Comfort
Accommodation during the trail offers a blend of comfort and authenticity, reflecting the rural charm of Galicia and of northern Portugal.
Your first and final nights are spent in shared cosy cabin-style apartments in Baiona, each with two bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a garden area.
During the trail, accommodation varies. One evening will include camping with the horses in a hidden mountain valley - sleeping in tents beside the river, enjoying a barbecue under the stars (you must bring your own sleeping bag). If the weather doesn't allow camping, you will overnight in a rural guesthouse in a mountain village.
Other stays include a boutique hotel, a riverside Quinta where rooms have private bathrooms and access to activities such as kayaking and cycling, and a refurbished country house in a Portuguese village with shared attic-style accommodation for the group.
Each stop has been chosen for its character, comfort, and connection to the landscape, offering a genuine taste of Galician and Portuguese hospitality.
Meals
Throughout the holiday, you will be introduced to the culinary traditions of Galicia and northern Portugal. Whenever possible, you will enjoy authentic dishes prepared with local ingredients.
Lunches are generally picnics on the trail, allowing you to enjoy hearty regional produce.
In the evenings, you will either visit local restaurants or enjoy comforting, home-cooked meals at your accommodation. On the camping night, dinner will be a barbecue under the stars.
Dietary requests can usually be accommodated if mentioned in advance - please inform your travel advisor upon booking.
Climate
From spring to early autumn, Galicia and northern Portugal enjoy a mild Atlantic climate, shaped by coastal breezes, and the influence of the nearby mountains.
April and May mark the beginning of warmer weather after the winter rains. Days are generally mild, with average temperatures between 12-18°C, though early mornings and higher elevations in the Galician sierra can still feel cool. Rain showers remain possible, and the landscape is lush and green.
June to August are the warmest and driest months. Inland areas and sheltered valleys often reach 24-30°C, while coastal regions remain cooler thanks to the Atlantic influence. Sea breezes help with the heat near Baiona, Viana do Castelo and the Minho River. Rainfall becomes infrequent, though occasional Atlantic fronts can still bring brief cloudy or misty spells, especially near the coast.
September brings slightly cooler temperatures, usually 20-26°C, and marks the return of more variable weather. Scattered showers become more common as the month progresses.
Tips
Tips are not expected but appreciated.
Packing list
PACKING LIST
Head
- Helmets are mandatory and Equus Journeys recommends that you take your own to ensure a correct fit. There are many lightweight options available nowadays.
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana
Upper body
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun and are an extra layer
- T-shirts
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Warm fleece or jumper
- Warm and waterproof jacket
- Swimwear
Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Casual trousers for the evenings, such as jeans or tracksuit bottoms
Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps. We don't recommend taking your favourite long leather boots in case they get damaged
- Trainers or equivalent light shoes for the evenings
- Socks
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the elements whilst riding.
Nightwear
- Sleeping bag
- Pyjamas, tracksuits
Other useful items
- Water bottle
- Swiss army knife (or equivalent)
- Wet Wipes or equivalent (for when washing facilities aren't available)
- Ear plugs (for light sleepers)
Medical kit
- Any medication you regularly take
- A soothing cream to alleviate any areas irritated by long days spent in the saddle
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Insect repellent, preferably containing deet
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Eye drops
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrhoea medication
- Re-hydration sachets
- Antiseptic wipes
- Handwash gel
Our Recommendations
- Backpacks cannot be worn whilst riding. We recommend a small bumbag or a coat with pockets so that you can carry small items with you during the day ( camera, sunscreen, lipbalm etc)
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
- We recommend taking a copy of your passport and insurance documents with you in case you lose your originals
