Slow Riding Experiences in Kefalonia
The Countryside Rides
Explore the natural landscapes, mountain trails and hidden historical areas of Kefalonia through authentic horseback riding experiences designed for riders who wish to discover the island beyond the coastline.
The experience:
Discover Kefalonia’s quieter countryside through four different horseback riding routes around Sami.
Our countryside rides take place through olive groves, cypress forests, rural paths and traditional landscapes away from crowded tourist areas. Depending on the route selected, riders may discover peaceful farmland, panoramic viewpoints, areas around Melissani and Drogarati, or historical pre-seismic villages.
Routes: Around the Farm Experience, Cave & Countryside Ride, Pre-Seismic Villages Ride, Cave Adventure Experience
Duration: 2 hours
Suitable for all rider levels (Beginners, Intermediate, Experienced)
Minimum riders: 2 persons
Small-group riding experience
Early morning & late afternoon rides (summer)
Weight limit is max 95 kg
Top Ηighlights
- Meet and connect with your horse before the ride begins.
- Participate in basic grooming and horse preparation.
- Choose between four different countryside routes around Sami.
- Explore olive groves, cypress forests, rural trails and panoramic viewpoints.
- Visit areas near Melissani, Drogarati Cave and historical pre-seismic villages.
- Enjoy a small-group riding experience adapted to your riding level and confidence.
Detailed Description
Every route reveals a different side of Kefalonia’s countryside, allowing you to discover the island beyond the coastline.
From a relaxed farm ride to longer trails through mountain paths and hidden historical areas, these experiences are designed for visitors who want to connect with the environment in a slower and more authentic way.
The routes take place around Sami, passing through olive groves, cypress forests, rural paths and peaceful natural landscapes. Depending on the option selected, riders may explore historical pre-seismic villages, panoramic viewpoints, or the natural areas surrounding Melissani and Drogarati. Every trail offers an immersive window into authentic rural life and authentic countryside experiences, far removed from standard, commercial tourist locations.
Unlike standard tourist activities, our countryside rides are designed as complete horse experiences. The experience begins well before getting into the saddle. Guests have the opportunity to spend quality time with the horses before the ride, participate in basic grooming and preparation, learn about the equipment and build a personal connection with their horse before departure. This core philosophy—more than just a ride—ensures that you connect deeply with both the animal and the landscape. For many of our visitors, this hands-on ritual and introduction to the farm’s lifestyle becomes one of the most memorable parts of the entire experience.
Route Options
Around the Farm Experience
A gentle introduction to horses, farm life and the countryside surrounding the stable.
Suitable for: Beginners, families, relaxed riders
Riding Time: Approximately 1 hour
Total Experience: Approximately 1.5 hours including horse preparation and post-ride interaction
Price: From €40 per person
Pace: Suitable for beginners, intermediate, and advanced riders. The standard price covers a guided walking pace; trot and canter opportunities are available upon request and assessment, where alternative pricing may apply.
Cave & Countryside Ride
Countryside trails leading towards the Drogarati area through farmland, forests and rural landscapes.
Suitable for: Beginners, intermediate riders, relaxed riders
Riding Time: Approximately 1.5–2 hours
Total Experience: Approximately 2.5–3 hours
Price: From €70 per person
Pace: Suitable for beginners, intermediate, and advanced riders. The standard price covers a guided walking pace; trot and canter opportunities are available upon request and assessment, where alternative pricing may apply.
Pre-Seismic Villages Ride
Exploration of historical pre-seismic villages, elevated countryside routes and panoramic viewpoints.
Suitable for: Intermediate and experienced riders
Riding Time: Approximately 3 hours
Total Experience: Approximately 4 hours
Price: From €120 per person
Pace: Designed for intermediate and advanced riders. This experience naturally includes trot and canter opportunities along the route, always tailored to rider background and safety.
Cave Adventure Experience
The longest and most adventurous countryside route, designed for riders seeking a deeper exploration of Kefalonia’s natural landscapes.
Suitable for: Intermediate and experienced riders
Riding Time: Approximately 4.5 hours
Total Experience: Approximately 5.5–6 hours
Price: From €110 per person
Pace: Designed for intermediate and advanced riders. This long, immersive experience naturally includes trot and canter opportunities along the route, tailored to rider background and safety.
Lost Villages & Sea Journey
A unique horseback journey combining Kefalonia’s abandoned earthquake villages, panoramic mountain trails and the Ionian coastline in a single experience. This extended route takes riders through historical villages abandoned after the devastating 1953 earthquake, elevated countryside tracks with spectacular views across the sea and surrounding landscape, before continuing towards the coast and the beach. Unlike our standard countryside routes, this experience combines mountain scenery, local history and the coastline in one ride. Riders will explore parts of Kefalonia rarely visited by tourists, enjoy panoramic viewpoints approximately 200 metres above sea level, ride along the beach and enter the shallow seawater with the horses.
Suitable for: Intermediate and experienced riders
Riding Time: Approximately 3-3.5 hours
Total Experience: Approximately 4-4.5 hours
Price: From €150 per person
Pace: Designed for intermediate and advanced riders. The focus of this experience is exploration, scenery and discovering hidden parts of Kefalonia. Opportunities for trot and canter may be available in suitable sections of the route, always depending on rider ability, horse suitability and trail conditions.
What's Included
- Professional Safety Equipment: Riding helmets for all ages and safety vests for children under 15.
- Experienced Guidance: Continuous supervision by experienced guides throughout the experience.
- Horse Preparation Experience: Opportunity to meet the horse, participate in basic grooming and become familiar with the equipment before the ride.
- The Ride Experience: Countryside riding through olive groves, cypress forests, rural trails and authentic landscapes around Sami.
- Post-Ride Time: Opportunity to spend additional time with the horses after returning from the ride.
- Horse Welfare Focus: All activities are designed with the health, comfort and well-being of our horses as the highest priority.
Essential Requirements
- Mandatory Attire: You must wear long pants and closed-toe athletic shoes.
- Strictly Forbidden: For safety reasons, sandals, flip-flops, pareos, scarves, or any loose clothing that does not fit the body are not allowed.
- Pace Policy: To ensure safety, if a group includes even one beginner, the pace is strictly limited to a walk (walk-only). Trot and canter are not provided in mixed-level groups.
Important information
- Meeting Point: Kefalonia Horse Riding Stable (Please arrive 30 minutes early).
- Minimum Riders: 2 persons
- Weight limit: 95 kg
- Duration: From 1 to 4.5 hours, depending on the selected route.
- Level: Suitable for beginners to experienced riders, depending on the route.
- Languages: Greek and English
- Weather: Cancellations occur only in case of severe/unsafe weather conditions.
Please note: Riding pace and the overall structure of the experience are adapted according to rider experience, confidence, group composition and safety conditions in order to create a safe and enjoyable experience for both riders and horses. More personalised riding experiences for confident and experienced riders may also be available upon request.
Booking & Cancellation Policy
- A 30% deposit is required to confirm the reservation.
- Guests may cancel free of charge up to 7 days before the scheduled experience.
- Cancellations made less than 7 days before the experience are non-refundable.
Please note: The experience begins with horse preparation and guest participation in the grooming and saddling process. Once horse preparation has started, the experience is considered active and no refunds can be issued.
Meeting Point for the Countryside Rides
Through the lens
Captured moments from the countryside trails. Explore snapshots of olive groves, rural paths, mountain views and quiet encounters with the horses — a glimpse into the authentic side of Kefalonia waiting beyond the coastline.
€40-€150
per rider
What to expect
Before the ride (20–45 minutes): Grooming, horse preparation and safety briefing
During the ride: Route duration varies depending on the selected experience (approximately 1 to 4.5 hours)
After the ride (10–15 minutes): Post-ride horse care, photos, questions and optional time with the horses.
Summer Season: A 1-week advance booking is recommended to ensure availability.
Pantelis Defteraios
Owner, Breeder, Trainer, Guide