Over the last few months, I’ve had the privilege of visiting some truly fascinating equestrian farms in Portugal, from rustic homesteads to state-of-the-art estates. As someone who brokers properties for international clients, I’ve learned that no two equestrian properties are alike — and what you find often depends on how clear you are about your goals.

If you’re considering moving to Portugal with horses, or simply dreaming about owning a property with stables and paddocks, let me share what I’ve seen lately — the good, the challenging, and the truly exceptional.

Traditional Portuguese Equestrian Farms

One of the most common types of equestrian property in Portugal is the traditional farm, often hundreds of years old. These estates are full of charm, history, and authentic Portuguese architecture. They usually feature:

• Rustic stables designed for working horses

• Large tracts of farmland, sometimes over 20 or 30 hectares

• Old stone or tile-roofed houses, often with small rooms and older kitchens

• Plenty of space for agricultural use, orchards, or olive groves

But here’s the reality: while beautiful, the equestrian facilities in these older properties were never designed for showjumping, dressage, or modern equestrian sports. They’re simple, practical, and functional — more about housing working horses than offering luxury riding arenas or Olympic-grade paddocks.

In fact, 99% of the time it is necessary to update and refurbish these older farms and estates. Buyers need to understand that these are properties often between 100 and 500 years old.

Just yesterday, I visited a property with 60 hectares, complete with stables and a riding arena built in 1650. While the history is breathtaking, the facilities are very basic compared to modern standards, and a serious renovation would be essential for anyone wanting to pursue competitive or leisure equestrian activities today.

👉 Pro Tip: If you love the idea of living in a traditional estate, always budget for significant updates. The charm is unmatched, but the facilities will not be turnkey.

The Rare Modern Equestrian Estates

Every now and then, I come across something truly extraordinary: an estate built within the last five to ten years, specifically designed for equestrian living at the highest level. These properties usually include:

• Spacious, purpose-built stables with excellent ventilation and flooring

• Professional riding arenas (sometimes Olympic-grade)

• Paddocks designed for horse comfort and training

• Modern villas with open-plan designs and luxurious finishes

• Advanced facilities focused on both rider and animal well-being

These estates are rare, and when they appear on the market, they don’t stay long. I’ve seen some of these sell within days. Prices for such properties often start in the millions — but for equestrian enthusiasts, they’re worth every euro.

👉 Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a modern equestrian estate in Portugal, be prepared to act fast and make decisions quickly. These properties are in extremely high demand.

Visit our Exclusive Equestrian Listing in Arraiolos 

A Third Option: Transforming a Property

Given the limited supply of modern equestrian estates, one of the best solutions I often suggest to my clients is this: buy a villa or farm with the right amount of land and transform it into your dream equestrian property.

With the help of my network of trusted architects, engineers, and contractors, we can design bespoke stables, paddocks, and riding arenas tailored to your needs. This approach allows you to:

• Choose your preferred region (Algarve, Alentejo, Silver Coast, Lisbon area)

• Buy a villa or estate that suits your family lifestyle

• Add equestrian facilities step by step — from stables to dressage arenas

• Control costs and stay within budget

• Create a modern property that feels entirely your own

This is often the most practical and exciting path because you don’t have to wait for the “perfect” property to hit the market. We create it together.

👉 Pro Tip: Removable stables and modular arenas can be installed without heavy licensing requirements, making the process quicker and easier.

Where to Look in Portugal

From my experience, the best regions for equestrian living in Portugal include:

• Algarve: Year-round sunshine, established expat community, and growing equestrian clubs. Areas like Loulé and Silves are especially popular.

• Alentejo: Expansive landscapes, perfect for large plots and privacy. Just keep in mind summers can be very very hot.

• Lisbon & Surroundings: Offers proximity to international schools, airports, and services — but properties are rarer and more expensive.

• Silver Coast: Cooler than the Algarve, with rolling countryside and fewer expats. Perfect if you prefer a more authentic Portuguese lifestyle.

📌 Related Reading:

• Featured Properties

• Our Services

• Buyer’s Guide

What Buyers Should Know

When looking for an equestrian property in Portugal, here are a few key things I always discuss with my clients:

• Land Size: Plan on at least 1–2 hectares per horse for comfort.

• Water Supply: Check for boreholes or cisterns — essential in the dry summer months.

• Legalities: Ensure the property is correctly registered and that any stables or paddocks comply with local building codes.

• Maintenance: Large estates are rewarding but require time and upkeep. Consider whether you’ll hire staff.

• Renovation Needs: Expect traditional estates to require updating, from stables to living spaces.

👉 Pro Tip: Many international clients underestimate the time required to maintain a large estate. Always budget for ongoing maintenance and consider professional caretakers.

Why Work with Me at Immo Lusitania

I know from experience that buying an equestrian property in Portugal can feel daunting. That’s why I’ve built a network of trusted professionals to support every step:

• Surveyors to assess land and facilities

• Trusted mortgage lenders for international buyers

• Lawyers and solicitors who specialize in rural and equestrian transactions

• Architects and engineers for designing or adapting equestrian facilities

At Immo Lusitania, we’re not a real estate agency. We’re an international property brokerage, here to guide you safely, transparently, and stress‑free through the process.

📲 Ready to start exploring? Contact me today:

• WhatsApp or schedule a call via Calendly

• Email me directly: ferdi@immolusitania.ch

• Visit our Contact Page

Let’s find — or build — the perfect equestrian property for you.

FAQ: Equestrian Properties in Portugal

Can foreigners buy equestrian farms in Portugal?

Yes. There are no restrictions for international buyers, and we’ll help you navigate the process.

How much does an equestrian farm cost in Portugal?

Traditional farms can start around €500,000, while modern, purpose-built equestrian estates often range from €2M to €5M+.

Do traditional farms require renovations?

Almost always. Most are 100–500 years old and need significant updates to meet modern living and equestrian standards.

What climate is best for equestrian living in Portugal?

The Algarve offers mild winters and warm summers, ideal for year-round riding. The Alentejo is beautiful but hotter in summer.

Can you help with renovations and planning?

Absolutely. I connect clients with experienced architects, engineers, and builders to create tailored equestrian facilities.

🌟 Let’s bring your equestrian dream to life in Portugal.

Whether you’re drawn to a rustic farm, a luxury modern estate, or a property we can transform together — I’ll help you every step of the way.

📧 ferdi@immolusitania.ch | 🌐 immolusitania.ch/contact-us/