ATV Riding in Crete: Quad & Buggy Safari from Platanias

Mountains, olive groves, sea views, and the machine you choose to drive them on

A quad and buggy safari from Platanias in Crete where you operate the vehicle—either a 450cc ATV or an 800cc side-by-side buggy—and ride off-road through mountain terrain, hidden forests and scenic beach tracks with a professional guide. You pick your machine and whether to ride solo or share a quad; the route, refreshments at a cliffside viewpoint, and safety gear are included. A full driving license (class B) is required.

The Experience

You start from Kamisiana and head straight into the mountains on rugged off-road tracks. The guide leads the way; you control the throttle and the line you take through the terrain. Whether you chose a nimble 450cc quad or the wider stance of an 800cc buggy, the machine responds to what you ask it to do. You'll navigate through hidden forests and olive groves, stop at a cliffside viewpoint over the Aegean for photos and a drink, then drop down to beach tracks on the return—the sea breeze and the sand a different kind of surface after the mountain work.

The guide is there to keep the pace safe and show you the lines that work, not to narrate from a seat behind you. They speak English, French or Norwegian depending on your group, and they tailor the ride for both first-timers and riders who've done this before. The three-hour loop covers terrain most visitors to Crete never see—not because it's hidden, but because you have to drive it yourself to reach it. Helmets and an air-conditioned vehicle for the drive to the start are included.

Your choice of machine matters. A solo quad gives you the agility and the full focus on your own line; a shared quad splits the cost and the ride between two people, one driving and one passenger. The buggy is wider, more stable, and built for two riders who both want to feel the acceleration. None of these are easier or harder—they're different ways to move through the same landscape, and the one you pick changes how the day feels.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English, French or Norwegian.
• CFMoto 450 quad or 800 Sport buggy with helmet.
• refreshments at a cliffside viewpoint.
• air-conditioned vehicle to the starting point in Kamisiana.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Beach Bums Tours

Is this one for you?Book the solo quad if you want full control of the machine and the line you take through the terrain; choose the shared quad to split the cost and share the ride with a friend or family member. The buggy suits riders who want more stability and power without needing a second person on the machine.

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Top questions

Do I need a full driving license to ride an ATV in Crete on this safari?

Yes, a full driving license (class B) is required for anyone operating the quad or buggy. Passengers on a shared quad do not need a license.

What's the difference between the quad and the buggy on this ride?

The CFMoto 450 ATV is a four-wheeler with agile handling and a tighter turning radius; the CFMoto 800 Sport buggy is a side-by-side with two seats, more stability, and higher horsepower. Both tackle the same mountain and beach tracks—the choice is about how you want to experience the ride.

Where does the cliffside stop happen, and how long do we stay there?

The guide stops at a viewpoint over the Aegean Sea partway through the route for refreshments and photos. The exact duration depends on the group, but it's built into the three-hour total time and gives you a chance to rest and take in the view before heading back down to the beach tracks.

Can I ride on the same quad as someone else, or do I need my own machine?

You can choose a shared quad (two people per machine, one driving and one passenger) or book a solo quad if you want to ride alone. The buggy is also a two-seater, so if you book it, you'll have a passenger or ride with one.

What happens if I've never ridden an ATV before?

The safari is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and the guide tailors the pace and instruction for beginners. You'll start on the easier sections and build confidence before tackling the steeper mountain terrain. The professional guide stays with the group the whole time.

Is the ride included in the price, or do I pay extra for the guide and the vehicle?

The professional guide, the ATV or buggy with helmet, refreshments at the viewpoint, and the air-conditioned vehicle to the start are all included in the price. Insurance is optional and costs extra (half coverage €25, full coverage €40).