Side Horse Riding On Beach And Through The Forests For 2 Hours

Ride beside orange groves, then reach the sea. This Side horse safari pairs a one-hour forest ride with one hour on the beach, making it an appealing way to see quieter parts of the countryside. I like the hotel pickup and the patient introduction offered to first-time riders. My main concern is that the experience can vary sharply, especially in ride length, beach time, helmet use, and the apparent condition of the horses.

At $35 per person, the price is fair if you receive the full two-hour ride and a well-run outing. But you should book with realistic expectations: this is a basic horse-farm excursion, not a polished riding school or a long beach trek. Safety and animal care deserve close attention, particularly if you are a beginner, traveling with a child, or have concerns about the horses’ fitness.

Key points before you book

• One hour through countryside: The route may pass through woods, orange orchards, small hamlets, rivers, and rural surroundings.
• One hour planned for the beach: In practice, some riders report only a short beach stop, often focused on photographs.
• Hotel pickup and return included: Meet at your hotel’s main entrance, not necessarily at reception.
• Beginners can participate: Instruction is provided, and the horses are described as trained for riding, but the quality of the briefing may vary.
• Small maximum group: The stated limit is 15 people, which can make the ride easier to manage than a large coach excursion.
• Check horse condition and equipment: Several accounts raise concerns about tired or thin horses, inconsistent helmet use, and rushed departures.

What the four-hour outing really includes

The advertised duration is about four hours from hotel pickup to hotel return. Only two hours are spent in the saddle. The remaining time covers transportation, arrival at the horse farm, introductions, fitting helmets, basic instructions, mounting, and the return journey.

That distinction matters. If you are expecting four hours of riding, you will be disappointed. If you see it as a half-day activity with two hours on horseback, the timing makes more sense.

The experience is offered in English, and confirmation is provided when you book. The stated group limit is 15 people. That is not an intimate private ride, but it is small enough to avoid the feel of a huge excursion if the full group attends.

Pickup rules are a little unusual. Many hotels in the region limit vehicle access beyond the main entrance, so you are asked to wait at the entrance gate. Be there early and keep your phone available. A delayed pickup has been a problem for some people, with one account describing a wait of more than an hour.

Arrival at the horse farm

When you reach the facility, an instructor is supposed to explain the farm, the horses, and the basics of riding. Water and Turkish delight have been offered during the arrival period, a small but pleasant Turkish touch.

You should expect a simple setup rather than a formal equestrian center. The introduction may be brief, particularly when several groups arrive close together. Some first-time riders have found the guides helpful, while others describe little instruction and a rushed move straight to the horses.

This is the moment to speak up. Tell the guide clearly if you have never ridden before. Ask which horse has been chosen for you and confirm that the stirrups fit. If the helmet feels loose or the stirrups are too low, ask for an adjustment before leaving the yard.

That advice is especially important for children and nervous riders. One account describes a beginner struggling with a slipping helmet during faster riding. A helmet should fit firmly, and you should not feel pressured to trot or gallop simply because another person in the group wants to do so.

The first hour through woods and orange country

The rural section is meant to be the quieter half of the route. You may ride through wooded areas, orange orchards, hamlets, river areas, and sandy forest paths. The shade and soft ground can make this part pleasant, especially in the warmer months.

There is a more troubling side to the route. Some accounts describe sections of woods littered with plastic bottles and carrier bags. You may find that the word forest suggests a more scenic setting than the actual path provides. Parts of the ride can also involve crossing or traveling beside busy paved roads.

Road crossings are a serious practical concern. A horse ride along a quiet country track is one thing. Moving a line of horses across traffic requires calm animals, visible supervision, and careful timing. If the group is led across a main road, stay behind the guide and keep your horse at a controlled walk.

The route can also be uneven in quality from one departure to the next. Some riders have enjoyed the shaded sandy paths and peaceful setting. Others have found the countryside section short, untidy, or dominated by roadside crossings. I would treat the forest ride as a simple rural outing, not a pristine nature experience.

The beach section and the five-minute reality check

The second hour is supposed to take place on the beach. This is the part most likely to attract people to the tour, and it can be the most memorable when the horses are calm and the group has room to spread out.

Yet the actual beach time may be much shorter than the advertised hour. Several accounts describe arriving at the beach, posing for photographs, riding back and forth briefly, and then returning inland. One person estimated only about five minutes on the sand. Another said the full ride lasted roughly one hour and 15 minutes instead of two hours, with no proper beach ride.

That gap between promise and delivery is the biggest value concern. If you are booking mainly for a long shoreline ride, you should ask the operator to confirm how much time is normally spent on the beach on your chosen departure. Weather, tide, group ability, and horse condition may affect the pace, but a major reduction in riding time should be explained.

Some riders have been allowed to canter or gallop on the beach, and one account mentions riding without a saddle into the sea. These faster or more adventurous elements are not guaranteed. They should never be treated as part of the basic promise, especially for beginners or children.

The beach is also used for photographs. The photographer and transfer staff have received praise for being friendly, but the pictures have been described as expensive, with a quoted price of 30 euros. Bring enough money only if you are interested, and do not feel obliged to buy them.

Horse welfare is the central concern

The most serious issue raised about this experience is animal care. Several accounts describe horses as thin, tired, sweaty, poorly groomed, or showing visible ribs and hip bones. One person also felt that horses were being pushed forward with hits when they did not move at the desired pace.

These are serious allegations, and they are difficult to verify from a short excursion. Still, there are enough similar concerns that I would not brush them aside. A horse-farm visit is not only about your enjoyment. The animals should appear fit, watered, reasonably groomed, and properly rested between groups.

Some positive details also appear. One rider specifically praised the condition of the horses’ hooves. Another found the horses manageable even when one mount was restless and eager to trot. A few people enjoyed the actual riding and found the staff friendly and helpful.

The mixed picture means you should inspect the situation for yourself before mounting. Look for obvious signs of exhaustion, severe thinness, heavy sweating, or nervous behavior. If a horse has just returned from a ride and is immediately being saddled for another group, ask how long it has rested. You can decline to ride if you are uncomfortable with the condition of the animal.

The operator has responded to complaints by apologizing and inviting direct contact, sometimes offering compensation. That is useful after a problem, but it does not replace good care and clear safety procedures during the activity.

Beginners, children, and nervous riders

This activity is advertised as suitable for first-time riders. That can be true in principle. The horses are described as specially trained, and an instructor is meant to explain the basics before the ride.

In practice, the experience may suit a confident beginner better than a very nervous one. You may be expected to control the horse at a steady walk with limited individual coaching. A person who has never sat on a horse should make that clear before the group sets off.

Children need extra attention. One disturbing account describes a child being involved in a serious incident after a horse ran off, with an ambulance called, while two other people were reportedly thrown from their horses. This account cannot establish how the incident occurred, but it shows why you should not assume that a gentle beginner ride is risk-free.

Do not agree to a faster pace just to keep up. If your child is frightened, ask to remain at a walk or stop the ride. You should also confirm that the assigned horse is an appropriate size for the rider. One account raised concern about a horse being given to a person who appeared too large for it.

The tour requires moderate physical fitness. It is not suitable for people weighing 110 kilograms or more, people with limited mobility or health problems, or pregnant women. These limits are not minor footnotes. Mounting, balancing, gripping with your legs, and sitting for two hours can be demanding.

Staff, language, and how the outing is managed

Staff impressions are mixed but often polite. Drivers and photographers have been described as friendly, and some guides have helped beginners feel comfortable. At the same time, a few accounts describe staff as abrupt, disorganized, or impatient with new riders.

The English offering should not be mistaken for a detailed riding lesson in English. The activity is sold with English support, but one person reported difficulty finding a guide who could communicate well in either German or English. Keep your questions short and direct.

Ask these questions before setting off:

• How long will we ride today?
• How much time will be spent on the beach?
• Are we staying at a walk?
• Is trotting or galloping optional?
• Has this horse rested since its last ride?
• Where are the helmets, and how should they fit?

A guide who answers clearly is a good sign. If you feel rushed, ignored, or pressured, say so before mounting. Once the group is on the road, your choices may be limited.

One uncomfortable issue appears in the accounts: a guide allegedly asked for a tip because beginner riders had prevented him from riding his own horse. Tipping should be your decision, not a demand. Keep small cash separate if you wish to reward good service, but you are not required to pay because someone pressures you.

Is $35 good value in Side?

At $35 per person, the package is inexpensive for hotel transportation, equipment, instruction, and two stated hours of riding. If everything runs as planned, it can be a pleasant change from pool time and a low-cost way to see rural Side.

The value weakens quickly if pickup is late, the ride is cut short, the beach visit lasts only a few minutes, or photos become the main focus. You are paying for the riding time, not just the transfer to a horse farm.

I would compare the price with your priorities. If you want a first taste of horseback riding and do not need a polished operation, $35 may be reasonable. If you want strong animal-care standards, formal instruction, a scenic trail, or a guaranteed long beach ride, the low price should make you cautious.

Souvenir photos cost extra. A 30-euro photo package is almost as much as the excursion itself, so decide beforehand if you want pictures. You can enjoy the ride without buying them.

Weather, cancellation, and what to bring

The activity depends on good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made later are not accepted for a refund.

Wear clothes that can get dusty and comfortable closed shoes. Long trousers are more practical than shorts for the saddle and stirrups. Bring water, sunscreen, and a small amount of cash, but keep valuables secure during the ride.

Because the beach section may involve photographs, you might want a phone for your own pictures. Do not assume you can carry it comfortably while riding. Ask where personal items can be left before mounting.

Who should book this ride?

I can see this working well for a flexible adult who wants a modest countryside outing, enjoys horses, and accepts that the operation may be basic. It may also suit a family with older children if the child is comfortable around horses and the adults are prepared to speak up about safety.

I would be cautious if you are a complete beginner who needs close coaching, if you are traveling with a very young child, or if animal welfare is a major part of your holiday choices. I would also avoid booking it as a special birthday or anniversary highlight, since the beach time and organization are not dependable enough.

Before paying, contact Payless and ask for current details about horse rest periods, helmet fitting, the route, and the expected beach time. Their answer will help you decide whether the current operation matches what you want.

Should you book the Side horse safari?

Book it only if you value the low price and can accept a simple, variable experience. The best version offers friendly help, a manageable horse, shaded forest paths, orange-country scenery, and a lovely glimpse of the sea from horseback.

I would not book it without asking direct questions first. The combination of reported short rides, road crossings, inconsistent instruction, and horse-care concerns is too important to ignore. If the operator gives clear answers and you are comfortable with what you see at the farm, it can be a pleasant two-hour outing. If the horses look exhausted or the safety briefing feels rushed, walk away.

FAQ

How long does the entire Side horse riding activity take?

The full experience lasts approximately four hours, including hotel pickup, transportation, preparation, riding, and return to your hotel.

How long do you ride the horses?

The experience includes two hours of stated riding time: about one hour through forests and countryside, followed by one hour on the beach.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, but you must meet the vehicle at the main entrance gate because many hotels do not allow pickup at the reception area.

Is the activity suitable for first-time riders?

Yes, it is offered to beginners, and instructors are supposed to provide the necessary instructions. The quality and length of the briefing may vary, so tell the guide clearly if you have never ridden before.

Are helmets included?

Helmet use is included. Ask for one before mounting and make sure it fits securely.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 15 people.

Who should not take this activity?

It is not recommended for people weighing 110 kilograms or more, people with limited mobility or health issues, or pregnant women. A moderate level of physical fitness is required.

Are photographs included in the price?

No. Souvenir photographs are available to purchase separately. One quoted photo price was 30 euros.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. A cancellation made less than 24 hours before the start time is not refunded. If poor weather cancels the activity, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.