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

Side’s horse ride promises a pleasant mix of woodland paths and beach riding, rather than a simple paddock lesson. The route is meant to pass orange orchards, small hamlets, rivers, and forest before reaching the coast for the final hour.

I like the easy hotel pickup and the chance for a first-time rider to try something different for $35. I also like the contrast between shady inland tracks and open sand. My main concern is consistency: some outings appear to last far less than two hours, and several reports raise troubling questions about helmets, road crossings, guide behavior, and the condition of the horses.

Key points to know

• The advertised ride lasts two hours: One hour inland, then one hour on the beach, though some outings have reportedly been much shorter.
• The route is more rural than scenic at first: Expect forests, orange orchards, hamlets, rivers, and roads before reaching the shore.
• Beginners are accepted: Instructors are supposed to explain the horses and riding basics before departure.
• Safety procedures may vary: Helmets are included, but some riders said they received them only after asking, or did not receive one at all.
• Animal welfare is a serious consideration: Multiple reports describe thin, tired, or poorly cared-for horses.
• Pickup is from the hotel entrance: Many hotels will not allow vehicles to enter the reception area, so meet at the main gate.

Two hours on horseback, if the schedule holds

The experience is sold as a four-hour outing from hotel pickup to return, with two hours actually spent riding. That distinction matters. The transfer, arrival, horse assignment, instructions, mounting, photographs, and return journey all use part of your day.

The riding itself is divided into two clear sections. The first hour is inland, with a route through forests, orange orchards, hamlets, rivers, and the surrounding countryside. The second hour is meant to be on the beach.

In practice, the length has not always matched the plan. One rider reported about one hour and fifteen minutes in the saddle, while another said there was no beach ride and only about an hour of riding through the woods. That makes this a tour where I would confirm the expected riding time before departure, especially if the beach section is the main reason you are booking.

The group size is capped at 15 people. That is small enough to keep the ride manageable, but the experience may still feel very different depending on the number of beginners, the horses available, and the guide assigned to the group.

Starting at the farm near Side

Your vehicle collects you from your hotel and takes you to the horse facility. Because many hotels in the region have strict access rules, the driver may not collect you at reception. You need to wait at the main entrance gate, and it is worth arriving early so the vehicle does not have to search for you.

At the farm, the stated plan is simple. An instructor explains the horses, gives basic riding instructions, and helps you mount. The horses are described as specially trained and suitable for first-time riders.

That sounds reassuring, and some first-time riders found the guides helpful and friendly. One family described the staff as pleasant, while another first-time rider said the guides offered useful assistance. That is the positive side of the setup.

The weaker side is the lack of a dependable briefing. Several accounts describe little or no proper introduction before mounting. One rider said a short attempt to introduce the horses was cut off, while others said beginners were handled impatiently. If you have never ridden, you should expect a basic trail ride rather than a proper riding lesson.

Ask three things before you get on:

• Which horse has been assigned to you?
• How long will the riding section last?
• Will you receive and wear a helmet before leaving?

The listed price includes helmet use, but the reports are not consistent. Some riders said helmets were not offered until requested, and one report described a helmet that slipped during faster riding. I would not accept a loose or poorly fitted helmet.

The inland route through woods and orchards

The first part is intended to show you the countryside around Side, not just the beach. Forest tracks provide shade, and the orange orchards, hamlets, and river areas give the ride a local setting that a standard resort activity does not offer.

The wooded section seems to be the most pleasant part when conditions are good. One account specifically praised the sandy ground and cool shade. Another described an autumn evening ride through the forest as enjoyable. If you like a quiet trail and the simple rhythm of walking on horseback, this section may be the strongest part of the outing.

Still, do not picture a polished nature reserve. Some reports describe litter, including plastic bottles and carrier bags, in parts of the wooded route. You may also cross paved roads with active traffic. That can feel tense, particularly if you are a beginner or riding with a child.

The route therefore has two faces. It can offer shade, trees, soft ground, and a rural feel. It can also include untidy stretches and road crossings that do not match the calm forest ride suggested by the description.

The pace is another point to clarify. The advertised experience allows for riding, but it does not promise a lesson, jumping, or a long gallop. Some riders were asked if they wanted to gallop, while others, especially beginners, stayed at a slower pace. Your ability, confidence, and the guide’s judgment will affect what happens.

Reaching the beach for the final hour

The beach is the memorable part of the promise. Riding beside the coast can be a fine change of pace after the shaded inland route, and the open space gives the horses more room than the narrower forest tracks.

The planned schedule allows one hour on the beach. Yet this is also where expectations need the most care. Some accounts describe only a few minutes by the water, mainly for photographs, followed by an immediate return. Another describes the beach as very pleasant, with faster riding and even riding into the sea for those who felt confident.

Those are very different outings. I would treat the beach time as an intended feature, not a guaranteed full hour, unless the operator confirms it on the day. If beach riding is essential, ask before mounting and note the answer.

Photography is offered separately. A photographer may take pictures on the beach, but souvenir photos are not included in the $35 price. One reported price was 30 euros, which some riders found too high. You can decline the photographs, and you should ask for the price before agreeing to any package.

The beach can also bring more demanding riding. Faster movement, uneven sand, and excitement among the horses require better control than a quiet walk. If you are new to horses, do not feel pressured to gallop. Your booking is for a ride, not a test of courage.

Safety: the point I would take most seriously

The activity is listed for people with moderate physical fitness and is not suitable for anyone with limited mobility, health issues, pregnancy, or a body weight of 110 kilograms or more. That restriction is important because mounting, balancing, and controlling a horse require more strength than many people expect.

The safety record described in the feedback is mixed. Some riders had a calm first experience and found the guides helpful. Others described horses bucking, running off, or becoming difficult to control at the beach. One account reported a child being taken away by ambulance and two other people being thrown from their horses. This is a serious allegation, and it is enough reason to ask direct safety questions before you ride.

I would also pay close attention to the guide’s attitude. A beginner needs clear, patient instructions, especially when crossing roads or handling an unsettled horse. Reports of impatient behavior and pressure to tip are not acceptable substitutes for safety guidance.

The helmet issue deserves plain treatment. Helmet use is included, but some accounts say riders were not given helmets unless they asked. Another rider said a helmet slipped during a faster section. Insist on a properly fitted helmet, and do not ride if the equipment is missing or unsuitable.

The supplier’s listed maximum is 15 people, but the quality of supervision matters more than the number alone. Before setting out, make sure the guide knows who is a beginner, who is confident, and who does not want to gallop.

Horse welfare should guide your decision

The most troubling concern is the condition of the horses. Several accounts describe animals as thin, tired, sweaty, poorly groomed, or showing visible ribs and hip bones. Some riders also said horses were tied up and sent back out soon after completing another ride.

I cannot verify the condition of every horse on every day, and the reports are not all identical. One positive account praised the staff and had a good first ride. Another noted that the horses’ hooves looked well cared for, even while criticizing their general condition.

Still, the repeated welfare concerns are too serious to brush aside. If you arrive and see horses that appear unwell, exhausted, or distressed, you can choose not to ride. Ask how often the horses work, when they last had water and rest, and whether the horse assigned to you is appropriate for your size and experience.

This is especially important for couples and families. One account describes a horse that seemed too small for a larger adult, while another rider was given a nervous horse that repeatedly tried to speed up. A first-time rider should not be placed on a restless horse simply because it is the next one available.

What the $35 price really buys

At $35 per person, the package is inexpensive for a four-hour outing with hotel transfers and two hours of advertised riding. It includes pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking guiding service, helmet use, and the horseback ride itself.

That price is attractive if you receive the full route and a safe, well-run experience. It is much less attractive if your actual riding time is close to an hour, the beach stop is brief, and you feel pressured to purchase photographs or leave a tip.

The low price may explain why the operation feels basic rather than polished. You are not paying for a private lesson, a small luxury group, or a carefully staged equestrian program. You are paying for a simple excursion with transport and a beach component.

I would value it as a budget activity only if the operator confirms the current schedule and you are comfortable checking the horses and equipment yourself. The price does not cancel out welfare or safety concerns.

Who should book this Side horse ride?

This experience may suit you if you want a low-cost activity, enjoy being outdoors, and are comfortable with a basic trail ride. It may also work for a confident beginner if the assigned horse is calm, the guide is patient, and the helmet fits properly.

I would be cautious if you are traveling with a young child, have never been around horses, or expect a carefully managed lesson. The road crossings, inconsistent instruction, and reports of unsettled horses make this a poor choice for anyone who wants a highly controlled first ride.

It is also not a good fit if you are concerned about animal welfare. The reports about thin and overworked horses are repeated enough that you should inspect the facility and be prepared to walk away.

The staff have not been uniformly criticized. Drivers and some guides are described as friendly, and the forest and beach setting can be attractive. The problem is that the good parts do not appear reliable enough for me to recommend this without reservations.

Booking, pickup, and cancellation details

Confirmation is issued at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded, and late changes are not accepted.

The activity depends on good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you should be offered another date or a full refund.

Pickup is offered from most hotels in the Side area, but you should meet at the main entrance gate rather than waiting at reception. The tour is offered in English, and the maximum group size is 15 people.

Should you book it?

I would book this only after confirming three things: the full two-hour riding time, the beach portion, and the availability of properly fitted helmets. On arrival, inspect the horse assigned to you and speak up if it looks tired, underfed, injured, or too small for you.

The forest paths, orange orchards, shade, and beach setting can make a pleasant outing, and the $35 price is appealing. But the mixed timing, safety concerns, and repeated reports about horse welfare make this a cautious purchase rather than an easy recommendation.

If you decide to go, treat the first few minutes at the farm as your decision point. If the briefing is rushed, the equipment is missing, or the horses look unfit, do not let the low price pressure you into riding.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding?

The advertised riding time is two hours, with one hour through inland areas and one hour on the beach. The full outing, including pickup and return, takes about four hours. Actual riding time has reportedly been shorter on some departures.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. Because many hotels restrict vehicle access near reception, you should meet the driver at the main entrance gate.

Are helmets provided?

Helmet use is included. However, some accounts say helmets were offered only after riders asked, so confirm that you receive one and check that it fits securely before leaving.

Can beginners join?

Yes. The activity is presented as suitable for first-time riders, and instructors are meant to provide basic guidance. You should still tell the guide clearly that you are a beginner and ask for a calm, suitable horse.

Are souvenir photographs included?

No. Photographs are available to purchase separately and are not part of the tour price. Ask for the price before agreeing to a photo package.

Who should not take this activity?

The ride 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.