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.

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. 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.)

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).
 

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. These horses are well-trained, energetic, and highly motivated, ensuring an exciting 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.

Both English and Western tack is available.



Horses with English and Western tack

Confident at a walk, trot and canter on steep trails a group. 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 95kg. Minimum riding age 12 years.

The weight limit for this ride is 209 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

Accommodation is in a spectacular setting with sea views where all the dwellings have been converted to guesthouses, embodying the traditional charm of Cretan architecture. Each house has been carefully renovated to preserve the fortress and monastic elements, reflecting the rich history of the settlement. While maintaining this historical integrity, special attention has been given to retaining the unique identity of each guest room.

There are a total of 9 houses, 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 an outdoor heated pool.



Breakfasts and dinners are taken at the on site restaurant. 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. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures and requirements while travelling. 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).

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

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, but not at the monastery guesthouse. 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
- 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
- Bug spray (mosquito & horsefly repellent)
- Snacks/ energy bars /sweets

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

2025: Sunday arrival, available all year round.

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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).

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.

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.