9 Santorini Horse Rides Worth Booking Ahead

1.Santorini Horse Riding to Black Sandy Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,010 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $102Our pick

From Efippos near Vlychada, ride with a guide through Santorini’s volcanic terrain to the black beach of Eros, where horses walk along the shore and into the water. Barbara, Manos and other family-run staff provide basic instruction, helmets and half-chaps, then take photos on your device. The group is capped at six.

“The ranchers are experienced and love their animals. The horses are great and gentle. Great time riding with them. A beach ride was a first for me.”

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2.Guided Horseback Riding Day Trip to a Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 477 reviews · 1 hour · from $88

Ride with Roloas Riding Horse Santorini from Akrotiri along local trails and vineyards to volcanic Vlychada Beach. An instructor explains the basics, and the small group is limited to five. Guides including Thanasis, Minas and Giota have helped first-time riders feel at ease. Photo stops are included; hotel transfers cost extra.

“The horses were well-cared for and well-trained. The Guides were friendly and took the time to make sure everyone understood how to ride correctly. I enjoyed the chance to see a less touristic side of Santorini.”

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3.Horseback Riding Tour on the Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 171 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $112

Ride for 1.5 hours from the Akrotiri area through vineyards and local paths to the shore, with an instructor guiding a group of no more than five. Guides including Maria, Lea, and Thanasis have led rides, and they may help take photos at the beach. Bring long, comfortable clothing and arrange transport separately if you need it.

“Tour was amazing! 10/10! Felt very safe with the trained professionals that took us on our tour! The views were priceless and the experience was amazing!”

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4.Horse Riding to the Black Sandy Beach (Eros beach)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 115 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $120

Ride from the stables near Megalochori through vineyard paths and volcanic ravines to Eros Beach, where black sand and steep rock cliffs frame the shore. Helmets and saddlebags are provided, and guides take commemorative photos. The advertised ride lasts about 90 minutes, though the time on horseback can vary.

“I got to fulfill my dream, of riding horses on the beach with my kids! The people at Santorini Horsebacking made this possible, and I’m grateful and happy!”

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5.Horse Riding: Explore Secret Thera

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 102 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $72Best value

Ride through Megalochori and out toward a caldera viewpoint with a local guide from Santorini Mule Horse Riding. The horses generally walk at an easy pace, so this suits beginners as well as confident riders seeking a short outing. Helmets and bottled water are included. Guides have included George, Jimmy, Babi, and Zimis, though you cannot count on a particular one.

“Well cared for horses. Nice guys running it. Nice in the morning in May. Would be hot in the afternoon in the summer.”

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6.Secluded Black Beach Horseback Riding Tour in Santorini

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 75 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $72

Ride from Santorini Lover Horse Rider’s stables to Monolithos beach, then through vineyards and volcanic ravines, with stops for photos and a traditional church. Guide Vangelis is named by riders as a memorable host. The 90-minute outing includes a helmet and ends back at the stables with homemade wine.

“What an INCREDIBLE time! We booked this last minute and we are so glad we did. The ranch is beautiful, horses are well cared for, it’s incredibly quiet unlike the hustle and bustle of the city, and the cost is just so kind. Our biggest regret is scheduling our taxi to pick us up too soon after the excursion, so we didn’t get to sit and drink wine with the owner (that he makes himself and was SO GOOD). Be sure to give yourself at least 2 hours — and, yes you definitely want to taxi here. Ladies: don’t spend the time getting all done up, wear practical clothing/closed toed…”

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7.Horseback Riding Tour for Experienced Riders

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 65 reviews · from $215

Ride from Megalochori through vineyard paths to Eros Beach, where the route includes cantering and galloping on black sand. Then climb coastal ravines and ancient trails to a cliff-top view of the Caldera and volcano. The two-hour small-group ride is for experienced riders only. A guide leads the group, and helmets, chaps, and phone photos are included.

“I was on the tour for experienced riders and it was as advertised We had an amazing gallop along the sea with many moments of trot and canter through the hills along the coast”

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8.Beach Gallop – Horse Riding Safari for Experienced Riders

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $192

Ride from Megalochori through vineyard paths to Eros Beach, then climb canyons and ancient trails to a cliff with caldera and volcano views. This two-hour ride includes chances to canter and gallop, helmets, saddlebags, and photos taken on your own phone. It is for experienced, fit riders, with no more than six in the group.

“I had an amazing time, and while the pace is customizable to riding level, I definitely recommend booking only if you have previous experience. The horses were sweet and well trained though, well cared for and worked really hard to make it fun. It was a cute ride through the village, the caldera and the beach gallop of course was amazing. Great for solo riders or small groups!”

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9.Private Horse Riding Experience in Santorini

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 15 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $180

Set out from the Vlychada stables with a private guide for a 90-minute ride through volcanic terrain to Eros Beach. You’ll get basic riding instruction and a helmet, then follow lava stones toward the sea. Guides Milena and Stelina have led rides here, and your guide can take pictures on your phone.

“If you love horses you’ll like this. Our guide Milena, made it very enjoyable, she was the best! I was happy to see the care of the horses and everyone was so friendly.”

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