Reviewed · CRETE SUNSET CRUISES
Horse Riding, Falasarna Sunset View, Drone video, Tavern Dinner.
Falasarna gives this half-day outing its big finish: a broad beach, open sea, and a sunset with no headland blocking the horizon. Before that, you ride trained horses beside the water, then end at a local tavern with Cretan food and delicacies.
I like the small maximum of four, which keeps the day personal, and I like the added drone video, a thoughtful way to save more than the usual phone snapshots. The main caution is the horse ride itself: experienced riders may find 45 minutes too gentle, since the pace is designed for comfort rather than serious riding.
Key points at a glance

- 45-minute seaside horse ride: Meet trained horses near Kissamos and ride beside the sea with a separate local guide.
- Falasarna sunset: The beach faces an open horizon, giving you a clear view for photos and video.
- Drone footage included: You get an unusual keepsake of your time on the beach.
- Cretan dinner by the water: Finish with local food and delicacy tasting at a traditional tavern.
- Very small group: The tour requires at least two people and accepts no more than four.
- Yiannis handles the day: Pickup arrangements, local stops, photos, and personal touches are part of his role.
A small-group evening from Chania to the western coast

This is not a simple beach transfer. It is a five-and-a-half-hour outing built around three different pleasures: a short horse ride, a famous sunset, and a meal by the sea.
You start at about 4:30 pm after arranging a meeting point and pickup. The route takes you toward Kissamos, in western Crete, where you meet the owner of the horses. The group size matters here. With no more than four people, Yiannis can adjust the pace and pay attention to what you want from the afternoon.
That personal approach is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Yiannis is repeatedly praised for his warmth, humor, care, and ability to shape the outing around the people in front of him. He has local contacts, including the horse owner and the tavern team, so the afternoon feels connected to real people rather than assembled from unrelated tourist stops.
The English-language format is useful if you want easy conversation throughout the trip. Pickup is offered, but the exact meeting arrangements are made after booking, so confirm the details before the day begins.
More Sunset Cruises in Chania
- Chania: Afternoon Catamaran trip – Dinner, Drinks & Sunset
★ 4.9 · 168 reviews - Sunset Craft Beer & Food Tour – Chania Old Port
★ 5.0 · 86 reviews - Chania: Wine, Food, and Sunset Tour with 3-Course Dinner
★ 4.9 · 77 reviews
What the 45-minute horse ride is really like
The riding section takes place near Kissamos, along the coast. You spend about 45 minutes on trained horses, with guidance from the horse owner or another local riding guide.
This is best viewed as a scenic introduction to horseback riding, not a lesson for advanced riders. One experienced rider found the pace too quiet, which is a fair warning. If you regularly ride at speed, jump, or work with horses, you may want to ask ahead about the riding style and route.
For a first-time rider, or for someone who wants a calm way to see the coast, the gentle approach makes more sense. A local guide teaches the basics in a simple, clear way and focuses on helping you feel comfortable. The ride is short enough that it does not dominate the evening, but long enough to feel like a real activity rather than a quick photo opportunity.
Wear clothing you can move in and shoes that feel secure. You should also expect dust, sun, and the practical limits of riding clothes. The information provided does not specify helmet rules, weight limits, or riding ability requirements, so ask about those points if they matter to you.
The horses are part of the appeal, but the setting does much of the work. Riding beside the sea gives you a different view of the coast than sitting on the beach. You are close enough to notice the change from road travel to open shore, yet the activity remains manageable for a wide range of participants.
Falasarna Beach before the sun goes down

After the ride, the outing moves to Falasarna Beach, one of the best-known beaches in western Crete. The clear turquoise water is a strong reason to bring a swimsuit, even if swimming is not guaranteed by the schedule.
The beach is especially valuable at this hour. You are not being asked to squeeze a full beach day into a tight stop. Instead, the visit is timed around the evening light, when the shore becomes the setting for photos, quiet time, and the coming sunset.
The horizon is the star. There is nothing between the beach and the open sea to block your view, so the sunset feels wide and uncluttered. That gives you a good chance to take strong photos without needing to find a special viewpoint or climb anywhere.
Bring your phone fully charged, and consider carrying extra storage if you plan to record a lot. Yiannis has also taken photos for people during the outing, and the drone video adds something different from ordinary vacation pictures. The drone service is a memorable feature, though you should confirm how and when the finished video will be delivered.
Falasarna is still a beach, so conditions can affect the experience. Wind, cloud, and changing sea conditions may soften the sunset or make swimming less appealing. The tour requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund.
Why the drone video is more than a gimmick

Many sunset tours stop at photos. This one adds aerial footage, giving you a record of the beach, the people, and the setting from above.
That matters most if you are marking a special occasion, traveling as a couple, or want a shared memory that does not depend on one person staying behind the camera. One participant especially valued the drone service because it preserved the moment in a more unusual form.
Still, keep your expectations practical. The supplied details do not promise a specific video length, editing style, delivery method, or number of clips. Treat the footage as a welcome extra rather than the sole reason to book, and ask Yiannis for the exact arrangements if the video is important to you.
The drone also depends on weather and local operating conditions. A windy evening or other restriction could affect filming. The sunset itself remains the main attraction.
More sunset sailings from Chania:
- Chania: Stand-up Paddleboard Coastal Sunset Experience
★ 5.0 · 57 reviews - Chania: Off-Road Tour at Sunset
★ 4.1 · 51 reviews - Chania Alternative Sunset Bike Tour
★ 4.9 · 48 reviews - Chania: Falassarna Beach Sunset Trip with Transfer
★ 4.0 · 38 reviews
Dinner at a traditional beach tavern

The final stop is dinner at a traditional tavern beside the sea. This is not presented as a single fixed dish or a standard restaurant meal. You are offered local Cretan food and a selection of delicacies to taste, so arrive ready to share and try several things.
That format suits people who want more than a quick meal after an activity. Cretan cooking is often built around fresh produce, olive oil, herbs, cheeses, and slow-cooked dishes, but the specific menu here is not listed. Ask about ingredients if you have allergies or dietary limits.
The setting is part of the value. After the ride and beach visit, sitting by the water gives the evening an easy final rhythm. You are not rushing straight back to Chania after the sunset. Instead, the meal gives you time to talk with Yiannis, enjoy the local setting, and let the day stretch out.
The dinner also helps explain the price. At $240.59 per person, this is not a low-cost beach excursion. You are paying for a private-feeling experience with transport arrangements, a horse ride, a sunset stop, drone footage, and dinner. If you priced each part separately, the package could make sense, especially for a couple or small group that values convenience.
It is less convincing for someone who mainly wants to see Falasarna Beach. You could spend far less on a beach visit alone, and the riding section may not satisfy an advanced equestrian. The value comes from combining several experiences without having to arrange the horse owner, transport, sunset timing, photos, and tavern yourself.
Yiannis makes the difference

The guide is a major part of the outing. Yiannis is described as funny, kind, attentive, and strongly connected to the people involved in the day. He has also been praised for making the experience feel personal and for caring about whether people are comfortable.
That can be especially helpful in a small group. You can ask questions about Crete, adjust the pace of the conversation, and explain what you want from the beach stop. One couple received a beach picnic with wine and fruit, but that detail is not listed as a standard part of the tour, so do not assume it is included for every booking.
Yiannis has also helped create photos and memories during the afternoon. His local relationships are an asset, but they also mean the exact feel of the tour may depend on the people working that day. The horse guide and tavern staff are separate from Yiannis, and their role forms part of the overall experience.
The best reason to book with this format is the human touch. If you prefer a fixed group excursion with a strict schedule and little interaction, you may find the personal style less important. If you want a host who can respond to your interests, it is a strong advantage.
Timing, group size, and practical planning

The tour lasts about five hours and 30 minutes, beginning around 4:30 pm. That timing is built around the sunset, so the exact rhythm of the beach stop and dinner will depend on the season and the day’s conditions.
You should keep the evening open rather than scheduling a tight appointment afterward. Sunset timing changes through the year, and driving between Chania, Kissamos, and Falasarna takes time. The published duration is approximate, not a guarantee of an exact return minute.
The minimum booking is two people. The maximum is four, which makes this a good fit for couples, close friends, or a small family group. Solo booking is not available under the stated rules.
Pickup is offered, but your meeting point is arranged in advance. Make sure you know the pickup location and time before the day. Since the activity is offered in English, communication should be straightforward for English-speaking participants.
Confirmation is provided at booking, and most people can take part. The information does not give detailed accessibility guidance, so ask in advance about transport, mounting the horses, walking on sand, and any mobility needs.
You should bring:
- A swimsuit if you want the option of swimming
- Comfortable clothing for riding
- Secure shoes
- Sun protection
- A phone or camera with enough battery
- Any medication or food information the guide should know
The experience depends on good weather. If conditions force cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. For your own cancellation, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.
Who will enjoy this most

I would choose this outing for a couple wanting a romantic western Crete evening, especially if the drone video and beach dinner appeal to you. It also fits a small group that wants several activities without hiring separate providers.
It works well for first-time riders because the ride is short and gentle. Families may also like the mix of animals, beach time, photos, and dinner, though you should confirm age and riding requirements because those details are not provided.
I would be more cautious if horseback riding is your main reason for booking. The 45-minute ride is not built around advanced technique or a long coastal route. Experienced riders may find it too basic.
I would also think twice if you want a full afternoon at Falasarna. This is a sunset visit, not a long beach day. You may have time to enjoy the water and sand, but the schedule centers on the evening program.
The high satisfaction rate is supported by specific features rather than one narrow attraction: Yiannis’s care, the local horse guide, the sunset setting, the drone footage, and the dinner. That combination gives the tour a warm, personal character.
Should you book the Falasarna sunset horse ride?
Book it if you want a small, hosted evening that combines coastal horseback riding and a famous sunset with a proper local dinner. The $240.59 price is high for a single beach outing, but more reasonable when you value pickup, a maximum of four people, personal guiding, drone video, and several arranged stops.
Skip it if you are an advanced rider seeking a demanding ride, or if your main goal is spending many hours swimming at Falasarna. For everyone else, especially couples and small groups, this is a well-rounded way to experience the western coast without planning every part yourself.
FAQ
Where does the experience take place?
The outing begins with arrangements for a meeting point and pickup, then travels toward Kissamos for the horse ride and Falasarna Beach for the sunset and dinner.
What time does the tour start?
The stated start time is 4:30 pm.
How long does the experience last?
The experience lasts approximately five hours and 30 minutes.
How long is the horse ride?
The horse ride lasts about 45 minutes.
Is the sunset viewed at Falasarna Beach?
Yes. Falasarna Beach is the sunset stop, with an open view toward the horizon.
Is dinner included?
Yes. The experience ends with dinner at a traditional tavern by the sea, including local food and delicacy tasting.
Is the drone video included?
Yes. Drone video service is included as part of the experience.
How many people can join the tour?
The experience requires a minimum of two people and has a maximum of four participants.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If poor weather causes the tour to be canceled, you are offered another date or a full refund.
More Sit-Down Meals in Chania
- Chania: Afternoon Catamaran trip – Dinner, Drinks & Sunset
★ 4.5 · 31 reviews - Chania: Cretan Folklore Dance Show with Dinner
★ 4.0 · 25 reviews - Half Day Sunset Tour in Rethymno with Dinner and Wine
★ 4.5 · 9 reviews - Crete: Off-Road Quad Safari with Lunch/Dinner
★ 4.9 · 664 reviews
More Riding Trips in Chania
- Horse riding,falasarna sunset,dinner in a tavern,drone video
★ 4.9 · 17 reviews - Heraklion: Finikia Horse Riding Tour with Lunch or Dinner
★ 4.9 · 1,231 reviews - Heraklion: Horse Ride in the Cretan Mountains
★ 4.8 · 298 reviews - HORSE RIDING 1.5 hours mountains from area Hersonissos CRETE
★ 4.5 · 19 reviews
Newest Chania write-ups
- Private transfer from Heraklion airport to Chania★ 5.0 · 5 reviews
- From chania : Knossos Palace & Archeological Museum Tour★ 4.0 · 4 reviews
- Highlights of Crete -2 Days Tour Knossos Lasithi Rethymno&Chania★ 5.0 · 3 reviews
- CHANIA RETHYMNON KOURNAS, full day professional guided coach tour★ 3.5 · 8 reviews
- Private tasting of 6 cretan wines in Fres village, Chania★ 5.0 · 4 reviews
- Wine Tasting Walking Tour in Old Town Chania★ 5.0 · 20 reviews
- Small-Group Wine Tasting Activity in West Chania★ 5.0 · 4 reviews
- Chania Area: Cooking Class at a Farm in Stylos Village (organic)★ 5.0 · 19 reviews
Crete Sunset Cruises, compared.

Land Rover Safari with Sunset Viewing, Dinner, & Wine
Read our review →
Sunset Sailing Cruise Dia Island with Snorkeling
Read our review →Browse the lists this tour appears in






