Crete: Finikia & Giouchtas Horseback Ride with Cretan Lunch

Summary

Horseback riding Crete’s mountain trails with local lunch

You’ll ride gentle horses through Crete’s Finikia and Giouchtas mountains alongside a local guide, pause for fruit at the summit with views of Zeus’ resting place, then return for a homemade Cretan lunch and wine in the stables’ garden. It’s not rushed—just slow moments you’ll want to hold onto.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what Crete smells like at 9am from the back of a horse? I didn’t, until we were halfway up a dusty trail in the Finikia mountains and all I could think about was wild thyme and that sweet, dry grass smell. Our guide, Yiannis, had this easy way of talking—half stories, half directions—and he kept pointing out little things I’d never have noticed: the way the light hits Giouchtas (“Zeus is sleeping there,” he said, and grinned), or how to say “thank you” to your horse in Greek (I tried, badly).

The horses were calm—mine was called Eleni—and even though I’m not exactly an expert rider, after five minutes I stopped worrying about looking silly. The path wound up past olive trees and loose stones crunching under hoof. At the top, there was this pause—just wind and a few birds—and Yiannis handed around cold fruit and soft drinks while everyone took photos of Zeus’ “sleeping face” across the valley. It’s funny, I still think about that quiet moment more than the view itself.

Riding back down felt quicker somehow. Maybe it was hunger kicking in or maybe just knowing lunch was waiting at the stables—a real Cretan spread with bread still warm from someone’s oven and homemade wine that tasted like sunlight (or maybe just strong). We sat outside in the garden afterwards; some people kept chatting with Yiannis about horses or local legends, but I just let myself sit there for a bit longer than usual. Didn’t want to rush it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Horse riding and traditional lunch

• Arrive at the stables
• Receive basic riding training
• Mount horses and ride to mountains
• Stop at Finikia mountain top
• Enjoy soft drink and fruit
• Take photos of mountain views
• Ride back to the stables
• Have traditional Cretan lunch with wine
• Relax in garden with more wine
• Return to hotels or apartments

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this horseback tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for selected hotels.

How long is the horseback ride in Finikia & Giouchtas?

The ride covers time up to the mountain summit and back; exact duration may vary but includes breaks and lunch.

Is lunch provided during this Crete horseback tour?

Yes, a traditional Cretan lunch with homemade wine is included after riding.

Do I need horse riding experience for this tour?

No prior experience is needed; basic training is given at the stables before setting off.

Are children allowed on this horseback tour?

Yes, children can join if accompanied by an adult; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and infants can be in a pram or stroller.

What should I bring for this day trip in Crete?

Comfortable clothes suitable for riding; everything else including refreshments is provided.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off (for selected hotels), guidance from a local expert, basic riding instruction at the stables, a relaxed horseback ride through Finikia and Giouchtas mountains with stops for refreshments like fruit and soft drinks at the summit, followed by a traditional Cretan lunch paired with homemade wine before heading back to your accommodation.