Horses take you off the beaten track. I love how this ride follows old paths through mountain scenery and olive groves, and I also like the small-group feel with an English-speaking guide, often led by Nicolas. One thing to plan for: the stables fee is not included (35 euro on the day), and you must be under 90 kg to ride.

After a quick orientation at the riding school, you head out at an easy pace (mostly a walk), with time to enjoy viewpoints as the coastline draws closer. The ride is designed for a range of experience levels, but you’ll need to show up in the right footwear and trousers—this is a working stable, and improper dress can stop you from joining.

6 key things that make this horse ride worth your time

• Small group size up to 8 riders, which makes the briefing and control much easier.
• Old paths plus olive groves, so the views feel more like real Crete than a photo-stop circuit.
• English guidance with Nicolas, who’s known for clear explanations and horse-focused knowledge.
• Mostly walk-paced riding, great for beginners and still enjoyable if you’ve ridden before.
• A mountain-to-sea descent, so the scenery changes in a satisfying way.
• 35 euro stables fee on the spot, so budget for the full total (50 euro per person overall).

Getting From Hersonissos to the Riding School

This tour is built around an easy start from the Hersonissos area. Pickup and drop-off are offered from Chersonissos (Hersonissos) through Piscopiano, Koutouloufari, Stalis (Stalida/Stalis area), and Malia. If you’re staying in Analipsi or Anissaras, there’s an extra 5 euro per person. If you’re in Gouves, it’s 10 euro per person.

The exact pickup time and place depend on weather conditions, and you’ll need to email Eye Travel at least 24 hours before your tour to get the exact details. That matters because Crete weather can change quickly—wind, rain, or ground conditions can affect how they schedule the ride.

Once you arrive at the riding school, you’re not just dropped into a field and sent off. You get a proper start: a brief explanation, then equipment for the group. It’s a practical way to reduce stress, especially if it’s your first time riding.

The Start: Equipment, a Rider Briefing, and Real-World Horse Basics

At the riding school, the day begins with a short riding explanation. Everyone gets equipment before you set off, and the group follows the guide’s lead from there.

If you’re nervous, this is the moment to speak up. The best part of this setup is that the guide’s focus tends to be on getting you comfortable with the basics first—how to handle the horse calmly, how the ride is paced, and what “your job” is while you’re moving along paths.

Nicolas comes up often in the feedback as friendly and informative, with a clear style that helps beginners understand what to do. There’s also a strong theme in the experience: the horses appear well cared for, and the guide treats them as more than just equipment. That tends to show up in the ride itself because well-handled horses are easier to ride.

One rider note worth taking seriously: if your clothing is wrong, you can be turned back at the last minute. The safe play is simple—wear trousers (knee-length or longer) and closed shoes. If you’re thinking flip-flops, reconsider. Mountains plus hooves plus uneven ground means proper footwear isn’t optional.

The Trail Up: Olive Groves, Old Paths, and Mountain Views

After the briefing, you head out onto paths that connect the countryside to older routes—ways people likely walked long before there were roads like we know today. The ride moves through olive groves and open mountain views, so you’re not stuck staring at one direction the whole time.

What makes this stretch special is how it blends “away from the crowds” feel with enough structure to keep you comfortable. You’re guided, but you still get that slow-travel pace where you can actually look around. The ride is mostly at a walk, which keeps it relaxing and makes it accessible for a range of rider levels.

As you climb and travel along the mountain, you’ll get viewpoint moments—places where the scenery opens up and you can see how the island folds into itself. This is also where small-group size matters. With a maximum of 8 riders, the guide can keep everyone aligned without rushing.

If you’re traveling with a parent or someone who prefers gentler activities, this is a big plus. One review specifically praised it as a great experience even for someone who’s ridden before, because it’s still slow enough to enjoy the changing terrain.

The Best Part for Photos: Descending Toward the Sea Front

The ride doesn’t just stay in the hills. You descend toward the sea, and the scenery changes in a way that feels natural. You’ll pass through areas that aren’t as touristic as the most crowded strips, and then the route continues toward more coastal viewpoints.

Near the end, the experience can shift into “see the town and coastline” mode—some riders mention going down from the mountain toward the beach area and even along parts of town closer to the sea front. That’s one reason this ride works so well for first-timers: you get a full arc, not just a short loop around the stables.

If you enjoy sunset or late-afternoon light, this is the kind of activity that can fit that mood well. Some feedback points to a memorable sunset-style ride, and the mountain-to-sea direction naturally supports golden-hour viewing. Just remember: the ride operates in most weather conditions, but the provider may adjust plans if conditions are unsafe.

How Long You’ll Be Riding (Versus Hanging Around)

The tour runs about 1 hour 30 minutes total. In practice, you might feel like you get a bit more riding time than you expected. One review suggested they rode for closer to 2 hours effectively, and that it felt like more than the written description.

That makes sense because once you’re mounted, the pace is calm and the group tends to stay together. Still, the timing isn’t only about minutes in the saddle. There’s also the start-up period: pickup, equipment, and getting everyone ready.

So here’s the smart way to plan your day: treat this as an experience that eats part of your morning or afternoon, not as something you can easily stack right next to a long lunch or strict appointment. If your hotel pickup window shifts due to weather, don’t schedule a tight connection right afterward.

Price and Value: The $18.02 Price, the 35 Euro Stables Fee, and the Real Budget

Let’s talk money clearly, because this tour has a “split” cost structure.

• The listed price is $18.02 per person.
• You should also budget for 35 euro per person for Entrance Stables, which is paid on the spot.
• The information states the total is 50 euro per person, which implies you’ll be paying the remaining 35 euro after what you booked online.

So the value question becomes: is this worth roughly 50 euro total for a guided, small-group ride with pickup?

For many people, the answer is yes because you’re paying for more than the act of riding:

• You’re getting pickup/drop-off from multiple nearby resort areas.
• You’re getting an English-speaking guide.
• You’re riding with small group control and a calm pacing system.
• You’re getting scenery that changes from mountain paths into sea-front views.

What’s not included: drinks and food. You’ll want to plan your timing so you’re not hungry during the ride, and it’s reasonable to bring water if you know you’ll want it. Also, the stables fee is a big chunk, so don’t show up assuming the online price covers everything.

What to Wear in Crete for a Mountain Horse Ride

This is a “make or break” section, because it can affect whether you actually ride.

The tour asks for:

• Trousers (knee-length or longer is safest)
• Closed shoes
• Dress appropriately based on mountain conditions

And there’s a hard rider limit:

• You must be under 90 kg / 198 pounds to ride.

Children must be:

• At least 6 years old
• Accompanied by an adult

If you’re thinking about sandals, light summer shoes, or anything with open toes, reconsider. A previous experience described problems when someone wasn’t dressed correctly. Even if you’re fully capable, you don’t want a preventable clothing issue to ruin your day.

Weather-wise, it operates in most conditions, but you should still dress for the outdoors. Crete’s hills can feel cooler once you’re moving, and shoes with good grip matter on uneven ground.

Small Groups, English Guide, and Horse Welfare on Display

You’re limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, and that shapes the whole feel of the experience. It’s not a big “queue and line up” operation. With fewer riders, the guide can explain more clearly and adjust the ride rhythm when someone needs extra help.

It also tends to keep the horses calmer. Several comments praised the horses as well trained and cared for, and that’s exactly what you want from a place running regular mountain rides. If the horses are handled well, the ride feels smoother and more predictable for you.

Nicolas (often called Nico) is described as friendly, funny, and passionate about his horses, with lots of information about the route and the areas you ride through. If you like small details—how the island’s countryside changes, what you’re looking at, how the horses are managed—this guide style can add value beyond the basic “sit and hold the reins” version.

Who This Horse Ride Suits Best

This ride is a good match if you want:

• A gentle, scenic horseback experience rather than a technical riding session
• A beginner-friendly introduction to riding that still feels authentic
• A chance to see olive groves and mountain viewpoints with a guided route
• An overall experience that stays calm and organized thanks to small-group limits

It may be less suitable if:

• You’re over 90 kg (weight limit is enforced)
• You don’t want to follow dress requirements closely
• You’re expecting a fast gallop or a long riding day (this is mostly at a walk)

It’s also a solid “shared experience” tour. Reviews highlight bonding time with parents and even first-time riders, which fits the overall pace and the clear start-up process at the stables.

Should You Book Horse Riding Near Hersonissos? (My Take)

I’d book it if you want a straightforward, well-run horseback ride with real scenery changes and a calm pace. The best reasons are practical: small groups, a guided route through mountain paths and olive groves, and the payoff of sea-front views. Add in pickup convenience from the Hersonissos–Malia corridor, and the tour becomes a low-effort way to get off the main resort tracks.

Just go in with two expectations set:

1) Budget for the 35 euro stables fee on the spot (and plan for about 50 euro total per person).

2) Follow the clothing rules from the start—proper trousers and closed shoes are your ticket to riding.

If you want a relaxing “Crete from the saddle” day that doesn’t require experience, this one fits.

FAQ

How long is the horse riding experience?

It runs about 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.).

Do I need prior horse riding experience?

No. The tour is designed for most travelers, with an orientation and instruction at the riding school before you set off.

What’s included in the price?

Pickup and drop-off are included for Chersonissos (Hersonissos), Piscopiano, Koutouloufari, Stalis, and Malia, plus an English-speaking guide.

What extra costs should I expect?

The Entrance Stables fee is 35 euro per person and is paid on the spot. Drinks and food are also not included. Transfer to Analipsi/Anissaras costs 5 euro per person, and transfer to Gouves costs 10 euro per person if you’re not in the included pickup areas.

Are there any rider limits?

Yes. Riders must weigh under 90 kg / 198 pounds.

How do I know the exact pickup time and location?

You’ll need to email Eye Travel at least 24 hours before the tour to get the exact pickup place and time, since it depends on weather conditions.