Santorini: ATV-Quad Tour with Wine Tasting & Caldera Views

Summary

ATV adventure from Perissa to caldera views with wine and village stops

You’ll ride an ATV from Perissa beach through Santorini’s hidden trails, explore Emporio’s maze-like castle streets, pause in Megalochori village, then sip local wines overlooking the caldera cliffs. With hotel pickup included and a guide who feels like an old friend, expect moments that stick with you long after the dust settles.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t worry, we’ll take the fun roads,” Yannis grinned as he handed me the helmet. He was right — within minutes of leaving Perissa’s black sand, we were bumping along these dusty tracks that cut through vineyards and wild thyme. I kept catching whiffs of something sweet and earthy, maybe the grapes or just the island air. The ATVs felt sturdy but not too loud — you could still hear cicadas and, sometimes, Yannis shouting back a quick story about his childhood here.

We parked by Emporio and wandered into these skinny alleys around the Venetian castle. It’s easy to get lost — which I did, twice — but that’s half the point. The walls are sun-bleached and cool if you lean against them for a second. There was this old lady hanging laundry above us who smiled when I tried to say “kalimera.” Not sure I nailed it. After that, we zipped past windmills and through Megalochori. That village is quieter than I expected; you hear more church bells than people.

I didn’t expect to stop for wine so early, but Yannis said it was “Santorini breakfast.” We sat in this cellar-café with stone walls that smelled faintly of lemon and bread. Three wines — all different — plus a snack I still can’t pronounce (Li laughed when I tried). The caldera view from there is ridiculous; you just sort of stop talking for a minute because it’s all cliffs and blue sea below your feet. The ride back felt slower somehow, like nobody really wanted it to end.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — ATV tour from Perissa to Caldera views

• Start from Perissa black beach
• Explore Emporio and Venetian castle
• Ride through vineyards to Megalochori
• Visit traditional cafe for wine tasting
• Enjoy caldera views and photos

Top questions

Is pickup included in the Santorini ATV-Quad tour?

Yes, hotel pickup (not from port or airport) is included if you provide your accommodation details.

Where does the ATV tour start in Santorini?

The tour starts from Perissa (black beach).

Do I need a driver’s license to drive an ATV?

Yes, you must bring your physical driver’s license and be at least 21 years old to drive.

Is wine tasting part of this Santorini ATV experience?

Yes, wine tasting with three local Santorinian wines is included along with a light snack.

How long does the tour last?

The exact duration isn’t listed but includes several stops over half a day; morning or evening departures are available.

Can cruise passengers join this tour?

Cruise passengers can join by meeting at McDonald’s in Fira; no port pickup is provided.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or poor cardiovascular health.

What villages will we visit during the ATV-Quad tour?

You’ll visit Emporio (with its Venetian castle) and Megalochori village.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup (except port/airport), full safety briefing with helmet and instructions, fuel costs covered, professional guides leading every step, bottled water to keep cool, three local wine tastings paired with snacks at a traditional cellar café, plus your own 450/550cc ATV-Quad vehicle for exploring Santorini’s backroads before drop-off at your accommodation.