Santorini: Horse Riding to Black Beach & Caldera Cliffs Tour

Summary

Ride Santorini’s wild cliffs and black sand with local guides

You’ll ride gentle horses along Santorini’s volcanic cliffs and down to Eros’ black sand beach, guided by locals who know every twist in the trail. Feel sea air on your face, learn some basics even if you’re new to riding, and capture moments with your own camera—plus digital photos included. It’s not polished or fancy—it just feels real.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t let go of the reins—unless you want to!” That’s what Maria said, grinning as she handed me my helmet at the stable just above Caldera Beach. I’d never been on a horse this close to the Aegean before, and honestly, I was nervous. The horses smelled of sun-warmed hay and something salty from the sea breeze. Maria showed us how to sit properly (my knees kept drifting up), and then we set off, hooves crunching over the dry volcanic dirt. The sky was that washed-out blue you only get here in Santorini—almost too bright to look at straight on.

The first part took us up these old paths through hills that looked like they’d been carved out by giants. Our guide pointed out how the cliffs still show scars from the big eruption—white and brown layers stacked like cake. I tried saying “Eros” beach in Greek; Li laughed when I butchered it, but he promised nobody minds as long as you try. We could see little fishing boats bobbing below, and every so often a goat would appear out of nowhere, just staring at us like we were the odd ones.

When we finally reached Eros Beach, the black sand was warm underfoot (I slipped off for a minute just to feel it). The horses didn’t seem to care about getting their hooves wet—they walked right into the shallows while we snapped photos. There was this weird silence except for waves hitting those sculpted cliffs. Someone’s phone went off and everyone groaned—nobody wanted reminders of real life here. On the way back, my legs felt rubbery but happy. Can’t say I’ll ever forget that light on the water or Maria’s laugh echoing behind us as we rode back toward the stables.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Horse riding to Santorini black beach

• Receive horse riding education
• Get equipment and horse
• Start from Caldera Beach dunes
• Ride to Santorini mountains
• Admire Aegean Sea views
• Ride along Eros black beach
• Enjoy riding in and out of water
• Stop for photos at sand dunes
• Return to stable and end tour

Top questions

Is horse riding experience required for this Santorini tour?

No, basic horse riding instruction is provided before setting out.

Where does the horse riding tour in Santorini start?

The tour begins at Caldera Beach stables on Santorini.

What is included in the Santorini horse riding tour?

Horse riding instructions, helmets, half chaps, bottled water, and digital photos are included.

How long does it take to reach Eros Beach by horse?

The ride includes time through hills before reaching Eros Beach; total duration varies but covers both directions.

Are there any health restrictions for this activity?

Yes, it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, poor cardiovascular health or over 110kg weight.

Can we take our own photos during the ride?

Yes, you can use your own equipment for photos; digital photos are also included.

Will there be a local guide during the tour?

Yes, local guides accompany you throughout the ride and provide instructions.

What’s included

Your day includes basic horse riding lessons from friendly local staff at Caldera Beach stables, all necessary safety gear like helmets and half chaps, bottled water for the trail, plus digital photos taken along the route—so you can focus on enjoying those wild cliffs and black sands without worrying about missing a moment.