Horseback riding on the beach of Santa Maria del Focallo, a ride along one of the most beautiful beaches in Sicily, a nesting area for the Caretta Caretta sea turtles. The route crosses a part of the reserve with a view of the Isola delle Correnti where the Ionian Sea and the Mediterranean meet each other.
Activity features
📅 Availability
Every day by reservation.
🤔 Who can do it?
Everybody welcome.
🔓 Refund policy
Cancellation within 4 days: full refund. Within 24 hours: refund via voucher. In the previous 24 hours: no refund. Cancellation by us due to bad weather: full refund.
⛔ Restrictions
Minimum booking required 2 people, maximum 6 people. This activity is not suitable for pregnant women. Minimum age 11 years old.
🕒 How long does it last?
This experience lasts 1-hour ir 2-hours and start in the morning during sunrise, afternoon and based on the season at the sunset too. You can choose departure time during booking selecting the favorite one.
🗣️ Languages
Italian.
🥾 Recommended clothing
We recommend sportswear with sports shoes (no flip-flops, slippers), sunscreen, sunglasses. On winter, clothing appropriate to the season with windproof jacket.
🐴 Riding style and Gait
Both english and american saddles are available for this excursion. The gait is on walk.
🥖 🥛 Food & Water
For this activity you can bring a bottle of water (not included).
📋 Required skills
Not required any skills. Minimum age 11 years old. Minor can take part only with parents.
🅿️ Parking
Free parking is available on site.
Activity description
This horseback ride along the beach takes place in Santa Maria del Focallo marine reserve, one of the most beautiful beaches in Sicily, located on the southeastern coast about 40 minutes from Syracuse and Ragusa. This experience is definitely one of the must do excursions in Syracuse area, with two duration options: 1-hour or 2-hours horse ride. For both, we recommend the sunset session, when the sun goes down with a warm and enveloping light, creating a landscape of extraordinary beauty.
1-hour ride
The route begins inside a nature reserve, surrounded by a fragrant eucalyptus forest. Riding your horse, you will follow a charming tree-lined path that leads to the edge of the beach, where the vegetation becomes richer with broom plants and Mediterranean shrubs. As you leave the woods and reach the beach, a breathtaking panorama opens up before you: your view stretches along the entire coastline, all the way to the Ciriga sea stacks and the Island of Currents, the meeting point between the Ionian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. Riding along the shoreline, you can observe the dune systems and, between June and August, even the nests of Caretta Caretta sea turtles. During the excursion, there will be a stop to fully enjoy the coastal scenery before heading back.
2-hour ride
The 2-hours excursion starts from the border of reserve and continues along a tree-lined path leading into the heart of the woods, where the vegetation becomes richer and more diverse. Here you can admire towering eucalyptus trees, maritime pines, and typical Mediterranean vegetation, enhanced by beautiful broom plants. After a pleasant off-trail stretch, you will reach the beach, characterized by wide coastal dunes, essential ecosystems for both marine and terrestrial biodiversity. Riding along the shoreline, you can take in the full beauty of the coast: in the distance, you will see the Ciriga sea stacks, striking rock formations rising from the sea, and the Island of Currents. In the summer months (June to August), it is also possible to spot the nests of the endangered Caretta Caretta sea turtle on the sand. Sunset remains the ideal time to enjoy this experience, not only for the extraordinary light but also because the chances of spotting a turtle increase in the evening hours. The area is part of a protected marine zone, rich in biodiversity and of great natural value.
Tour Highlights
🌿 Santa Maria del Focallo marine reserve
🌳 Pines and Eucalyptus Forest
🦞 The beach and dune
🐢 The nests of Caretta Caretta turtles (from june to august)
🌄 The amzing sunset (only sunset session)
🪨 View of Ciriga sea stacks
🌊 View of the Isola delle Correnti
Why pick us?
Ethical business
We are an idea born and made in Sicily with two ingredients, passion for nature and love for this country.
Local guides
We are a team of guides and outdoor experts with the mission to enhance Sicily
Green mind
We are deeply aware of environmental challenges and fully dedicated to driving impactful sustainability initiatives.
Valuable experiences
We only select activities with high naturalistic and experiential value
Pricing & Included stuffs
€ 35,00 - 1-Hour Horse Ride
Price per person. Online deposit of € 7 per person; Balance on site of € 28 per person.
It includes: Equestrian guide, cap, insurance.
€ 60,00 2-Hours Horse Ride
Price per person. Online deposit of € 10 per person; Balance on site of € 50 per person.
It includes: Equestrian guide, cap, insurance.
Faq
What is the starting point?
To take part you will have to reach the starting point marked below on your own. We remind you this is an approximate point, after confirmation you will receive an email with detailed instructions to partecipate.
What happens in case of bad weather?
Outdoor activities are always affected by weather conditions. Last-minute cancellations are possible. Cancellations by our organization always entitle you to a full refund of the deposit. To know the policy about bad weather visit the "Assistance" page, "Reservations" section.
Can I reach the excursion location by public transport?
Public transportation is limited, and it is not recommended to book unless you have your own vehicle or take a private transfer.
Can kids join?
This excursion is not suitable for kids under 11 years old. For the little ones, we recommend a Horse Riding course for children, available on the Courses page
Environmental impact assessment
High
Sustainability
This horseback excursion has a "High" level of sustainability thanks to the low emissions resulting from this activity. In fact, even if horses emit methane, about 18 kg per year, these emissions are irrelevant. The high level of sustainability is also given by the absence of pollutants released on the ground and the total lack of noise pollution, furthermore, taking place on marked paths, it does not cause damage to either flora or fauna.
* All environmental assessments are the result of internal analyses of The Island of Wonders. These have no scientific value, but represent assessments of professionals people who collaborate on sustainability projects of The island of Wonders. Therefore, although carefully drafted, they may contain errors and/or estimation that do not correspond to reality.
Gallery
How it works
1
Make a reservation
Reservation doesn't involve any payment. The deposit will be pre-authorized and charged only after confirmation.
2
Receive response
Your reservation can be confirmed, rejected or you will receive a modification proposal you could accept or decline. In case of reject or decline the deposit will be released on your payment method. Check always your email including spam to get all updates.
3
Get ready for adventure
After confirmation you will receive an email with detailed instructions to get activity.
What people say
Reviews 112
Score 5
Best review 5
Worst review 5
Bellissima esperienza
Ambiente molto accogliente, personale simpatico e competente, paesaggi bellissimi e cavalli molto docili e rassicuranti, anche per chi non ha mai avuto esperienze del genere.
Lo consiglio vivamente.
November 13, 2023
Marco Romano
Everything ok
Tutto ok
March 14, 2024
Giuseppe Carone
Everything great, thank you!
Everything great, thank you!
May 10, 2024
Bettina Genz