Horseback at sunset beats anything. This 5.5-hour small-group day pairs a sea-side horse ride near Kissamos with the wide-open drama of Falasarna sunset photos, all led in English by Yannis for a smooth, no-fuss flow from start to finish.

I especially like that you get time for both planned moments and your own photos, not just a quick look and go. Another big win: the included drone video service gives you a different angle on the day than your phone can. One consideration: the horse riding itself is about 45 minutes, so if you ride often and expect a long, challenging trek, it may feel a bit more relaxed than you want.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• 45-minute ride beside the sea near Kissamos with trained horses
• Falasarna Beach open horizon for photos and that classic sunset look
• Included drone video to preserve the best moments without chasing the shot
• Sunset time with wine and fruit along with the beach views
• Beach tavern dinner with traditional Cretan food and tasting-style portions
• Very small group (max 4), which usually means less waiting and more personal attention

From Chania to Kissamos: The Timing That Matters

This tour is built around golden hour, not a rigid checklist. It starts at 4:30 pm, then works its way toward Falasarna Beach as the sky cools and the light turns perfect for photos. If you’re trying to see real Crete beyond the cruise-card version, this timing is a good one.

The group size is also a big deal. With a maximum of 4 travelers, you’re far more likely to get a guide who notices how you’re doing, not someone herding a bus of people. Yannis (the driver/guide) has a reputation for being funny and kind, and the day runs like a friendly outing rather than a corporate production.

You’ll also have pickup offered, which helps on a day like this when sunset is the main event. After arrangements for where to meet are set, you drive toward Kissamos, where the horses are waiting.

The Sea-Side Horse Ride in Kissamos (45 Minutes That Feel Longer)

The horseback part begins after you meet up with the owner’s friend in Kissamos, the person connected to the horses. The horses are described as beautiful and trained, which matters because you want confident animals when you’re riding near the water. You’re not just sitting there for a photo; you’re actually riding, for about 45 minutes next to the sea.

One of the best things here is how the instruction is handled. Some riders get guidance that’s simple and precise, the kind that helps you feel steadier even if you’re not a lifelong rider. That also explains why the experience works for most travelers. You’re not thrown into something wild and unpredictable.

That said, here’s the fair heads-up: if you’re already an experienced rider, you might find the pace a little gentle. One review called the ride a bit boring specifically for someone comfortable in the saddle. In other words, don’t book this if you want hours of technical riding. Do book it if you want a safe, scenic sea-side ride that sets up an amazing sunset.

Falasarna Beach: Why the Sunset Works So Well

Next comes Falasarna Beach, described as a top-ten beach in Europe with awards for beauty. Even if you’ve seen beaches before, Falasarna has a way of making you stop talking. The water is clear and bright, and the view toward the horizon is the whole point of the timing.

The tour also leans into what makes this place special: the sunset here is framed by an open line between the beach and the horizon. That matters for your photos. You’re not dealing with buildings or trees blocking the view. The result is the classic long-light look you’ve probably been trying to catch all trip.

You should plan to take your swimming suit too. You’re at a beach location with the right kind of time window to enjoy the water if the conditions are comfortable. And even if you don’t swim, you’ll want to be able to linger—because Falasarna rewards slow minutes.

The Included Drone Video: A Memory Upgrade, Not a Gimmick

One of the most praised parts is the included drone video service. This isn’t just for show. When you’re at a sunset with the horizon working in your favor, drone footage gives a perspective you can’t easily recreate on your own.

Think about it this way: you’ll naturally take phone photos while you’re enjoying the beach and the moment. But the drone video captures the whole scene—people, shoreline, and the shape of the sunset space—without forcing you to hold the camera at arm’s length or ask strangers for awkward shots.

It also helps if you’re traveling as a couple or as friends. You won’t spend the evening juggling who’s filming and who’s posing. The day is structured so the best moments are captured and you’re free to just be there.

A small note: the drone element likely depends on safe weather and conditions, since this tour requires good weather overall. If the day is clear enough to run, you’ll get that extra layer of memories.

Sunset on the Beach: Wine, Fruit, and the Right Kind of Pause

The best sunset moments aren’t rushed. This experience builds in a relaxing stretch at Falasarna, so you’re not sprinting between activities. Reviews mention a romantic sunset setup with wine and fruit, which fits the vibe perfectly: you get a calm pause right when the light is doing the heavy lifting.

This is also where the guide style shows. People noticed Yannis and the team making the day feel personal, not robotic. When the pacing is comfortable, you actually see the sunset instead of just photographing it.

And since Falasarna has the unobstructed horizon angle, you can take photos and then step back and enjoy the view without feeling like you’re falling behind. That’s the difference between a photo stop and a real sunset.

The Beach Tavern Dinner: Traditional Cretan Food After the Fun

After the beach and sunset time, the day ends with dinner at a local tavern on the sea. This is the part that turns the day from a set of activities into a full “Crete evening” experience.

Dinner is described as traditional Cretan, with local food and delicacy tasting. Instead of one plain plate and done, you get a variety of dishes. That fits the rhythm of the day: you ride horses, you enjoy the water and sunset, and then you slow down for food.

Also, dinner location matters. Eating near the sea adds atmosphere even if the food is the main event. It’s the last chapter of the story: warm light, salty air, and flavors that feel like they belong to the island rather than just to a menu.

If you’re picky about food, this style might still work because tastings are meant to let you sample. You’ll have a chance to find what you like without needing to commit to one dish from a long list.

Price and Value: Is $240.59 Worth It?

The price is $240.59 per person for about 5.5 hours, and it includes several things that normally cost extra. You’re not just paying for a beach visit. You’re paying for a coordinated day that brings together transport from Chania, a private-feeling small group setup (max 4), a trained-horse experience, the drone video service, and a beach tavern dinner.

When I look at value like this, I try to avoid comparing it to one single component. The value is in the bundle. Booking the horse part, arranging a separate sunset plan, paying for a videographer, then finding dinner that fits the timing—those add up quickly. Here, the schedule is already stitched together.

Also consider what you’re buying with your time. Sunset tours fail when they waste your best hour. This one is timed to deliver Falasarna at sunset, then keep you in the moment instead of yanking you away early.

Is it expensive? It’s not cheap. But with the small group size and the included drone video plus dinner, it lands in the “worth it if this is your kind of day” category.

Who Should Book This Tour (And Who Might Skip)

This is a strong match if you want a memorable Crete evening with a mix of outdoors and food. You’ll likely enjoy it if:

• You like the idea of horses by the sea as a break from typical sightseeing
• Falasarna sunset is on your must-see list
• You want an organized plan that still leaves time to enjoy the beach
• You like the idea of an included drone video without doing the whole planning yourself
• You prefer smaller groups where someone like Yannis can actually steer the day to your pace

Who might reconsider:

• If you ride often and want a tougher, longer ride, the 45 minutes may not satisfy your inner equestrian.
• If you don’t want any animal-related activity, you’ll hate the first act of the day and should skip.

One more fit note: it’s available for minimum 2 persons, which can make it a fun couple-friendly option. But it’s also small enough that solo travelers who are comfortable joining a shared group should still feel like the day stays personal.

Weather and the Real-World Sunset Factor

This experience depends on conditions. It requires good weather, and if poor weather cancels it, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s not just fine print—it’s actually part of how sunset tours work. If skies are heavy or unsafe, the plan can’t deliver the exact experience.

So if you’re booking late in your trip, I recommend keeping some flexibility. Give yourself time to switch dates if needed. You’ll be happier if you don’t feel stuck.

Should You Book the Falasarna Sunset Horse Ride?

If you want a day that feels like Crete—sea, horses, horizon sunset, and local food—this is a very strong choice. The tour’s biggest strengths are practical: a small group, a scenic horse ride near the sea, a sunset setup at Falasarna with space to photograph and relax, and the included drone video that turns a great day into a lasting one.

I would book it if your travel style matches “organized fun with breathing room.” You’re not chasing a dozen stops. You’re doing three big parts that connect logically: ride, sunset, dinner.

Skip it only if you’re an advanced rider craving a longer ride, or if horse riding just isn’t your thing.

If you can align your schedule with good weather, this is the kind of evening you’ll remember the next morning, not just scroll past.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 4:30 pm.

How long is the experience?

It runs for about 5 hours 30 minutes.

How much does it cost?

The price is $240.59 per person.

Is pickup offered from Chania?

Yes, pickup is offered.

Do I get a drone video with the tour?

Yes, a drone video service is included.

Where does the horse riding take place?

Horse riding happens near the sea in Kissamos, after you drive from the Chania area.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 4 travelers, and it requires a minimum of 2 persons to operate.