of adventure. If you’re short on time but want a multi-faceted day, this trip could be just what you need.

Key Points

• Authentic Local Experience: Visit lesser-known spots like Setúbal and Comporta for genuine culture and scenery.
• Scenic Transportation: Ferry ride across Troia Peninsula offers stunning views and the chance to see dolphins.
• Beach Horseback Riding: An unforgettable chance to ride along Portugal’s longest beach, perfect for beginners.
• Expert Guides & Small Group: Personal attention from knowledgeable guides enhances the trip.
• Balanced Itinerary: Combines sightseeing, cultural visits, and outdoor adventure smoothly.
• Value for Money: At roughly $296, it includes transportation, ferry, and horseback riding—an all-in-one experience.

In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point & Transport

The day kicks off early, with a pickup from Lisbon’s Hotel Fénix at 8:30 am. The small-group size (maximum 12 travelers) ensures a relaxed vibe, with a friendly driver (often praised in reviews—many noted Arturo’s personable and professional manner). The tour is primarily conducted via van or minibus, which makes navigating Portugal’s scenic roads comfortable and efficient.

First Stop: Setúbal

Arriving at Setúbal around 9:45 am, you’ll explore this port city that’s known for its lively fish market and authentic atmosphere. The 1-hour walking tour is free with the tour, but it offers a genuine taste of local life and some fantastic photo opportunities. Reviewers appreciated the guide’s insight—Ian mentioned that the guide, Flavio, highlighted Portugal’s scenic beauty and cultural richness, making the visit more meaningful.

Crossing to Troia

At 10:30 am, you hop on a ferry to Troia Peninsula. This 25-minute ride is more than just transportation; it’s a scenic voyage. Travelers often spot dolphins here, and the views of Portugal’s longest uninterrupted beach (65 km of sandy shoreline) are spectacular. The ferry itself is regarded as a highlight—many reviews mention how it offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the coast’s beauty from the water.

Arriving at Comporta

Once on the other side, you arrive at Comporta around 11 am. The area is famous among locals and savvy travelers for its unspoiled beaches and relaxed vibe. With only half an hour here, you’ll get a quick but meaningful introduction—enough to appreciate the area’s charm.

Horseback Riding Adventure

From 11:30 am, the real adventure begins: a two-hour horseback ride through Comporta’s scenic landscape. This isn’t just a quick trot; reviews praise it as a “spectacular” experience suitable for beginners but enjoyable for riders of all levels. Flavio, the guide, was lauded for his professionalism and attentive care—reviewers felt secure riding along the beach, even if they were new to horses.

The ride along Portugal’s longest beach offers sweeping views of the ocean, with some reviewers describing it as “an ocean colors spectacle,” ranging from dark blue to white foam. It’s a chance to enjoy nature without the hustle, with some reviews mentioning the landscape as “splendid.” Despite the drive being lengthy—some noted a long car journey with only a brief horse ride—most felt the ride was well worth it for the memorable scenery.

Return to Lisbon

The journey wraps up with a return to Lisbon at 2 pm, arriving back at the hotel around 3 pm. The total experience, including travel, sightseeing, and riding, makes for a full but relaxed day.

What’s Included & What To Consider

Included in the tour are transportation, ferry transfer, horseback riding, and a cultural visit to Setúbal. It’s a good value considering the multiple experiences packed into the day. However, food and drinks are not included, so bringing snacks or planning for a meal afterwards could be wise.

The tour is designed for beginners and those with a maximum weight limit of 95 kg (209 lbs), ensuring safety and comfort for all participants. The group size is capped at 12, which helps keep the experience personalized and engaging.

The Value of the Experience

At $296.22 per person, the tour offers a mix of culture, adventure, and scenic beauty. The ferry ride and horseback riding are standout features that many travelers find worth the cost—especially given the small-group setting that fosters a more authentic, less touristy vibe.

Many reviewers pointed out the professionalism of guides like Flavio, who made the experience more enriching by sharing insights into Portugal’s landscapes and culture. The horseback ride, in particular, was a highlight—described as both fun and secure, even for beginners.

Potential Drawbacks

While the experience is highly praised, some travelers found the long hours in transit a bit tiring. One reviewer mentioned, “It was a long drive for 1.5 hours of riding,” but many still felt the landscape and the ride made it worthwhile. Also, the limited time in each stop means you get a taste rather than a deep dive into each location.

Authentic Experiences and Unique Highlights

The ferry ride itself is often highlighted as a memorable part of the journey, with the chance to spot dolphins and enjoy sweeping coastal vistas. The horseback ride on Comporta’s beaches is especially unique—it’s a rare opportunity to ride where cars can’t go, feeling the sand and sea beneath the horses.

One reviewer, Rachid, raved about the landscape as “splendid,” emphasizing that the scenery alone makes this tour special. The guides’ professionalism and attentiveness, especially Flavio, helped ensure riders felt safe and well-informed, which is crucial when combining outdoor adventure with cultural exploration.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, and adventure seekers who want a well-rounded day outside Lisbon. It suits travelers eager to explore Portugal’s quieter coastal spots without the hassle of planning every detail. The horseback riding component adds a playful, memorable touch—perfect for those wanting something a bit different from typical sightseeing.

It’s especially good for beginners or those who prefer gentle rides, given the tour’s safety focus and guide expertise. If you’re short on time but want a taste of Portugal’s coast, it offers a balanced dose of scenic beauty, local flavor, and adventure.

The Sum Up

This Setúbal & Comporta Trip with Horseback Riding offers a compelling blend of authentic Portuguese culture, stunning coastal scenery, and enjoyable outdoor activity. The small-group setting, knowledgeable guides, and memorable horseback riding experience make it a strong choice for those looking for a richer, less conventional day trip from Lisbon.

While the long transfer times might not suit everyone, most travelers will find the scenery, the gentle ride on the beach, and the chance to see dolphins make it worthwhile. It’s particularly suitable for travelers who enjoy outdoor adventures, scenic landscapes, and tasting local culture without the crowds.

In the end, this tour is a chance to experience Portugal’s quieter, more natural side—perfect for those wanting a relaxing yet engaging day out, with plenty to remember long after you return home.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation by van or minibus from Lisbon to the stops and ferry transfer are part of the package.

How long is the horseback riding?
The horseback ride lasts approximately two hours, which is enough to enjoy the beaches and scenery comfortably.

Are beginners welcome?
Absolutely. The tour is adapted for beginners, and guides are professional and attentive, making safety a priority.

What is the maximum weight allowed?
The maximum weight limit is 95 kg (209 lbs), ensuring safety and comfort for all riders.

What do I need to bring?
While the tour doesn’t include food or drinks, bringing water, sunscreen, and a hat is recommended. Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities is advised.

What is the return time to Lisbon?
Expect to arrive back at Lisbon around 3 pm, after a full day of sightseeing and riding.

Is there free cancellation?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility in case plans change.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, given the small group size and popularity, booking about 72 days in advance is recommended.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s suitable for ages 12 and above. Younger children and those over 95 kg may not be accommodated for safety reasons.

Can I expect to see dolphins?
While dolphin sightings are common during the ferry ride, they are not guaranteed—nature is unpredictable!

In summary, this trip provides a genuine taste of Portugal’s coastline, combining cultural charm, scenic beauty, and outdoor fun. It’s perfect for travelers who want an active, authentic day away from Lisbon’s crowds, with the added bonus of horseback riding on one of Portugal’s most beautiful beaches.