MOUNTAIN & BEACH trails ON LESVOS ISLAND

Molyvos Trails (Experienced Riders)

• 7 nights / 8 days

• 5 trails rides & 1 lesson

• From €1,310 based on shared accommodation

Day 1: Welcome & Introduction

Riding: 1 hour

Meet your horse, get to know one another during a friendly introduction, and enjoy your first ride in the manege.

Day 2: Castle Trails & Race Track

Riding: 2 hours

Your day begins at the yard, where you'll prepare your horse before setting off on a trail that has a little bit of everything.

You'll ride towards Molyvos Castle along the quiet, sandy back roads of Molyvos before climbing to the local race track. Every year, horse races are held here as part of the local church name day celebrations. Depending on the group's riding level, you'll either enjoy a controlled canter or experience the thrill of a full gallop.

After the excitement, you'll make your way back down the mountain. On warmer days, you'll stop at a natural spring where the horses can enjoy a refreshing drink. It's also a favourite spot for local sheep, so don't be surprised if you have a few curious visitors. From there, you'll continue into the nearby Alysos forest, where shaded tracks provide the perfect setting for another enjoyable canter.

Distance: Approximately 10 km.

Day 3- Petri: Ancient Mountain Trails

Riding: 4 hours

Today's mountain trail follows centuries old paths that are still used today, offering a wonderful glimpse into how people once travelled between villages and transported goods across the island.

Along the way, you'll ride past traditional churches, cross wooden bridges and ancient cobblestone paths, and pass the ruins of the historic Ligonas water mill, which dates back to the 3rd century.

After climbing into the mountains, you'll arrive in the traditional village of Petri, home to around 50 residents. Here you'll stop for a picnic while enjoying breathtaking views over nearby Petra.

The varied terrain provides several opportunities for exciting canters, and on the return journey you'll spend around 10 minutes walking beside your horse. This trail is also full of local wildlife and farm animals, and it's not unusual to meet sheep, cattle, or even a friendly donkey that decides to accompany the group for part of the ride.

Distance: Approximately 20 km.

Day 4- Harbour Escape to Skala Sikamnia

Riding: 5.5 to 6 hours

This is the longest ride of the week and one of the highlights of the programme.

Leaving in the morning, you'll head east from Molyvos along scenic trails that pass the coastal village of Eftalou, famous for its natural hot springs.

Arriving in the picturesque harbour village of Skala Sikamineas, you'll stop for lunch, enjoy a well deserved swim in the sea, and have time to explore before remounting for the return journey to Molyvos.

Distance: Approximately 30 km.

Day 5- Day Off

After several unforgettable days in the saddle, today is yours to relax. Spend the day exploring the island, visiting Molyvos, enjoying the beach, or simply taking some well deserved time to unwind.

Day 6- Swim or Sauna Trail

Riding: 2 to 4 hours

Today's adventure depends on the season.

• Sauna Trail (Spring & Autumn):
  Distance: Approximately 15 km.

You'll follow a beautiful four hour mountain trail towards Vafeios, beginning along the narrow Butterfly Path. While butterflies are seasonal, they're often spotted fluttering through this peaceful stretch of woodland. As you climb the slopes of Mount Lepetimnos, spectacular panoramic views unfold around you. Halfway through the ride you'll arrive at Fairyland, a hidden sanctuary where your host, Yiannis, will welcome you with a delicious homemade lunch. Here you'll also have the opportunity to relax in the sauna or soak in the natural spring bathtub before continuing your ride.

• Summer: Swimming Trail:
  Distance: Approximately 8 km.

Don't forget to wear your swimsuit beneath your riding clothes. You'll ride for around an hour and a half to the secluded beach of Eftalou. Once there, you'll remove the saddles and riding gear before climbing back on bareback and heading into the sea with your horse for a refreshing swim. If you're feeling adventurous, you can venture a little deeper and experience your horse swimming beneath you. Afterwards, both riders and horses can relax on the beach before saddling up for the ride back to the stables.

Day 7,-Molyvos Beach Ride & Farewell Gallop

Riding: 2 hours

Your final ride takes you down towards the beautiful sandy beach of Molyvos.

Here you'll let the horses paddle through the water before enjoying a memorable gallop along the shoreline. You'll then pass close to the picturesque village of Molyvos before returning to nature along quiet dirt tracks, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy a few more relaxed canters before arriving back at the stables.

Distance: Approximately 10 km.

Please Note: The programme may vary depending on the season, weather conditions, and the riding level of the group. The order of the riding days may also change to accommodate guests arriving on different days.

For everyone's safety and enjoyment, if riders booked onto the Advanced Programme are not yet riding at the required standard, riding lessons may be offered in place of one trail ride per day until they are comfortable and ready to join the full programme.

Beginner Programme

• 7 nights / 8 days

• 4 riding lessons and 2 trail rides

• From €875

ITINERARY

Days 1 to 8

Riding: 1 to 2 hours

This 7 night beginner programme is based on half board accommodation and includes:

• 4 riding lessons to build your confidence and develop your skills.

• One x 1-hour trail ride.

• One x 2 hour trail ride.

When weather conditions allow, the 2 hour trail includes the unforgettable experience of swimming with the horses. If swimming isn't possible, you'll instead enjoy a beautiful forest ride with a picnic stop.

MEALS:

The standard package includes half board, with breakfast and dinner included in the package price.

Dinner arrangements vary depending on your accommodation.

During the summer season, meals are served at the Bella Vista Hotel, where guests can enjoy a buffet featuring traditional Greek and international dishes, including fresh vegetables sourced from your host's family farm.

During the winter season, guests staying at Elpiniki Villas receive a breakfast selection from a local shop to prepare in their apartment's kitchenette, while dinner is enjoyed each evening at a selection of local tavernas in the charming town of Molyvos (all within easy walking distance of the villas.); For dinner, each restaurant offers a daily selection of freshly prepared dishes, with a choice of two or three options, for you to choose from.

Vegetarian and other special dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.

ACCOMMODATION:

Accommodation is provided at one of two properties, depending on the season.

Summer Season (May – October)

Guests stay at the Bella Vista Hotel, a charming 4-star family-run hotel owned by your host’s family, on a half-board basis (breakfast and dinner included).

Located approximately 3 km from Molyvos, the hotel offers:

• Outdoor swimming pool

• Direct access to a stone beach

• Free WiFi

• Complimentary shuttle service to and from Molyvos town

Note: if Bella Vista Hotel is fully booked, guests will stay at Lela Olive Grove Apartments which is a 5min walk to the Bella Vista Hotel. Guests will have access to all the hotel amenities and will be upgraded to full board at no additional cost.

Winter Season (October – May)

During the winter months, guests stay at Elpiniki Villas on a half-board basis.

Each apartment features a fully equipped kitchenette and refrigerator, allowing guests to prepare the breakfast provisions supplied from a local shop (included as part of a €60 allowance). Dinner is served each evening at a selection of traditional tavernas in Molyvos.

The villas are located approximately a 15-minute walk from Molyvos, making it easy to explore the town on foot without the need for a car.

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NOTE: Daily transfers between the accommodation and the riding center are included.

Included:

• 7 nights based on shared (twin or double) rooms with private bathroom.
  Bella Bista hotel accommodation from May to October, or Elpiniki Villas stone houses from October to May.

• Half board meals (breakfast & dinner).

• 5 days riding with a qualified English speaking guide / instructor.

Not Included:

• Flights

• Transfer from/to the airport

• Travel insurance

• Lunches are not included

• Single room (supplement of €250 for the week)

• Private airport transfer: €70

• Hotel tourist tax (2-4 euro per person per night)

Non-riders are warmly welcome!
The price is €685 per person, including shared accommodation and half-board meals.

Non-riders can enjoy the many experiences available in and around Molyvos (just 3 km away), including sightseeing, bird-watching, jeep safaris, kayaking, cycling, boat trips, thermal spa visits, museum visits, church tours, shopping, and much more.

For those who would like to share part of the experience, we can also arrange for non-riders to meet the riding group at selected lunch stops along the trail.

Getting There

Your riding holiday takes place near the picturesque seaside town of Molyvos (Mithymna), one of the most beautiful and historic villages on the island of Lesvos, known for its medieval castle, charming cobbled streets, traditional tavernas, and stunning views over the Aegean Sea.

Lesvos is served by Mytilene International Airport (MJT), with regular flights via Athens (approximately 50 minutes) as well as seasonal direct charter flights from several European cities during the summer months.

Alternatively, visitors can arrive by ferry via the busy port of Mytilene, which offers regular connections to mainland Greece, neighbouring Greek islands, and Turkey.

For maximum flexibility during your stay and to explore the island at your own pace, we recommend renting a car. However, if you prefer not to drive, we would be happy to arrange a private airport transfer for you at an additional cost.