ATV Riding in Heraklion: Quad, Buggy & Jeep Safari

You operate the machine through Cretan wilderness, not watch from a passenger seat.

An off-road ATV safari in Heraklion where you drive a quad, buggy or jeep through mountain terrain and gorges, with a professional guide sharing local history and mythology. The route runs 75% unpaved at speeds up to 30–35 km/h, includes a 30-minute safety briefing for beginners, lunch at a Greek tavern, and a beach swim if conditions allow. Free pickup is included if you stay within 20 km of the meeting point in Karteros.

Step-by-step itinerary

Crete Safari with Quad, Jeep, Buggy and Lunch

• Briefing on safety and ATV operation
• Quad: Pass deep stream and visit historic cave
• Jeep & Buggy: Visit old church near St. Irene
• Quad: Climb hill for panoramic Heraklion view
• Jeep & Buggy: Visit Mt. Juktas Ecological Park and theater
• Explore Gorge of Karteros and take photos
• Lunch at original Greek tavern
• Swim at Karteros beach if weather permits

The experience

The day starts in the village of Karteros with a 30-minute briefing on safety and how to operate your chosen machine: quad 450cc or 700cc, buggy 1000cc, monster 800cc, or jeep. You'll then head into terrain where only goats and donkeys usually roam, climbing into the mountains and through gorges. The route splits by vehicle: quad riders pass a stream and historical cave, then climb to a panoramic hilltop overlooking Heraklion before returning through Passa village. Buggy and jeep drivers explore the forest near the Church of St. Irene and continue to Mt. Juktas Ecological Park in Archanes, an archaeological site with views across the landscape. Throughout, your guide shares information about Cretan mythology, history, local life and the plants and animals you pass.

About 75% of the route is unpaved, with speeds between 30–35 km/h off-road. The remaining 25% follows paved roads at up to 50–55 km/h. The operator prioritizes safety over speed: anyone seeking high-speed racing should look elsewhere. Helmets are provided for quad riders, and a valid car or motorcycle license is required to drive. Bottled water is supplied throughout the journey, and you'll stop frequently for photos of Crete's scenery.

Lunch happens at an original Greek tavern partway through the day. If the weather is good, the tour finishes with a swim at Karteros beach. The entire experience lasts around five hours, and the route can change if weather or safety conditions demand it. Free transfer is included if your accommodation is within 20 km of Karteros. Otherwise, you'll arrange your own way to the meeting point.

What’s included

• Your choice of quad 450cc or 700cc, buggy 1000cc, monster 800cc, or jeep.
• helmet for quad riders.
• 30-minute safety briefing and operating instructions.
• professional guide in English, Italian, French, German or another language.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• lunch at a traditional Greek tavern.
• and a swim at Karteros beach if weather permits.

Options for this experience

7 options

Adventure route by jeepGuide in 5 languages · 10:30Jeep; pickup is included

Quad 450cc for driver and passengerGuide in 5 languages · 10:30Adventure route on a 450cc quad: if 3 people book, two will get a quad (450cc/700cc) and the third will ride with the guide's driver, etc. Pickup is included.

Monster 800cc driver and passengerGuide in 5 languages · 10:30Route on a Monster 800cc: if 3 people book, two will get a Monster 800cc and the third will ride with the guide's driver, etc. Includes a gear lever. Pickup is included.

See 4 more options

Solo driving only: quadGuide in 5 languages · 10:30Adventure route on a quad, solo: an option for solo driving only, for those who wish to drive a 450cc quad by themselves. Pickup is included.

Buggy 1000cc driver and passengerGuide in 5 languages · 10:30Buggy 1000cc (automatic): if 3 people book, two will get an automatic buggy and the third will ride with the guide's driver, etc. Pickup is included.

Solo driving only: Monster800ccGuide in 5 languages · 10:30Route on a Monster 800cc, solo: an option for solo driving only, for those who wish to drive a Monster 800cc by themselves. The Monster has gear levers. Pickup is included.

Solo driving only: buggy 1000ccGuide in 5 languages · 10:30Buggy 1000cc solo (automatic): an option for solo driving only, for those who wish to drive an automatic 1000cc buggy by themselves. Pickup is included.

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 timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:30

AgesUp to age 85

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish, French, German, Italian and Greek

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Creta Quad Safari

Is this one for you?Choose the quad if you want the narrower, more technical route through streams and hilltops. Pick the buggy or jeep for a different landscape centered on the archaeological park in Archanes. Either way, you're driving the machine yourself across unpaved mountain terrain, not watching from a passenger seat. That's what sets this apart from a guided tour where someone else is behind the wheel.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, French, German, Italian and Greek.

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.

What's the difference between the quad, buggy and jeep options on this safari?

Quads take a route through a stream and historical cave, then climb to a hilltop with panoramic views of Heraklion. Buggies and jeeps follow a different path through forest near the Church of St. Irene and continue to Mt. Juktas Ecological Park in Archanes, an archaeological site. Both routes cover similar terrain and duration. The choice depends on which landscape and stops appeal to you and whether you want to ride solo or bring a passenger.

Do I need a driving license to operate an ATV on this safari?

Yes, you need a valid car or motorcycle driving license to drive any of the vehicles: quad, buggy, monster or jeep. A 30-minute safety briefing covers operating instructions before you set out, so beginners are welcome as long as they hold the required license.

How much of the route is off-road versus paved?

About 75% of the safari runs on unpaved terrain at speeds up to 30–35 km/h, and 25% follows paved roads at up to 50–55 km/h. The operator prioritizes safety, so this is not a high-speed racing experience.

Is lunch included, and where do you eat?

Yes, lunch is included at an original Greek tavern partway through the day. The tavern serves traditional Cretan food and is a stop where you can rest and refuel before continuing the route.

What happens at the end of the safari?

If the weather is good, the tour finishes with a swim at Karteros beach. You'll have time to cool off before returning to your accommodation. Bring a swimsuit just in case the conditions allow it.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

Free pickup is included if your accommodation is within 20 km of the meeting point in Karteros. If you're staying farther away, you'll need to arrange your own transport to the starting point.