Blog

Swimming with Horses in Paros

The Greek island of Paros offers an experience for tourists like no other. It is a break away from everything you expect, it is a time to relax, a place with plenty to explore and for once in a life time experiences. When looking through reviews of activities to do in Paros, you will undoubtedly come across ‘Swimming with Horses’ – but what does this actually entail.

What is ‘Swimming with Horses’?

There are several places to go on a swimming tour or go ‘Swimming with Horses’ in Paros and there are a variety of different types of tours you can take. We would recommend a sunrise tour, because this way you get to see a side of Paros you may not usually see and from a totally new perspective. However, there are afternoon rides, sunset rides and more to explore. Do what works best for you, your schedule and your group/family.

Why do they call it ‘swimming?’ Is it just a pony trek?

It is so much more than your average pony trek. ‘Swimming’ with your horse is exactly what it says on the tin. Of course, you will have the experience of walking, trotting, cantering and galloping (do what you feel comfortable doing) across gorgeous trials and down onto the beach. But on top of this, you and your horses will get to go for a dip in the sea too. These horses are strong swimmers and used to doing the tour, so you can relax and enjoy this totally different way of riding a horse as it takes you on your own adventure.

How long is it?

The tour will last between 2-3 hours, some horse centers offer longer excursions for confident riders and shorter, quicker rides for beginners. Due to the heat of the sun in the peak seasons, it isn’t safe for the horses to be out for too long, especially in the middle of the day – so this will always be taken into consideration too.

Dos and Don’ts on a Swimming Tour

Don’t be late, make sure you arrive on time

Your average sunrise tour will head off around 6.30am. But make sure you check with the horse centre what time they want you to arrive, as it will usually be earlier than when your tour sets off. This is for a number of reasons.

They want to get you paired with a horse that matches your capabilities, confidence and personality.
They want to make sure you and the horse are comfortable – both in terms of the tack, saddles and bridle as well as you confidence handling the horse.
They may have several of you to get up onto horses and if one person is late, it will slow the entire tour down!

Do trust your horse and the tour guide

Average tours will usually be a group of between 5-10 people, with one or two tour guides who will come along with you on their trusted steed, to show you the way. Throughout the tour you will get to go through a variety of terrains, paces and experiences, but with a mixture of abilities in your group, you don’t have to worry about not being a skilled enough horse rider. These horses know what they are doing, trust them and enjoy the experience. Trust the horse center workers too, they know their horses better than anyone and they won’t match you up or send you on the tour if they don’t feel confident in their pairing.

Don’t take your camera / smartphone

For obvious reasons, bringing your camera on a water tour is probably not the best idea. But you will find tour guides often take photos for you, and make them available to download from their website/email after. Other ideas, if you know before your trip that you want to try this experience is to take a waterproof sport camera/Go-Pro with you that you can attach to you in some way.

Do the experience!

Whether it’s for a romantic trip with a loved one or if you’re away with the family, horse tours and swimming tours are great fun for everyone. Many horse centers have smaller horses and do welcome children along, although it’s best that they are confident around animals and good swimmers, just in case they slip off the horse at any time. You can always try a non-swimming tour to be safe!

Overall, this is an experience like no other and extremely popular on the island for a reason. Check out our recommendations below!

Horse Center Recommendations:

We base these recommendations on knowing that the welfare of the horses are a priority and they are looked after.

Kokou Horse Riding Center http://www.horseridingparos.com/

They have a swimming morning tour, or a coastline evening tour.

Thanasis Farm http://www.parosriding.com/

They have trial rides from 2-8 hours and can take you all over the island.