Greece - Kofinas Trails, Crete

There are no reviews for this holiday at the moment

Day 1
Riders arrive at Heraklion Airport and transfer to the guesthouses. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with fellow riders.

Day 2
After breakfast, riders make their way to the stables, saddle their horses, and set off towards the highest mountain of the Asterousia Mountains. The route heads eastward, offering breathtaking views of the Messara Plateau and Psiloritis, Crete’s highest peak. An extended lunch break is taken at a chapel surrounded by ancient olive trees. On the return journey, riders enjoy sweeping panoramas of mountains and sea, with an optional climb on foot to the summit of Kofinas. Riding time: 4 to 5 hours.

Day 3
Riders travel westward towards the Tripiti Gorge, a dramatic landscape flanked by towering cliffs. The narrow trail winds through the gorge before opening up to the Libyan Sea, where riders have the chance to swim and enjoy lunch at a seaside restaurant. Riding time: 5 to 6 hours.

Day 4
This day offers riders the chance to explore the surrounding area, whether by hiking or visiting a nearby bay. In the evening, they meet at the stables for a sunset ride to a scenic viewpoint, where they take in breathtaking coastal views as the sun dips below the horizon. Riding time: up to 2 hours.

Day 5
The two-day adventure begins with a ride eastward, descending along wide tracks and through a serene pine forest with stunning views of the sea. By evening, riders arrive at the remote Koudoumas Monastery, where they can cool off with a swim before spending the night in the monastery’s simple guesthouse by the sea. Riding time: 5 to 6 hours.

Day 6
After breakfast in the monastery garden, riders saddle up and set out for Agios Ioannis. The route follows a rugged coastal path, where some sections require dismounting due to rocky terrain. Upon arrival, riders can swim in the sea and enjoy a delicious seaside lunch before making the return journey to the stables. Riding time: at least 5 hours.

Day 7
Riders bid farewell to Crete, departing after a week of unforgettable horseback adventures.

(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 will 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.



English and Western tack available

Experienced rider and be confident in all three gaits. Riders should also have a good level of physical fitness, as parts of the route are covered on foot. 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.

The guesthouses form a vital part of the residential complex, 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.

The use of stone and wood remains dominant throughout the guesthouses, with natural rock seamlessly integrated even into the indoor spaces. Classic features of traditional Cretan design—such as wooden lofts, stone arches, functional recesses in the walls, and stone-built fireplaces—add to the authentic atmosphere. There are only 2 rooms with private bathrooms that can be configured with double or twin beds. 

The Centre has an outdoor heated pool.

One night will be spent at a more simple guesthouse at the Koudoumas Monastery, offering a peaceful retreat. Please note that there is no electrricity at the monastery, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the tranquil, historic setting. There are single beds and there are rooms with two or three beds, and shared bathrooms.

At the ride centre, 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 hosts have an excellent local house wine

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

July is the hottest month in Heraklion with an average temperature of 25°C (77°F) and the coldest is January at 12°C (54°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 12 in July. 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. There is no electricity at the monastery. 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

This ride has an 6 night itinerary available all year round with Sunday arrival.

2025: Sunday arrival, available all year round

• £
• €
• US $
• 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 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 will apply).

Heraklion, 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 turtle

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.