Price
Learn to Ride Programme:
Mountains & Beach Trails:
Dates & Prices
GREECE
Lesvos Island - Two Programmes
Overview
We offer two distinct riding programmes in Lesvos:
7-night Learn to Ride programme for Beginners and Intermediate riders
7-night Mountains & Beach Trail for more experienced riders
This holiday destination is run from a small, authentic, family run stables, just 3km from the island town of Molyvos on the Northern coast of the Island of Lesvos. You will be offered the unique opportunity to explore the surroundings of Molyvos on horseback. You will ride on wide sandy beaches and discover breath taking views, from the top of steep, rocky mountains. This island has so much to offer you and it is just waiting to be explored.
The riding centre has been owned and run by Rita since it opened to the public in 2012. Rita is an enthusiastic horsewoman who is a qualified tutor and guide. She speaks fluent Greek, English and Dutch and has an easy-going personality, though the safety of her horses and trail riders is of utmost importance to her.
The yard itself lies in a beautiful position, with great views of the Molyvos water reservoir. Molyvos is a gorgeous Greek town which boasts plenty of authentic houses and beautiful stone buildings, such as the medieval castle which sits proudly above the town. The quaint little houses, predominantly built in the old Turkish style, cover the surrounding hillsides.
The town tapers down to a busy fishing port, full of multi- coloured fishing, sailing and rowing boats. Numerous tavernas, and cafes & shops line the waterside and Molyvos has everything you could need, including shops, restaurants, cafes, a few night spots, banks, newsagents, internet cafes, pharmacies, as well as car and scooter hire vendors.
There is also a regular bus service for those wishing to see more of the delights that this island has to offer. Services run to the neighbouring coastal towns of Petra, Avlaki and Eftalou, which is home to the wonderful natural hot springs. Or why not go further afield and visit the petrified forest at Apolithomeno Dasos National Park or the salt fields near to the Alikes Wetlands – a fantastic sight for bird watching and wildlife spotting. Flamingo, stork and ibis have been known to frequent these expansive wetlands. We would highly recommend incorporating a few days of sight-seeing and island exploration into your riding trip to fully appreciate this very much untouched Greek island.
Location
Lesovos Island, Greece
Airport
Mytilene, Greece
Duration
7 nights
When to go
Open all year
Riding level
All levels
Weight
100 kg / 15.7 stone / 220 lbs
Group size
max 15 on trails, max 6 per lessons
Accommodation
Hotel
Included
All riding, Half Board accommodation and guide.
Extras
Single supplement £200
Excluded
Flights, airport transfers, lunches, drinks and tips.
Price guarantee
All our riding holidays hold a price guarantee. We believe in your piece of mind on price when you book with us and will refund the difference should you find the same riding holiday elsewhere at a lower price.
Exchange rate
Rates are subject to daily exchange rate fluctuations, please refer to our Terms and Conditions for full details.
Transfers
International flight to mainland Greece, Athens, followed by a domestic flight to Lesvos, Mytilene, the capital of the island. You might also consider a ferry from the mainland to Lesvos or from other Greek islands.
We advise renting a car to get from the airport in Mytilene airport to Molyvos (about 1 hour), which gives you the opportunity to tour the island when you have some free time.
We can also arrange a private transfer for €70 each way. If you choose this option, another good way to see the island is to rent a scooter in the town of Molyvos.
Departure dates
Learn to Ride programme runs around the year.
Trails run March - December, please enquire availability.
Riding & Itinerary
Learn to Ride Programme
The seven night Learn to Ride program includes 1-2 hours riding per day:
– 4 riding lessons (approximately 1 hour each)
– 2 hacks exploring the stunning local area (depending on the season 1 of these hacks will include swimming with your horse)
Mountains & Beach Trails
Day 1 – Arrival
You will go to the yard at 6pm, meet the horses and have a short ride. There will be a meeting to discuss safety on the trail and the itinerary for the week, as well as a chance to meet the yard team and guides.
Day 2 – Vafeios
Today you will ride along the sandy roads of Molyvos to the hill top village of Vafeios. You will witness absolutely breathtaking scenery over the bay of Molyvos and have the opportunity to stop in a local cafe for refreshments. The ride will cover around 20 km, spending approximately 4 hours in the saddle.
Day 3 – Ipsilometopo
The trail today will take you over the mountains, via a steep path to Vafeios. You may be required to dismount and lead your horse for around five minutes on this path. Once you arrive to Vafeios, you will take a sandy track over the mountain to the village of Stipsi and then onto Ipsilometopo. Refreshments will await your arrival, in a local taverna. You will cover approximately 28km and ride for around 5 hours.
Day 4 – Molyvos Race Track & Beach
Today you will follow the quiet back roads of Molyvos, passing the local race track, where you will be given the chance of a gallop. After this, you will ride cross-country to the sea, where in the summer months, you will get to unsaddle your horses and take a swim with them. Today you will cover around 10km and spend around 2 hours in the saddle (not including swimming!)
Day 5 – Petra
Today you will take to back roads of Molyvos to the neighbouring bay and town of Petra. You will negotiate steep hills and pass many great archeological sites, such as ancient water mills and maybe even spot some fossilised trees. On arrival in Petra, you will have to chance to stop at a wonderful local taverna for refreshments. You will cover around 20km and spend 4 hours in the saddle.
Day 6 – Skala Sikamineas
This is the longest trail day. Leaving in the morning, you will head East from Molyvos, following trails that will take you past the coastal town of Eftalou – site of the famous natural hot springs. Arriving to Skala Sikamineas in the afternoon, you will stop for lunch, enjoy a well deserved swim in the sea and exploration of this wonderful harbour village. In the afternoon, you will remount your horses and return to Molyvos via the same route. You will cover around 30km today, spending around 6 hours in the saddle.
Day 7 – Day to explore
Today you will have a free day and your last chance to explore the town of Molyvos. Lessons can be taken at the yard if you should wish to do so or you can volunteer to help the refugees living on the island.
Day 8 – Departure
After breakfast it’s time to say farewell
Horses
Haflinger, Arab and Ardennes horses, mares, stallions and geldings.
Riding level
All levels
Type of riding
4-6 hour daily trails around the island. Arena lessons for beginners.
Tack
English style tack, Endurance and English saddles, with mostly snaffle bridles.
Weight limit
100 kg / 15.7 stone / 220 lbs
Group size
max 15 on trails, max 6 per lessons
Accommodation & Meals
Bella Vista Hotel – Half Board
Good hotel accommodation, which is perfect for those of you who want to chill out by the pool when you are not riding. This family-owned hotel offers breakfast and dinners, often with Greek themed nights, staff are friendly and warm. The hotel is about a 30-minute walk from Molyvos and sits right on the beach.
Accommodation
Hotel
Single Supplement
Possible to have a single room, extra fees apply
Meals
Half board accommodation. Lunches at your own leisure and cost.
Drinks
Drinks payable.
The Destination
Lesvos has some of the most varied beaches in the Greek islands, from long sandy stretches to tiny pebble coves. Eftalou Beach – Just outside Molyvos, this pebbly beach is known for its hot springs, where warm water seeps into the sea.
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