Santorini: ATV guided tour around the South of the island

Santorini ATV Guided Tour Around the South of the Island: A Practical and Scenic Adventure

The Santorini ATV guided tour around the south of the island offers an engaging way to explore some of the most stunning and lesser-known spots on this famous Greek island. Priced at $169 per person and lasting about 4 hours, this experience is perfect for travelers seeking an active, scenic, and authentic way to see Santorini’s diverse landscapes. The tour is led by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide from Moto Manos, ensuring you get interesting insights along the way.

This tour stands out for its combination of off-road adventures, visits to iconic landmarks, and the chance to enjoy breathtaking viewpoints. It’s particularly well-suited for those comfortable on a quad bike and eager to discover areas that are often missed by typical sightseeing options. While the tour includes all necessary gear and safety instructions, participants should be over 23 years old and hold a valid driver’s license.

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Key Points

• Explore Santorini’s southern coast on a guided quad bike tour that lasts 4 hours.
• Visit famous beaches like Perissa and enjoy off-road driving to Theros Beach.
• Reach the highest point of the island at the monastery of Prophet Elias and admire sweeping Caldera views.
• Enjoy stops at traditional villages like Pyrgos and Megalochori for local charm and scenery.
• Includes safety gear, fuel, bottled water, and a tour guide; collison damage waiver is optional.
• Not suitable for pregnant women, people with back or mobility issues, or those under 23.

Starting Point at Perissa’s Volcanic Beach and Safety Briefing

The tour begins in Perissa, where you receive safety gear and a brief quad riding instructions. This ensures all participants feel confident before hitting the trail. From there, the guide leads the group along the volcanic sands of Perissa Beach, famous for its black volcanic sand that creates a striking contrast against the blue Aegean Sea.

The initial stretch along this unique volcanic shoreline sets the tone for the adventure. It’s an energetic start that acquaints you with your quad bike, making sure everyone is comfortable before progressing into the more scenic and off-road sections of the tour.

Driving Along Perissa’s Black Sand Beach and Marina

One of the tour’s early highlights is the drive along Perissa’s volcanic beach, where the dark sands and volcanic landscape create a dramatic backdrop. The guide points out interesting geological features while leading the group toward Vlychada’s fishing boat marina.

At the marina, you get a glimpse of local life with fishermen repairing nets and sharing stories. This stop offers a charming, authentic moment away from the busy tourist areas, giving visitors a taste of traditional Greek fishing culture in a scenic setting.

Off-Road Excursion to Vlychada’s Fishing Marina and Theros Beach

After exploring the marina, the tour ventures off-road into Santorini’s volcanic terrain. You navigate through rugged paths toward Theros Beach, where a quick swim is optional. This off-road segment provides a refreshing break from the heat and a chance to experience the island’s raw, natural beauty.

Theros Beach is less crowded and offers a more secluded spot for cooling off and relaxing. The off-road ride itself is a key part of the experience, giving a sense of adventure and allowing visitors to see parts of the island that are rarely accessible by regular vehicle.

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Climbing to the Traditional Windmills of Emboreio and the View from Prophet Elias Mountain

The tour continues by ascending Small Prophet Elias mountain, passing through traditional windmills of Emboreio. These windmills add a touch of classic Cycladic charm and mark the approach to Small Prophet Elias.

From this elevated position, travelers enjoy spectacular views over mountains, the sea, villages, and fields. The guide explains the significance of the windmills and local landscape, enriching the experience. The highlight is reaching the summit of Tall Prophet Elias, the highest point on Santorini, where the monastery and the main church are located.

The monastery of Prophet Elias is a prominent landmark, offering a peaceful setting and stunning panoramas of the island and the volcano. Visitors are encouraged to stroll through the monastery grounds and take in the expansive view, which makes for memorable photos and a moment of reflection.

Exploring Pyrgos Village and Its Scenic Charm

Descending from the monastery, the tour guides you to Pyrgos, the island’s first capital and one of the most scenic villages. With its narrow alleys and traditional stone buildings, Pyrgos feels like stepping back in time.

At this stop, travelers can choose to explore independently—strolling through the historic Casteli area—or relax at a local café, enjoying refreshing drinks under the shade of trees. This village offers a peaceful break and a chance to experience authentic local life away from busier tourist towns like Fira.

The Heart of Santorini: Panoramic Views and Photo Opportunities

On the way back to Perissa, the guide takes a scenic detour to an iconic viewpoint known as The Heart of Santorini. This spot provides stunning panoramas of the caldera, volcano, and the island’s white buildings clinging to cliffs.

Here, visitors capture memorable photographs with the volcanic island landscape as the backdrop. This stop encapsulates the essence of Santorini’s beauty, making it a perfect finale for the tour.

What’s Included and Important Considerations

The tour provides 450cc or 550cc quad bikes, helmets, fuel, and bottled mineral water. Participants also receive riding training, making it accessible to those with some experience, but a valid driver’s license is essential. Insurance coverage through a third-party policy is included, but personal insurance and collision damage waiver are not.

Travelers should be over 23 years old and bring a credit card for any additional expenses. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back or mobility problems, or those with heart conditions. Weather conditions may affect scheduling, so flexibility is advised.

The Experience from a Practical Perspective

The 4-hour duration balances adventure with sightseeing, making this tour suitable for those with limited time but a desire for a comprehensive exploration of the southern island. The pace is paced to allow for several stops, scenic viewpoints, and time for photos.

The guided aspect ensures safety and provides local insights, adding value beyond just driving. The group size is manageable, fostering a friendly, engaging environment without feeling crowded.

Why This Tour Stands Out on Santorini

What makes this ATV tour particularly appealing is its ability to combine off-road exploration, visits to key landmarks like the monastery of Prophet Elias, and stops at charming villages like Pyrgos. The scenic views are a major highlight, with panoramas of the caldera and volcano that are difficult to access otherwise.

The inclusion of local stops such as the fishing marina and traditional villages offers a more authentic experience. The knowledgeable guides enhance the journey with stories and tips, making it more than just a ride.

While the price of $169 reflects the comprehensive nature and guided service, travelers should be prepared for an active outing that involves some off-road riding and basic driving skills.

Suitable Audience and Final Advice

This Santorini ATV guided tour fits adventurous spirits and those eager to explore beyond typical routes. It’s ideal for people comfortable on a quad bike and who want a scenic, active day with plenty of photo opportunities.

Not suitable for pregnant women or those with certain health issues, but for others, the combination of nature, local culture, and panoramic views makes it a memorable way to see Santorini’s south.

This tour offers great value for travelers seeking scenic spots, historical sites, and a fun, guided experience that covers diverse landscapes in just a few hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour includes riding training and safety instructions, making it accessible for those new to quad biking, provided they meet the age and license requirements.

What should I bring?
Participants need to bring a driver’s license and credit card. It’s advisable to wear comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor riding and to bring sun protection.

Are there any health restrictions?
Yes, the tour is not suitable for pregnant women, or individuals with back, mobility, or heart problems.

Can I swim at Theros Beach?
Yes, you can have a quick swim at Theros Beach if you wish to cool down and enjoy the sea.

What’s the maximum group size?
While not explicitly stated, the experience is led by a tour guide, and reviews mention groups of around six, suggesting a manageable group size.

Is food or alcohol included?
No, the tour does not include meals or alcoholic drinks on the vehicle, but refreshing drinks are available at some stops.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour may be cancelled or rescheduled depending on weather conditions for safety reasons.

Can I book this tour with flexible payment options?
Yes, booking includes the option to reserve and pay later with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

This Santorini ATV guided tour combines adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural insights into a memorable four-hour experience. Perfect for those wanting a lively, panoramic journey through the island’s southern highlights.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby