Central Crete Ride Crete Greece This is the perfect trip for those who want to ride quite a lot during their holidays, but still want to have plenty of free time for relaxing, sightseeing or shopping.  This tour lets you explore the lovely and varied sceneries surrounding the village of Kavros. Even though this is a stationary holiday, the rides really offer lots of variety with the beach rides remaining one of the true highlights.  In addition to riding, you will get to experience genuine Cretan hospitality and delicious Cretan cuisine. Family Vacation Center-based ride Meeting: Airport: Chania airport Transfer: Chania airport or Souda harbour Riders: Min 1 riders Max 6 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Transfer and Other Charges:

Transfer is included from Chania airport or Souda port. Transfer times depend on client arrival and departure times.
Transfers can also be arranged from Heraklion for an extra fee.

Our programs are quite flexible and there is no specific order in which we do the rides.

The 8-day program includes 6 riding days (about 21.5 hours of riding total):
- 1 full day ride with lunch (about 5.5 hours)
- 4 half-day rides (about 3 hours each)
- 2 beach rides (about 2 hours each)

Full Day Ride with lunch
This daytrip is a well mixed cocktail of wooded countryside, traditional villages and a pleasant escape in ancient times. It will lead us to the evergreen spring-village of Argiroupolis. Lunch is served in a tavern near a little waterfall. Enough time for a stroll in this remarkably green village, well known for its springs, ancient mills, avocados and associated products. We will also visit the Chapel of the Five Virgins, the excavations around the chapel and the 2000 year old Plantain tree.

Half-day Rides
Ride & Swim
Leaving early in the morning guarantees an almost empty beach to ride on and a very mild sunshine: perfect riding conditions which we will fully exploit. The ride itself will be on saddled horses, the swimming bareback. As the swimming will take place at the end of the beach ride it will offer a very welcomed refreshment for both riders and horses. Experience the unique sensation of floating on a swimming horse!

Kournas Lake
Perfect for those who adore riding through the unspoiled Cretan countryside. Mainly over dirt roads and through olive groves, we will ride up towards the village of Kournas. Making our way down to the lake, will give us the opportunity to admire its full beauty from a bird's eye view. The turquoise colours and the surrounding mountains guarantee you an absolutely amazing view.

Woodland Ride
This ride will take you to the wooded area near the village of Kournas itself. Enjoy a more intriguing country ride in the wooded and partly shady area around the traditional village of Kournas at an altitude of 200 meters, in the foothills of Mount Dafnomadara. Fantastic landscapes and an escape back in time!

For your 4th ride, you will get to choose your favorite half-day ride.

Beach Rides
On a long sandy beach intoxicated by the smell of freedom, you will enjoy a dream-like harmony. You can either go on an early morning beach ride or enjoy a sunset beach ride.



Non-Riders
Non-riders are welcome to join this trip. Please inquire about rates and activities.

                                            Georgioupoli area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	59	60	63	70	77	86	89	88	83	75	68	61
Average Low Temperature (°F)	47	47	49	54	60	68	72	72	67	61	55	50
Average High Temperature (°C)	15	15	17	21	25	30	32	31	28	24	20	16
Average Low Temperature (°C)	8	8	10	12	16	20	22	22	20	16	13	10
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	10	9	6	2	1	0	0	0	1	3	6	9

Source: NOAA


Seasons
The island of Crete has a temperate Mediterranean climate. This means it experiences hot, dry summers and mild winters. Crete has the mildest climate of anywhere in Greece. Average temperatures are at their peak in July and August while January and February see the coldest temperatures of the year on average.

Different parts of Crete can experience very different weather patterns, due to the weather barrier created by the mountain ranges that stretch from east to west across the island. The south is on average a couple of degrees warmer than the north and is also drier. Similarly eastern Crete is drier and warmer than those regions in the west.

Crete straddles 2 climatic zones – Mediterranean and North African. Southern Crete falls into the North African climate zone, enjoying warmer weather and averaging over 2800 hours of sunshine a year. The varying climates on the island are reflected by the landscape and vegetation. The south can be very arid, especially in summer, while the north is more green and verdant. Southern Crete’s similarities with the North African climate are evident in the fact that African swallows remain year round rather than migrating south.

Sea temperatures around Crete are generally warm, and bathers can always swim comfortably from May right up to November. The water remains above 20 ºC during these months, peaking at 25 ºC in high summer. The sea temperature will drop to about 15 ºC in February before beginning to warm again with the onset of spring.

Spring
Springtime weather on the island can still see a number of rainy days, especially in the North, though clear and mild days are frequent as well. Temperatures can begin to hit the 20 ºCs and the sea begins to warm up.

Summer
Summer begins in earnest from June. The period June to September sees almost no rainfall and average temperatures of around 25 ºC. Daytime temperatures in mid summer are often in the low 30 ºCs, though it can sometimes reach up to 40 ºC!

Winter
Winter months, especially December to February, can be quite wet. In winter the temperature rarely falls much below double figures in lowland and coastal Crete. Normally, snow is very rare anywhere on the island apart from in the higher mountains. The mountainous regions can experience heavy snowfall in winter due to their high elevation. Snow can often remain on the higher peaks such as Mt Ida until June.

Autumn
Temperatures begin to cool off in late September again and the now dry island begins to receive some much needed rainfall. Early autumn is a pleasant time with calm, clear days. The weather becomes more unstable from November on as rainy and windy days increase, though sunny days with temperatures in the low 20s C are not uncommon.


Special note – Sirocco wind
The winds that visit Crete have an important role in shaping the island’s weather patterns. Cold, wet and windy winter days are experienced when the strong northern winds hit the island. The sirocco winds arrive from the southeast bringing hot, sand filled air from the deserts of Africa. When the sirocco winds arrive the island becomes very dusty and hot and visibility can fall. However, when they blow in winter they bring warm air and pleasant temperatures. Southerly winds in the summer months can sometimes bring stifling temperatures of up to 45 ºC. On other summer days the welcome ‘meltimi’ winds arrive from the north-west bringing a much needed cooling breeze to the island. When the wind blows from the east, Crete usually experiences calm and clear weather.

There are many swimming opportunities on this ride so we recommend bringing a swimsuit and beach towels.

Riding trousers, boots and chaps can be rented locally for a small fee.
 

This list is only a guideline for you

Travel documents and Voucher

Flight tickets

Passport

Visa (check with your consulate)

RIDING GEAR

Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!). No jeans.

Riding boots that are also comfortable for walking. Mini chaps.

Riding helmet. Best if you bring you own. We have simple helmets for free in the stables.

Riding gloves

Hat (with chin strap) for sun protection

Lightweight Rain coat

PERSONAL CLOTHING

Jacket or sweater for cool evenings

Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts

Jeans

Shorts

Underwear and socks

Pyjamas

Bag for dirty clothes

Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes

Swimsuit

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING

Personal Toiletries

Insect protection

Personal medications

Sore cream (for the emergency)

Sewing kit

Handkerchiefs

Adapter for electric appliances

Camera and enough extra film or batteries

Belt pack

Address book and pen (for postcards!)

Sun glasses with strap

Sun tan lotion and lip balm

** No trip reports found with the tour ID you provided.

Accommodations
This is a stationary ride, so all nights are spent in the same location.

Description
The package includes accommodation in a 4* hotel in the city center. It is possible to upgrade to a 4* seafront hotel for an extra fee. Both hotels are located in Georgioupoli, about 10 minutes' drive away from the stables. Every day, we will transfer you from your hotel to the stables.

The 2 hotels are part of the same group. All bedrooms are furnished to a high standard and come equipped with the following equipment: Air conditioning (individually adjustable), Private Bathroom with hair dryer, Flatscreen TV with international channels via satellite, Refrigerator, Balcony or terrace with stunning sea views, Free Wi-Fi access, VoIP phone for internal and long-distance calls & a safe.
Just a few meters away from your room, you will reach the inviting Corissia Park, our beautifully tended park which is right on the sandy beach. In Corissia Park you will find our swimming pool with an integrated children's pool, the sea-view restaurant with terrace, a pool / snack bar with partly roofed seating, a sun terrace and a large lawn for sunbathing.



4* Hotel in City Center
The family-run hotel has a total of 77 rooms, which are distributed in several nearby residential buildings.

4* Seafront Hotel (available with upgrade)
The family-run hotel has 63 rooms and 6 suites spread over 4 floors. There is a roof terrace with a cocktail bar and a unique 360 panoramic view over the bay of Georgioupolis as well as a garden area with swimming pool.
All rooms have beautiful sea views.

Room Occupancy
Solo travelers are required to pay a single supplement fee. In case we can pair you with another solo rider, this fee might be waived.



Meals
The package includes half-board (breakfasts and dinners).
If you choose the 8-day program, there is 1 lunch included on the day-long ride. Otherwise, lunches need to be paid locally.

Breakfasts and dinners are served at your hotel buffet style.


Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to most dietary restrictions if given prior notice.

This trip can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		English tack with saddle bags (Western saddles also available)
Horses:		Mixed breeds
Pace:		Varies depending on riding level - all gaits | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(3 to 5 out of 5)    Intermediate and above
Age:		Min 12	Max 65
Weight:		Max 190 lbs
Riders:		Min 1 riders	Max 6 riders

Horses
Our herd of 19 horses are gentle, forward going and well-looked after.
Great care is taken of the selection of the horses according to each person's riding ability and preference, we are convinced that we can pair you up with the right horse.

Riding Level
For your own safety and everybody's fun, please choose your riding level HONESTLY! Riders will be put together with other riders of an equal riding level.
Beach rides are always at your own responsibility. As we are riding on a public beach, you must be able to steer your horse at all gaits.
This holiday is suitable for intermediate riders - able to control a horse at all gaits in the outdoors - and advanced riders, who will definitely enjoy some lovely canters!

Passports

Passport required by all except:

(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.

Passports must be valid for the following durations:

(a) British and EU (excluding Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic and Slovenia) passports must be valid for length of intended stay.

(b) Australian, Canadian, USA and excluded EU passports must be valid for at least three months beyond length of stay.

Note: EU and EEA nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.

Passport Note

Greece is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.

Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following durations:

(a) nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period;

(b) nationals of Australia, Bulgaria, Canada, Romania and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Visa Note

(a) 2. EU nationals staying more than 90 days or for employment (including establishing a business, trade, profession or commercial activity) have to apply in person to the consulate general of Greece for a national visa; (b) Greece refuses admission and transit to holders of travel documents issued by the area of Cyprus not controlled by the Government of Cyprus, and holders of UN laissez-passers; (c) Some nationals may have to register with the Aliens Department of the nearest police station within 48 hours of arrival. Contact the nearest embassy/consulate to determine whether this is necessary prior to travel.

Types of Visa and Cost

National visa: £30.

Working Days Required

Three to 14, dependent upon nationality.

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.