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Greek Island Escape

Overview

This holiday destination is run from a small, authentic, family run stables, just 3km from the island town of Molyvos on the Northern coast of the Island of Lesvos. You will be offered the unique opportunity to explore the surroundings of Molyvos on horseback. You will ride on wide sandy beaches an…

Highlights

  • Discover Lesvos on trustworthy footsure horses
  • Small authentic family run stables
  • Qualified guide fluent in several languages
  • Ride on wide sandy beaches and over rocky mountains
  • 4* hotel with outdoor and indoor pools and WiFi.

Essential Facts

  • 2 itineraries available
  • Max 8 riders per group
  • Average of 2 - 3 hours riding per day
  • Weight limit: 95kg / 209 lbs / 14 stone 9 lbs

Description

This holiday destination is run from a small, authentic, family run stables, just 3km from the island town of Molyvos on the Northern coast of the Island of Lesvos. You will be offered the unique opportunity to explore the surroundings of Molyvos on horseback. You will ride on wide sandy beaches and discover breathtaking views, from the top of steep, rocky mountains. This island has so much to offer you and it is just waiting to be explored.

The riding centre has been owned and run by Rita since it opened to the public in 2012. Rita is an enthusiastic horsewoman who is a qualified tutor and guide. She speaks fluent Greek, English and Dutch and has an easy-going personality, though the safety of her horses and trail riders is of utmost importance to her. In 2015 the team moved to a new yard which offers more space and better facilities, plus a beautiful view of the Molyvos water reservoir.

Molyvos is a gorgeous Greek town which boasts plenty of authentic houses and beautiful stone buildings, such as the medieval castle which sits proudly above the town. The quaint little houses, predominantly built in the old Turkish style, cover the surrounding hillsides. The town tapers down to a busy fishing port, full of multicoloured fishing, sailing and rowing boats. Numerous tavernas and cafe shops line the waterside and Molyvos has everything you could need, including shops, restaurants, cafes, a few night spots, banks, newsagents, internet cafes, pharmacies, as well as car and scooter hire vendors.

There is also a regular bus service for those wishing to see more of the delights that this island has to offer. Services run to the neighbouring coastal towns of Avlaki and Eftalou, which is home to the wonderful natural hot springs. Or why not go further afield and visit the petrified forest at Apolithomeno Dasos National Park or the salt fields near to the Alikes Wetlands - a fantastic sight for bird watching and wildlife spotting. Flamingo, stork and ibis have been known to frequent these expansive wetlands. We would highly recommend incorporating a few days of sight-seeing and island exploration into your riding trip!

Horses & Riding

Tack

English (Western saddle available on request)

Horses

Haflinger, Arab and Ardennes.

Riding

There are 2 itineraries:

  • Molyvos Star Ride is a based ride
  • Star Ride for Beginners is a based ride

Ages

Riders aged from 8-80 years.

Health

Reasonable level of fitness for riding.

Weight

95kg / 209 lbs / 14 stone 9 lbs

Food & Accommodation

Food

Breakfast and dinner included; dishes include traditional Greek and international cuisine served as a buffet. Vegetarian and speciality diets can be catered for on prior request.

Accommodation

Accommodation is generally provided at Theofilos Hotel on a half-board basis (breakfasts and dinners included). Theofilos is a 4* hotel with outdoor and indoor pools and WiFi.

Itineraries

Molyvos Star Ride Standard accommodation.

Star Ride for Beginners Standard accommodation.

Other Activities

Non-riders can take advantage of many activities and arrange to meet the riding group where they will be stopping for lunch (a car is required for this, but can easily be hired locally).

The stables are located a short walk from the centre of the town of Molyvos and the sea. Other activities include, shopping, sight-seeing, jeep safaris, kayaking, boat trips, museum visits and church tours.

Travel

Regular flights run to the capital city of Mytilene (Mitilini) via the Greek mainland or other major islands. The town also has a busy port, with regular ferry connections to the mainland, Greek islands and Turkey.

We recommend hiring a car in order to have maximum flexibility during your stay but we can organise a private transfer at additional cost.

Testimonials

Christine D., Oct. 20, 2018

The holiday was lovely. Everything was well organised and safe. We were looking for a relaxing holiday with a bit of riding and a bit of exploring and this was perfect.We stayed at the Bello Vista which was fantastic. Food was brilliant and staff exceptionally good. Rita's horses are lovely. They are all well behaved. Tack was mainly good and fitted the horses well. Rita and Merka were both great. They made sure everyone was safe and enjoying the experience.


Kristina W-J., Sept. 6, 2016

I had a wonderful time. The people are very friendly and super competent, the yard is lovely, the horses are excellent and the landscape is gorgeous. Rita has created a place and invites you to become part of it, a place where people love animals and belong on horse back. Moving through a gorgeous landscape on horse back is for me the best therapy and this trip has been a true retreat. (Favourite memory?) I have many favourites like riding through the oak trees and the lava fields between the well kept field boundaries, going to the cafe for pastry with Rita and Mirka after the ride, but the final highlight was watching Rita teach three girls in the ring. The joy on their faces was a real trip down memory lane for me and a strong reminder of why we love horses.


Itinerary & Pricing

Day 1 - Arrival

Riding: 1 hours

You will meet at the yard in the afternoon to get acquainted with the horses, so make sure to come dressed for riding! The first ride is a lesson so your hosts can see how you ride and what horses you might enjoy. Following this, there will be a short meeting to discuss safety on the trail and the itinerary for the week, as well as a chance to meet the yard team and guides.

Day 2 - Excursion to Vafeios

Riding: 4 hours

Today you will ride along the sandy roads of Molyvos to the hill top village of Vafeios, which has only 130 residents. There is some challenging terrain as you ascend the 300m to the top but you rewarded with absolutely breathtaking scenery over the bay of Molyvos. Stop for a light authentic Greek lunch and coffee before riding back to the stables.

The ride will cover around 20 km.

Day 3 - Excursion to Ipsilometopo OR Swimming with Horses

Riding: 2 - 5 hours

Your ride today is dependent on the seasons.

In Spring/Autumn you follow a trail over the mountains on a steep path to Vafeios where you may be required to dismount and lead your horse for around five minutes. Once you arrive to Vafeios, you will take a sandy track over the mountain to the village of Stipsi and then onto Ipsilometopo. Refreshments and an authentic Greek lunch will await your arrival in a local taverna. You will cover approximately 28km.

In summer, the day is focused on swimming so make sure your swimsuit is under your riding clothes. You'll ride about 45 mins to the remote beach of Eftlou where you'll remove the horses saddles and your riding gear. Hop on bareback and ride the horses into the sea for a refreshing dip. Adventurous riders can head a little deeper so that their horses actually swim. Once everyone has had enough of the water, the horses are tethered to dry in the sun whilst riders relax. Later, saddle up and ride back to the stables.

Day 4 - Excursion to Molyvos Race Track

Riding: 2 - 3 hours

Today you will follow the quiet back roads of Molyvos, passing the local race track, where you will be given the chance of a gallop. The race track is only offered to confident riders as the horses know they are allowed to race on the track and their competitive nature shines through. The group is split and less confident riders are offered an alternative option with less speed!

After a quick pit stop at a natural spring for the horses you continue your trail through a local forest. The landscape is quite flat and so there are plenty of opportunities for canters.

Today you will cover around 10km

Day 5 - Excursion to Petra

Riding: 4 hours

Today you will take to the back roads of Molyvos to ride to the neighbouring bay and town of Petra. You will negotiate steep hills and pass many great archeological sites, such as ancient water mills and maybe even spot some fossilised trees. On arrival to Petra, you will get the chance to gallop the long sandy beach. On your way back to the stables you cross a small bridge and visit the remote church of Agia Fotini.

You will cover around 20km.

Day 6 - Excursion to Skala Sikamineas

Riding: 6 hours

This is the longest trail day. Leaving in the morning, you will head East from Molyvos, following trails that will take you past the coastal town of Eftalou - site of the famous natural hot springs. Arriving to Skala Sikamineas in the afternoon, you will stop for lunch, enjoy a well deserved swim in the sea and exploration of this wonderful harbour village. In the afternoon, you will remount your horses and return to Molyvos via the same route.

You will cover around 30km today.

Day 7 - Day to explore

Riding: No riding.

Today you will have a free day and your last chance to explore the town of Molyvos. Lessons can be taken at the yard if you should wish to do so, but as Molyvos is a touristic destination there are many other activities on offer that your hosts will happily help you plan - perhaps a boat trip, mountain trail, lazy day on the beach or simply exploring the village on foot.

Day 8 - Departure

Riding: No riding.

After breakfast it's time to say farewell and head home. 

NB: Please note that the programme may vary according to the season and the riders' capabilities. Beginner groups are always welcome and trips will be grouped according to particular rider's needs.

Accommodation

Stay in twin/double rooms at a local hotel, with private bathrooms and usually with a pool or other facilities.
Experience Intermediate / Experienced

This programme is suitable for strong novice to advanced riders. Ideally you should be able to trot and canter on an easy horse (please see our 'Star Ride for Beginners' if you are newer to riding). Riders prepare and tack up their own horses with guidance.
Minimum group size 1
Maximum group size 6
Departure windows

At any time during: April 30, 2022 - Oct. 29, 2022  (Dates available to suit with flexible arrivals/departures)

Pricing

2022
Sharing		 £770 $965 €900
NB. Visitors have to pay a tourist tax directly to the hotel - the tax is approximately 2 - 3.5 euros per person, per night, depending on the hotel's category.
Included 7 nights accommodation based on shared rooms, half board meals (breakfast and dinner) and riding on 5 days as per the itinerary, with an experienced English speaking guide.
Not included Flights, travel insurance, transfers, lunch, drinks, hotel tourist tax (2-4 euro per person per night), tips & other personal expenses.

Extras

2022 - Airport Transfer €70
Paid locally
Mytilene airport transfer, price each way per car.
2022 - Single Supplement £150 $188 €175
Paid to Far and Ride
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.

Days 1 to 8

Riding: 1 - 2 hours

This is a seven night beginners programme, based on half board accommodation, which includes: 

- 4 riding lessons (approximately 1 hour each)

- 2 short hacks of approximately 1 hour each

- 1 longer hack of approximately 2 hours

Accommodation

Stay in twin/double rooms at a local hotel, with private bathrooms and usually with a pool or other facilities.
Experience Beginner

Suitable for beginner riders and those who have not ridden before.
Minimum group size 1
Maximum group size 8
Departure windows

At any time during: April 30, 2022 - Oct. 29, 2022  (Dates available to suit with arrival and departure any day of the week.)

Pricing

2022 £600 $750 €700
Price includes 7 nights of twin or double room accommodation, half board meals and riding as per itinerary (4 lessons and 3 hacks essentially). NB. Visitors have to pay a tourist tax directly to the hotel - the tax is approximately 2 - 3.5€ (euro) per person, per night, depending on the hotel's category.
Included 7 nights accommodation based on shared rooms, half board meals (breakfast and dinner) and riding on 5 days as per the itinerary, with an experienced English speaking instructor/guide.
Not included Flights, travel insurance, transfers, lunch, drinks, hotel tourist tax (2-4 euro per person per night), tips & other personal expenses.

Extras

2022 - Airport Transfer €70
Paid locally
Mytilene airport transfer, price each way per car.
2022 - Single Supplement £150 $188 €175
Paid to Far and Ride
Note: All programmes and itineraries are weather dependent; in the face of adverse, or unexpected, weather conditions reasonable attempts will be made to provide equivalent riding. All programmes are accurate at the time of writing. However, the team may adapt or modify details, whilst aiming to provide a similar experience.