Lesvos Island Ride South Aegean Greece This tour is ideal for those who want to mix riding and relaxing. The program includes 3 to 4 hours in the saddle for each riding day, exploring the beautiful island of Lesvos. Highlights include a chance to swim with the horses in the Mediterannean Sea and a beautiful day ride to an authentic fishing village. Family Vacation Suitable for riders over 210 lbs Center-based ride Ride with Western Tack Meeting: Hotel in Efthalou Airport: Mitilini Airport Transfer: Riders: Min 1 riders Max 8 riders (per riding group) Max Capacity 80 Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Transfer and Other Charges:

We recommend renting a car to explore the island while you are not riding

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

During the briefing, we give riders more information about the horse they will be riding. We let them know about the horse's behavior on past rides and how to react so that everyone feels safe. We also make suggestions on the riding style for each horse, according to their personality.
Before we set off on the trail, we do a test ride in the arena so that everyone can adapt to their mount.

Please, note that most riding is done in the morning. The afternoons are usually free for you to relax or explore the island.

The program may vary according to season and to the rider’s capabilities. If needed, riders will be grouped according to riders' capabilities.

Day 1: Arrival
We can arrange a transfer from the Mitilini airport (extra cost) for you. You will get to know your horse and, if time permits, go on a test ride (this can be done the following morning as well).
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight in Efthalou

Day 2: Bafios Ride
Today, we ride about 20 kilometers to Bafios. Our trail goes along sandy tracks, uphill to Bafios. From up there, the views are stunning! We will stop at a small café for a refreshment.
Riding approx. 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Efthalou

Day 3: Ride & Swim
Our destination for the day is Petra Beach. If the weather allows, we go swimming with the horses.
Riding approx. 3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight in Efthalou

Day 4: Molyvos Ride
We explore the back roads of Molyvos, on our way to the racetrack. Once there, we can enjoy a fun gallop. Then, we ride back to the stables.
Riding approx. 2 hours
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight in Efthalou

Day 5: Petri Ride
On our way to Petri, we will ride up steep hills, passing through archeological sites of ancient watermills and crossing rivers that run all year round. We will stop at a local tavern for refreshments.
Riding approx. 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Efthalou

Day 6: Fishing Village Ride
Today's destination is Sk. Sikamnia, a lovely fishing village. This is a long riding day. In the morning, we ride through sandy coastal roads passing by Efthalou hot spring waters. We arrive in the afternoon in Sk. Sikaminia where we stop for lunch. Then, we go for a swim in the sea and explore the village until the afternoon. Eventually, we get back in the saddle and ride the same route back to the riding center.  
Riding approx. 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Efthalou

Day 7: Departure
No riding scheduled for today. You can choose to sign up for riding lessons (extra fee) if you have some time before your flight.
Meals included: Breakfast


Non-Riding Activities
Non-riders are welcome to join this trip.
While the rest of the group is riding, non-riders have the opportunity to explore the village, walk to the sea for a swim or sign up for one of the many touristic activities available such as jeep safaris, kayaking, boat trips, museum and church guided visits and many more.
Non-riders also have the opportunity to come and join the rest of the group at our break points and have lunch with us. We suggest non-riders to rent a car in order to explore the island and join the riding group when needed.

                                           Mitilini area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	54	55	60	68	77	85	89	88	81	72	63	56
Average Low Temperature (°F)	44	44	47	53	60	68	72	71	66	59	52	47
Average High Temperature (°C)	12	13	16	20	25	29	32	31	27	22	17	13
Average Low Temperature (°C)	7	7	8	11	15	20	22	22	19	15	11	8

Source: NOAA


Seasons
During summer, daytime temperatures can get quite hot but overnights can be frisky.

During the shoulder season (Spring & Fall), it is mostly sunny with some rainy days. Landscapes are filed with colors.

We recommend bringing a mosquito repellent, sun screen, chaps or riding boots (some are available to borrow if needed), a water bottle, sunglasses and a ran jacket.
 

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

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

Description
All overnights are spent at a 4-star hotel in Efthalou, about 6 kilometers from the stables. From the hotel, there is a shuttle bus offering regular transfer to the village of Molyvos so that you can explore this lovely town.
Transfers between the hotel and the stables are included in this program.

This lovely hotel offers modern accommodation. All rooms feature an ensuite bathroom (with hairdryer), a phone, a TV, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and heating.
There is an outdoor pool where guests can relax.

Room Occupancy
Solo travelers can choose to share a room. However, if no one is found to share the room with you, the single supplement fee applies.



Meals
At the hotel half-board is included. You can choose if you prefer to include lunch or dinner (breakfast is always included). Meals at the hotel are served buffet-style.
During long trails (on Days 2, 5 & 6) lunch is included during the riding tour.


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

This trip can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		English saddle (western saddle available on request)
Horses:		Mixed breeds
Pace:		Approx 3-4 hours per riding day at a moderate pace | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(3 to 5 out of 5)    Intermediate and above
Age:		Min 8	Max 80
Weight:		Max 220 lbs / 100 kg
Riders:		Min 1 riders	Max 8 riders (per riding group)	Max Capacity 80

Safety
Your guide Rita has been trained in a seminar of first aid for riders by the British Horse Society. First aid kits for horse and rider will be taken with in each trip. She is a qualified FEI coach.
Hard hats are available to borrow at the stables if needed. However, it is always better if you can bring your own helmet, to ensure a perfect fit.

Riding level
Participants must feel comfortable at a walk, trot and canter. They also need to be able to rise and post the trot. It is also preferable that riders feel comfortable mounting and dismounting on their own.
We ask riders to help tack-up and groom the horses.

Horses
We currently have 9 horses. Most of our horses are around 150-160 cm high. We also have 2 cob horses.

Riding Terrain
The island has many hills so we will be going uphill and downhill during almost half of our rides. We also go for rides on the beach.

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.