Santorini: ATV Tour Oia, Pyrgos Castle & Volcanic Beaches

Summary

Ride across Santorini villages to Oia, Pyrgos castle and volcanic beaches by ATV with local guide

You’ll feel Santorini’s wild side on an ATV tour: ride past whitewashed Oia, climb up Pyrgos castle ruins with your guide’s stories echoing around you, breathe in the thyme-scented breeze at Profitis Ilias monastery, and stand barefoot on volcanic beaches that don’t look like anywhere else. It’s not always smooth—but you’ll remember how it felt.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the island to smell like wild thyme and dust. But that’s what hit me when we started up the ATVs near Fira—just this mix of sun-baked herbs and something salty in the air. Our guide Yannis grinned at my nervous throttle (“Don’t worry, it’s like riding a big bicycle!”), and off we went in a little convoy, helmets slightly too snug but honestly I was glad for it. The first stretch felt bumpy, but you get used to the hum pretty fast.

We wound through tiny lanes before Oia—white houses stacked like sugar cubes over the caldera. There were crowds snapping photos, but Yannis led us behind a bakery where it was just us and the blue domes. He pointed at a church and told us about his cousin’s wedding there last spring. I tried to repeat the name in Greek—he laughed so hard he nearly dropped his sunglasses. That moment stuck with me more than any postcard view.

Pyrgos was next, all stone alleys and cats sleeping in doorways. The Venetian castle ruins looked older than time—Yannis said locals still climb up for Easter bonfires. At Profitis Ilias monastery, we stopped for 360° views; honestly, I just stood there trying to catch my breath (the wind up top is wild). Then down toward Perissa Beach—the sand is black and weirdly soft under your shoes—and finally Red Beach, which is more rust than red if you ask me. My arms were tired by then but I didn’t want it to end yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santorini ATV Highlights Tour

• Visit Oia traditional town
• Pass through Pyrgos and Venetian Castle
• Stop at Profitis Ilias panoramic view
• Visit Perissa black volcanic beach
• Pass by Windmills of Emporio
• Stop at Red Beach viewpoint
• Return to Fira

Top questions

Do I need a driving license for the Santorini ATV tour?

Yes, drivers must have a valid car driving license with them for this ATV tour.

What places do we visit on this Santorini ATV highlights tour?

The tour visits Oia village, Pyrgos with its Venetian castle, Profitis Ilias monastery (highest point), Perissa black beach, Emporio windmills (pass by), and Red Beach.

Is hotel pickup included in the ATV tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; the tour starts from Fira or nearby meeting point.

How long does the Santorini ATV tour last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but covers several highlights within a few hours.

Is lunch or food included during the tour?

No meals are included; only fuel costs are covered along with equipment and guide.

Can children join as passengers on this Santorini quad tour?

Passengers must be over 10 years old; drivers must be at least 20 years old.

Are there any health restrictions for joining this ATV experience?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, mobility issues or if pregnant over 5 months.

What languages does the local guide speak?

The guide can speak English, Greek, Russian or Romanian depending on group needs.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a 350cc ATV/quad vehicle (with fuel covered), safety helmets for everyone, a friendly local guide who speaks several languages depending on your group (English among them), plus a quick training session before setting off so you feel comfortable riding—even if you’re new to ATVs.