From Hersonissos/Malia: Guided Sunset Quad Safari

If you’re exploring Crete and looking for a way to combine adventure with breathtaking scenery, a guided sunset quad safari might be just what you need. We’ve come across this tour that promises an off-road ride through the mountains, ending with what many say is the best sunset on the island. It sounds like a memorable highlight, but like any activity, it has its ups and downs.

What we really like about this experience is how it offers a combination of adrenaline and natural beauty. The chance to see Crete’s mountain landscapes from an off-road perspective is pretty rare, and the sunset views are consistently praised. Plus, with a professional guide leading the way, you’ll be in good hands, making this suitable for those who want both safety and fun.

On the flip side, some guests have found the route a bit repetitive or less intense than expected, and the activity isn’t designed for people with mobility issues or pregnant women — something to keep in mind if you’re traveling with specific needs. Overall, it seems best suited for adventure seekers who enjoy scenic rides and want a guaranteed sunset experience.

If your idea of a good Crete trip involves a bit of action, stunning vistas, and memorable photos, this tour could be a great fit. It’s particularly appealing if you’re staying around Malia or Hersonissos and want a quick, exciting escape into the mountains that caps off with a spectacular sunset.

Key Points

• Stunning sunset views are a major highlight, often described as the best in Crete.
• Guided experience with friendly, knowledgeable guides that make the ride enjoyable and safe.
• Off-road adventure through mountains, forests, and dusty countryside, offering more than just a typical sightseeing tour.
• Stops for photos and cold water help you relax and capture the scenery.
• The value for money is generally viewed as good, with the price reflecting the experience, guides, and sunset.
• Not suitable for travelers with mobility issues or pregnant women — a focus on active participation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

How the Tour Begins: Easy Pickup and Safety Briefing

Starting from Malia or Hersonissos, the tour offers convenient hotel pickup from numerous locations. Expect a roughly 30-minute bus ride to the starting point — a nice way to relax before the adventure begins. Once there, you’ll get a safety briefing, which is especially helpful if you’re new to quad riding.

The Quad Rides: Mountain and Forest Off-Road

The core of this experience is the off-road quad ride, powered by 520cc brand new ATVs. The guides take you on a route that covers dusty roads, forested areas, and mountain paths. The highlight here is the ascent up to 450 meters altitude, where the views start to open up.

Guests have described the route as a combination of muddy, bumpy terrain and scenic forest tracks. We liked the way the guide described it as a chance to discover the “secrets and the unique beauty of Crete.” The route isn’t overly long, but it offers enough variety to keep it interesting, passing through different landscapes.

Stops Along the Way: Photos and Refreshments

During the ride, you’ll make stops to drink cold water and snap some photos. One stop offers a lovely view, perfect for capturing memories or just taking a breather. Guests note that these pauses are well-timed and add a relaxed touch to the adventure.

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The Scenic Drive to the Coast and the Sunset

After exploring the mountains, the tour heads toward the coast, driving near to the water to catch the sunset. Travelers consistently rave about this part — many say it’s the most beautiful sunset in Crete. The end of the tour is usually about 30 minutes of watching the sun dip below the horizon, with panoramic views that make all the dust and bumps worth it.

Final Stretch and Drop-off

After sunset, the group heads back to Malia or Hersonissos, with a roughly 30-minute drive. The tour concludes with drop-offs at your hotel or nearby locations, making the entire experience fairly convenient.

What the Tour Really Offers

The Guides and Atmosphere

Multiple reviews note how friendly and professional the guides are. One French traveler mentioned that the guide spoke good French and was approachable, making the whole experience more enjoyable. The guides are there to ensure safety, but they also add a personal touch that makes the ride feel less like a chore and more like a fun outing.

Value for Money

At $77 per person, this isn’t the cheapest activity in Crete, but considering the duration (about 3 hours), the included transportation, helmets, cold water, and guide, most find the price reasonable. A review pointed out that if you’re not the one riding, the cost might seem a tad high, especially for a shorter ride, but overall, travelers seem satisfied with what they get.

The Scenic and Photographic Highlights

Guests consistently praise the breathtaking views at the lookouts, especially during sunset. It’s a chance to see Crete’s diverse landscape from a different perspective. Many mention that their photos turned out fantastic, perfect for sharing and memories.

The Downsides

Some reviews suggest the ride isn’t as thrilling or long as they’d hoped. One reviewer felt the off-road adventure was brief and that the route was repetitive on the return leg. If you’re after a high-adrenaline, extensive quad tour, this might not satisfy your craving for a more intense ride. It’s more of a scenic, relaxed adventure with a touch of excitement.

Suitability for Different Travelers

This tour isn’t recommended for people with mobility impairments or pregnant women, given the off-road nature and active riding involved. It’s best for those comfortable with motorcycles or quad bikes and looking for a fun, scenic exploration.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re after a short, scenic adventure that combines off-road riding with incredible sunset views, this tour is a great pick. It suits adventure lovers, nature enthusiasts, and those wanting a memorable photo opportunity. It’s also quite accessible for most travelers, provided you’re in good health and comfortable on a quad.

But if you’re seeking extreme off-road action or a longer, more intense ride, you might find this tour a bit tame. And if you’re traveling with folks who can’t handle active excursions, you’ll want to consider other options.

Final Thoughts

This guided sunset quad safari offers an accessible way to explore Crete’s mountains and forests while ending with what many agree is the island’s most stunning sunset. The overall experience is friendly, safe, and beautifully scenic, making it ideal for those who appreciate nature, photography, and a little adventure.

While it may not satisfy adrenaline junkies looking for a high-speed, all-day ride, it certainly packs enough charm and scenic splendor to make it a highlight of your trip. The guides are praised for their friendliness and professionalism, and the sunset views are consistently described as breathtaking.

If you’re staying in or near Malia or Hersonissos and want a well-organized, memorable outdoor activity, this tour deserves a spot on your list. Just remember, it’s more about the scenery and the experience than about pushing your limits on an ATV.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children or families?
This activity is mainly designed for those comfortable with quad riding and active participation. It’s not specifically marketed as family-friendly or suitable for young children, especially since it involves off-road riding and safety considerations.

What should I bring with me?
You need to bring your driver’s license, as it’s required for riding the quad. Weather can vary, so dress accordingly — lightweight and breathable clothing is recommended, along with sturdy shoes.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickup is included from many locations around Malia, Hersonissos, and nearby areas. The pickup points cover a wide list of hotels and specific spots, so check if yours is on the list.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs for about 3 hours, including pickup, safety briefing, the ride, sunset viewing, and drop-off.

What’s the price and what does it include?
At $77 per person, the price covers the quad ride, gasoline, helmets, cold water, the guide, and hotel pickup and drop-off in designated areas.

Can I book a solo quad?
You will need to reserve two seats if you want a solo quad, as the booking is for a seat and not the quad itself.

Is the route challenging?
The route includes muddy roads, forests, and mountain paths, but it’s designed to be enjoyable and manageable for most participants. It’s not described as a high-adrenaline, technical ride, but rather an adventure through scenic landscapes.

What if the weather isn’t perfect?
Weather can influence the experience, especially for viewing the sunset. If it’s cloudy, you might not see the sunset at its best, as some reviews mention less than ideal weather conditions affecting the view.

If you love the idea of combining scenic mountain drives, sunset views, and a touch of adventure, this tour offers a very good balance of all three. Just keep in mind your comfort level with off-road riding, and you’re likely to have a memorable Crete experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: