🐎 Horse Riding in Greece
Greece offers a stunning mix of mountains, beaches, forests, and ancient ruins—perfect for horseback adventures. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced rider, there’s something for everyone.
📍 Top Horse Riding Destinations in Greece
1. Crete
- Landscape: Mountains, olive groves, and beaches.
- Popular Areas:
- Avdou Valley (Heraklion)
- Georgioupoli (Chania)
- Recommended Stables:
- Odysseia Stables (Avdou) – known for multi-day treks.
- Zoraida’s Horse Riding – great for beach rides.
2. Pelion Peninsula
- Landscape: Lush forested mountains and traditional villages.
- Best for: Scenic trails and calm rides.
- Recommended: Ifestia Farm, offering mountain trail rides with sea views.
3. Rhodes
- Landscape: Coastal paths and pine forests.
- Best for: Beginners and families.
- Recommended: Rhodes Horse Riding Club – offers beach and forest rides.
4. Corfu
- Landscape: Green hills and seaside trails.
- Best for: Sunset beach rides.
- Recommended: Trailriders Horse Trekking in Ano Korakiana.
5. Thessaly (Meteora & Mount Olympus)
- Landscape: Dramatic cliffs, monasteries, and mythological settings.
- Recommended: Rides near Meteora or along the foothills of Mount Olympus.
🐴 Types of Horse Riding Experiences
| Experience Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Beach Riding | Available in Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu – often at sunrise/sunset. |
| Mountain Trails | Found in Pelion, Thessaly, and northern Greece. Great for more experienced riders. |
| Cultural Treks | Multi-day trips through villages and ancient sites. |
| Family Rides | Short and safe rides offered at most stables, with ponies for kids. |
🧳 What to Bring
- Long pants and closed shoes (preferably boots)
- Helmet (some stables provide them)
- Sunscreen, hat, and water
- Light jacket for higher altitudes or evening rides
- Travel insurance (including adventure coverage)
🗓️ Best Time to Go
| Season | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–Jun) | Wildflowers, mild weather | Occasional rain |
| Summer (Jul–Aug) | Great beach rides | Hot mid-day, book early |
| Autumn (Sep–Oct) | Fewer crowds, perfect temps | Shorter days |
| Winter | Limited options, mostly in southern Greece | Not all stables operate year-round |
✅ Tips for Booking
- Book in advance in summer.
- Check rider requirements (age, weight limits, experience).
- Read reviews on Google or TripAdvisor.
- Ask about insurance and safety standards at the stable.
- Look for eco-certified or ethical operations, especially those caring well for their horses.
🌿 Ethical Riding Reminder
Support stables that:
- Treat their horses humanely
- Use properly fitted tack
- Limit ride duration and weight loads
- Avoid forcing horses into stressful environments (e.g., crowded beaches)