Čiovo Island: Off-Road Quad Tour & Cliff Monastery Stop

Summary

Quad ride across Čiovo with cliffside monastery pause and island views

You’ll ride automatic quads from Žedno across Čiovo Island’s dusty trails with a local guide, pausing for panoramic views over Split and exploring a 16th-century cliffside monastery. If you choose the longer route, there’s time for a swim on a hidden beach—expect laughter, sea air, and moments that linger after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the smell—kind of wild rosemary mixed with that salty Adriatic air. We’d just parked up in Žedno (free parking, which was a relief after circling Split for spots the day before), helmets a bit too big but who cares. Our guide, Marko, had this way of making the safety talk feel like chatting with a friend—he even joked about his “fashionable” raincoat collection if it started to drizzle. The quads looked intimidating at first but honestly, once you start rolling along those dirt tracks at the top of Čiovo Island, it’s just… fun. You can hear pebbles pinging under the wheels and sometimes you catch a glimpse of Split in the haze below—felt almost unreal.

We stopped at this eastern viewpoint where everyone went quiet for a second. Maybe it was just the wind or maybe we all needed to catch our breath (or I did, anyway). The view over Split and those scattered islands—yeah, I took photos but they don’t really get it across. Marko pointed out some fishing boats far off and told us how his grandfather used to row out there before sunrise. There’s something about hearing stories like that right where they happened—it sticks with you more than any guidebook line.

The real surprise for me was this old monastery built into the cliffs. You kind of have to see it to believe someone would build there in the 16th century—right above these clear blue waves. It’s quiet except for gulls and your own footsteps echoing inside. If you do the longer tour (we did), there’s time for swimming at this tiny beach on the south side—water so clear you can see every pebble underfoot. I still think about that swim when I’m stuck in city traffic now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Off-road quad tour on Island Čiovo

• Arrive at village Žedno start point
• Attend 30-minute safety briefing
• Receive helmets and bottled water
• Drive on dirt road to east point
• Enjoy panoramic view of Split
• Take short break at viewpoint
• Explore 16th century cliff monastery
• Drive back through island landscape
• Optional: swim at hidden south beach

Top questions

Where does the Čiovo quad tour start?

The tour starts in Žedno village at the top of Čiovo Island. Free parking is available.

How long is the off-road quad adventure?

The standard tour lasts 2 hours; with swimming included, it’s 3 hours.

Is previous quad experience required?

No experience is needed; there’s a 30-minute safety briefing before starting.

What will we see during the tour?

You’ll visit panoramic viewpoints over Split and surrounding islands plus a 16th-century cliffside monastery.

Is swimming included on all tours?

No, only on the 3-hour afternoon tour is there time for swimming at a secluded beach.

Are raincoats provided if it rains?

Yes, free raincoats are provided so tours run in all weather conditions.

Can children join the quad adventure?

Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult; infants can ride in a stroller or pram.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup; you meet directly at Žedno village on Čiovo Island.

What’s included

Your day includes free parking in Žedno village, bottled water to keep you going under that island sun, use of helmets for everyone (even if your hair gets squashed), fuel costs covered so no stress about refilling later, local taxes already sorted out, and raincoats handed out if those clouds roll in unexpectedly—all led by your local driver-guide who knows every twist in these trails.