Horseback in the Finikia Mountains is pure escape. This 3-hour outing pairs a short ride-training session with a real taste of Crete’s mountain scenery, with big viewpoints toward Giouhtas and Agios Silas.

What I like most: horses, guides, and views

I really like how you’re set up for comfort fast—there’s a basic training session at the farm so even first-timers can feel steady in the saddle. I also love the way the guides look after everyone’s comfort and safety, including matching horses by rider level, so the ride stays fun (not stressful).

One drawback to plan around

No pickup and drop-off is included, so you’ll want to be ready to get yourself to the Finikia Horseriding farm on time.

Key things to know before you go

• Two hours on horseback inside a total 3-hour experience (training, breaks, and setup take the rest of the time).
• Giouhtas mountain and Agios Silas village are built into the best photo moments.
• Guides in English and German help you ride safely and confidently, even if you’re new.
• Mixed-ability group means beginners ride too, with a short canter for advanced riders only when conditions allow.
• Helmets and insurance included, plus orange juice and fruit after the ride.
• The time slot may shift due to weather, so don’t plan something tight right after.

Where Finikia Horseriding Fits in Heraklion (and why it’s a good use of your time)

If you’re basing yourself around Heraklion, this is one of those “small-time, big-feel” activities. You’re not spending half the day in transit, and you’re not stuck doing just one short loop. Instead, you get a full horse riding block—about 2 hours in the saddle—with mountain views that make it feel like you truly left town.

The location is practical: you meet at Finikia Horseriding / Ιππικο κεντρο Φοινικιας at the farm. That matters because you can show up, get fitted with a helmet, learn the basics, and then focus on the ride without stress.

Also, the vibe is family-style. In the reviews, the same names show up again and again—people mention Irene, plus the family team (including a host referred to as Capo). You can expect a personal touch: patient explanations, careful pairing of horses, and guides staying with the group rather than letting you “figure it out.”

Arriving at the farm: helmets, quick training, and matching you to the right horse

Your day starts with meeting the guide at the farm. Before you go anywhere, you’ll get a basic training session. This is the part I’d treat as non-negotiable. Even if you’ve ridden before, use the training to match your horse’s style and your guide’s signals—because the ride will be more comfortable when everyone starts with the same basics.

You’ll also get helmets (provided) and insurance (included). That gives you real peace of mind because you’re not just “watching for yourself.” The guides are actively managing the ride, which comes through in the feedback: people repeatedly say the staff takes safety seriously and stays close when needed.

Then comes the horse pairing. What’s nice here is that this is a mixed group with different skill levels. The operation chooses horses to match your comfort level, from calmer mounts for beginners to more energetic horses for experienced riders. That’s exactly what you want on a mountain ride: less guessing, fewer surprises, and more time for enjoying the scenery.

The core experience: 2 hours horseback through the Finikia Mountains

Once you’re set, you head out onto the mountain paths and hilltops. The ride is structured for variety without turning into a circus.

What the ride feels like

Expect a mix of walking trails and open viewpoints rather than a flat stroll. Reviews also suggest the experience includes some uphill effort, so if you’re not used to walking or sitting upright for a while, plan for that physical reality. The upside is that uphill movement usually means better sightlines, and this tour is clearly built around those moments.

What you’ll see along the way

This isn’t a ride that hides the good stuff until the end. The tour is aimed at two standout references:

• Giouhtas mountain views (a major panorama focus)
• Agios Silas village (another named viewpoint you’ll enjoy from higher ground)

That’s important. When an activity names specific places like this, it usually means the route is chosen for views, not just for distance. So you’re likely to get more “wow” moments per minute.

Canter and gallop: only if you’re advanced (and only when weather allows)

Beginners can ride here. Advanced riders may get a short canter session when weather permits. Some riders even mention that more confident riders were allowed to go faster. The key point for you: don’t count on speed as a guarantee. Count on a guided, safe outing—and if conditions are right, you may get a little extra.

If you want the best shot at any canter, your job is simple: listen during the training session, hold to the guide’s instructions, and don’t try to out-guess the horse.

The best moments: the viewpoint break, orange juice, and photo time

Half the charm of this tour is the way it builds in time to enjoy the view—not just rush through it. You’ll stop briefly during the ride for stretching your legs and soaking in panoramic scenery.

During that break, you’ll get orange juice and fruit. This is a small inclusion, but it’s a smart one. In warm Mediterranean weather, the mix of a drink plus fruit helps you keep your energy steady so the ride doesn’t turn into a “survive the heat” event.

You’ll also have time for amazing pictures from the mountain viewpoints. Some reviews mention purchasing photo options taken while riding, which is a nice add-on if you want professional-looking shots without doing camera gymnastics while mounted. Either way, the best tip is to take your photos during the viewpoint breaks, when you can stand safely and frame without rushing.

And yes—people also call out the feeling of a fresh Mediterranean breeze at the higher points. That breeze can make the ride more comfortable, especially on sunny days.

Guides and horses: why this tour feels safe for beginners

A lot of horseback tours say they’re for all levels. This one earns that claim because the experience includes three practical safety layers:

1) Basic riding training before you head out

You don’t just get handed reins and sent away. You learn the basics first. That reduces the risk of confusion once you’re on uneven ground or turning as a group.

2) Helmets and insurance are included

Even if you never used a helmet before, it’s there for a reason, and it signals that the operation expects riding to be active and real—not casual.

3) Horses are matched to rider experience

Reviews repeatedly highlight calm, well-kept horses and guides who choose mounts based on your comfort level. That helps beginners feel stable and helps experienced riders feel challenged without becoming outmatched.

If you’re the type who worries about riding, you’ll likely appreciate how many reviews focus on kindness and care—not just competence. Names like Irene show up with real consistency, and riders mention staff staying helpful and caring throughout.

Price and value: is $70 worth a 3-hour mountain ride?

At $70 per person for about 3 hours total (with 2 hours riding), this is priced like an activity where the staff attention and horse care matter. You’re not paying for a long bus day or a big-scale production. You’re paying for:

• a farm-based setup,
• helmets and insurance,
• horse handling and pairing,
• a guided mountain route,
• and a short break with orange juice and fruit.

That’s good value if you want something active with strong scenery and personal guidance. It’s also a reasonable price for people who are new to riding because the training and matching reduce the learning curve.

The only real “cost” to keep in mind is logistics: pickup and drop-off are not included. So if you’re far from the farm, factor in taxi time or your own transport.

Practical planning: what to wear, what to avoid, and who should skip it

This tour is simple to prepare for, but the details matter.

What to bring or wear

• Sunscreen
• Long pants
• Closed-toe shoes

Those are the key items. Closed-toe shoes are especially important because you’ll be mounted and moving your feet around while staying secure.

What’s not allowed

• High-heeled shoes (keep it stable and practical)

Who it’s not for

• Pregnant women (not suitable)
• People over 243 lbs / 110 kg (not suitable)

Also note that the excursion slot might change due to weather conditions. If you’re traveling with a tight schedule, keep some buffer.

Weather and timing: how to protect your day

The tour is weather-dependent. That sounds obvious, but it affects your plans more than you think. If it changes, you might lose the window you had for other activities.

So here’s my practical advice:

• Keep your schedule flexible the same day.
• Avoid booking something that absolutely must happen right after your ride.
• If you’re going in cooler months, consider that you may start at the farm and ride outdoors for a couple of hours. Layering helps, but stick to clothing that matches the “long pants + closed-toe shoes” rule.

Optional extras you might hear about (and how to handle them)

Some riders mention extra touches such as homemade wine, raki, snacks, and even meals after riding. The official included list here is helmets, insurance, orange juice and fruit. So what that means for you is: you can’t assume these extras are part of every slot, but it’s a good sign that the hosts may offer more than the basics at times.

If these extras matter to you, ask ahead of time what’s included for your exact departure.

Should you book the Heraklion horse ride in the Cretan Mountains?

Book this tour if you want:

• a real guided horseback experience (not a quick petting-zoo style loop),
• big viewpoints tied to Giouhtas mountain and Agios Silas,
• a setup that works for beginners and more advanced riders,
• and an operation where the horses and staff care seem to be a top priority.

Skip it if:

• you need pickup/drop-off (that’s not included),
• you’re in the groups the operator states it’s not suitable for (pregnancy, over 110 kg),
• or you can’t handle schedule changes due to weather.

Overall, I’d call this a strong value choice for a mountain ride day around Heraklion—especially if you want to feel safe, learn quickly, and come away with photos from actual high-ground views rather than just time in the saddle.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding experience?

The total experience runs about 3 hours, including a training session and breaks. The horseback riding portion is about 2 hours.

Where do I meet the guide?

You meet your guide at Finikia Horseriding / Ιππικο κεντρο Φοινικιας.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

No. Pickup and drop-off are not included.

Are beginners welcome?

Yes. This is a mixed group for beginners, medium-level riders, and advanced riders. You’ll get a basic training session at the farm.

Can advanced riders canter or gallop?

Advanced riders may enjoy a short canter session when weather permits. A faster gait is not guaranteed.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are helmets, insurance, and orange juice and fruit.

What should I bring and what shoes are not allowed?

Bring sunscreen, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Avoid high-heeled shoes.