Santorini: Megalochori Horseback Ride & Caldera Trail Views
Ride through Megalochori’s vineyards to the caldera edge
You’ll ride gentle horses through Megalochori’s winding lanes and vineyards before reaching Santorini’s caldera trail for wide-open sea views. With a local guide leading the way, you’ll pause for photos and water breaks while soaking up real village life far from crowds. It’s peaceful, honest travel—the kind that lingers after you leave.
Step-by-step itinerary
Horseback riding in Megalochori village
- Start tour in Megalochori village
- Ride through traditional village paths
- Pass Cycladic caves and mansions
- Explore local vineyards and fields
- Follow caldera trail for views
The Experience
The first thing I noticed was the soft clop of hooves echoing off whitewashed walls—Megalochori’s alleys are so narrow, you almost brush the stone with your knees. Our guide, Yannis, waved from under a fig tree and handed out helmets with a quick smile. He asked if I’d ever ridden before (I hadn’t, unless you count a pony at a fair), but he just nodded and introduced me to my horse—her name sounded like “Thalassa,” which means sea, I think. She smelled faintly of hay and dust, not unpleasant.
We set off slow at first, winding past blue doors and little chapels where old men nodded from shaded stoops. The air felt cool in the shade but warm on my arms when we crossed patches of sunlight. Yannis pointed out the vineyards—he said this part of Santorini is famous for its wine, which made sense because vines seemed to crawl everywhere, low to the ground. At one point we stopped for water (for us and the horses), and I tried to say thank you in Greek. He laughed—not unkindly—and corrected me gently. I still can’t get it right.
After that, we followed a dusty trail up toward the caldera. The wind picked up as we got higher; you could smell salt in it, sharp and clean. Suddenly there was nothing in front of us but blue sky and that wild drop down to the sea—I didn’t expect it to hit me like that. We sat quietly for a minute while Yannis took photos for us (he’s got an eye for angles). I kept thinking about how different this was from Santorini’s crowded streets—just horses breathing slow beside you, cliffs falling away below. Hard to explain why that sticks with me.
What’s included
Your day includes guided horseback riding through Megalochori’s village lanes and vineyards with all necessary equipment like helmets provided, bottled water for refreshment along the way, plus photo stops so you don’t have to worry about capturing those moments yourself before heading back down from the caldera trail.
Operated by Santorini Mule Horse Riding
Traveler reviews
Compare the 13 similar options
Santorini: Megalochori Horseback Ride & Caldera Trail Views★ 4.62 (102)1hEN · EL€ 100
Santorini: Venetian Castles Day Tour & Oia Sunset, Wine TastingFeel Santorini’s history with a day trip to Venetian castles, black sand beach time, local wine tasting, and sunset in Oia. Includes hotel pickup & small group.★ 4.87 (439)10h–11hEN€ 90View ›
Santorini ATV Tour: Off-Road Trails, Wine Tasting & Caldera ViewsRide volcanic trails from Perissa through Emporio and Megalochori on a 3.5-hour ATV adventure with wine tasting in a historic cave, pickup included from your hotel.★ 4.87 (695)3h 30mEN · EL€ 130View ›
Santorini Half-Day Tour: Villages, Oia & Caldera ViewsSmall-group tour of Santorini's villages and viewpoints with hotel pickup, English-speaking guide, and free time in Oia — morning includes Greek coffee★ 4.71 (631)5hEN€ 65View ›
Scuba Diving in Santorini: Two Dives for Certified DiversCertified divers explore two Santorini dive sites in five hours with full equipment and water included. Dive volcanic walls5h€ 155View ›
Santorini Catamaran Cruise: Caldera, Hot Springs & BBQ LunchStart from Santorini’s Vlychada Port, swim at Red & White Beaches, soak in volcanic hot springs, and enjoy a BBQ lunch on a catamaran with transfers included.★ 4.98 (419)5hEN€ 102View ›
Santorini snorkeling: catamaran with Red Beach and hot springsSail around Santorini's Caldera from Vlychada Marina to Red Beach and the volcano's hot springs, snorkel at Thirasia, and enjoy a freshly prepared meal with open bar.★ 4.90 (4,145)5hEN€ 119View ›
Santorini: 12 Wine Tastings & Sunset at 3 WineriesTaste 12 Santorini wines at three traditional wineries with local cheese and snacks. Half-day tour with hotel pickup, expert guide, and sunset views over the Aegean.★ 4.95 (1,919)4hEN€ 150View ›
Snorkeling in Santorini: Sunset Catamaran with Hot SpringsSail from Amoudi Bay past the volcano and hot springs on a catamaran, snorkel at Red and White Beaches★ 4.83 (1,328)5hEN · EL€ 110View ›
Scuba Diving in Santorini: One Dive in the CalderaScuba dive in Santorini's volcanic caldera with 50-meter visibility and all equipment included -- descend past underwater walls shaped by ancient eruptions.★ 5.00 (1)3h 30m€ 125View ›
Santorini: Sunset Catamaran Cruise with BBQ & DrinksFeel the sea breeze on a Santorini sunset catamaran cruise, swim near Red & White Beach, enjoy a BBQ meal on board, and sip wine as the caldera glows. Includes hotel pickup.★ 4.53 (1,216)5hEN · EL€ 79View ›
Santorini Catamaran Cruise with Snorkeling: Sunset & MealSail past Red and White Beaches on a catamaran, snorkel in volcanic waters, swim at hot springs, enjoy BBQ and seafood with an open bar, then watch the sunset from Thirasia.★ 4.91 (1,118)5hEN€ 100View ›
Santorini Catamaran Cruise with BBQ: Volcano, Beaches & SunsetSail to Santorini's volcanic hot springs and hidden beaches on a 5-hour catamaran cruise limited to 18 guests, with Greek BBQ★ 4.94 (899)5hEN · EL€ 100View › Top questions
Is this horseback riding tour in Santorini suitable for beginners?
Yes, beginners are welcome and professional guides ensure safety throughout the ride.
Where does the horseback riding tour start?
The tour begins in the traditional village of Megalochori on Santorini.
Are children allowed on this Santorini horseback tour?
Children aged 5-12 can join but must ride on the same horse as their guardian for safety reasons.
What should I wear or bring for this tour?
Wear comfortable clothing; helmets and bottled water are provided by the organizers.
Does the tour include visits to Santorini vineyards?
You will ride past local vineyards surrounding Megalochori during the tour.
Are photo stops included during the horseback ride?
Yes, there are stops along the way where your guide can take photos.
Is transportation included to reach Megalochori?
No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are available nearby.
Santorini: Megalochori Horseback Ride & Caldera Trail Views
1h · EN · EL
from € 100 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.62102 reviews


















































