Quads in the hills beat the beach day. This ride from Podstrana turns a quick trip near Split into a full-on mountain adventure, with sea and island panoramas plus the option to add a Game of Thrones-linked quarry horseback stop. It is fast-paced in the fun way, but still guided and controlled.

I like two things most: the new, well-equipped quads that make first-timers feel steady, and the small-group feel (max 8) that leaves room for the guide to set the pace and point out real local sights. You also finish with a proper tavern stop on the sunset option, so it is not just driving, it is a taste of the area.

One thing to consider: if you want the horseback riding portion, it is not included in the base tour. You will add it on request for a set fee, and it depends on weather conditions. Also, you’ll need the right paperwork, since the driver must have a category B permit and bring a license.

Key highlights worth planning around

• New quads and easy handling: the machines are set up for a smooth first ride.
• Big views, not just a quick loop: you get up on the mountain for sea-and-islands panoramas.
• Stone quarry tied to Game of Thrones: you can see the set-linked area, and on request add horses.
• Small group energy: limited to 8 participants, so the guide can manage timing and skill levels.
• Snacks and drinks with a local tavern stop: included on the sunset departure only.
• Photos and ride basics handled: cold drinks, photos, and a storage box are part of the deal.

ATV quad biking from Split’s edge: Podstrana in 3 hours

If you have limited time around Split, this tour is built for it. You start at Advent u Podstrani and spend about 2.5 hours on the ride (the total is listed as 3 hours, so plan for a little buffer). The big idea is that you do not just leave the city, you get to the hills fast, where the views open up and the terrain changes.

The route is designed for a mixed group. Even if you have never driven a quad, you get instruction and time to get comfortable before the real scenery starts. That matters here because the reward is not only speed. The payoff is the lookout points above Podstrana and the feeling of riding above the water with islands spread out in the distance.

And yes, there is a Game of Thrones connection, but it is not the gimmick-only kind. It is tied to a stone quarry area that you visit as part of the experience. That makes it feel more grounded than a quick photo stop where nothing else connects.

New quads, small group, and what you really drive

This is a licensed guided tour with English and Croatian support, and the group stays small (up to 8). In practical terms, that usually means two things: less waiting around and more attention when you need it.

The equipment is a major reason people rate it so highly. The quads are described as new and well maintained, and the controls are easy to learn. You will also get an equipment package and a storage box for your belongings, which is a real help because you do not want to juggle phone, keys, and whatever else while riding.

You also get cold drinks and included photos. That does not replace the views you see with your own eyes, but it cuts down on the stress of stopping constantly. Most of us travel with limited attention span. Having photos handled means you can focus on the moment.

One more detail you should know before you show up: you must bring your driver’s license, and the driver must have a category B permit. If you are the designated driver, make sure you have that in your pocket. If you do not, you can still enjoy the tour, but you need to plan the driving role properly.

The Podstrana mountain village ride: sea and island panoramas

The star of the day is the climb and the viewpoints. You ride through a historic mountain village area right near Split, then you head out into terrain where the coast suddenly looks closer than you expected. The tour is paced so you get stops for photos and looking out, not only adrenaline.

What I like about this setup for you is that it gives you two types of travel memories in one: the human side and the scenery side. You get to see the village area as you move through it, then you shift to the big sky-and-water moments. That combination is especially good if you are doing a few different activities while based in Split.

One helpful note: the route is tailored to ability. That is not just marketing. On a ride like this, it means you are less likely to feel left behind and more likely to feel safe. If you are comfortable with driving, you will likely get to enjoy the ride without a strict, slow crawl. If you are nervous, the guide has room to slow things down and keep you steady.

The stone quarry stop and the Game of Thrones connection

The most unique part of the day is the ancient stone quarry area. This is where the Game of Thrones filming connection comes in. It is not presented as a theme park moment. Instead, it is integrated into the ride, so you are not just driving to a sign and back out.

Why this is valuable: a quarry changes the way you look at the place. You see stone, texture, and scale in a way that feels different from typical sightseeing. When you match that setting with the filming history, it gives the connection weight.

You may also add horseback riding here on request. The horseback option is specifically described as riding in the old quarry, with the Game of Thrones set connection tied to the stables area. If you go for that add-on, the experience becomes less about driving and more about a second, slower perspective of the same dramatic setting.

Weather is the key limiting factor. Horseback riding depends on conditions, and since the add-on fee is separate, you do not want to assume it will happen automatically. If you are booking the sunset departure, the timing lines up well with the kind of light that makes quarry-and-sea views look even better, but you still have to stay flexible.

Sunset tour with tavern snacks and optional horseback at 5:30 PM

The tour has a sunset-style option, described as ending at a local tavern. That is where the experience shifts from outdoor action to local downtime. On the 5:30 PM sunset option, you can expect snacks and drinks included as part of the tour (food and drinks are not included for the standard ride).

This is also where the horseback riding add-on makes the most sense for many people. The horseback portion is listed as 15 EUR per person, and it is on request during the sunset tour. You also have the reassurance that it depends on weather, so the team is not pretending it is guaranteed.

Even if you skip the horses, the sunset timing is still a strong reason to choose this departure. The views from the mountains around Split change as the light drops. You get better contrast for photos, and the ride feels less harsh than mid-day sun.

One more practical point: the tavern stop is only part of the sunset 5:30 PM option. If you are trying to plan dinner, either go with that departure or make your own meal plans for after the standard tour.

Price and what you get for $82 in Split

At $82 per person, the value comes from the combo. You are paying for more than quad time. You get:

• a licensed guide
• ATV equipment
• cold drinks
• included photos
• a storage box
• and you ride in a small group with up to 8 people

Then you have extras. Horseback riding is not included in the base price. It is 15 EUR per person during the sunset tour at 5:30 PM, on request and weather dependent. The tavern meal is also only included on the sunset option.

How to think about the price: if you were to hire a private guide and arrange a separate horseback experience, the cost would usually jump. Here, the structure is already set up. So even though the horseback add-on costs extra, it is still likely less hassle than coordinating multiple vendors.

Is it a budget tour? No. But it is also not priced like a luxury-only activity. For a near-Split adventure that blends driving, viewpoints, and a quarry with filming history, the $82 can feel like a fair trade, especially if you want something active that is not just walking.

Who should book this ATV and horses mix

This is a good fit if you want:

• a guided ATV experience with clear instruction
• mountain viewpoints above Split and the islands
• a small group size, so you are not stuck waiting in crowds
• the chance to add horseback riding if conditions allow

It is not the best fit if:

• you are traveling with children under 12 (it is not suitable for them)
• you are hoping to drink during the activity (alcohol and drugs are not allowed)
• you want a guaranteed horseback segment regardless of weather (it is not guaranteed)

It also helps if you are the type who enjoys photos but does not want to spend the whole day stopping. The tour includes photos and organizes the ride so you can keep moving and still get the key lookout moments.

If you are a couple or friends traveling together, the small group format often makes it feel more personal than big-adventure buses. And if you have never driven a quad before, the fact that people describe it as easy to learn is a strong signal. This is designed to be approachable.

Tips for a smooth ride: licenses, shoes, and confidence

Before you go, plan around the “simple but strict” rules:

• Bring your driver’s license
• Wear comfortable clothes and comfortable shoes
• The driver must have a category B permit
• Do not bring alcohol or drugs

If you are worried about driving, focus on the first learning stage. The guides manage the pace, and you get used to the machine before you spend lots of time on the more scenic stretches. That reduces the stress of being thrown into it right away.

For getting to the start area, the meeting point is the Parking spot at Advent u Podstrani. The area is described as slightly outside the city, but it is reachable. If you use a ride-hail service like Bolt, it can be an easy way to find your way to the right parking area without wrestling with directions.

Finally, pack light. You have a storage box, but it is still smarter to keep essentials only. Phones and keys are usually fine, just not in your hands during the bumps.

Should you book this Split quad tour?

Book it if you want an active, scenic day near Split that goes beyond the usual walking circuit. The combination of new quad machines, a small-group licensed guide, and the quarry/Game of Thrones connection makes it feel like a real experience instead of a generic ride.

Skip or reconsider if horseback riding is a must-have for you. It is an add-on at 15 EUR per person on request during the 5:30 PM sunset tour, and it depends on weather. If you are okay with that uncertainty, then this tour can be a fantastic way to mix driving fun with memorable scenery and a local tavern moment.

If you are deciding between standard departure and sunset departure, think about your priorities. Want the mountain views plus a meal/snack finish? Choose the sunset option. Want the action sooner and keep dinner flexible? The standard ride works well.

FAQ

How long is the ATV tour?

The tour is listed as 3 hours total. The ride time is about 2.5 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Advent u Podstrani, with pickup from the parking spot. It ends back at the meeting point.

Is horseback riding included?

Horseback riding in the old quarry is not included in the base tour. You can request it, usually during the sunset tour at 5:30 PM, for an additional 15 EUR per person. It depends on weather conditions.

What is included in the price?

Included are a licensed guide, ATV equipment, cold drinks, photos, and a storage box for your belongings.

What language is the guide?

The live guide is available in English and Croatian.

Do I need a driver’s license and permit?

Yes. You should bring your driver’s license, and the driver must have a category B permit.

Is alcohol allowed during the tour?

No. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

Is the tour suitable for kids?

It is not suitable for children under 12 years.

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