Mykonos horse riding offers a memorable escape from the beach clubs, with guided rides from the stables near Ano Mera through farms and goat paths to the wild Fokos beach, where you can ride along the surf and swim. This guide covers the rides, the routes, the costs, what to wear and tips for horse riding.
Horse riding is one of the more unusual and scenic activities in the Mykonos travel guide, exploring the island’s wild north. The sections below cover it in full.
What is horse riding in Mykonos like?
Horse riding in Mykonos is a scenic, guided experience that takes you away from the beaches and crowds through the island’s wild countryside, farms and goat paths to the remote Fokos beach. Accompanied by a professional guide, you ride through unique landscapes and can ride along the surf and swim at the beach.
Horse riding offers a refreshing and memorable change of pace from the beach clubs and nightlife, letting you discover the wild, rural side of Mykonos that most visitors never see. Run from stables near Ano Mera in the island’s interior, the rides take you through breathtaking and unique scenery, along rocky goat paths and across local farmland, accompanied by a professional guide who ensures a relaxed, safe and enjoyable experience and matches you to a suitable horse. The route heads through the countryside, often passing the Fokos Dam and meeting curious wild goats along the path, to reach the secluded, wild volcanic beach of Fokos on the north coast. There, the highlight is the chance to ride beside the swell of the breaking waves, or take a gentle paddle in the still, glass-like sea, a magical experience. Suitable for various levels of rider, horse riding is a scenic, adventurous way to experience the island’s natural beauty, set out alongside the guide to Fokos Beach. The ride options vary in length.
What are the ride options and routes?
Mykonos horse rides typically come in two options: a shorter ride of around 2 hours to Fokos beach and back, and a longer ride of around 3.5 hours that includes a break of about 1.5 hours at the beach to swim, relax and enjoy lunch at the seaside taverna. Both follow scenic countryside routes.
The horse rides on Mykonos are typically offered in two main formats, so you can choose the length and experience that suit you. The shorter option is a ride of around two hours, taking you from the stables through the countryside, farms and goat paths down to the wild Fokos beach and back, a scenic, manageable trip ideal for those wanting a taste of the experience. The longer option lasts around three and a half hours and includes a generous break of about an hour and a half at Fokos beach, giving you time to swim, soak up the sun, and perhaps stop for lunch and a drink at the lovely seaside taverna there before riding back, making a fuller half-day adventure. Both routes follow the same scenic path through the island’s rugged interior, passing the Fokos Dam and the local landscape, with the chance to ride along the surf at the beach. Rides depart at set times through the day, including morning and evening departures, so you can choose a time that fits your plans. Picking the ride length to match your interest makes for a great day, set out alongside the guide to things to do. The cost and booking are worth knowing.
How much does horse riding cost and how do you book?
Mykonos horse riding costs in the region of 180 euros per person for the rides, which include a professional guide and the scenic route to Fokos beach. Book in advance through the stables or a tour operator, advise your riding experience so they can match you to a suitable horse, and sign the liability waiver.
Horse riding in Mykonos is a premium activity, in keeping with the island’s prices, so it is worth understanding the cost and how to book. The rides typically cost in the region of 180 euros per person, covering the guided experience, the horse and the scenic route to and from Fokos beach, with the longer ride including the extended beach break. It is best to book in advance, especially in the busy summer season, directly through the stables or via a tour operator, choosing your preferred ride length and departure time. When booking, you should advise your level of riding experience, from complete beginner to experienced rider, so the stable can match you to the most suitable horse and ensure a safe, comfortable ride, and you will be required to sign a liability waiver form before getting on a horse, as is standard. The professional guides cater to different abilities, so beginners are welcome alongside experienced riders. Booking ahead and giving accurate information about your experience ensures a smooth, enjoyable ride, set out alongside the guide to Mykonos on a budget. Knowing what to wear and bring helps.
What should you wear and bring for horse riding?
For Mykonos horse riding, wear comfortable long trousers and closed shoes, and bring a towel if you plan to swim and a jacket for windy evenings, as Mykonos can be breezy. Bring sun protection, water and, on the longer ride, money for lunch at the beach taverna. Dress for the wild, exposed terrain.
Dressing and packing well makes a horse ride far more comfortable, given the terrain and the island’s conditions. It is recommended to wear comfortable long trousers, which protect your legs against the saddle and the scrubby countryside, and closed shoes rather than sandals or flip-flops for safety and a good grip in the stirrups. If you plan to swim at Fokos beach, especially on the longer ride, bring a towel and wear or pack swimwear, and if you are wearing shorts, a towel to sit on helps. Because Mykonos can be windy, particularly in the evenings, bringing a light jacket or windproof layer is wise, especially for evening departures. Pack strong sun protection, including sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, and plenty of water, as the rides cross open, exposed terrain under the strong sun with little shade. On the longer ride, carry some money for lunch and drinks at the seaside taverna during the beach break. Dressing for the wild, exposed landscape and the sun ensures a safe, enjoyable ride, set out alongside the guides to Mykonos weather and when to visit. The questions below cover the points travellers ask most.
Who is horse riding in Mykonos best for?
Horse riding in Mykonos is best for those wanting a scenic, adventurous escape from the beaches and crowds, including couples, families with older children and animal lovers. With professional guides matching horses to ability, it suits beginners and experienced riders alike who want to see the island’s wild countryside.
Horse riding appeals to a particular kind of traveller, and knowing whether it suits you helps you decide. It is ideal for anyone wanting a scenic, adventurous and authentic experience away from the beach clubs and crowds, offering a chance to discover the wild, rural countryside of Mykonos that most visitors never see, ride through farms and goat paths, and reach the remote Fokos beach. It suits couples looking for a romantic, memorable activity, especially with the option of riding along the surf and swimming at the beach, and families with older children who can ride, as well as animal lovers and the simply curious. Because professional guides accompany every ride and match each rider to a suitable horse based on their experience, it genuinely caters to both complete beginners, who are welcomed and reassured, and experienced riders wanting a longer, more active ride. It is less suited to very young children or those uncomfortable around horses, and the premium price means it is a treat rather than an everyday activity. For those drawn to nature, adventure and a different side of the island, horse riding is a wonderful choice, set out alongside the guides to Fokos Beach and Mykonos with kids. It is a memorable escape into nature.
What is the Fokos beach experience like on the ride?
The highlight of a Mykonos horse ride is reaching the wild, remote Fokos beach, where you can ride the horses along the swell of the waves or paddle in the still sea, and on the longer ride swim, relax and enjoy lunch at the seaside taverna before riding back through the countryside.
The destination of the horse rides, the wild and remote Fokos beach on the north coast, is the highlight of the experience and what makes it so memorable. After riding through the rugged interior, the farms and goat paths, you arrive at Fokos, an unspoilt, natural volcanic beach far from the crowds and beach clubs, a beautiful and dramatic setting. Here the rides offer something special: the chance to ride the horses right along the swell of the crashing waves at the water’s edge, or to take a gentle paddle in the calm, glass-like sea on still days, an exhilarating and unforgettable moment that few other activities on the island can match. On the longer ride, the generous break of around an hour and a half at the beach lets you dismount and make the most of Fokos, swimming in the sea, relaxing in the sun on the wild sand, and enjoying a meal and a drink at the lovely seaside taverna there, which is celebrated for its food, before remounting for the scenic ride back. This blend of riding through nature, reaching a wild beach, and the chance to ride the surf and swim makes the Fokos experience the heart of a Mykonos horse ride, set out alongside the guide to Fokos Beach. It is a truly memorable highlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do horse rides in Mykonos go?
Horse riding in Mykonos runs from stables near Ano Mera in the island’s interior, with guided rides through the countryside, farms and goat paths to the wild Fokos beach on the north coast, where you can ride beside the surf and swim. A professional guide accompanies you and matches you to a suitable horse.
How much does horse riding cost in Mykonos?
Mykonos horse riding costs in the region of 180 euros per person, including a professional guide and the scenic route to Fokos beach. Book in advance through the stables or a tour operator, advise your riding experience so they can match you to a suitable horse, and sign the liability waiver.
Is horse riding in Mykonos suitable for beginners?
Yes, horse riding in Mykonos is suitable for beginners as well as experienced riders, with professional guides who match you to a horse based on your experience and accompany you throughout. Advise your riding level when booking, wear long trousers and closed shoes, and the guide ensures a safe, relaxed ride.