Trogir, Žedno: Čiovo Island 100% Off-Road Quad ATV Tour

Čiovo’s best views are reached by rocky tracks above the Adriatic, not by another crowded road tour. From the base in Žedno, you ride automatic quads to island viewpoints, a 16th-century monastery built into the cliffs, and, on the longer option, a small beach for a swim. The route is fully off-road, so the fun comes with dust, bumps, and a proper sense of being out in the countryside.

I like the clear beginner-friendly training and the choice of quad sizes, including smaller machines for younger riders. I also like the guides’ personal touch. Damir and Phil are often praised for their humor and local stories, while the team has helped with transport when taxis proved hard to find. The main drawback is simple: you will get dusty, and the rocky surface can be bumpy and a little nerve-racking at first.

Key points to know before you book

• The ride is 100 percent off-road: You do not need to handle busy public roads, and a driving licence is not required.
• A 30-minute safety lesson comes first: Instructors show you the controls and let you build confidence before the main route.
• The 3-hour option adds a swim stop: The longer ride includes a 20 to 30-minute break at a small, secluded beach.
• Teenagers have unusual freedom here: Children under 13 ride with an adult, while ages 13 to 18 may drive alone when accompanied by an adult.
• The scenery is more than a backdrop: Stops include views toward Split and nearby islands, plus a historic monastery beside the sea.
• Bring clothes you can dirty: Dust is part of the experience, and a change of clothes is a smart idea.

Why this Čiovo ATV tour is different

Many island excursions keep you on paved roads and show you the view through a van window. This one takes you onto rough tracks around Čiovo, an island linked to the Trogir area but far better understood when you leave the main roads.

The starting point is the village of Žedno, high on the island. That setting gives the trip a rural feel from the beginning. You are not collecting a quad beside a busy waterfront. You are meeting at Franini 35, passing through the center of Žedno, then continuing about 1.5 kilometers uphill to the base of Quad Adventures Trogir.

The tour operator has more than 10 years of experience and received two 2025 awards for adventure and unique tour operations in Croatia. Awards alone do not guarantee a good outing, but the practical signs matter more here: automatic vehicles, a proper safety session, helmets, guides who stay close, and a route that avoids public roads.

The activity is rated 4.9 from 554 reviews, with especially strong praise for safety, scenic stops, friendly instruction, and family suitability. I would still treat it as an active ride, not a gentle sightseeing trip. The ground is stony, the quads move over uneven tracks, and dust is likely in dry weather.

Getting to the base in Žedno

If you are staying in Trogir, you can drive to the meeting point or use Uber or Bolt. Free parking is available at the base, which makes this a convenient choice if you have a rental car.

Pickup and drop-off can be arranged from Trogir or elsewhere on Čiovo for an extra charge. That option is worth asking about if you do not have a car. One family had trouble finding a taxi and received help with a last-minute minibus pickup, but you should not assume this is included in the $88 price.

From Split, you can take the Bura Line boat to Slatine, where the company can collect you. You can also reach the base by car or ride service. Allow enough time to find Žedno, since the meeting point is away from the main tourist roads.

The price is about $88 per person. That is fair if you want several hours of guided activity, a quad, fuel, safety gear, water, and access to parts of Čiovo that are awkward to reach independently. It is less appealing if you mainly want a short scenic drive or dislike getting dirty. The longer ride makes the price easier to justify because it adds time on the island and a beach break.

The 30-minute safety session matters

The tour begins with a half-hour briefing and practice session. You learn how to operate the automatic quad, use the controls, and handle the basics before setting off.

This is especially useful if you have never driven one. Several first-time riders found the machines straightforward after individual instruction, and the guides can check that each person is comfortable. The quads are automatic, so you do not need to manage a manual gearbox.

The operator provides helmets and uses different quad sizes. That is a real advantage for families. A smaller quad can suit a 13-year-old better than an adult-sized machine, and several families appreciated that teenagers could drive their own vehicle rather than always riding as a passenger.

The age rules need careful attention. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult on a quad. Minors from 13 to 18 may drive alone but must still be accompanied by an adult. The tour states that a driving licence is not obligatory, but you still need to follow the age and supervision rules.

Riding the rocky tracks across Čiovo

After training, you ride for roughly 35 minutes toward the eastern end of the island. The route is entirely off-road, with a mix of stony paths and uneven ground.

This is where you feel the character of the excursion. The ride is not built around speed. The group follows the guide, with chances to move at a comfortable pace. Some parts feel relaxed, while rougher sections require attention and steady handling.

If you are nervous, tell the instructor before leaving. Riders who had never used a quad before found that the stability of the machines helped them settle in, but the bumps remain part of the deal. You will feel the surface through the seat, and dust from the track can cover your shoes and clothes.

The guides keep the group together and check that everyone can follow. You should not expect a private, free-form ride where you race wherever you like. The benefit of a guided group is that beginners receive help and the outing stays organized.

The first major stop is at the eastern end of Čiovo. From here, you can look toward Split and the surrounding islands. There is time for photographs and a short rest, which is welcome after the first rough section.

The view is the kind that makes the ride worthwhile. You have the sea, islands, and the long sweep of the Dalmatian coast in front of you. Bring sunglasses, both for the bright light and for dust from the track.

The cliffside monastery stop

The route continues for another short riding section before reaching a 16th-century monastery built into the cliffs beside the Adriatic.

This is the most distinctive sightseeing stop. The monastery gives the ride a sense of place and history, rather than making it only an engine-powered outdoor activity. You have time to get off the quad, look around, take photographs, and enjoy the setting.

The itinerary allows about 25 minutes here for sightseeing and a walk. That is enough to break up the driving, though it is not a long guided historical visit. Guides such as Damir and Phil add local stories about Croatia, the islands, agriculture, and the area’s past, so ask questions if you want more context.

The stop also shows why a quad can be useful on Čiovo. You are reaching a coastal site by rough track, then combining a short walk with views over the sea. A standard bus tour would give you less flexibility, while walking from the coast would take much longer.

After the monastery, the group follows a scenic route back toward Žedno. The main itinerary includes about 35 minutes of riding on the return section. There are several short stops along the way, and water is provided. In hot weather, take the bottle seriously and drink before you feel thirsty.

Choosing between the shorter and longer ride

The shorter tour covers the main route, including the eastern viewpoint and monastery. Its total duration is about 150 minutes, including the safety training and stops. It suits you if this is your first quad outing, you have limited time, or you want scenery without committing most of an afternoon.

The longer option runs about 210 minutes. The opening section is the same, but you then continue along an extra off-road route toward the southern part of Čiovo.

The reward is a 20 to 30-minute stop at a small beach. You can swim, cool off, and relax before getting back on the quad. The water break is especially welcome during the hot months, when dust and sun can make the ride feel more demanding.

Bring swimwear if you choose the longer tour. You should also carry a change of clothes, since the ride itself can leave you dusty and the beach stop may leave you wet. Snorkeling may be possible at the beach, but equipment is not listed as included, so do not count on provided gear.

I would choose the longer option for a full afternoon on Čiovo, especially for a family or group that wants both activity and swimming. I would choose the shorter option if quad riding is the main goal and you prefer a tighter schedule.

What to wear and what to bring

Wear comfortable clothes that can handle dust. Light-colored outfits may show the dirt quickly, and several riders were glad they brought spare clothing.

Closed-toe shoes are required in practical terms, even if the information describes them as recommended items. Rocky tracks are not a good place for sandals. Sunglasses help with glare and flying dust.

Bring:

• Passport or ID card
• Sunglasses
• Comfortable clothes
• Closed-toe shoes
• A change of clothes
• Swimwear for the longer tour

Helmets, fuel, a bottle of water, and raincoats in wet weather are included. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. The operator also advises against taking part if you are pregnant or have back problems.

Rain does not automatically cancel the fun. Free raincoats are available if the weather turns wet, though an off-road ride in rain can be messier and less comfortable than a dry one. Ask about conditions before you set out if the forecast looks poor.

Who will enjoy this most

This is a strong choice for families with teenagers, couples who want an active break from beaches, and groups looking for something different near Trogir or Split.

It works well for beginners because the quads are automatic and the training is substantial. You do not need previous quad experience, and the guides can show you how to operate the vehicle one at a time.

Teenagers are a particular match. The smaller quads and age rules allow many 13 to 18-year-olds to drive independently under adult supervision. That can make the outing far more engaging than sitting behind a parent for three hours.

Older adults can enjoy it too. The ride is not reserved for young thrill seekers, but you should be honest about your comfort with bumps and rough ground. Back problems, pregnancy, or limited mobility may make this a poor fit, even though the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

You should skip it if you want a quiet, polished sightseeing tour, dislike dust, or need a perfectly smooth ride. You should also think twice if you are uncomfortable controlling a vehicle on uneven ground, even after instruction.

Small details that improve the day

Ask for the longer route if swimming is important to you. The beach stop is not part of the shorter ride, and switching options may depend on availability.

Arrive ready to learn, not ready to race. The guides focus on safety and keeping the group together. You can enjoy the ride more when you pay attention to the surface and leave speed for suitable sections.

If you need transport, arrange it before the day of the tour. Pickup from Trogir, Čiovo, or Slatine costs extra, and the base in Žedno is not at the waterfront.

The company speaks Croatian and English. Guides including Damir and Phil are praised for adding humor and local information, so this is more than simply collecting a vehicle and following a track.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity, and you can reserve now and pay later. The exact start times depend on availability.

Should you book the Čiovo quad tour?

Book it if you want real off-road riding, strong sea views, and a chance to see Čiovo beyond the paved roads. The training, automatic vehicles, range of quad sizes, and close guide support make it approachable for first-timers and families with teenagers.

Choose the 3-hour option if you want the best balance of riding and relaxation. The beach stop gives the longer outing a useful pause. Choose the shorter tour if you mainly want the viewpoints and monastery without spending as much time in the saddle.

The honest warning is dust, bumps, and a little engine noise. Bring old clothes, closed shoes, water, and a change of outfit. If that sounds like part of the holiday rather than a problem, $88 buys a lively and memorable way to see Čiovo.

FAQ

Where does the quad tour start?

The meeting point is Quad Adventures Trogir at Franini 35 in Žedno. After passing the center of Žedno, drive about 1.5 kilometers toward the top of the island and follow the road signs.

How long does the tour last?

The activity lasts about 150 to 210 minutes. The shorter option is about two and a half hours, while the longer option lasts about three and a half hours.

Is the tour fully off-road?

Yes. The route is 100 percent off-road and does not require driving on public roads.

Do I need a driving licence?

A driving licence is not obligatory for this tour. You must still follow the safety instructions and age rules.

Is the quad automatic?

Yes. The quads are fully automatic, which makes them easier for beginners to operate.

Can teenagers drive their own quad?

Children under 13 must ride with an adult on a quad. Minors from 13 to 18 can drive alone but must be accompanied by an adult.

Does the longer tour include swimming?

Yes. The longer tour includes an extra route to the southern part of Čiovo and a 20 to 30-minute stop at a small beach for swimming and relaxation.

What equipment is included?

The price includes the automatic quad, fuel, safety training, guide, helmet, free parking, and a bottle of water. Raincoats are available at no extra charge if it rains.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes, sunglasses, and clothing that can get dusty. Bring a change of clothes, and pack swimwear for the longer option.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.