Horse Riding Holidays (4)

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8 Day Sunny Horse Riding Holiday in Heraklion, Crete

Available from March till January
    from US$ 1,649
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    8 Day Panorama Rides Hotel-based Horse Riding Holiday in Crete

    Available from March till January
      from US$ 1,851
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      8 Day Intensive Beginner Horse Riding Holiday in Heraklion, Crete

      Available from March till January
        from US$ 1,514
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        8 Day Fun Week Kids Horse Riding Holiday in Hersonissos, Crete

        Available from March till January
          from US$ 1,722
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          About Equestrian Hotel Velani

          Charming small hotel offering complete horse riding holidays in Crete Greece. Beautiful horses, unique location, nature stay, Cretan cuisine and family run.

          Reviews (15)

          Mike Shelburne

          from United States, October 2024

          "Absolutely the trip of a lifetime!"

          The location, great horses, the staff and the best local food imaginable.

          Megan O'neill

          from Ireland, October 2022

          "An Incredible Experience - Highly Recommend"

          I would highly recommend this experience to any considering a horse-riding holiday. Sabine was very informative and quick to respond to all of my questions as I was planning my holiday. This was my first time on a horse-riding holiday, and as a solo traveller as well, I always felt like I was in capable hands. The team are very kind, welcoming, and well-organised, the food was so delicious, and the rooms are spacious and comfortable.

          The horses were lovely and well cared for, and the trails each day were quite different but always fun and enjoyable. The guides looked after us incredibly well and the scenery on all trails was stunning. I really hope to have the opportunity to return again soon!

          Joannie Greer

          from Great Britain, August 2019

          "horse riding holiday"

          beautiful location and views I organised pick up at airport Manolis was there waiting for me on arrival, he had prepared food and left water in the fridge as i arrived late and missed dinner this was a nice touch, he also took my case to my room which was really lovely, immaculate and it had amazing views , food was lovely too and all the staff were really friendly and very helpful(Nico & Mae). I did 2 our trek every day on a horse that was very safe both instructors Vladimir and Fleur were really lovey and very knowledgeable. I couldn't recommend this enough it was an amazing experience and I would love to return

          Jason Turner

          from Great Britain, August 2019

          "Fantastic holiday"

          Everything at Velani & Odysseia Stables is great, and hard to know how to describe adequately.

          The atmosphere is lovely - very warm and friendly, a real family hotel with great hosts. There are a small number of staff, but all very welcoming and fun. The facilities are great - lovely pool and restaurant. The horses are wonderful and the instructors are amazing - especially Vladimir and Fleur. There are many nice trails to ride and a very good arena. You are able to help tack and care for the horses which is great especially for younger visitors.

          The rooms are good, very clean and lovely views. The food is great. Crete is in general lovely. There are many nearby sites for trips out - can recommend the nearby water park for kids.

          This is our second visit and will be going back again soon for sure.

          Geraldine Sol

          from Great Britain, August 2019

          "We don't recommend."

          The hotel is beautiful and the food is really good. We didn't take the opportunity to practice horse riding but it looks like it is the only activity to do there!

          Carly Hamdon

          from Canada, August 2019

          "Very Nice Stay in Rural Crete "

          First off the food is fantastic, all traditional and local greek cuisine made by the owner himself. Secondly, the room was very comfortable with daily cleanings and Air Conditioning. Finally, the yoga instructor (Konstantinos) was excellent! Each morning he guided the group through a more vigorous practice (Hatha, Ashtanga, or Vinyasa) and each night we did Yin. He also conducted two yoga workshops in the week I stayed (the first on Yogic Philosophy and the second on back-bending) which I found very interesting and definitely added value to my trip! Overall I would recommend this retreat.

          Kristina Guenther

          from Germany, August 2019

          "A serene setting perfect for the whole family"

          Loved the location, the wonderful staff, the local style delicious food, the sunsets and the quietness. More than I expected .. highly recommend.

          Jean Johnston

          from Great Britain, July 2019

          "Perfectly peaceful, relaxing retreat"

          If you are looking for somewhere to switch off and relax, this is the place. The yoga instructors Constantinos & Emmanuel were excellent, different in style (hatha, vinyasa and yin) but instruction was excellent in a very small group. The owners (family owned) were welcoming and encouraged their guests to mix and socialise especially at meal times. The location is beautiful with amazing views over the hills, truly tranquil, it is isolated so you need to be prepared to really chill out or hire a car to get out and about. About 25 mins to the north coast an hour from Agios Nicolaos. Road from the village to the resort is a bit scary at first (narrow, steep, winding, rough edges, pot holes) but you soon get used to it. Food is excellent, vegetables from resort organic garden. Service slow but very friendly. Pool and pool area excellent and pretty quiet during my visit. In the process of building another terrace with spa area which will be lovely when completed. Although I am not a rider it was lovely to be around the horses. Resort attracts riders, yogis and those who want to get away from the crowd.

          Yvonne Sliney

          from Ireland, June 2019

          "Really a hotel that offers yoga to guests "

          The yoga instructor Konstantinos Tournas was an excellent yoga instructor very experienced and a lovely person who has a lovely gentle calm manner in teaching yoga exactly what you would imagine a yoga instructor to be like. The location of the hotel was lovely, very peaceful and relaxing. The food was very tasty and freshly prepared with friendly staff.

          Kat Mack

          from United States, June 2019

          "Amazing Experience. I will be coming back!"

          Every single thing about this place is excellent, but most especially the people. The owners and the wonderful people they have attending their guests are top notch. They were accommodating, charismatic, friendly, professional; absolutely wonderful. The food was nothing short of a 5 star fine-dinging experience. Not only was the food delicious, but the care of the presentation was outstanding as well. Everything grown locally and organically made it that much better. The rooms boasted stunning views of the mountain landscape of Crete and allowed for viewing some breathtaking sunsets as well. I did not partake in the horse program, but people that I dined with did and they loved it. I was there for the yoga and you couldn't have asked for a better location or teacher (Konstantinos) a beautiful outdoor platform under a peaceful shade tree surrounded by a symphony of birds. Absolutely serene. truly can't say enough good things about this place. I will definitely be going back every year.

          Lydia Osborne

          from United States, May 2019

          "Fantastic location and friendly hosts"

          Cannot recommend this place enough. The location was stunning, up on a mountainside and Surrounded by nature. The yoga instructor was extremely knowledgeable about lots of different types of yoga and incorporated several different styles. The classes are held on a beautiful terrace looking out into the valley. However my favourite part of my stay was the food! It is very fresh and cooked with love.

          I went alone and was made to feel very welcome by all the staff. I have already started recommending this place to my friends and I only left yesterday!

          E Yates

          from Great Britain, May 2019

          "Beautiful retreat "

          Different styles of yoga catering for all abilities in the most beautiful setting with the most amazing food and people. Booked to go on a horse trek through the mountains which added to the magic

          Jason Turner

          from Great Britain, July 2018

          "Lovely hotel, amazing horses, great riding"

          Everything was great: the welcome, the food, the rooms, the pool, the horses, the instructor, the rides. My daughter (8) loved the pool, helping with the horses and such nice rides.

          Camilla Ozada

          from Italy, June 2018

          "Amazing hotel and staff"

          The hotel was beautiful

          My room was cleaned every day and towels changed. The food was nothing short of impeccable. I thought I had very high food standards and they brought it up even more!

          My room was a great size with a bath and shower plus it’s own little terrace to sit outside and enjoy the view.

          This small establishment is great because it is family owned and run, so they pay attention to all details and are there if you need anything!