Greek Island Escape, Greece
Overview
Reviews
“It was a really nice week with 5 days of riding tailored to suit us on comfortable, willing, well behaved, clearly well loved and cared for horses. Rita was an efficient, caring, patient and friendly guide. She is obviously an accomplished horsewoman and we enjoyed her company. She took time to find out what we wanted and tailored rides accordingly - it didn't take long for her to realise that we never said no to a canter (or gallop on the racetrack)! This is not the trip to go on if you want long, long canters or gallops as the terrain does not permit it but some rides have more than others and we found it to be a good mix. There is also some challenging terrain. The riding was better than we were expecting and we ended up doing two 6 hour rides one 4 hour ride and two 2 hour rides, but could have done more or less if we wished.”
Horses
Type of horses:
Haflinger, Arab and Ardennes.
Nature of horses:
Sweet natured and docile horses who are well trained and know their job.
Height of horses:
13-16hh
Weight limit:
100kg
Tack type:
English (Western saddle available on request)
Travel Advice
Please ensure you read the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) advice before you travel.
Ride 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!
See Programmes.
Food & 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.
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.
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.
Further Details
Languages: English, Greek and Dutch
Health requirements: Reasonable level of fitness for riding.
Age limit: 8-80
Tuition: Yes
Included: Half board accommodation, riding, horses, tack, English speaking guide and riding as per itinerary.
Not included: Flights, transfers, lunch, drinks, tips, travel insurance, hotel tourist tax (2-3.5 euros per person, per night).
Travel Information
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.
A taxi from Mytilene airport to Molyvos costs around €90 or we can usually pre-organise a private transfer for €70 each way. It is a 1 hour drive to get to Molyvos. Alternatively, you may wish to hire a car in order to fully appreciate this island.
Airport: Mytilene International Airport (Odysseas Elystis)
Programmes
Week Programme
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Suggested Itinerary Day 1: Arrival You will meet at the yard at 18:00 pm and get acquainted with the horses (so make sure to come dressed for riding!). 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 Today you will ride along the sandy roads of Molyvos to the hill top village of Vafeios. You will witness absolutely breathtaking scenery over the bay of Molyvos and have the opportunity to stop in a local cafe for refreshments. The ride will cover around 20 km, spending approximately 4 hours in the saddle. Day 3: Excursion to Ipsilometopo The trail today will take you over the mountains, via a steep path to Vafeios. You may be required to dismount and lead your horse for around five minutes on this path. Once you arrive to Vafeios, you will take a sandy track over the mountain to the village of Stipsi and then onto Ipsilometopo. Refreshments will await your arrival, in a local taverna. You will cover approximately 28km and ride for around 5 hours. Day 4: Excursion to Molyvos Race Track and Beach 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. After this, you will ride cross-country to the sea, where in the summer months, you will get to unsaddle your horses and take a swim with them. Today you will cover around 10km and spend around 2 hours in the saddle (not including swimming!) Day 5: Excursion to Petra Today you will take to back roads of Molyvos 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 have to chance to stop at a wonderful local taverna for refreshments. You will cover around 20km and spend 4 hours in the saddle. Day 6: Excursion to Skala Sikamineas 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, spending around 6 hours in the saddle. Day 7: Day to explore 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 or you can volunteer to help the refugees living on the island. Day 8: Departure 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. |
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| Minimum group size: | 1 |
| Maximum group size: | 6 |
| Ability description: | All abilities can be catered for, from beginner to advanced riders. |
| Type of ride: | Based |
| Total riding time: | 2-6 hours per day for 5 days. |
| Departure dates: | 2019: Trips available from the start of April until the end of October with flexible dates - please get in touch! |
| Pricing: |
2019: £710 per person Price includes 7 nights of half board (breakfast and dinner) accommodation based on shared rooms and riding on 5 days as per the itinerary, with an experienced English speaking guide. £150 Single Supplement 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. |
Beginners Programme
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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 |
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| Minimum group size: | 1 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Suitable for beginners. |
| Type of ride: | Based stay. |
| Total riding time: | 4 lessons and 3 hacks. |
| Departure dates: | 2019: Dates to suit from March to November. |
| Pricing: |
2019: £500 per person, based on twin or double room accommodation. Price includes 7 nights of accommodation, half board and riding as per itinerary (4 lessons and 3 hacks essentially). £150 single supplement. 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. |