Paros Sunset Horseback Riding Tour

Kakapetra and the stables of northern Paros

The ride begins at the stables in the Kakapetra area of northern Paros, a rural corner of the island a short drive from Naoussa. Here the land is open and gently rolling, with fields of barley, olive trees and scattered farmhouses, and the busy beaches of the north coast feel far away even though they are only minutes from the stables.

Arrive about 20 minutes before your start time so the instructor can welcome you, fit your helmet and introduce you to your horse. Beginners receive simple instructions on how to sit, steer and stop, while experienced riders can tell the instructor their level. If you are wondering whether horse riding in Paros is suitable for first-timers, the answer is yes: the pace is calm, and the instructor stays with the group the whole time.

The Parian countryside on horseback

Once in the saddle, you follow narrow country paths that few visitors ever see. They wind between dry-stone walls built from the island's grey and white stone, past old threshing floors, dovecotes, beehives and small chapels with blue domes, the traditional rural architecture of the Cyclades that still shapes the landscape of Paros.

In spring the fields are green and full of wildflowers; by summer they turn golden and the air smells of wild thyme and sage. Riding slowly gives you time to notice these details, and the instructor shares stories about farming life on the island, from olive harvests to the way water was collected in the dry months. It is a calm, unhurried way to discover the real Paros beyond its harbours.

Sunset over the Aegean

The highlight of the ride is a viewpoint chosen for its open horizon, where the group pauses as the sun goes down over the Aegean and the neighbouring islands turn into dark silhouettes. The sky moves through gold, orange and pink, and it is the perfect moment for photos of riders and horses against the light.

Because the ride is built around the sunset, the start time changes through the season: around 19:00 in June and July, earlier in spring, August and September, and around 17:30 in October. Each period is a separate option in the booking panel, and we send you the exact time after booking. The best time to visit Paros for this ride is late spring or early autumn, when the evenings are warm but not hot.

An evening in Naoussa after the ride

After returning to the stables at dusk, many guests continue to Naoussa, the lively fishing harbour of northern Paros, only a short drive away. Its little port is guarded by the ruins of a Venetian castle half standing in the sea, and fishing boats still moor alongside the waterfront cafés and tavernas.

Nearby, the beach of Kolymbithres is famous for its smooth granite rocks shaped by wind and water, a beautiful place to see in daylight on another day. If you plan things to do in Paros in one day, a morning on the beach, the sunset ride and dinner in Naoussa make a perfect combination. Halal food is limited on the island, but seafood and vegetarian dishes are easy to find in Naoussa.