Zoraïda's Horse-Riding
Kavros - Crete - Greece


Riding Holidays - 6-days trail - (Un)guided Trail
8 days, 6 days riding - North-South Trail


For whom?

This is the perfect choice for advanced riders who can appreciate longer trail rides. A stunning scenery and a very varied trip, with the voice of silence often saying it all. You will surely be impressed by the genuine Cretan hospitality and the delicious Cretan cuisine. To put it short, an unforgettable experience...

Spread over 6 days, with a total minimum of 36.5 riding hours. In the form of an unguided trail, this holiday is exclusively for fit advanced riders able to take care of a horse by themselves. A detailed and updated road book, and crystal-clear road indications will make for a smooth ride. This unique trail is also available in a guided version.

When?

Pick the dates that are the most convenient for you. Guaranteed departure starting from 2 riders. Due to the heat, this trail is not available during July and August.

Riding Program

Day 1: Arrival and welcome. Free time to relax before the start of this great adventure. The night will be spent in Georgioupolis.

Day 2: At 7.00 we will start this horsey adventure with a lovely beach ride on Crete's longest sandy beach, followed by a country ride towards the village of Kournas. Making our way down to Kournas' lake, will give us the opportunity to admire its full beauty from a bird's-eye view. Its turquoise colours and the surrounding mountains ensure an outstanding view, making this little paradise a perfect scene for lunch. As with every lunch break, the horses will be unsaddled and placed in a shady spot so that they can eat and rest for about 3 hours, giving you the opportunity to discover the lake by paddle boat. Around 15.00 we will head towards Kastellos and ride through the village of Patima, to reach the greenery of Argiroupolis village. This village is well known for its springs, ancient mills, avocados and associated products. Here we will spend the night.

Hours of riding: 6.5, morning (3.5) & late afternoon (3), large lunch break, some small stops during the ride.

Day 3: Around 08.00 we will start our trip by heading to the village of Kato Poros which has been renovated in traditional style and the fun will continue along shady tracks through unspoiled countryside. This magnificent trail will lead us to the village of Agios Vasileios, where we will have lunch enjoying the open, panoramic views. Afterwards, we will experience an entirely different scenario: riding through the peaceful Kotsifou Gorge, surrounded by an impressive mountain plateau. Enjoying the breathtaking views over the Libyan Sea; we will make way to the popular tourist resort of Plakias, where we will spend the night. There will still be enough time for a sunset swim in the sea or a stroll around town.

Hours of riding: 5.5, morning (3.5) & late afternoon (2), large lunch break, small stop during the ride.

Day 4: Welcome to the south part of Crete. Leaving Plakias behind to advance towards the beaches of Damnoni and Ammoudi, the winding tracks of Lefkogeia will lead us to follow an ancient aqueduct and to ride along the old ruins of Kato Moni Preveli. Admire the historical Roman bridge over the river, before we have lunch in the natural, green environment of Taverna Gefyra, amidst perennial cypresses, plane trees and mulberries.
With our batteries recharged, we will ride along impressive ancient olive trees. The Libyan Sea with its rough coastline will be the perfect backdrop to our ride. This route will treat us to vistas of open stretches of unspoiled countryside. Following the superb coastline, we will reach the sandy beach of Triopetra. The night will be spent in Triopetra.

Hours of riding : 5.5, morning (2.5) & late afternoon (3), large lunch break, small stop during the ride.

Day 5: The time has come to start our journey back home. Following a long dirt road winding through hills and typical countryside, we will reach Crete's "Place of miracles": the Monastery of Agios Antonios, located in the middle of nowhere... We will savour the peace and quiet during our short stop, before continuing towards the traditional mountain village of Akoumia for lunch.
Afterwards, our track will gently lead us over the hills, to the villages of Kentrochori and Kissos and along the fields of the Ghious Kambos at a height of 800 meters. Here we can admire the natural habitat of sheep and goats. This area is also home to many species of birds and plants, and well known for its excellent cherries. Dinner and night will be spent in Spili, a crossroads between the north and south coasts and famous for its Lions Fountain.

Hours of riding: 5.5, morning (2.5) & late afternoon (3), large lunch break, small stop during the ride.

Day 6: Combining dirt and paved roads, we will ride through rolling landscapes and admire the purity of nature, leading us to the village of Armeni for lunch. From there on, we will set way through a calm and natural environment, enjoying the simplicity of village life in Crete towards Agios Konstantinos. Here we will spend the night after an intensive day, with the voice of silence having said it all.

Hours of riding: 7, morning (3) & late afternoon (4), large lunch break, small stop during the ride.

Day 7: Setting way through rural landscapes down to the Chapel of the Five Virgins where we will start another off-road adventure. It is possible to go to see the 350 AD excavations and the 2000-year-old Plane tree during a quick visit. From Karoti on, we will descend all the way down to the beach. A perfect location to swim with the horses if the sea is calm enough. The horses will appreciate their lunch break in the shade, while the riders will enjoy a delicious lunch at a beach tavern. Relaxing on this sandy beach is next until it is time to saddle up and round off this unforgettable trip with a guided sun set beach ride. The night will be spent in the picturesque village of Georgioupolis.

Hours of riding: 6.5, morning (3.5) & late afternoon (3), large lunch break, small stop during the ride.

Day 8: Free time & departure.

Accommodation
Accommodation for 7 nights in a studio or hotel is included.

Food
Food & drinks are not included.
The daily transfer of your luggage and food drops for the horses are included.

Flight & hotel transfer
Flights are not included. However, the transfer from Chania airport or Souda harbour, to and from the hotel, is included.
Transfers from Heraklion are subjected to a 60.- € surplus per person (both ways included).

Price per person for the unguided version
In Twin room: 1,499 €
Single supplement: + 222 €

Price per person for the guided version
  2 riders 4 riders 6 riders
In Twin room 2,183 € 1,698 € 1,499 €
Single supplement + 222 € + 222 € + 222 €

For reservations and possible questions, do not hesitate to contact Kristy. German, English, French, and Dutch spoken.