Zakynthos: Yotomu Horse Riding and Swimming Experience

Horses meet the Ionian Sea. This family-run ride from Kato Gerakari offers a rare way to see Zakynthos, with routes through vineyards, old olive groves, pine country, and quiet coastal paths. I especially like the choice of a gentle one-hour outing or the three-hour Ride and Swim, plus the small group limit of six people.

I also like that Yiannis and his team match the ride to your ability, from first-time riders to more experienced horsemen. The main caution is safety consistency: one account describes rocky, uneven paths and no riding helmets being supplied, so ask about protective equipment, your horse, and the exact route before setting off.

What makes this Zakynthos ride worth considering

• Swim with the horses: The three-hour option includes a 25-minute stop at a small beach near Amoudi.
• Small groups: A maximum of six participants allows more personal help from the English- or Greek-speaking guide.
• Three ride lengths: Choose a one-hour nature ride, a two-hour outing, or the three-hour ride that includes the sea.
• Real countryside routes: Expect vineyards, old olive trees, hill paths, and views toward the sea and Kefalonia.
• Family-run stables: Yiannis cares for the horses and may show you around the farm after your ride.
• Important limits: The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, non-swimmers, people with diabetes, animal allergies, or people over 70.

Starting at Yannis Horses Farm in Kato Gerakari

All routes begin at Yannis Horses Farm on an unnamed road in Kato Gerakari, in eastern-central Zakynthos. You arrange your own transport to the farm, so leave time for the drive and arrive at least 30 minutes early, even though some tour instructions say 15 or 20 minutes before departure.

That early arrival matters. You need time to meet the staff, settle in, receive a short briefing, and get comfortable with your horse. This is not a city attraction where you walk up five minutes before the start and join a moving group.

The setting gives the activity its character. Instead of starting beside a busy resort road, you set out from the farm into the countryside. The ride then follows paths through vineyards and old olive groves, with some routes climbing toward open viewpoints.

The stable is family-run, and that personal scale is part of the appeal. A small operation can pay closer attention to your riding level and your comfort than a large trail company with a long line of horses. The staff speak English and Greek, though one participant found that communication in English could sometimes be limited. Simple questions about speed, direction, stopping, and safety are worth confirming clearly before you leave the farm.

The one-hour Wild Nature ride through olive groves

The one-hour Wild Nature tour is the easiest choice if you want a taste of horseback riding without giving up most of your day. It runs in two shifts, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. or from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., with arrival before the selected departure.

You ride a round trip through the countryside around the farm. The route can include vineyards, centuries-old olive groves, a hill climb, and viewpoints where you can stop for photographs. Those old olive trees give the ride a strong sense of place. You are not simply circling an enclosed paddock. You are seeing the agricultural side of Zakynthos, where olive cultivation remains part of everyday island life.

The hill sections make the ride more than a flat walking tour, but they also explain why comfortable clothing and sensible footwear matter. The paths can be uneven, with rocks and holes reported along at least part of the route. You should expect a rural trail, not a smooth bridleway.

The evening departures are useful in hot weather. They avoid the middle of the day and offer softer light for the views. The tour description does not promise a sunset, so do not book it specifically for that. Its reliable feature is the countryside ride and the elevated views.

This option suits a beginner who wants to try riding, a couple looking for a quiet activity, or anyone with only one free hour. It is also the most practical pick if swimming with horses sounds fun but you do not want to spend three hours in the saddle.

The two-hour route and its age restrictions

The two-hour Wild Nature option starts at 6:00 p.m. The longer ride should give you more time among the olive groves and on the hill routes, but the published conditions are stricter than for the shorter outing.

The stated minimum age is eight, and the option is not intended for older people or people with disabilities. It also excludes anyone over 95 kilograms. Elsewhere, the general conditions say children under nine and people over 70 are not suitable, so families should confirm the exact age rule for the date and option they book.

Those mixed age details are important. Do not assume that a child who meets one minimum automatically qualifies for every tour. Contact the provider before paying if you are booking for a child, an older adult, or anyone with limited mobility.

The two-hour ride is a good middle ground for someone who wants more countryside than the one-hour route provides but does not need the beach stop. It also gives you more time to get used to the horse. For a first-time rider, two hours can feel substantial, especially on uneven ground.

One participant expected the full two hours but spent closer to 80 to 90 minutes riding. That may reflect the pace of the group, preparation time, or the route on that day. If the exact riding time matters to you, ask how the provider counts the tour duration before you arrive.

The three-hour Ride and Swim at the Amoudi beach

The signature option begins with a meeting at 8:40 a.m. at the farm. After the welcome and briefing, the group rides for about an hour through the surrounding countryside toward a small, secluded beach near the Amoudi area.

The timing is clear:

• 8:40 a.m.: Meet at the farm
• 9:00 to 10:00 a.m.: Ride toward the beach
• 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.: Ride on the beach and swim with the horses
• 11:00 a.m. to noon: Ride back to the farm

The beach stop is the special part. You are not just looking at the Ionian Sea from a saddle. You can enter the clear water with the horses during a 25-minute swimming stop. That makes this a very different outing from a standard countryside ride.

Bring swimwear under comfortable clothes, since the swimming stop is built into the route. Food and drinks are not included, so carry what you need for the morning, subject to the provider’s rules. Smoking is not allowed.

You should also be realistic about the riding. The experience is suitable for beginners according to the general description, but the route includes trails rather than a groomed surface. One account described rocky ground and holes, and another noted that even a pleasant ride can be tiring. If you have back problems, you should not book this activity.

The beach section is also not a free-for-all in the water. You will be following the guide’s instructions and the group schedule. The swimming stop is listed as 25 minutes, not an unlimited beach break. You get a memorable shared activity, but not a full morning of lounging by the sea.

Meeting the horses and judging the safety setup

The horses are described as well-trained and calm, and the strongest praise focuses on how Yiannis handles them. The horses are said to be well mannered, and the activity is presented as suitable for beginners.

That is encouraging, but I would still ask a few direct questions at the stable. Find out which horse you will ride, how the horse behaves with first-time riders, and what protective equipment is supplied. One account specifically said that no riding helmets were provided. Since helmets are not listed among the included equipment, do not assume one will be available.

This is the main point where I would be careful. Another participant described one horse as nervous and said the rocky route caused some scares. That does not mean every rider will have the same experience, but it does mean you should speak up if you feel uneasy. A small group makes it easier for the guide to adjust the pace or change a horse before leaving.

The provider excludes pregnant women, people with back problems, non-swimmers, people with diabetes, people with animal allergies, and people over 70. The activity is also not intended for people with disabilities on the two-hour option. These limits are not minor footnotes. Horse riding includes mounting, balance, uneven movement, and time on rough paths.

The swimming option adds another layer. You must be comfortable in the water, and non-swimmers are not suitable. The guide can lead the horses, but the activity does not remove the need for you to manage yourself in the sea.

What the $58 price means

At $58 per person, the experience is fairly priced if you choose the three-hour Ride and Swim. You are paying for the horse, guide, farm operation, riding equipment, and a route that combines countryside riding with a beach and water stop. A small group of no more than six also gives the price more value than a large trail ride where you simply follow a long line.

For the one-hour option, the value depends on your plans. It is a reasonable price for a short, guided introduction, especially if your main goal is to see the olive groves and viewpoints. It may feel expensive if you have ridden often and expect a long, fast trail ride. This is a calm nature outing, not a horseback gallop.

The price does not include transport, food, or drinks. You need to reach Kato Gerakari on your own. The swimming option includes the 25-minute swimming stop, but not personal beach time beyond the scheduled hour.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity, and you can reserve now and pay later. Book early if you want the beach tour, since the stable has a limited number of horses and only six places per group.

How the route feels for different riders

For a beginner, the best part is the personal attention. The tours are designed for different levels, and the staff can tailor the route to age, ability, and preferred duration. A calm horse and a clear briefing can make a first ride feel manageable.

Still, beginner-friendly does not mean effortless. Your body may tire before the advertised time ends, especially on the two- or three-hour routes. Wear clothes that allow free movement and shoes that feel secure. Ask for a helmet and raise any concern before the horse leaves the farm.

Experienced riders should adjust expectations. The available information emphasizes walking routes, countryside views, and a relaxed connection with the horses. There is no promise of fast riding or advanced instruction. You come for the setting and the unusual sea experience, not for technical training.

Families should check ages carefully. The general information excludes children under nine, while the two-hour tour lists a minimum age of eight. Children also need to meet the swimming and health requirements for the beach option.

Couples and solo visitors may appreciate the small group more than the large-tour atmosphere. You have a better chance to ask questions, take photos at the viewpoints, and receive help with your horse. Nature lovers get a quiet way to see parts of the island that are not reached by car.

Practical advice before you book

Bring swimwear for the three-hour tour, plus comfortable clothes for every option. Carry water and any food you need because refreshments are not included.

Arrive early. The instructions vary between 15, 20, and 30 minutes before departure, so use 30 minutes as your safe target. You do not want to begin a horse ride while rushed.

Confirm four things before booking:

• The exact age rule for your selected tour
• The weight limit and any health restrictions
• Whether a riding helmet is supplied
• The expected riding time and route condition

The guide’s English is functional but may be limited at times. Use clear language and confirm the main safety instructions. Ask for a different horse if the assigned animal makes you uncomfortable.

The activity does not permit smoking. It also does not provide transport from your hotel, so include the drive to Kato Gerakari in your day plan.

Should you book the Yotomu horse ride?

Book it if you want a small, personal outing that connects Zakynthos countryside with the Ionian Sea. The three-hour Ride and Swim is the strongest choice for a special occasion, while the one-hour evening ride works well if you want a shorter introduction.

I would be more cautious if you have back trouble, poor swimming ability, a fear of animals, or concerns about uneven ground. I would also confirm the helmet situation and age requirements before payment.

For most suitable riders, the appeal is clear: old olive groves, hill views, a family-run stable, and the chance to enter the sea beside a horse. Just treat it as a rural adventure with real physical demands, not a polished resort activity.

FAQ

Where does the horse riding tour begin?

The tour begins at Yannis Horses Farm on an unnamed road in Kato Gerakari, Zakynthos. Transportation to the farm is not included.

How long are the available tours?

Options last one, two, or three hours. The one-hour Wild Nature ride has departures from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. and from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. The two-hour option starts at 6:00 p.m. The Ride and Swim option lasts three hours.

Which tour includes swimming with the horses?

Only the three-hour Ride and Swim tour includes swimming. It has a 25-minute swimming stop at a small beach near the Amoudi area.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear for the Ride and Swim option and comfortable clothes for all tours. Food and drinks are not included.

Is the activity suitable for beginners?

Yes. The tours are designed for beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders, and the route can be adjusted to ability. You should still be comfortable with horse riding on uneven rural paths.

Who should not join the activity?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, non-swimmers, people with diabetes, people with animal allergies, or people over 70. Age and weight restrictions vary by tour, so confirm the rules for your chosen option before booking.