Crete: Quad Safari with Ghost Town Exploration

If you’re planning a trip to Crete and craving a way to see the island’s rugged beauty off the beaten path, this Quad Safari with Ghost Town Exploration offers a fantastic mix of adventure and cultural discovery. With a stellar 4.9-star rating from over 100 reviews, this tour has clearly struck a chord with travelers. It combines adrenaline-pumping rides through Crete’s wild terrain with visits to authentic villages and a mysterious ghost town, giving you a well-rounded glimpse into the island’s less touristy side.

What makes this experience stand out? We love how it offers stunning panoramic views that are nearly impossible to access by car or foot, the chance to “step back in time” in a deserted village, and the opportunity to learn about local traditions directly from guides and residents. Plus, it’s surprisingly good value at just $99 per group of up to two people, making it accessible for couples or friends looking for a memorable, active day.

On the flip side, keep in mind that off-road riding can be dusty and physically demanding. If you’re sensitive to dust or prefer a more relaxed sightseeing style, this might not be your perfect match. However, it’s an ideal choice for those who love outdoor adventures, authentic culture, and scenic exploration. If you’re eager for a thrilling, cultural, and scenic experience that’s tailored for adventure lovers, this tour is definitely worth considering.

Good To Know

• Adventure and Scenery: Ride on rocky terrains with incredible panoramic views.
• Authentic Exploration: Visit a ghost town and learn about Cretan history and culture.
• Local Villages: Experience traditional villages and taste local products.
• Value for Money: At $99 for a 200-minute tour, it offers a lot of adventure and cultural insight.
• Guided Experience: Knowledgeable guides, like George, enhance the journey with stories and tips.
• Accessible for Beginners: Short driving lessons make it feasible even for those new to quad riding.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Why You’ll Love the Crete Quad Safari

This tour blends the thrill of off-road riding with culture and scenic vistas, offering an experience that’s both active and enlightening. You’ll get to explore places that are usually hidden from the regular tourist trail, such as a ghost town and a charming traditional village, all while tackling rugged terrain that’s sure to get your adrenaline flowing.

The guides, like the well-loved George, are praised for their friendliness and knowledge. They don’t just lead the ride—they share insights into local plants, animals, and the island’s history. This adds a personal touch that makes the experience not just fun but also educational.

Given its duration of 200 minutes, this tour strikes a good balance—long enough to feel adventurous but not so lengthy that it becomes exhausting. The stops for sightseeing, photos, and cultural visits are well-paced, and the included amenities like helmets, photos, videos, and a small raki and sweet make it a comfortable and memorable outing.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: ELA Quad Safari

Your adventure begins at the ELA Quad Safari base, conveniently located just 200 meters after the Blu Bay Hotel on your right. This is where all the prep and safety briefing happens, setting the tone for an organized, fun day.

Agia Pelagia: The First Stop

The tour kicks off with a 20-minute safety briefing in Agia Pelagia, a lively seaside town with stunning views. It’s a good chance to get comfortable with your quad and ask questions. The guides excel at making beginners feel at ease, often explaining how to operate the ATVs in a clear, friendly manner.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Off-road Exploration & Scenic Views

Next, you’ll hop on your quad for a 30-minute ride filled with off-road trails that wind through crests and valleys. These routes reveal breathtaking vistas of Agia Pelagia and Heraklion, views that you’d miss if sticking only to main roads. Reviewers voice their appreciation for guides like George, who point out local plants, animals, and interesting spots along the way, making the ride both fun and educational.

Fodele: Village and Cultural Insights

Following your exhilarating ride, you’ll pause in Fodele, a charming village famous as the birthplace of El Greco. Here, you’ll enjoy a 25-minute break for photos, exploring the village, and perhaps purchasing local products. The 11th-century church of Panagia, with its Byzantine architecture, offers a glimpse into Crete’s religious past, and you might also get a chance to relax at a riverside café.

Ghost Town Adventure

One of the most unique parts of this tour is visiting a deserted village—an example of Crete’s ghost town history. Wander through its alleys, observe dilapidated buildings, and listen to stories about its former residents. Some visitors have found this experience especially moving, as it offers a peek into a bygone era. Guides are happy to answer questions, and a few residents still live nearby, adding authenticity to the experience.

More Riding & Village Passes

The tour continues with additional quad rides passing through Achlada, another traditional village, and scenic routes back towards Agia Pelagia, completing a loop that combines adventure with cultural discovery.

Return & Final Notes

After approximately 200 minutes, you’ll return to the starting point, feeling exhilarated and enriched by the day’s experiences. The tour includes photos and videos, so you’ll have lasting memories to share.

What’s Included & What to Expect

Included at $99:

• Helmet and hairnet for safety and hygiene
• Short driving lesson on a private, off-road course
• Photos and videos of your ride
• A small bottle of raki and a sweet treat
• Taxes and fuel

Not Included:

• Food and drinks during the day (besides the small raki and sweet at the end)

Practical tips: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for dusty off-road riding. Bringing a bandana is recommended to protect against dust and dirt. Remember, a valid driver’s license is required, and pregnant women or those under the influence of alcohol are not permitted to ride.

Group Size, Duration & Accessibility

The tour is designed for up to two people per group, keeping the experience intimate and manageable. It lasts roughly 3 hours and 20 minutes, including stops and safety briefings, making it suitable for a half-day adventure.

Guides speak multiple languages (English, French, Greek, German, Turkish), and the activity is wheelchair accessible, which broadens its appeal.

Authenticity & Reviews: What Travelers Say

With 104 reviews averaging 4.9 stars, travelers are clearly delighted. Many praised the guides for their friendliness and knowledge. Harry called it “extremely friendly staff” and recommended it thoroughly, while Paige noted, “The guides told us about the plants, animals, locals, and showed us different places on route,” highlighting the educational aspect.

Reviewers also appreciated the value: “Very much worth the money,” and the fact that the quad bikes are “really fun to use.” Several mentioned that the experience exceeded expectations, with guides like George making the ride engaging and informative.

One traveler, Rachel, pointed out the importance of wearing longer shorts or pants because the engine’s heat can cause burns—a handy detail for future participants. Multiple reviews confirm that the tour is excellent for first-timers, thanks to clear instructions and friendly guidance.

The Sum Up

This Quad Safari with Ghost Town Exploration offers a well-rounded adventure that combines thrilling off-road rides with cultural insights into Crete’s traditional villages and abandoned settlements. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see the island’s less accessible areas, enjoy scenic views, and learn about local history—all while having fun on a quad.

The experience delivers incredible value, especially given the length, inclusions, and small group size. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a history enthusiast, or simply seeking an active way to explore Crete, this tour ticks many boxes.

The knowledgeable guides, like George, make all the difference, turning a simple ride into a memorable journey. With its high ratings and enthusiastic reviews, it’s clear that this activity is more than just a ride—it’s an authentic, engaging experience that offers a fresh perspective of Crete’s landscape and heritage.

Best suited for active travelers, couples, or small groups eager for adventure, scenic views, and cultural moments—this tour promises a day full of stories and stunning sights that you’ll be talking about long after.

FAQ

Is there a minimum age to participate?
The tour requires a valid driver’s license and is suitable for those comfortable with quad riding. Specific age restrictions aren’t listed, but it’s best for teenagers and adults.

Can beginners join this tour?
Yes, the tour includes a driving lesson on a private off-road course, making it accessible even for first-time quad riders.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 200 minutes, including safety briefings, riding time, and stops.

What is included in the price?
The price covers helmets, hairnets, a driving lesson, photos and videos, a small raki and sweet, taxes, and fuel.

Are food and drinks provided?
No, but there are opportunities to buy refreshments during village stops.

Is the activity suitable for people with limited mobility?
The tour is wheelchair accessible, but riding a quad requires some mobility and balance. Confirm with the provider if you have specific needs.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes suitable for dusty off-road riding. Bringing a bandana is recommended.

Are there any restrictions?
Pregnant women and anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs are not allowed to ride.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, French, Greek, German, and Turkish.

This guided quad safari in Crete combines adventure with cultural richness, making it a memorable slice of the island for those eager to explore beyond the usual sights. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or soaking in history and landscapes, this experience offers a rewarding way to see Crete differently.

You can check if your dates are available here: