Hersonisos – Malia :off-road quad safari with transfer+Lunch

Thrilling Off-Road Adventure on Crete with Quad Bikes and Cultural Stops

The Hersonisos – Malia off-road quad safari offers an exciting way to explore Crete’s diverse scenery within a 5-hour tour for $85 per person. Starting from a selection of convenient pickup points in Hersonissos or Malia, this experience combines adventure, cultural highlights, and local flavors. The tour prominently features 70% off-road driving on powerful 520cc quad bikes, making it ideal for those craving an adrenaline rush amid natural beauty.

Participants enjoy a full-day itinerary that includes visits to historic sites, scenic countryside, and a traditional olive oil factory, topped off with time to relax on a crystal-clear beach. While the tour is mostly suitable for those with a valid driver’s license, it also offers a chance to share the quad seats—perfect for groups or families. This activity is especially rewarding for travelers who want a mix of off-road fun and cultural discovery in Crete’s stunning landscape.

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Key Points

• 5-hour tour combining off-road quad riding, sightseeing, and local tasting experiences
• Powerful 520cc quad bikes with 70% off-road driving covering about 70 km
• Visits to Malia Palace Archaeological Site, an old monastery, and feeding wild goats and sheep
• Tasting session at the Vassilakis Estate olive oil factory included
• Comprehensive pickup and transfer service from multiple locations in Hersonissos and Malia
• Suitable for drivers with at least one year of driving license; passengers share quad seats

Pick-up and Drop-off Locations in Crete

This tour starts with pickup from over 40 locations, including hotels like the Albatros Hotel, Lavris Hotels, Serita Beach Hotel, and many more in the Hersonissos and Malia areas. The pickup generally begins around 8:50 am to 9:45 am, depending on your hotel, with the tour ending back at the same locations after about 5 hours. The included free transfer makes the logistics smooth and hassle-free, especially for those staying in popular resorts.

The tour arrives at the starting point with a safety briefing lasting about 30 minutes, where guides explain riding instructions and safety protocols, ensuring all participants feel prepared before hitting the trails.

Exploring Crete’s Scenic Countryside and Historical Sites

The itinerary balances off-road riding with visits to key sites. After the initial briefing, the tour heads to the Malia Palace Archaeological Site, where a 15-minute bike tour passes through this ancient archaeological location, giving a quick look at Crete’s historical past. The next stop is a mountain drive up to 600 meters altitude to see an old monastery, with guides sharing the history behind this significant site.

Participants then continue through scenic countryside, stopping at a traditional village and Liofito Taverna Sissi for scenic views and local food. The village walk provides a chance to see typical Cretan life, while the scenic drive along the coast offers impressive vistas. The Potamos Beach stop allows for a short swim or relaxation in the clear waters before returning to base.

Riding through Crete’s Diverse Terrain with a 520cc Quad

The powerful 520cc quad bikes enable riders to handle dusty trails, rocky pathways, and scenic country roads confidently. The 70% off-road terrain ensures a genuine adventure, with the guide leading the way through rugged terrain and countryside. The driving experience is designed for those with a valid driver’s license, as passengers share seats with the driver—they do not need to hold a license themselves.

Participants will appreciate the varied landscape—from mountain vistas to coastal paths—making each ride feel fresh and engaging. The guides are described as friendly, knowledgeable, and able to explain local history and culture along the way, adding depth to the journey.

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Visiting the Oldest Monastery and Learning Its Story

One of the tour highlights is the visit to a mountain monastery, situated at 600 meters altitude. The guides share stories about the monastery’s history as you admire the surroundings. This stop offers a cultural insight and a chance to appreciate Crete’s spiritual heritage. The visit is combined with a photo opportunity and some leisure time before heading further into the countryside.

Feeding Wild Goats and Sheep in the Countryside

A unique aspect of this tour is feeding goats and sheep along the rural trails. This activity provides a hands-on experience that is both fun and authentic, giving insight into local farming traditions. It’s a simple but memorable moment that adds a personal touch to the adventure.

Sampling Crete’s Olive Oil at Vassilakis Estate

The tasting tour at the Vassilakis Estate olive oil factory stands out as a culinary highlight. Guides conduct this tasting in your language, giving visitors a chance to sample high-quality olive oils and local products. This stop offers insight into Crete’s olive oil production and its importance in local cuisine, making it a delicious and educational part of the full-day experience.

Enjoying Traditional Crete Cuisine in a Local Taverna

A traditional tavern lunch is included in the tour, featuring local dishes. The meal provides a relaxed break amid the adventure, allowing participants to enjoy authentic flavors in a friendly setting. This part of the tour underscores Crete’s culinary traditions, complementing the off-road exploration perfectly.

Relaxing at a Beach with Crystal Waters

The tour culminates with free time to bathe at a beautiful beach with clear waters. This moment offers a chance to cool off after the energetic day and enjoy the natural beauty Crete is famous for. The beach stop is brief but refreshing, perfect for stretching and taking photos before returning to your hotel.

Practical Details and Recommendations

The tour duration is approximately 5 hours, with live guides available in English, German, Greek, Italian, and French. Participants should bring driver’s license, sunglasses, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, cash, and a scarf. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, babies under 1 year, or those without a valid driver’s license.

Booking allows cancelation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund and the option to reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility. The tour involves around 70 km of driving, mostly off-road, meaning participants should be comfortable with moderate physical activity.

Who Will Appreciate This Quad Safari?

This tour is perfect for adventure seekers who want a dynamic way to explore Crete and see hidden spots inaccessible by car. The combination of off-road riding, archaeological visits, local tastings, and beach relaxation makes it suitable for families, couples, or groups with a sense of adventure. The knowledgeable guides and well-organized itinerary ensure a smooth and engaging day.

Those with an interest in history, local culture, and outdoor activities will find this tour especially rewarding. However, it’s best suited for people with a valid driver’s license and those comfortable riding quad bikes, as passengers share seats.

Crete Off-Road Quad Safari: A Well-Balanced Mix of Adventure and Culture

This tour offers a thorough exploration of Crete’s countryside, archaeological sites, and culinary traditions within a compact 5-hour schedule. The powerful quad bikes and scenic routes guarantee an exciting ride, while stops at the monastery, olive oil factory, and beach add cultural and relaxing elements.

The value for money is clear, with all transfers, a traditional lunch, olive oil tasting, and beach time included in the $85 price. The positive reviews highlight the friendly, knowledgeable guides and the stunning scenery, making this activity a solid choice for those seeking a fun, active day in Crete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Participants need a valid driver’s license to ride the quad bikes, so children without a license cannot drive. Sharing the quad seat with a licensed driver is possible, but overall suitability depends on age and comfort with riding.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring driver’s license, sunglasses, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, cash, and a scarf. These items help ensure comfort and safety during the day.

Are there any physical requirements?
The tour involves 70 km of driving, mostly off-road, so participants should be comfortable with moderate physical activity and handling a quad bike.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full cancelation is possible up to 24 hours before the activity for a complete refund.

What languages are available for guides?
Guides are available in English, German, Greek, Italian, and French.

Is there an age limit for participants?
The activity is not suitable for babies under 1 year, and participants over 70 or 95 years are advised against joining.

Do I need to book for just one person?
Booking is for seats, not vehicles, so groups can share seats. Solo riders should book 2 seats for themselves.

Is lunch included?
Yes, the tour includes lunch at a traditional tavern with local dishes, as well as the olive oil tasting at Vassilakis Estate.

Can I join if I don’t have a driver’s license?
No, at least one person in the riding pair must have a valid driver’s license for the quad.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of off-road riding, historical visits, local tastings, and beach relaxation offers a full-day experience that captures the essence of Crete’s landscapes, culture, and cuisine.

This Hersonisos – Malia off-road quad safari blends adventure, history, and local flavor into a memorable cretan experience. With friendly guides, scenic routes, and plenty of opportunities for fun and relaxation, it appeals especially to those eager for an active day exploring Crete’s natural and cultural treasures.

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