The "From Heraklion: Quad Safari Wild Crete Day Tour" offers an exhilarating 6-hour adventure through eastern Crete’s stunning landscapes. Participants aged 18 and over with a valid driver’s license can enjoy a scenic coastal ride, cultural stops at historical sites, and a guided tour of an olive oil factory. Throw in a delicious lunch and a refreshing beach break, and you’ve got an immersive experience that’s a must-do for any adventure seeker. But the real question is, are you ready to tackle the wild side of Crete?
Good To Know
- Explore the eastern coast of Crete on a 6-hour quad ATV adventure departing from Heraklion or Lasithi.
- Enjoy a scenic one-hour coastal ride along the Mediterranean shoreline and visit cultural highlights like a monastery and olive oil factory.
- Savor a traditional Cretan lunch at a local taverna and explore the impressive Cave of Agia Fotini.
- Take a 20-minute beach break for swimming and relaxation.
- Tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, ATVs, safety gear, fuel, water, and liability insurance for participants aged 18+ with a valid driver’s license.
Tour Overview
This Quad Safari Wild Crete Day Tour provides an exciting 6-hour adventure that takes participants on a scenic coastal ride along the stunning landscapes of eastern Crete.
Departing from Heraklion or Lasithi, this tour accommodates up to 13 people and is led by an English-speaking guide.
After a safety briefing, riders will explore the coastline, visit cultural sites like the Gouverniotisa Monastery and an olive oil factory, enjoy a traditional Greek lunch, and explore the Cave of Agia Fotini.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, quad ATVs and safety gear, fuel, water, and liability insurance.
Participants must be 18+ with a valid driver’s license.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins with a 15-minute safety briefing at Hersonissos. This sets the stage for an exhilarating coastal ride along Crete’s stunning shorelines, lasting approximately one hour.
Along the way, the tour makes several cultural stops:
- Gouverniotisa Monastery: 15 minutes to explore and capture photos
- Aposelemis Dam & Sfentili Village: 15 minutes to take in panoramic views
- Assargiotakis Olive Oil Factory: 20 minutes for a guided tour and tasting
Lunch is served at a traditional taverna, featuring local cuisine.
The adventure continues with a 20-minute visit to the Cave of Agia Fotini, followed by a 20-minute beach break for swimming and relaxation before returning to the starting point.
Scenic Coastal Ride
After the safety briefing, participants embark on an exhilarating one-hour coastal ride along Crete’s stunning shorelines.
The quad ATVs navigate winding roads that hug the picturesque Mediterranean coastline, offering breathtaking views of azure waters and rugged cliffs. Riders can feel the salty sea breeze as they zoom past charming seaside villages and hidden coves.
This scenic journey allows adventurers to enjoy Crete’s natural beauty, providing an opportunity to disconnect from the busy world and connect with the island’s serene landscapes.
The coastal ride sets the tone for the day’s exploration of Crete’s cultural and geographical highlights.
Cultural Stops
Following the exhilarating coastal ride, the tour ventures inland to explore Crete’s rich cultural heritage. Guests make three stops to enjoy the island’s traditions.
At the Gouverniotisa Monastery, they spend 15 minutes exploring the stunning architecture and taking photos.
Next, they visit the Aposelemis Dam and Sfentili Village, where they take in panoramic views for 15 minutes.
The final cultural stop is the Assargiotakis Olive Oil Factory, where they enjoy a 20-minute guided tour and tasting, learning about the integral role of olive oil in Cretan cuisine and culture.
- Gain insight into Crete’s religious history at the Gouverniotisa Monastery
- Admire the island’s natural landscapes at the Aposelemis Dam and Sfentili Village
- Discover the significance of olive oil production in Cretan identity
Lunch and Local Cuisine
During the 45-minute lunch break, participants savor a traditional Cretan meal at a local taverna.
The tour provider accommodates any dietary requirements, ensuring a satisfying dining experience.
The menu features authentic dishes showcasing the island’s bountiful agricultural heritage. Guests can expect a hearty spread of meze, or small plates, such as dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), tzatziki (cucumber-yogurt dip), and local cheeses.
The main course may include grilled meats, fresh seafood, or a selection of vegetarian options.
Participants can also sample regional wines or raki, the iconic Cretan spirit, as they enjoy the rustic ambiance and panoramic vistas surrounding the charming eatery.
Cave of Agia Fotini
The tour then proceeds to the Cave of Agia Fotini, where participants spend 20 minutes exploring the impressive stalactites and stalagmites that adorn the cave’s interior.
This geological marvel provides a glimpse into the ancient history of Crete, showcasing the island’s remarkable natural formations.
-
The cave’s unique formations, created over thousands of years, offer a captivating visual experience for visitors.
-
Exploring the cave allows participants to connect with Crete’s rich geological heritage, fostering a deeper appreciation for the island’s natural wonders.
-
The guided tour ensures that guests learn about the cave’s significance and the story it holds, enhancing the overall experience.
Beach Break
After exploring the Cave of Agia Fotini, the tour then provides a 20-minute beach break, allowing participants to swim and relax. This is a chance to enjoy the picturesque Cretan coastline and refresh before the return journey.
| Activity | Duration | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Swimming | 15 minutes | Beach |
| Relaxation | 5 minutes | Beach |
| Photography | As desired | Beach, coastline |
| Hydration | As needed | Beach |
| Snack | Optional | Beach |
The beach break offers a peaceful interlude in the day’s adventure, providing time to soak up the sun, cool off in the crystal-clear waters, and capture memorable photos of the stunning Cretan landscape.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a quad ATV and necessary safety equipment, fuel and water, a lunch at a local taverna accommodating dietary requirements, as well as liability insurance.
However, the following aren’t included:
- Entrance fee to the Gouverniotisa Monastery (€2)
- Anything not explicitly mentioned in the "Included" section
Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back or mobility issues, heart problems, or drivers under 18 years of age.
Participants are advised to bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen, while alcohol and drugs are prohibited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Participants cannot bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a lunch at a traditional taverna, and outside food and beverages are prohibited. Providing your own sustenance is not permitted during the Quad Safari Wild Crete Day Tour.
Is There an Age Limit for the Quad Bike Riders?
There is a minimum age requirement of 18 years old to operate the quad bikes. Drivers must have held a valid driver’s license for at least 2 years and bring their physical ID with them on the tour.
Can I Wear Open-Toe Shoes or Sandals While Riding the Quad Bikes?
It’s generally not recommended to wear open-toe shoes or sandals while riding quad bikes. The provider advises wearing closed-toe, sturdy shoes to ensure safety and proper grip on the pedals. Proper footwear is important for controlling the vehicle.
Is There a Weight Limit for the Quad Bike Riders?
The tour operator generally doesn’t have a strict weight limit, but they recommend riders under 300 pounds for safety and optimal performance of the quad bikes. Riders should check with the tour provider before booking if they have any concerns about their weight.
How Much Luggage Can I Bring on the Tour?
Participants can bring a small backpack or bag with personal items like sunscreen, camera, and snacks. However, the tour does not provide storage space for large luggage during the excursion. Guests should pack lightly for the day trip.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
- Sunset Cruise at St. George Bay From Hersonissos Port
- Hersonissos: Jet Boat Tour With Snorkeling
- Hersonisos: Boat Cruise With Swim Stops and Lunch
- Hersonissos: Troy Dinner-Show Theatre Experience Tickets
- Crete: Quad Safari With Monastery, Malia Palace and Lunch
- Hersonissos: Sunset Catamaran Trip With Finger Food & Drinks
- Hersonissos: Alar Spectacular Dinner Show
- Heraklion/Chania Airport: Shared One-Way Hersnissos Transfer
- Full Day Trip to Spinalonga and Lasithi Plateau Zeus Cave
- Catamaran Cruise to Dia Island and Transfer Service
- Hersonissos: Sunset Private Catamaran to St George Bay
The Sum Up
The "From Heraklion: Quad Safari Wild Crete Day Tour" provides an action-packed adventure through Crete’s picturesque landscapes. Participants can explore historical sites, enjoy a traditional lunch, and relax at the beach, making it an immersive experience for any adventure seeker. With its scenic coastal ride and cultural stops, this tour is a must-do for those seeking to discover the wild side of Crete.