Rethymno: Quad Safari Mountain Trails & Cretan Villages

Summary

Mountain tracks, old stone villages and coffee by Potami Lake with quad bikes from Rethymno

You’ll ride quad bikes from Rethymno up into mountain trails with a local guide, stopping at Potami Lake for coffee and through ancient Cretan villages most tourists never see. Watch vultures soar above Prasses Gorge and finish with sweeping views over town—expect dust, laughter, and moments that stick with you.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was a little nervous when we first climbed onto the quads just outside Rethymno. The air smelled like sun-warmed thyme and diesel, which is a weird combo but somehow right for Crete. Our guide, Manolis, grinned at us—he kept saying “don’t worry, you’ll get dusty but you’ll love it.” He was right about both. We rattled out of town and within minutes were bouncing along dirt tracks that twisted up into the hills. I kept catching glimpses of olive groves and those dry stone walls that look like they’ve been there forever.

The main keyword here—quad safari rethymno—doesn’t really do justice to what it feels like when you’re suddenly in the middle of nowhere, wind smacking your face, goats darting across the path (one actually stared me down). We stopped at this tiny lake called Potami. There’s an old kafeneion right by the water where we grabbed drinks (not included, but worth it for the strong Greek coffee). I tried to order in Greek—Li laughed when I tried to say “kafés ellinikós”—and the owner just smiled and poured anyway. The place smelled like woodsmoke and sweet bread.

Somewhere after that we hit Prasses Gorge. I didn’t expect it to be so quiet except for birds—big vultures circling overhead, which Manolis pointed out with a wave like it was no big deal. The cliffs are rough and red here; if you brush your hand against them you get this gritty feeling under your nails. We passed through a couple of small villages too—stone houses, old men playing cards outside even though it was barely noon. It felt like time moved slower up there.

On the way back there’s this viewpoint over all of Rethymno—the sea on one side, mountains behind you. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in city traffic now. My shirt was basically brown by then (don’t wear white), but honestly? Worth every speck of dust.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Quad safari through Cretan nature

• Visit traditional cafe by Potami lake
• See impressive Prasses gorge and vultures
• Stop at viewpoint of Rethymno

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in the Rethymno quad safari?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included within 30km around Rethymno.

Do I need a special license to drive the quad?

You need a valid driving license held for at least 1 year; minimum age is 21.

Are drinks or lunch included on this tour?

No, drinks at the cafe by Potami Lake are not included in the tour price.

Is this quad safari suitable for kids or infants?

Infants can ride in a pram or stroller; specialized infant seats are available.

What should I wear for the quad safari?

Avoid white shirts and flip flops; bring sun protection as you'll get dusty.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

How long does the half-day quad safari last?

The tour is half-day; exact duration may vary depending on stops and group pace.

Are snacks or water provided during the tour?

Bottled water and snacks are included during your day trip from Rethymno.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within 30km of Rethymno (in a van or jeep), bottled water to keep you going, snacks along the way, use of helmets for safety, plus guidance from a local expert who knows every twist in these mountain trails before bringing you back to town again.