Santorini: Exclusive Private Horse Riding with picnic

If you’re dreaming of a romantic, scenic adventure in Santorini, this Private Horse Riding experience might catch your eye. While we haven’t tried it ourselves, the reviews and details paint a picture of a special way to see the island’s volcanic cliffs, vineyards, and beaches. The combination of a tailored route, expert guide, and the chance to capture memories makes it appealing, especially if you’re celebrating something or just want a unique way to explore.

What we really love about this experience is how personalized it is—you’re riding just with your partner or a small group, with an instructor who helps set the scene and takes photos for you. Plus, the scenic rewards are significant; riding through vineyards near Megalochori or along the caldera’s edge sounds pretty incredible. One thing to consider, though, is the price—$452 per person isn’t cheap, but for a private, customized adventure, it might be worth it. This tour is best suited for couples wanting a romantic, memorable outing and aren’t looking for a high-energy activity or a large tour group.

Key Points

• Exclusive and private experience designed for couples or small groups
• Scenic routes include vineyards, beaches, and caldera cliffs
• Professional host takes memorable photos at key spots
• Flexible routes available, including Black Sand Beach or Caldera views
• Includes a picnic with wine, fruit, and finger foods
• Duration of 2.5 hours offers a relaxed, scenic ride with plenty of photo opportunities

You can check availability for your dates here:

Setting the Scene: What Is This Tour Really About?

This horseback ride is billed as a romantic private experience, and honestly, it’s easy to see why. Imagine being on a well-trained horse, riding through lush vineyards, or along dramatic volcanic coastlines—you’re in a setting so visually striking that you’ll want to snap a hundred photos. The tour’s key selling point is the privacy; it’s just you and your partner, with a guide dedicated to making your experience personal and memorable.

The tour begins with hotel pickup—convenient if you’re staying in a central area—and takes you to the stables in Megalochori, a traditional village that feels like stepping back in time. Here, you’ll get a quick lesson on riding if you’re new to it, but the focus isn’t on advanced horsemanship—it’s about enjoying the ride and views.

The guide will match you with a horse suited to your level and preferences. Whether you’re experienced or a complete beginner, the staff’s expertise ensures you’ll feel safe and comfortable. We love that the guide also takes the time to capture your moments—there’s no need to worry about getting good photos with your own camera.

The Routes and the Views You’ll Encounter

One of the aspects that make this experience stand out is the flexibility of routes. You can customize your journey based on your preferences—whether you want to visit the Black Sand Beach, enjoy the stunning Caldera cliffs, or combine both if time permits. The guide will take you through the island’s vineyards near Megalochori, which is a charming area often overlooked by travelers rushing to the more famous spots.

The scenery along these routes is what makes this tour truly special. Expect sweeping views of volcanic landscapes, the sparkling Aegean Sea, and the iconic white buildings of Santorini. According to reviews, the views are breathtaking and perfect for photos. One guest shared, “The scenery was so surreal, I kept pinching myself—I felt like I was in a postcard,” which sums up how picture-perfect this ride can be.

If you’re lucky, you’ll get a clear day, allowing you to fully appreciate the stunning vistas that make Santorini so unique. The guide’s familiarity with the best photo spots means you’ll get to capture those moments without stress.

What’s Included and Why It Matters

At $452 per person, this tour isn’t a budget activity, but it includes quite a few thoughtful touches. Hotel pickup and drop-off add convenience, especially after a day of exploring. The private experience ensures that your ride is intimate, without noisy crowds or hurried groups.

The guide’s role extends beyond just leading the horses—she or he will take plenty of pictures of you and your loved one at the most scenic spots. This is a major plus; rather than trying to juggle your camera, you’ll have someone dedicated to documenting your adventure, resulting in high-quality memories.

The picnic basket adds a nice touch for a romantic outing. Expect finger foods, a bottle of wine, fresh fruit, and water—enough to refresh you after the ride. Some reviews mention that the picnic setup is simple but charming, perfect for relaxing and soaking in the views.

For those interested in turning this into a truly special event—say, a proposal or anniversary—the tour offers options to organize a private celebration at the end, which could make your trip extraordinary.

The Practicalities: What You Need to Know

This experience lasts about 2.5 hours, which strikes a good balance between sightseeing and not feeling rushed. The timing is flexible—check availability for specific start times. The tour is conducted in English, making communication straightforward.

It’s important to note some restrictions: pregnant women, people with back problems, or individuals over 260 lbs (118 kg) are advised against participating. The activity is designed for comfort and safety, so be honest with yourself about your riding experience or physical condition.

What to bring is simple: a camera to capture those scenic moments, and sunscreen to stay protected under the Greek sun. The pickup points are in front of your hotel or designated departure points, making logistics easy.

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Our Take: The Strengths and Possible Downsides

The highlight of this experience is undoubtedly the views. From the vineyards to the cliffs, the scenery is truly stunning and makes for a memorable experience. The personalized service—especially the photos—is another big plus. If you love the idea of a private, romantic outing with a relaxed pace, this tour checks many boxes.

However, the price point may give some pause. At over $450 per person, it’s a splurge, but for a private activity that includes a guide, photos, and a picnic, many might find it reasonable for a special occasion. Keep in mind that it’s not a typical group tour—this is tailored and intimate, which adds to the value.

Some reviews mention that the ride might be shorter than expected if you choose a quick route, but the overall experience still feels rewarding thanks to the scenery and personal touches. Also, it’s not designed as an activity for children or people with mobility issues, so it’s best suited for couples or adults comfortable on horseback.

Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

If you’re celebrating something special—like an anniversary, birthday, or even proposing—this private horse ride offers a unique setting for memorable moments. It’s especially good if you want to avoid the crowds and prefer a tranquil, scenic experience. Nature lovers, romantics, or anyone wanting to combine a gentle adventure with photography will find this appealing.

On the other hand, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer more active, group-based activities, you might want to explore other options. This isn’t a rushed tour; it’s about quality time, beautiful views, and capturing those once-in-a-lifetime photos.

Final Thoughts

This Santorini private horse riding tour offers a chance to see the island from a truly special perspective. The combination of expert guiding, stunning scenery, personal photography, and a picnic makes it a luxurious way to enjoy Santorini. It’s best suited for couples seeking a romantic escape, or those wanting a memorable, personalized experience.

While the price is on the higher side, the intimate setting and the scenic rewards provide good value for a meaningful day out. If you enjoy gentle rides, gorgeous vistas, and capturing beautiful moments, don’t miss this.

For those who prefer a more active, social, or budget-friendly tour, there are plenty of other options, but none quite like this tailored, scenic horseback adventure. It’s a lovely way to add a special touch to your Santorini visit.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour includes a short lesson on how to ride, so even if you’re new to horseback riding, you’ll be guided comfortably through.

What is included in the price?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, a private horse riding experience, a guide who takes photos, a picnic with wine, fruit, finger foods, and water.

Can I customize the route?
Yes, you can choose routes to the Black Sand Beach, Caldera cliffs, or both—depending on your preferences and the time available.

Is this experience suitable for children?
The tour is designed for adults and is not recommended for children, especially considering safety and physical requirements.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 2.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy riding, scenery, and photos.

What should I bring?
Bring a camera to capture the views and sunscreen to stay protected under the Greek sun.

Are there any restrictions?
Yes, pregnant women, people with back problems, or those over 260 lbs (118 kg) should not participate.

What is the best time of day for this tour?
While specific times vary, check availability for start times, and consider booking early or late in the day for softer light and fewer crowds.

Can I organize a special event, like a proposal?
Absolutely, the tour offers options to organize a private celebration or proposal at the end of the ride—just contact the operator after booking.

This private horseback ride in Santorini looks like a charming, scenic way to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy the island’s natural beauty from a relaxed, intimate vantage point. If that sounds like your ideal day, it’s worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: