The Centro Hípico da Quinta da Marinha is one of the most prestigious equestrian facilities in Portugal — and one of the largest on the Iberian Peninsula. Located in Cascais, 30 minutes west of Lisbon, it’s the home of Miguel Alves Horses and the departure point for rides across the Guincho dunes and the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.
Here’s a complete guide to the equestrian centre — what it is, what’s available and how to get there.
What Is the Centro Hípico da Quinta da Marinha?
Quinta da Marinha is a large residential and sporting estate in Cascais, developed from the 1970s onwards. Within it sits the equestrian centre — a purpose-built facility that has grown over decades to become one of the most complete in the country.
The centre houses over 200 horses in box stables and paddocks, and serves a wide community: recreational riders, school children, competition athletes and horse owners who keep their animals here.
Key facts
- Location: Rua do Mirante, Casa 25 Pátio E, Quinta da Marinha, 2750-004 Cascais
- Distance from Lisbon: ~30 minutes via A5 motorway
- Horses: 200+ stabled on site
- Arenas: Indoor (covered) + outdoor arenas + competition arena
- Direct trail access: Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, Guincho dunes
Facilities at the Equestrian Centre
Arenas
- Indoor arena — covered, all-weather. Lessons and training continue regardless of rain.
- Outdoor arenas — sand and natural footing, multiple tracks for different disciplines
- Competition arena — used for FEP-affiliated showjumping and dressage events
Stabling
- Individual loose boxes
- Premium bedding and certified feed
- 24/7 on-site staff presence
- Paddock turnout areas
Supporting facilities
- Viewing gallery and seating for spectators
- Heated changing rooms and showers
- Secure tack room with individual storage
- On-site veterinary facilities
- Farrier workshop
Miguel Alves Horses — Based at the Centre
Miguel Alves Horses is a riding school based at the equestrian centre of Quinta da Marinha, run by Miguel Alves, an FEP-certified instructor since 1997.
Services offered
Riding lessons — for all ages and levels:
- Children from age 5, teens and adults
- Beginner to competition level
- Group lessons (max 4) and private lessons
- Instruction in English, Portuguese and French
Trail rides at Guincho:
- Guided rides through the dunes and pinewoods
- From 30 minutes to 2 hours
- No experience required
- From €35 per person
Horse boarding:
- Premium box stabling
- Three boarding plans from €500/month
- Weekly vet and farrier for Full Board
Holiday camps:
- Full-day programmes during school breaks
- Ages 5–16
- €280 per week (lunch included)
The Guincho Dunes — A Unique Setting
What sets the Centro Hípico da Quinta da Marinha apart from most European equestrian centres is the direct trail access to the Guincho dunes and the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.
From the stables, horses can access:
- Guincho Beach dunes — pure Atlantic dune landscape with panoramic ocean views
- Quinta da Marinha pinewoods — sheltered forest paths ideal for training rides
- Natural Park trails — marked routes extending kilometres into protected landscape
- Coastal paths — in suitable conditions, clifftop riding with sea views
This combination — world-class facilities plus immediate access to spectacular natural terrain — is genuinely rare in Europe at this distance from a capital city.
How to Get to Quinta da Marinha from Lisbon
By car:
- Take the A5 motorway from Lisbon westbound
- Continue to the end of the A5
- At the roundabout, turn left towards Birre
- Follow signs to Quinta da Marinha
- Total time from Marquês de Pombal: approximately 28–32 minutes
By public transport:
- Lisbon–Cascais train (Linha de Cascais) to Cascais station (35 min from Cais do Sodré)
- Taxi or Uber from Cascais station to Quinta da Marinha (~10 min, ~€8)
Parking: Free on site.
Book a Visit
Whether you want to visit the facilities before signing up for lessons, enquire about boarding availability, or simply book a trail ride — contact us directly.
Book a trail ride · Horse riding lessons · View prices
Open every day, 08:00–20:00. English, Portuguese and French spoken.