Horseback riding in Santorini: Monolithos black beach

Ride across volcanic terrain to a secluded black sand beach, then back through caves to the stables

Horseback riding in Santorini takes you from the stables across hidden paths to Monolithos black sand beach, where you ride along the shoreline beneath white cliffs and blue water. The route passes through evergreen vineyards, volcanic ravines and natural caves, with a stop at a traditional church for photos. The ride ends at the farm with a glass of homemade wine and a chance to meet the owner and his horses.

The experience

The ride starts at the stables and follows a path away from the main roads toward Monolithos, the black sand beach on Santorini's coast. Once you reach the beach, you continue riding along the water's edge with unobstructed views of the sea and the white cliffs rising above. The evergreen vineyards that surround the inland sections are trained in a basket-like form, a detail you'll notice as you approach the tranquil plain on the return leg.

The route back takes you through volcanic ravines and natural caves carved into the landscape. A short stop at a small traditional church gives you time to take photos and step down from the horse. This is the only break in the ride itself. The real pause comes at the end, when you return to the stables and sit with a glass of the owner's homemade wine, surrounded by aromatic citrus trees. Vangelis, who owns the horses and the farm, is there to meet you and talk about how he built this operation around his passion for the animals and the land.

What’s included

• Bottled water.
• helmet.

Before you book

Lasts 1h 30m, runs every day at 10:30 and 16:00, from € 75 per person, with a live guide in English and Greek, in groups of up to 6 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:30 and 16:00

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (15 to 64 years) · Under 15: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish and Greek

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Santorini Lover Horse Rider

Is this one for you?The 90-minute ride is continuous in the saddle except for one brief stop at the church, so choose this if you're comfortable spending most of the time mounted and riding at a steady pace across varied terrain: paths, beach, volcanic ravines and caves.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Greek.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the black sand beach at Monolithos like when you ride there?

Monolithos is a secluded beach with unobstructed views of the sea and white cliffs. You ride along the shoreline itself, so the blue water and the cliffs stay in view the whole time you're on the sand.

Does the ride include any walking or time off the horse?

The activity is 90 minutes of riding. There is one short stop at a traditional church partway through the return for photos, where you dismount briefly. The rest is in the saddle.

What happens when the ride ends?

You return to the stables, where you sit and drink a glass of homemade wine made by Vangelis, the owner. You'll have the chance to meet him and see the farm and the citrus trees around it.

Is this suitable for someone who has never ridden before?

The activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels. A live guide in English or Greek leads the ride. The minimum age is 15. The operator does not recommend it for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health, or for anyone over 230 pounds.