ATV Riding Santorini: Sunrise, Black Beach & Oia

Three hours on an ATV: sunrise at the island's highest point, then down to black sand and whitewashed villages.

Ride an ATV or car across Santorini for three hours starting before dawn, reaching the Monastery of Profitis Ilias for sunrise views, then descending to Perissa Beach and the Red Beach overlook before finishing in Oia. A local guide in English, Russian, Greek or Romanian leads the route; the operator provides the vehicle, helmet, fuel and a safety briefing. Drivers must hold a valid license and be at least 20 years old; passengers must be over 6. You choose between operating an ATV yourself or riding in a car, and you arrange your own transport to the meeting point unless you select the option that includes pickup.

Step-by-step itinerary

Santorini sunrise and island tour

• Watch sunrise at highest island point
• Visit volcanic black beach of Perissa
• Take photos at volcanic Red Beach
• Explore traditional town of Oia
• Return to Fira to conclude tour

The Experience

The day starts in darkness. You meet the guide, get fitted for a helmet, and run through the safety briefing on the ATV or car you'll be riding in. If you're driving, you'll operate a 450cc or 350cc quad yourself; if you're choosing the car option, you sit as a passenger. Either way, the route climbs to the Monastery of Profitis Ilias, the highest point on the island, where you arrive as the sun breaks over the caldera and the Aegean. The 360-degree view from up there is the reason people book this time slot instead of midday.

From the monastery, the route drops down to Perissa Beach, where the sand is black volcanic rock. You stop long enough to walk it and photograph the contrast against the water. Then you head to the Red Beach overlook—not the beach itself, but the vantage point above it where the red volcanic cliffs meet the sea and the light is still sharp enough to make the color real. This is where most of the camera time happens.

The final stop is Oia, the town everyone comes to see, except you're there before the crowds arrive. The whitewashed houses, the blue domes, the caldera view—it's all there, just quieter. The guide knows the island and can answer questions in English, Russian, Greek or Romanian. Fuel is covered, your helmet is provided, and the whole loop takes three hours before you head back to Fira.

What’s included

The ATV or car, helmet, fuel, a local guide who speaks English, Russian, Greek or Romanian, and a safety briefing before departure.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Moto Thira

Is this one for you?Choose the ATV option if you want to operate the vehicle yourself and feel the control of the ride; pick the car if you'd rather sit back and let the guide handle the driving while you focus on the views and photos. Either way, the early start is what gets you to these stops before the island wakes up.

Top questions

Do I have to ride the ATV myself, or can I go as a passenger?

You choose at checkout: the ATV Sunrise Tour option means you operate the quad yourself (and you'll need a valid driver's license and be at least 20 years old), or you can select the car option and ride as a passenger instead. Either way, the route and stops are the same.

What time does the ATV riding start?

The ride departs early enough to reach the Monastery of Profitis Ilias before sunrise, so you're climbing in the dark and arriving as the light comes up. The exact departure time depends on the season and sunrise time on the day you book.

Is the Monastery of Profitis Ilias a stop where we get off and walk around?

Yes, the monastery is the first stop and the highest point on the island. You dismount and spend time there for the sunrise views and photos before continuing down to the beaches.

Can I bring my children on this ATV riding experience?

Passengers must be over 6 years old. If your child is old enough, they can ride as a passenger on the ATV or in the car, but they cannot operate the vehicle themselves.

What's included in the price?

The ATV or car, helmet, fuel, the local guide, and a safety briefing before you start are all included. Transport to the meeting point is not included unless you select the option that adds pickup.

How long is the whole experience?

The ride takes three hours from start to finish, covering the monastery, both beaches, and Oia before returning to Fira.