Quads, sea views, and Game of Thrones stops. This guided ride up from Podstrana is a fast route into the hills above Split, with viewpoints that make the coast look like it belongs in a movie. You can even add horseback riding at an old stone quarry tied to Game of Thrones filming.

I love two things here right away: the small group limit (just 8 people) and the way the panorama stops are built into the ride. You get guidance without feeling herded, and you actually have time to look around.

One thing to think through, though: the rider driving the quad must have a category B permit, and the tour is not suitable for children under 12.

Key things to know before you go

• New quad bikes in the area, with well-equipped vehicles and a safety-first start
• Mountain riding just minutes from Split, with sea and island views on the way up
• Game of Thrones quarry access where horseback riding can be added on request
• Small group size capped at 8, which helps on skill-building and photo moments
• Cold drinks and included photos, plus a storage box for your stuff

Podstrana’s hillside setting, 10 minutes from Split

This ATV tour is based in Podstrana, a hillside area just about 10 minutes from Split. That matters, because you do not burn half your day commuting before you even get the good views. You start at Advent u Podstrani, then the ride pushes you off the main roads and into mountain lanes.

What I like about this kind of location is the quick change of scenery. In a short amount of time, you go from coastal Croatia to rocky quarry country and ridge-top lookout angles over Split and the islands. It is the kind of contrast that makes your photos look “earned,” not like you stood in line at a viewpoint.

Also, this is a guided experience with a licensed guide, not a free-for-all. You are there to ride, but you are not left guessing.

The quad ride: 2.5 hours of real momentum, 3 hours on the booking

The booking says 3 hours, and you will feel that as a practical half-day block. The on-ride time is about 2.5 hours, with extra time for check-in, getting set up, and a briefing before you go.

The flow is simple:

1. You meet at the parking spot at Advent u Podstrani.
2. You get ATV equipment and a short intro so you know how to handle the quad.
3. You ride through Podstrana’s terrain, with planned stops for viewpoints and photos.
4. You return to the meeting point to wrap up.

Even if you have never driven a quad before, the setup helps. One of the big themes from the experience is how easy the machines are to learn, and how much the guides focus on making you comfortable during the first stretch. If you want adventure without the stress of figuring everything out, this is built for that.

Stop in Podstrana: where the route turns scenic

The centerpiece of your time is the quad ride through Podstrana. The tour is designed to move you from village streets into the kind of mountain riding where you can feel the terrain under the wheels. This is not just driving in circles around a starting field.

You should expect:

• a mix of hills and curving routes suited to a guided group
• regular chances to pause for photos
• sea and island sightlines when the route lifts you higher

One detail I appreciate is that the ride feels planned but not rigid. People mention that the route can be tailored to ability, and the pacing is not meant to feel rushed. That matters for first-timers, because the hardest part is often not the ride itself, it is the mental switch from city logic to dirt-road confidence.

The quarry and Game of Thrones link, plus optional horseback

The most “movie moment” part of this experience is the ancient stone quarry tied to Game of Thrones filming. If you love that kind of pop-culture geography, this is the value-add. You do not just get views of the coast, you also connect the terrain to a specific location people recognize from the show.

Horseback riding here is optional:

• added on request
• 15 EUR per person
• during the sunset tour at 5:30 PM
• depends on weather conditions

So if you book without horseback in mind, you can still get the ATV adventure and the quarry-related scenery. But if horseback is on your wish list, plan for it early, since it is tied to the sunset timing and weather.

One interesting note from the experience description is that horseback riding takes place at the old quarry setting where Game of Thrones filming also happened. People also describe the horse stables as being from the set, and that the whole moment can feel breathtaking once the horses are released. Whether it is perfect for you will depend on weather and timing, but the connection is the selling point.

Sunset tour at 5:30 PM: tavern snacks and a slower finish

If you choose the sunset version, you add a local tavern stop where you can get snacks and drinks. The tavern part is not included unless you are on the 5:30 PM sunset tour, so it helps to pick the version that matches what you want to leave with.

Sunset ATV riding hits differently. The ride is still about mountain movement and viewpoints, but the light makes the coast look layered and dramatic. You also get that nice rhythm shift, from action up in the hills to sitting down and refueling after.

If you are planning your day around Split, this is a good option because you can pair it with dinner later. You will likely want the time buffer, though, since the experience runs close to a half-day block.

What the price gets you, and where extra costs can appear

The price is $82 per person, and that is a fair fit for a small guided adventure that includes equipment, guiding, and extras built into the ride.

What is included:

• a licensed guide
• ATV equipment
• cold drinks
• photos
• a storage box for your belongings

That “photos and storage” part is practical. You do not want to balance your phone in your lap while trying to enjoy a bumpy road. Having a storage box also reduces the anxiety of what to do with keys, bags, and cameras.

What is not included:

• horseback riding at the old quarry, 15 EUR per person during the 5:30 PM sunset tour on request (weather dependent)
• food and drinks at the tavern, again tied to the sunset tour

So the real value question is simple: are you choosing the base quad adventure, or are you aiming to add the horseback moment? If horseback is a priority, the total cost will be higher, but you are paying for a very specific setting and a second activity rather than just a longer ATV drive.

Guide quality and group size: small enough for attention

This experience is limited to 8 participants, which is a big deal for two reasons.

First, it keeps the ride manageable. Quads work best with clear spacing and a guide who can watch everyone. Second, a smaller group means your questions get answered without feeling like you are interrupting a long line of people.

Language options are English and Croatian. If you prefer English, you are covered.

The overall vibe from the experience is that the guide is friendly and goes beyond just pointing the route. People highlight how the guide takes time, gives local context, and adjusts the ride based on ability. I would treat that as part of the value, not just a bonus. A good guide is what turns a fun ride into a genuinely enjoyable one.

Practical stuff that makes the ride easier

Here are the basics you should plan around so the day runs smooth:

Bring

• your driver’s license
• comfortable shoes
• comfortable clothes

Check

• the driver needs a category B permit
• alcohol and drugs are not allowed

Not for everyone

• children under 12 are not suitable

That category B requirement is the one item to get right before you show up. If you are traveling with friends or family, make sure the person who will actually drive meets the requirement. If they do not, you may need to adjust how you book.

Also think about clothing. You do not need technical gear listed on a brochure, but you do want something comfortable that can handle dust and movement.

How to get there without stress

The meeting point is the parking spot at Advent u Podstrani, and the tour ends back there. If you are staying in Split, ride-hailing can be a simple option to reach the meeting point without parking hassles.

One practical tip that comes up is that the Bolt app can be used to get to the area and back with minimal effort. It is not a tour requirement, just a helpful tool if you want a low-fuss start.

Who should book this ATV tour?

You will probably love this if:

• you want a guided quad adventure with real sea and island views
• you like the idea of connecting Croatia scenery with a Game of Thrones filming location
• you want a small-group ride where the guide can actually help you learn

It may not be the best fit if:

• you are traveling with children under 12
• your group cannot meet the driver category B requirement
• you are not comfortable on uneven mountain routes (this is adventure riding, not a flat walking tour)

If you are coming to Split for a mix of culture and outdoors, this hits a nice balance. It is active, but the stops and story elements give it more than just a thrill.

Should you book the SPLIT: Guided ATV Tour Gornja Podstrana & Horses?

I think it is worth booking if you want something more memorable than another day in town. For $82, you get a small guided quad ride with equipment, cold drinks, and included photos, plus the payoff of ridge views over Split and the islands. The Game of Thrones quarry link adds a strong “place you recognize” factor without turning the day into a museum stop.

If you are torn between booking with or without horseback, decide based on your priorities. If horseback at the quarry is a must-do, go for the sunset tour at 5:30 PM and request it. Just be flexible, since it depends on weather.

If you want an action-heavy but well-guided day, this is a solid pick.

FAQ

How long is the ATV tour?

The tour is listed as 3 hours, with the riding time described as about 2.5 hours. Plan for a little extra time for check-in and getting set up.

Where do we meet and where does it end?

You meet at the parking spot at Advent u Podstrani, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Is horseback riding included?

Horseback riding at the old quarry is not included. It is available on request for 15 EUR per person during the sunset tour at 5:30 PM, and it depends on weather conditions.

What do I need to drive the quad?

You need a driver’s license, and the driver must have a category B permit.

What should I wear or bring?

Bring comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes. You should also bring your driver’s license.

Is there a minimum age?

Yes. The tour is not suitable for children under 12.

How many people are in the group?

The group is small, limited to 8 participants.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide speaks English and Croatian.

Is alcohol allowed during the tour?

No. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.