Santorini ATV Off-Road Tour: Four Villages & Red Beach

Secret mountain passes and a 240-degree panoramic viewpoint most visitors never reach.

An ATV off-road tour of Santorini that covers four southern villages—Megalochori, Emporio, Akrotiri, Pyrgos—plus Red Beach and Vlychada's volcanic coast, with a live guide, safety briefing, helmet and water included. The route uses 4WD function to access pumice valleys and old vineyard trails locals know; swimming at Red Beach is part of the morning program, sunset at a quiet viewpoint part of the evening one. Pickup from Santorini airport or port is available as an add-on option.

Step-by-step itinerary

Santorini off-road ATV adventure

• Drive along Perissa black beach
• Stop at ancient monastery monument
• Receive island history from guide
• Take ancient road to Emporeio village
• Enter Emporeio village east side
• View old Venetian castle and defensive tower
• Drive secret mountain entrance to pumice valleys
• Stop at panoramic 240° mountain view
• Visit Pyrgos village center
• Drive hidden route through Megalochori vineyards
• View Megalochori village and Akrotiri caldera
• Reach Akrotiri caldera via secret trail
• See 80-year-old vineyard basket
• Drive through Akrotiri village center and Venetian castle
• Visit Red Beach at Akrotiri
• Explore three ATV-only routes at Vlychada volcanic coast
• Enjoy quiet sunset at secluded spot

The Experience

You drive a 520cc ATV—4WD available—starting at Perissa Beach's black sand and the ancient monastery, then climbing the old road toward Emporio village. The guide briefs you on the island's past and present names as you move through, entering the village from the east to see the Venetian castle that once enclosed the whole settlement. From there the real off-road begins: three separate driving routes and two hidden spots that standard rentals lock you out of, including a secret mountain entrance that cuts through pumice valleys. You emerge at a 240-degree panoramic viewpoint—isolated and quiet—where the guide walks you through the volcanic history that shaped the landscape over millennia.

After Pyrgos village, you take another hidden route through Megalochori's old vineyard fields, the caldera rising behind it, then drop down to Akrotiri via a trail even locals rarely use. You'll pass an 80-year-old vineyard basket and another Venetian castle before reaching Red Beach, where the morning program includes a swim. Vlychada comes next with three more routes—one only ATVs can access, one for pure driving thrills, one through the pumice stone walls. The tour closes at a sunset spot far from tourist crowds, quiet and almost always private (or a quick pass-by on the morning version). Fuel, helmet, glasses, mask and bottled water are included; 3rd party and CDW insurance cover the vehicle.

The whole experience runs about three and a half hours. A live guide speaks English and Greek, and you can add a 20% discount on Volcano Watersports tickets if you book through them. Pickup from Santorini airport or Athinios port is optional at checkout.

What’s included

• The tour includes the ATV and fuel.
• a safety briefing and helmet, glasses and mask.
• bottled water throughout.
• a live guide in English or Greek.
• swimming at Red Beach on the morning program or sunset at a quiet viewpoint on the evening program.
• and third-party and CDW insurance on the vehicle.

Good to know

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

Operated by Santorini Quad Tours

Is this one for you?Hit secret off-road routes and all four southern villages plus two beaches in one afternoon—your guide navigates while you focus on the ride and views.

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Top questions

What's the difference between the morning and evening ATV tour on Santorini?

The morning program includes a swim at Red Beach; the evening program ends at a sunset viewpoint instead. Both cover the same four villages, volcanic routes and hidden spots—the timing just changes which highlight closes your day.

Can I book a private ATV for just myself, or do I have to share?

You can book one ATV for one person; you're not paired with strangers. The guide leads the group on the route, but each rider controls their own quad.

What's included in the price, and what costs extra?

The tour includes the ATV, fuel, helmet and safety gear, bottled water, the guide, and insurance on the vehicle. Pickup from the airport or port is optional and added at checkout. A 20% discount on Volcano Watersports tickets is available if you book through them.

Is there a minimum age or fitness requirement for the ATV tour?

You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driver's license. The tour suits all physical fitness levels, though it's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or poor cardiovascular health.

What are the pumice valleys and hidden routes the tour mentions?

Pumice valleys are volcanic formations where the ATV uses 4WD to navigate through the stone landscape—part of Santorini's volcanic past. The hidden routes are old vineyard trails and mountain passes that don't appear on standard rental maps; the guide knows them and leads you through spots tourists usually miss.

How long does the tour take, and when do I need to be ready?

The tour runs about three and a half hours. If you book pickup, the driver collects you from your hotel, airport or port at the agreed time; otherwise you meet the guide at the starting point.