Travel with EcoGreece for a horseback adventure.

EcoGreece offers adventure travel in Greece with our horseback riding tour on the Island of Crete. Our horseback tours are a great way to travel the backcountry, encounter nature and explore the most spectacular areas of Crete.

We know Crete because we live here

Our Cretan guides have spent years exploring Crete, riding the back roads and trails and now are ready to take you on an adventurous horseback riding tour to places like the Lassithi Trail, the Dikti Mountains and the gorge of Gonies. Let EcoGreece show you Crete by horseback.

Let's travel the Lassithi Trail on the Island of Crete:

Through the mountains to the Libyan Sea

EcoGreece offers a ride on a guided trail of 150-km (90 miles) on the island of Crete. This is the land where Zeus, the father of the Greek gods was born. We will travel by horseback as our Cretan guide leads us on a 5-day adventure tour as we explore mountain villages, coastal paths, and the Cretan countryside. The average time in our saddle is 5 hours per day. Every day our luggage will be transported to the next hotel.

Up until May, the mountain villages during the first and second night may be cold, therefore, warm cloths and a rain jacket are recommended. If it's hot, the jackets can be tied behind the saddle. The minimum number of participants is six people.

Riding Requirements:

1. You must be able to control the horse in a walk, trot and gallop.
2. Your body weight may not exceed 95 kilograms or 210 LBS

Itinerary.

Day 1. This is your arrival day. You will be transferred from the Iraklion airport to the little town of Avdou in central Crete. You will get acquainted with Sabine and Manolis, your hosts for the next 7 days. Let them show you the stables and your horse. Overnight in the Odysseia House in Avdou.

Day 2. The trail starts with a spectacular climb. After riding through the gorge of Gonies we climb up from see level to 1100 meter high, over the small old donkey route. In the past the only possible path to the Lassithi Plateau. We enjoy the breathtaking views and eat a lunch cooked in a traditional oven. Overnight in Tzermiado, Hotel Kourites.

Day 3. Time to discover the Lassithi Plateau. This fertile Plateau between the tops of the Dikti Mountains is known for its white windmills irrigating the land. Meet the locals still working with their donkeys on the land. Make a quick canter over the flat plateau or visit the cave where Zeus was born. Overnight in Agios Georgios, Hotel Maria.

Day 4. Today we will cross the Dikti mountain range heading south. As we make our journey we will experience the serenity of the horses, the mountains and nature. The only residents we may encounter will be some rough but friendly shepherds. We will advise you to keep an eye out for the Bearded Vulture flying high up in the sky. The Bearded Vulture is the rarest species of vultures in Europe. We will stay overnight in the Embaros Area in a family hotel or we may transport to the Toula Hotel in Ano Viannos.

Day 5. Our journey continues today as we ride downhill through a desert land dried by the south winds from the very close continent of Africa. The group will ride through this arid land until we meet the clear blue water of the Libyan Sea. When we arrive on the beach, we may choose to either canter over the sand or have an unforgettable swim with the horses. We will stay overnight in Keratokampos, at the Finikas Apartments. The evening meal will be fresh fish prepared over burning wood.

Day 6.

In the morning, we will ride along the sea and then we turn inland again. From the sea we will follow the Anapodaris River which cuts out a 5-km gorge. Even today, the water is still cutting the gorge deeper. As we follow along the gorge the land becomes hilly with many olive groves and vineyards. We will stay overnight in Arkalochori, at the Hotel Efthimia.

Day 7 . Today we will ride back to Avdou through a typical Cretan countryside. We will pass through villages where time seems to have stood still. We may feel inclined to stop and drink a glass of Raki with the Cretans at one of the village squares. Next to our path rise the Dikti Mountains and their dramatic image will remain vibrant in our memories for many days to come. We will stay overnight in Avdou.

Day 8. This is your departure day. Have breakfast with us and say goodbye to your horse, your companion for 7 days. Later we will transfer you to Iraklion airport for your flight back home.

What is included:

•All lodging with private baths. Private baths is not an option for day 1 and day 7 in Avdou.
•All breakfasts and all dinners.
•Expertise and experience of Tour Leaders.
•Van and bus shuttles to support a variety of route options.
•Gratuities at pensions and restaurants.
•Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information.

What is not included

Airfare, alcoholic beverages, lunches that are not provided by Eco Greece, personal expenses, and gratuities for tour leaders and your bus driver.

general - itinerary - what is included