SPLIT: Guided ATV Tour Gornja Podstrana & Horses

The best part of this Podstrana ATV tour is the shift from Split’s busy streets to mountain tracks with the sea and islands spread below. You ride through a historic village and visit an old stone quarry used as a Game of Thrones filming site, with horseback riding available as an add-on on the sunset outing.

I like two things in particular: the small group, limited to eight, gives the guide room to adjust the route to your ability, and the views make the climb feel like more than a drive on a quad. I also like that the experience connects you with a local tavern and, if you request it, a horse ride at the quarry.

One point to weigh: horseback riding and tavern food and drinks are not included in the $82 price. The horse ride is available only on the 5:30 PM sunset tour, costs €15 per person, and depends on the weather.

• Mountain riding with sea views: Ride above Podstrana and look out toward Split and the islands.
• Quads for first-timers: The route can be tailored to your ability, and the bikes are described as easy to handle.
• A quarry with a screen connection: Request horseback riding at the old stone quarry used as a Game of Thrones filming site.
• Sunset adds a tavern stop: Snacks and drinks are available at a local tavern on the 5:30 PM outing, at your own expense.
• A compact group: The tour is limited to eight participants and includes a licensed guide.
• Plan for the add-ons: Horseback riding costs €15 per person and is weather dependent.

From Split to Podstrana’s mountain tracks

The meeting point is a parking spot at Advent u Podstrani. Podstrana is about 10 minutes from Split, so the tour makes a handy change of pace if you want an outdoor outing without committing to a long transfer. Your ride starts and ends at the same place.

The advertised duration is three hours, though the tour information also describes the ride itself as about two and a half hours. Treat it as a substantial half-day activity rather than a quick spin. Starting times vary, so check availability before building the rest of your day around it.

The setting is part of the appeal. You leave the coast behind and head into the mountain area above Podstrana, where the route brings together village scenery, open views, and rougher terrain. The highlight is the panorama over Split and the islands, a perspective that is hard to get from the city streets.

What the ATV ride is like

You ride a quad bike with a guide rather than setting off on your own. The operator describes the vehicles as new and well equipped, and the tour includes ATV equipment, cold drinks, photos, and a storage box for your belongings. You will need to bring comfortable clothes and shoes, and the driver must have a category B driving permit.

If you have never driven a quad, this need not rule the tour out. The route has been adjusted to suit different abilities, and the bikes have been described as easy to get used to. That is useful reassurance, but you are still operating a motor vehicle on mountain terrain. Follow the guide’s directions, and be honest about your comfort level before setting off.

The group limit of eight is a practical plus. A small party can make it easier to keep the outing moving at a sensible pace, and gives the guide more scope to respond to the group’s experience. You also get a live guide in English or Croatian, so the ride can include local context rather than being only a string of viewpoints.

Village views, mountain air, and a stone quarry

The tour takes you through a historic mountain village and into the hills above Podstrana. The combination is what gives the ride its character: you get a taste of the area beyond the coast, then reach broad views over Split and the islands. If you have spent most of your time in the old town or by the water, this is a useful way to see how quickly the terrain changes outside the city.

The route includes an ancient stone quarry associated with Game of Thrones filming. That makes it more than a scenic stop for fans of the series, though the quarry’s appeal does not depend on knowing the show. Its stonework and mountain setting give the stop a strong sense of place.

Do not expect a long historical tour or a full studio visit. The quarry is one part of an ATV outing, and the main focus remains the ride and the views. The exact time spent at each location is not specified, so if you are hoping for an extended visit or detailed production history, this may not be the right format.

Adding horses to the sunset outing

Horseback riding is an optional extra, not part of the standard $82 price. It is offered on request during the 5:30 PM sunset tour for €15 per person, and it depends on weather conditions. If riding is important to you, ask about it when booking rather than assuming it will be available on the day.

The ride takes place at the old quarry, the same location tied to Game of Thrones. The horse stables are also described as being from the show’s set, which adds an unusual layer for fans. This pairing of quads, horses, and a filming location is the tour’s most distinctive combination.

The sunset timing is worth considering even if you skip the horses. The mountain setting and sea views lend themselves to the later outing, and the tour ends at a local tavern where you can buy snacks and drinks. That tavern stop is specific to the 5:30 PM tour; food and drinks are not included in the price.

What the $82 price covers

At $82 per person, you are paying for more than access to a quad. The price includes the licensed guide, ATV equipment, cold drinks, photos, and a storage box, along with a guided ride that reaches mountain viewpoints outside Split. The small-group format and chance to learn about the area also add value, particularly if you are new to quad biking.

The main extra costs are clear. Horseback riding is €15 per person on the sunset tour, if the weather allows, and any food or drinks at the tavern are on you. You can keep the outing to the base price by skipping both, or treat the sunset version as a longer evening plan and budget for the add-ons.

Think about the price in terms of what you want from the day. If your priority is simply a short ATV rental, a guided outing with views and local stops may be more than you need. If you want an active excursion that combines mountain riding, a local guide, and an optional horse experience, the package offers several elements in one trip.

Getting there and preparing for the ride

The meeting point is the parking area at Advent u Podstrani, and you return there at the end. The location is outside Split, but close by. One easy option used by a participant was a Bolt ride, though transport is not included, so arrange your own way to and from the start.

Bring your driver’s license, comfortable shoes, and clothes you can move in. The driver needs a category B permit. The tour is not suitable for children under 12, and alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the booking option allows you to reserve without paying immediately. Those policies make it easier to hold a place while your plans settle, but the key decision is choosing the right start time, especially if you want the horseback add-on or tavern stop.

Who should book this Podstrana ATV tour?

This is a good fit if you want an active outing near Split, enjoy scenic rides, or are curious about quad biking but have not tried it before. The route can be tailored to ability, and the guide helps make the mountain ride accessible to newcomers. Couples and small groups may especially like the sunset option, with its horse-riding add-on and tavern finish.

It is less suited to anyone looking for a quiet sightseeing bus tour, a long visit to the quarry, or an outing that includes all food and activities in one fixed price. It is also not for children under 12. The ride is the main event, so choose it because you want to be on a quad, not just because you want a view.

I would book it if you want a lively half-day outside Split and the idea of riding through mountain country appeals to you. For the most unusual version, choose the 5:30 PM sunset tour and request horseback riding in advance. If you mainly want the ATV ride and the panorama, the standard outing still gives you the essential experience without the extra cost.

FAQ

How long does the ATV tour take?

The tour is advertised as three hours, while the ride is also described as about two and a half hours. Check the available starting times when you book.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at the parking spot at Advent u Podstrani and returns to the same meeting point.

How far is Podstrana from Split?

The tour description places Podstrana about 10 minutes from Split. Transport to the meeting point is not included.

Do I need a driving license?

Yes. The driver must have a category B permit and should bring a driver’s license.

Is the tour suitable for children?

It is not suitable for children under 12.

Is horseback riding included in the price?

No. Horseback riding is an optional extra on the 5:30 PM sunset tour. It costs €15 per person, must be requested, and depends on the weather.

Are food and drinks included?

Cold drinks are included. Food and drinks at the local tavern are not included, and the tavern stop is part of the 5:30 PM sunset tour.

What languages does the guide speak, and how large is the group?

The live guide speaks English and Croatian. The group is limited to eight participants.