Mouries Farm
Mouries Farm
4
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.0
124 reviews
Excellent
65
Very good
36
Average
12
Poor
5
Terrible
6
Alejandra
2 contributions
Jul 2024 • Friends
I worked on the farm as a volunteer and I strongly do not recommend this place.
I arrived at Mouries Farm with two friends expecting to do some volunteering with the horses, but from the very first day I realized that they didn’t care about the animals and they only were using us as free workers.
The agreement was that they offered us accommodation and food (breakfast and lunch, dinner was not included) in exchange for 5 daily hours of work. -That is nice- I thought. But we didn’t know that by “accommodation” they meant broken tends and mats instead of mattresses (as they stated on their online website). We also did not expect that for “breakfast” they meant one or two slices of bread with honey. No milk, no coffee, nothing more. Nonetheless, not everything was bad; lunch was really good. We always had different dishes and big amounts of food for everyone. As for the other volunteers, I only have good words. They explained us how everything worked, they showed us the place and helped us in any possible way.
However, the real problem was the job we were supposed to do, because we went there to take care of the horses and when we should have been cleaning the horses or learning about the animals there, they ordered us to cut branches on different roads of the island.
Manolis, the owner of the place, took us every morning in the back of his truck and leave us on a road he wanted cleared of trees around 9:00, and later at 14:00 he would come back to pick us up.
Of course, not every volunteer did the same work. While some of us were cutting branches, others were picking up trash of the streets or cleaning the dinner. Only two volunteers in the afternoon were with the horses.
Given this situation, I decided to come home earlier than planned (other volunteers did the same thing few days later) and I spoke with Danae because she is the coordinator of the volunteers. I told her about the situation and asked her if she or Manolis could take me to the port to catch the boat. No surprise when they told me no, even though it is only 10min by car, so I had no choice but to walk for 1h with my suitcase at 6:00am just to get out of that place.
My personal experience was terrible. They don’t care about the horses or the volunteers. It is a business, not a non-profit organization. They care about the restaurant and their popularity in the village. Do not expect more than that.
I arrived at Mouries Farm with two friends expecting to do some volunteering with the horses, but from the very first day I realized that they didn’t care about the animals and they only were using us as free workers.
The agreement was that they offered us accommodation and food (breakfast and lunch, dinner was not included) in exchange for 5 daily hours of work. -That is nice- I thought. But we didn’t know that by “accommodation” they meant broken tends and mats instead of mattresses (as they stated on their online website). We also did not expect that for “breakfast” they meant one or two slices of bread with honey. No milk, no coffee, nothing more. Nonetheless, not everything was bad; lunch was really good. We always had different dishes and big amounts of food for everyone. As for the other volunteers, I only have good words. They explained us how everything worked, they showed us the place and helped us in any possible way.
However, the real problem was the job we were supposed to do, because we went there to take care of the horses and when we should have been cleaning the horses or learning about the animals there, they ordered us to cut branches on different roads of the island.
Manolis, the owner of the place, took us every morning in the back of his truck and leave us on a road he wanted cleared of trees around 9:00, and later at 14:00 he would come back to pick us up.
Of course, not every volunteer did the same work. While some of us were cutting branches, others were picking up trash of the streets or cleaning the dinner. Only two volunteers in the afternoon were with the horses.
Given this situation, I decided to come home earlier than planned (other volunteers did the same thing few days later) and I spoke with Danae because she is the coordinator of the volunteers. I told her about the situation and asked her if she or Manolis could take me to the port to catch the boat. No surprise when they told me no, even though it is only 10min by car, so I had no choice but to walk for 1h with my suitcase at 6:00am just to get out of that place.
My personal experience was terrible. They don’t care about the horses or the volunteers. It is a business, not a non-profit organization. They care about the restaurant and their popularity in the village. Do not expect more than that.
Written 6 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
panagiotasakarellou
Ioannina, Greece1 contribution
Jul 2019 • Solo
Manolis is hard-working and kind-hearted, but his mother, who cooks for the volunteers is unfriendly and impolite to those who can speak Greek. Foereign volunteers won't get it, since she doesn't speak other languages.
Written 2 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Moonface67
Yorkshire65 contributions
Sept 2016 • Couples
You can't visit Skyros and not see these unique horses. The species is highly endangered and the farm is working hard to protect and preserve the breed. There's no admission price to see the horses -'but as the farm relies on donations there is the chance to donate. This isn't an organised experiences - it's just you and horses. And as a bonus the taverna opposite offers good value, tasty food.
Written 6 September 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
725emmanuelle
Paris, France191 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
We learned a lot about the skyrian horses and were nicely welcome by the volunteers. They are cheerful passionate about their job! Our 8 years old daughter enjoy a lot the experience.
Written 27 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anne J
Melbourne, Australia15 contributions
Jul 2018 • Friends
Arrived with a party of Greek friends - we were very thirsty & wanted drinks before visiting the horse sanctuary. A very rude man refused to serve us drinks only & said we should have "booked first". We fully intended to eat there later - sadly - not given the chance. This guy argued with my friends - many of them elderly. A whole excursion bus was turned away. So sad - a beautiful spot...... They lost a lot of money that day - we were hungry too! My son & I wereso disgusted we didn't bother to walk across to the yoiung lady with some mares and her foals - we had everyone starign at us & just wanted to read.
Written 10 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christopher B
3 contributions
Jul 2018 • Solo
Mouries farm is one of those places on earth where the people are so towards committed and warmed by other's happiness. The owner splits his time between running the Taverna and the horse farm - for the endangered breed of Skyrian horses. The Taverna serves traditional Greek food amongst a larger selection, with VERY generous portions. The staff may surprise you occassionally with some wine or a dessert you didn't see coming. What's more, you get to eat outside, underneath the shade of trees which, after a long day exploring the island in the Greek sun, is incomparably relaxing.
For the kids there are rides on Skyrian horses for only 5 euros. The horses are just the size of ponies, and newborns close to the size of a large dog. A huge team of volunteers work tirelessly year-round to keep them fed, bred, and neighing happily. The money needed to maintain the herd is taken entirely from horse rides and donations. They have the biggest herd of Skyrian horses in the world (around 45) and considering there are only 300 of them in the world it's well worth a look even if you're not a horse-lover.
Whilst there I met many people who have come back Mouries farm each year, and it's unsurprising. Sitting in the shadow of a mountain, sipping Greek wine, and looking on at miniature horses feels like the most authentic Greek experience imaginable, and doing it in such a peaceful atmosphere is even better.
For the kids there are rides on Skyrian horses for only 5 euros. The horses are just the size of ponies, and newborns close to the size of a large dog. A huge team of volunteers work tirelessly year-round to keep them fed, bred, and neighing happily. The money needed to maintain the herd is taken entirely from horse rides and donations. They have the biggest herd of Skyrian horses in the world (around 45) and considering there are only 300 of them in the world it's well worth a look even if you're not a horse-lover.
Whilst there I met many people who have come back Mouries farm each year, and it's unsurprising. Sitting in the shadow of a mountain, sipping Greek wine, and looking on at miniature horses feels like the most authentic Greek experience imaginable, and doing it in such a peaceful atmosphere is even better.
Written 6 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
skoukoutsi
Thessaloniki Region, Greece15 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
Must see this unique mini horse spiece under the thread of extinction (only 42 left). My daughters (7 & 4 years oled) were thrilled with the ride!!! You can even adopt a horse to help their survival...
Written 16 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gabi H
1 contribution
Jun 2024 • Friends
The farm is located in a beautiful valley setting and what's more you can enjoy these views whilst enjoying fantastic greek food and wine. If you are interested in horses or just want to see how much work goes into the project, dont miss this opportunity! Manolis and his team are very knowledgeable and incredibly generous about caring for the Skyros community and environment.
Written 1 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julio12mar
Θεσσαλονικη35 contributions
Jul 2019
This is a lovely place and organisation that tries to protect the skyrian horse.
You can get some information about this special breed and kids can have a ride. The horses are just lovely and the kids can get a really nice lesson about animals and how we should treat them.
If you are lucky you can may see some newborn that are extremely adorable.
Don't miss it!
You can get some information about this special breed and kids can have a ride. The horses are just lovely and the kids can get a really nice lesson about animals and how we should treat them.
If you are lucky you can may see some newborn that are extremely adorable.
Don't miss it!
Written 18 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
neumanth
Frankfurt, Germany800 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
The kids can also ride them. Nice to see them, and they seem to be looked after. There are volunteers from all over the world working on the farm. So language is no issue.
Written 28 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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