Greece - Kofinas Escape, Crete

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Day 1
Settle in and prepare for an unforgettable riding adventure. Take time to relax and enjoy the surroundings before the journey begins. If possible we will fit in a short ride.

Day 2
After breakfast, head to the stables to saddle up for a spectacular ride to Kofinas, the highest peak of the Asterousia Mountains. Traveling eastward, take in breathtaking views over the Messara Plateau and Crete’s highest mountain, Psiloritis. Pause for an extended lunch break at a secluded chapel, shaded by ancient olive trees. The return journey offers an awe-inspiring panorama of rugged mountains and the sea. For those who wish, there is the option to climb to the summit of Kofinas on foot (around 20min). Riding time: 4 to 5 hours.

Day 3
Venture westward toward the dramatic Tripiti Gorge, where towering cliffs rise on either side of a narrow path. The ride through this stunning natural passage is truly breathtaking. At the end of the gorge, cool off with a swim in the sea before enjoying a well-earned lunch at a beachfront restaurant. Riding time: 5 to 6 hours.

Day 4
Spend the day at your leisure, exploring the surrounding area with a visit to a secluded bay or a scenic hike. In the evening, gather at the stables for a magical sunset ride to a viewpoint overlooking the rugged south coast, bathed in golden light. Riding time: up to 2 hours.
If flight schedules do not allow for the sunset ride, an alternative ride will take place earlier in the day.

The exact itinerary may vary depending on weather and other local conditions. Please note these are high mountains wtih drop-offs!

Non-rider acitivites:
There are various options for non-riders, including hiking, birdwatching, mountain biking, 4x4 jeep trails, boat rides, and participation in rural/farming activities (additional charges may apply eg boat rental, all day 4WD excursions or outside ornithological guides).

- swimming pool which is seasonally heated
- various hikes with pick-up and drop-off to start/finish points available
- sunrise hike up to the peak of Kofinas (drive and 30min walk) for spectacular pictures (although it is impossible to take a bad picture here) 
- Birdwatching: Crete and these mountains have a huge variety of bird species (140 species) with one of the best experts on Crete bringing groups here.
- Mountain biking is possible on many of the horse trails and some further trails, there is no charge to use the mountain bikes.
- 4x4 jeep trails to the monastery and beaches with stunning views en-route and a swim in the warm Libyan sea at the coast
- 4hr boat rides along the coast both ways
- participation in rural/farming activities Each morning such as milking/shearing the sheep/feeding all the animals (sheep/goats/chickens/traditional Cretan cattle/horses/ geese).
- preparing, cooking and eating traditional Cretan foods down at the stable complex, a congenial, fun experience even for those not usually found in the kitchen!

Want to know about Cretan Food? Watch this fun video from Wolters Eats

Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

There is a diverse selection of 9 trail horses, including Arabian crosses, Cretan ponies, and Andalusian horses, wth 5 usually being used for guests. These horses are 14-15.2hh, well-trained, energetic, reliable and highly motivated, ensuring a light and responsive ride. Known for their endurance and agility, they are perfect for both the varied terrain of Crete’s mountains and the coastal trails. Riders can choose between Western or English saddles, tailored to personal comfort and riding preference.

Riders should be able to mount and dismount on the trail as steep sections (usually downhill) are walked leading the horses. Walking/riding boots are essential - prepared to walk up to an hour. Please contact us if you are riding fit but cannot manage this - alternative routes can sometimes be used.  





Horses with English and Western tack

Confident at a walk, trot and canter in a group and on rugged trails. Riders should also have a good level of physical fitness. There is usually some walking on parts of this route, contact us if you cannot manage this but are riding fit.
Non-riders welcome.
Maximum rider weight 90kg. Minimum riding age 12 years.

The weight limit for this ride is 198 lb/90 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

Accommodation is in a spectacular setting with sea views. Set in a remote village which has been lovingly restored to preserve traditional Cretan architecture and lifestyle, with a relaxed welcoming atmosphere. 

In this boutique hotel the 20 "rooms" are appartments with mini-kitchens and preserve typically Cretan features such as wall recesses to display art of store goods, wooden floors, exposed beams etc. All the appartments are different, each carefully renovated to preserve its fortress and monastic elements, reflecting the history of the settlement. 

There are a total of 9 houses with 20 "rooms", ranging from 1 to 3 bedroom. Most rooms have double beds and 2 rooms with private bathrooms can be configured with double or twin beds. 

The residential complex/village has multiple walkways, hidden terraces with extensive views over the Libyan Sea and an outdoor heated pool.



Breakfasts and dinners are taken at the on site restaurant or one of the terraces. Traditional Cretan cuisine is prepared with local ingredients and special diets can be catered for with advance notice. Lunches are picnic taken in scenic spots en route. Meals include and drinks like water, soft drinks, wine, beer etc. Only some bottled wines are extra, but the local house wine is excellent.

Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip.

There are rules about taking food and drink into the EU. See Taking food and drink into the EU for further information.

Passport and Visa requirements can change regularly depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa.

In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/greece

In the USA: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Greece.html

In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/greece

Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions

April is lovely with little streams and spring flowers everywhere. July is the hottest month with the most sunshine and less hours of riding are done in the morning and evening then. The coldest is January. Rain is not usually an issue but there can be strong winds in the mountains in winter. The wettest month is December with an average of 100mm of rain. The best month to swim in the sea is in August when the average sea temperature is 27°C (79°F).

The village is set at 700m above sea level, leading to a temperature which is 5C - 6C less than on the coast. There is also an almost constant breeze, so the temperature is quite pleasant even when the coast is hot. Perfect weather for riding is usually April to June and September to November inclusive. Air-conditioning in rooms, a (seasonally) heated swimming pool and wood burning stoves extend the season considerably. The ground is stony dirt and dries quickly in the wind after rain making riding possible on almost all days of the year. Strong winds affect the riding routes taken or order of riding days more than rain.

COVID: Be sure to check the latest COVID regulations for travelling in any country you visit.

There are rules about taking food and drink into the EU. See Taking food and drink into the EU for further information.

There is a risk of West Nile virus in some parts of Greece. You should consider preventative measures to minimise exposure to mosquitoes.

Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Greece and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.

Please take along sun cream and anti-allergy medicine for possible insect bites.

While pharmacies across the country stock a good supply of medicines, you should make sure you have sufficient medical supplies (including prescription medicines) for the duration of your stay and any unforeseen delays, adequate travel insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 or 166 and ask for an ambulance

This is an area that has a lot of bee hives at certain times of year - mostly May, June and July, due to the wild thyme honey produced in the area. So if you are allergic to bees we suggest you take your anti allergy medication and/or epi-pens as needed, and keep them handy when riding. There are no bees in the immediate vicinity of the hotel and stables.

In Greece the supply voltage is 230V. If the appliance is a single voltage rated appliance, it will need to operate at the same voltage as the supply voltage of the country i.e. 230V. If this is not the case it should be used alongside a voltage transformer or converter to allow the appliance to work safely and properly.

Wifi is available at the guesthouse, the speed varies, the 5G signal is good. Mobile single varies on the trails. If using a GoPro please ensure you have the permission of the group to be filmed.

Pack as you usually would for a holiday, for e.g. sunglasses, sun screen, toiletries, casual clothes, footwear for the evening and then these are your Horse Riding holiday essentials. If you are unsure, please speak with your Travel Consultant:

ESSENTIALS FOR ALL RIDING HOLIDAYS
- Riding helmet – complying with current EU & British standards (they can provide them but if possible bring your own for comfort and correct fit)
- Riding boots designed for riding and walking NB must have a non-slip sole.
- Half Chaps
- Riding gloves
- At least 2 pairs of riding trousers – jodhpur’s/breeches are best
- Short and long sleeved shirts for protection from the sun
- Lightweight waterproof, summer storms can be unpredictable
- Swimwear
- Lightweight jacket or fleece – for cooler evenings
- Water bottle
- Mobile phone
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray (mosquito & horsefly repellent)
- Snacks/ energy bars /sweets

On the longer trails a saddle bag is provided to attach to the back of the saddle for water bottles/sun screen etc
On most summer evenings it is cool enough to need a light sweater in the evenings. Towels and pool towels are provided, there is shampoo and shower gel in the bathrooms.
Sunscreen is essential.

4d / 3n / 3 riding days available year-round with Sunday departures.

2025: Sunday arrival, Wednesday departure, available all year round.

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• SEK

Winds of Crete - David MacNeill Doren

The Chania Town News - Douglas Bullis 

Last Temptation and Zorba The Greek - Nikos Kazantzakis

The King Must Die and The Bull From The Sea - Mary Renault

For the equestrian traveller who would like to see what is possible on horseback visit www.thelongridersguild.com also a fantastic place to acquire your equestrian travel books is www.horsetravelbooks.com

Non-rider activities:
There are plentiful options for non-riders, including hiking, birdwatching, mountain biking, 4x4 jeep trails, boat rides, and participation in rural/farming activities (additional charges may apply).

- swimming pool which is seasonally heated
- hikes of various lengths and difficulties with pick-up and drop-off to start/finish points available
- sunrise hike up to the peak of Kofinas (drive and 30min walk) for spectacular pictures (although it is impossible to take a bad picture here) 
- Birdwatching: Crete and these mountains have a huge variety of bird species (140 species) with one of the best experts on Crete bringing groups here.
- Mountain biking is possible on many of the horse trails and some further trails, there is no charge to use the mountain bikes.
- 4x4 jeep trails to the monastery and beaches with stunning views en-route and a swim in the warm Libyan sea at the coast
- 4hr boat rides along the coast both ways (weather dependent).
- participation in rural/farming activities Each morning such as milking/shearing the sheep/feeding all the animals (sheep/goats/chickens/traditional Cretan cattle/horses/ geese).
- preparing, cooking and eating traditional Cretan foods down at the stable complex, a congenial, fun experience even for those not usually found in the kitchen!

Some excursions are chargeable when direct costs are involved. For example a 4 hr boat trip along the coast costs around €350 for the boat shared with up to 8 people, a day long 4WD excursion would cost a similar amount, again with space for up to 8 people and shared.
Farming, cooking, hiking and biking activities are FOC. Birdwatching: specialist ornithological guides are chargeable.

Crete is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including the endemic Cretan wild goat (kri-kri), the Cretan spiny mouse, various bird species like griffon vultures and golden eagles, and even sea turtles.

The road to the hotel is tarred and it is possible to drive to the hotel with a rental car. From there on there are very steep, twisty and narrow dirt roads to the coast and neighbouring villages and sights with steep drop offs, a 4WD and relevant driving experience is needed to successfully navigate the dirt tracks of the area.

Greece is located in south-eastern Europe bordering the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea. Greece shares borders to the east with Turkey and to the north with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Bulgaria and Albania. The climate is temperate, with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers.

Modern Greece, as an independent national entity, came into being in 1829 after a protracted independence struggle against the Ottoman Empire. Greece has been fighting for territory with Turkey ever since, continuing in their battle over the split island of Cyprus.

Ancient Greece has given the world democracy, the Olympic Games, theatre and a high literary culture through great works by Homer and some of the greatest philosophers such as Aristotle and Plato. However this was not just a world of sobriety and high academia. The Greek god of wine for example, Dionysus, was a hell raiser who encouraged the local townswomen to dance naked through the street in his honour. Hugely debauched festivals were held in his honour and some of that spirit has definitely been passed down through the generations and has found itself still celebrated in the tavernas across the country.

Greece is two hours ahead of GMT and they use the metric weights and measures system, so kilometres and kilograms instead of miles and pounds. There is approximately 1.6 kilometres in a mile and 2.2 pounds in a kilogram. The international dialling code for Greece is +30.