Crete - Lassithi Trek
This seven night trail takes you 200km over different terrain through the Dikti Mountain Range to the Libyan sea on the Cretan south coast. The trail starts in the mountains and rich fertile plateaux. On reaching the sea you return through the Cretan countryside with its villages, olive groves and vineyards.
The circular route starts and ends at Odysseia Stables. On five nights you return to the fine accommodation at Veláni Country Hotel. During the trail you will stay two nights in the villages of Magoulas and Keratokambos.
The horses at Odysseia Stables include Arabs, Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods and Andalusians, ranging in height from 14.2hh to 16.3hh. Chosen specifically for their temperament and stamina, they are sure-footed in the mountains and relaxed but eager on the trails.
The pace is varied, depending on the terrain. Much of the trail follows hard rural tracks through the mountains and there are opportunities for long, fast canters. There are some steep sections and times when you may need to dismount and lead your horse. Each day you will be riding for between three to six hours, covering 200 km in total.
You should be a competent rider, capable at all paces over uneven terrain, and happy to help care for your horse on the trail.
The riding style is English, on a loose rein.
Hard hats are mandatory.
There is a rider weight limit of 90kg (14st).
The trail starts and ends at Velani Country Hotel, which is next to Odysseia Stables.
There are twelve spacious, en-suite rooms each with either a private garden or verandah. Each room has a hairdryer, a television, a fridge and air con.
There is large infinity pool as well as a separately located children’s pool.
The estate has its own vegetable, herb and fruit garden providing the restaurant with fresh produce each day. Olive oil is also produced from the olive groves.
During the trail you spend five nights at Velani Country Hotel and two nights in guesthouses. Your luggage is transferred by vehicle.
| Holiday | Experience LevelExp Lvl | Arrive - DepartArr - Dep | Price | Itinerary | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lassithi Trek | 2 Apr 2023 - 9 Apr 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,710.95 |
|
Full | |
| Lassithi Trek | 30 Apr 2023 - 7 May 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,710.95 |
|
Full | |
| Lassithi Trek | 28 May 2023 - 4 Jun 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,710.95 |
|
Book | |
| Lassithi Trek | 11 Jun 2023 - 18 Jun 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,710.95 |
|
Book | |
| Lassithi Trek | 10 Sep 2023 - 17 Sep 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,710.95 |
|
Book | |
| Lassithi Trek | 24 Sep 2023 - 1 Oct 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,710.95 |
|
Book | |
| Lassithi Trek | 8 Oct 2023 - 15 Oct 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,710.95 |
|
Book | |
| Lassithi Trek | 5 Nov 2023 - 12 Nov 2023 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,631.89 |
|
Book | |
| Lassithi Trek | 6 Oct 2024 - 13 Oct 2024 | 7 nights 7 ngts | $1,710.95 |
|
Book |
INCLUDES Accommodation (in a room with a garden terrace at Velani Hotel); meals (from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the last day); riding.
It is possible to upgrade to a Panorama Room at Velani Hotel and please ask us for details.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT of $276.69 if you wish to guarantee a single room. There is no single supplement if you are willing to share.
PAYABLE LOCALLY Transfers; drinks; desserts & ice cream; gratuities.
NEAREST AIRPORT Heraklion.
TRANSFERS from Heraklion airport cost €55 per vehicle each way (up to 4 people).
Flights can arrive and depart at any time.
Transfers can be arranged from Heraklion airport, a journey of about 40 minutes (payable locally).
Alternatively, you may prefer to hire a car and self-drive to the hotel. We recommend this option for guests on a centre based holiday. The hotel is located on an unpaved rural road. Every car can reach the hotel, but they do advise an off-road car.
It may be possible to share the transfer with guests arriving at a similar time but we are not likely to know that until nearer the date.
Room check-in is from 14:00 on the first day and check-out is by 12:00. Guests arriving or departing outside these times are welcome to use the public areas.
In the Dikti Mountains, about 40 minutes south east of Heraklion.
The climate in Crete is primarily Mediterranean with hot and sometimes humid summers and mild winters. Most rain falls from January to March but, as you are riding in the mountains, you should be prepared for rain at any time and cool temperatures in the evenings.
I had an amazing time riding my incredible horse through beautiful landscapes. I would recommend this holiday to anyone who has a good sense of adventure. I really felt like I'd achieved something when we rode back in the yard on the final day - it was hard work at times but definitely worth it.
Bethan, Herefordshire
Overall rating: 4/5
The weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, so you should always be prepared and dress in layers. Sun screen is a must when you are riding at altitude.
In The Saddle says
This trail through the high mountains of the Dikti Range gives fabulous views of the island in all directions.