ATV Riding from Rethymno Town: Mountain Buggy Safari

You drive the buggy yourself through gorges and shallow water, not a passenger watching someone else navigate.

A 4-hour buggy safari from Rethymno Town where you operate a Polaris buggy through mountain terrain, gorges and shallow water, stopping at traditional 11th and 12th century villages and a traditional Greek coffeehouse overlooking a lake. Hotel pickup is included for selected properties, and a professional guide leads the group in English, French or German. Minimum age to drive is 21 with a valid license. Children from age 5 can ride as passengers.

Step-by-step itinerary

4-hour buggy safari in Cretan nature

• Meet at discovery main office
• Arrive at safari starting point
• Visit traditional stone village
• Stop at traditional cafe by lake
• Photo stop atop mountain above Rethymno

The experience

You meet at the Discovery Safaris base near Rethymno Town and drive your own Polaris buggy into the mountains. The route takes you through shallow water crossings and impressive gorges carved into the landscape, with stops at traditional stone villages that sit off the main maps. The guide leads the group and handles the pacing. You control the vehicle and choose your line through each section.

The itinerary includes a stop at a traditional kafeneion overlooking the lake of Potami, where you can order coffee or a soft drink. A final stop at a mountain viewpoint above Rethymno gives you time for photographs before the descent. The whole outing runs 4 hours from start to finish. Bottled water and snacks are provided, and you wear a helmet throughout.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if your accommodation is on the selected list. If not, you can drive yourself to the base. Bring a full driving license valid for at least a year, sun protection and closed-toe shoes: avoid white t-shirts and flip-flops, which tend to get muddy. A vegetarian snack option is available if you request it when you book.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English, French or German.
• use of a Polaris buggy (you choose the passenger count at checkout).
• helmet.
• bottled water.
• snacks.
• hotel pickup and drop-off for selected properties.
• stop at a traditional kafeneion with a drink of your choice.

Options for this experience

4 options

Up to 1 people · Guide in English, French or German09:30 and 16:00

Up to 2 people · Guide in English, French or German09:30 and 16:00

Up to 3 people · Guide in English, French or German09:30 and 16:00

Up to 4 people · Guide in English, French or German09:30 and 16:00

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDepartures at 09:30 and 16:00Last departure this season: 10 Nov

Book up to2d before

GroupUp to 15 · max 4 per booking

Live guideEnglish, French and German

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Discovery Safaris

Is this one for you?You need a valid full driving license and must be at least 21 to operate the buggy, so this is built for adult drivers and passengers aged 5 and up. The 4-hour duration and mountain terrain suit people comfortable with off-road driving and water crossings. If you prefer to ride as a passenger or want a shorter outing, the multi-seat buggy options let you choose a different role.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, French and German.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I ride as a passenger if I don't want to drive the buggy myself?

Yes. The Polaris Buggy options range from 1 to 4 seats, so you can book a two-seater with a driver and ride along, or a three or four-seater with other passengers. Children from age 5 can ride as passengers even if they cannot drive.

What are the traditional villages like that we stop at?

They are 11th and 12th century Cretan settlements built into the mountain landscape, not marked on standard maps. The guide stops so you can walk around and see the stone architecture and local life, though the exact villages depend on the route conditions on the day.

Is hotel pickup guaranteed, or do I need to drive to the base myself?

Pickup is included for selected hotels in the Rethymno area. Check at booking whether your accommodation is on the list. If not, you can drive to the Discovery Safaris base near Rethymno Town instead.

What should I wear and bring for a 4-hour buggy safari?

Bring a valid full driving license, sun protection and closed-toe shoes. Avoid white t-shirts and flip-flops because they get muddy in the water crossings and gorges. Helmets are provided and worn throughout the ride.

Do I need off-road driving experience to do this?

No. The guide leads the group and the route is designed for small group safaris with mixed experience levels. The terrain includes shallow water and gorges, but the buggies are built for it and the pace is set by the guide.