Split: ATV Quad Bike Tour & Dalmatian Inland Barbecue Lunch

Summary

Rumble through Dalmatia’s rugged hills on quads then share smoky barbecue lunch

You’ll jump onto powerful ATVs just outside Split, following your local guide across dusty trails and rocky paths through Dalmatia’s inland hills. Stop for stories, wild herbs, and laughs along the way before sharing a barbecue lunch (vegetarian option included). It’s part adventure, part slow-down — you’ll feel both by the end.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the low, throaty rumble of the quad bikes echoing off the rocky hills behind Split. Our guide, Marko, grinned as he handed me a helmet that still smelled faintly of sun-warmed plastic and last week’s wildflowers. I fumbled with the strap (never been great at helmets) while he checked everyone’s licenses and cracked a joke about “good mood” being mandatory. The air was dry and tasted faintly of pine sap — not what I expected so close to the coast.

Once we got moving, it was all dust and laughter. The path twisted through olive groves and over stony tracks where my hands buzzed on the handlebars. Every so often Marko would wave us to a stop and point out something — an old stone wall, or a patch of wild sage you could rub between your fingers for that sharp, green smell. At one point I tried to pronounce “Dalmatinska Zagora” like he did; Li laughed when I butchered it completely. It felt like we were somewhere way further from Split than just half an hour.

Lunch came just as my arms started to ache — big platters of grilled meat and vegetables set out under a canvas awning, smoke drifting up into the blue sky. There was a vegetarian dish too (I stole a bite from my friend’s plate), all garlicky and good. Sitting there with dust on my jeans and sweat drying on my neck, it hit me how quiet it was except for someone’s low conversation in Croatian nearby. We still had another short ride before heading back but honestly, I could’ve stayed at that table for hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — ATV tour and local lunch in Dalmatia

• Train to drive ATV
• Drive 3-hour ATV tour
• Enjoy local barbecue lunch
• Drive 20 minutes to tour end

Top questions

How long is the ATV tour from Split?

The ATV ride lasts around 3 hours plus an extra 20-minute drive after lunch.

Is lunch included in the Split ATV tour?

Yes, a barbecue lunch is included in the price with vegetarian options available if requested in advance.

Do I need experience to join this ATV tour?

No prior experience is needed; training is provided at the start of the tour.

Are transfers from Split included?

Yes, transfers from and to your location in Split are included.

What should I wear for the ATV tour?

Dress smart casual and appropriately for weather; helmets and gloves are provided.

Is there an age limit for this day trip from Split?

The minimum age is 18 years old with a valid driver’s license (B category).

Can vegetarians be accommodated on this ATV tour?

Yes, vegetarian dishes are specially prepared if requested at booking.

Is this tour suitable for people with health conditions?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnant travelers.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off in Split, use of powerful quad bikes with helmets and gloves provided, bottled water throughout the ride, fuel surcharge covered by the operator, guidance from friendly locals who know every bend in Dalmatia’s inland trails, plus a hearty barbecue lunch (vegetarian option available) before heading back home dusty but happy.