Trogir:From coast to hill-Explore Čiovo like never before!!!

The best part of this ATV tour is that it shows you two very different sides of Čiovo. You begin beside the sea near Slatine, then move inland along rough tracks through pine woods and olive groves before reaching the cliffside Church and Monastery of Our Lady of Prizidnica. It is a fine way to see more than beaches and waterfront cafés.

I like the strong safety start, with 30 minutes of instruction before you ride, and I like the mix of driving and short stops. You get time for photos, sea views, and a visit to the monastery instead of spending the whole outing in the saddle. The main consideration is the price: at $79 per person, it is not a cheap sightseeing ride, and the extra cost of ferry tickets or pickup can raise the total.

Čiovo by quad: key points

• Prizidnica Monastery: Visit a small religious site built into the southern cliffs, with its hermitage dating to 1546.
• A useful beginner-friendly format: Newer, powerful quads are matched to the group’s pace, with instruction before the off-road ride.
• Sea and island views: Look across Kaštela Bay toward Split, Marjan, and the surrounding islands from the northeastern side of Čiovo.
• A real off-road route: Expect dirt paths, pine forest, olive groves, rocky ground, and short scenic drives.
• Small-group option: A smaller group gives the guide more room to adjust speed and help with technique.
• Easy ferry connection: Bura Line links Trogir, Slatine, and Split in about 30 minutes, with the meeting point only 50 meters from the Slatine dock.

Starting in Slatine, where the sea meets the trail

The tour begins at Put Porta 41A, in or near the fishing village of Slatine on Čiovo’s northeastern side. Slatine is about 8 kilometers from Trogir, but the most scenic way to arrive may be by Bura Line ferry from Trogir or Split. The boat ride takes roughly half an hour, and the operator can meet you at the port and walk you to the starting point.

That short ferry ride matters. It turns the trip into a small coastal outing rather than a simple transfer by road. You can look back toward the mainland and see the setting around Kaštela Bay, Split, and the Marjan peninsula before the engines even start.

Ferry tickets are not included, so add that cost when comparing this tour with other activities. Pickup and drop-off are also available for an additional charge. If you are staying in Trogir or Split and want door-to-door service, ask about the transfer before booking. Otherwise, the ferry is a practical and pleasant choice.

At the base, you meet the PINE TREE team and complete the required safety briefing. This takes about 30 minutes and includes instruction on operating the quad, basic riding guidance, and the use of safety equipment. Helmets, gloves, and glasses are provided, along with a bottle of water for each person.

Why the 30-minute safety lesson is time well spent

An ATV can feel simple to operate, but a rough dirt track is different from a paved road. The safety session gives you time to learn the controls and settle your nerves before the group heads into the woods. That is especially useful if this is your first quad ride.

The machines are described as new and powerful, but the route is suitable for beginners and more experienced drivers. The guide adjusts the pace to the group, which helps prevent the classic problem of a fast rider racing ahead while a first-timer struggles behind.

You should still expect a physical ride. The surface is uneven, and you need to steer, balance, and pay attention for several stretches. Wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothes. Sunglasses help with glare and dust, while swimwear is worth bringing if you plan to use the beach areas before or after the tour.

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, wheelchair users, people with pre-existing medical conditions, or anyone over 95 years old. Bring a passport or ID card and a valid driver’s license. The supplied information does not state a minimum driving age, so families should confirm that point before reserving.

The first 35 minutes: pine woods, olive groves, and open sea

Once training is over, the first substantial riding section lasts about 35 minutes. This is where Čiovo begins to feel far removed from the ferry port. The route uses dirt paths through pine forest and olive groves, with frequent views toward the sea and nearby islands.

The scenery changes in quick steps. One moment you are under trees on a dusty track. The next, the route opens toward the coast, and the blue water gives you a clear sense of Čiovo’s position between Trogir, Split, and the island-dotted Dalmatian coast.

The ride is not just a transfer to a famous stop. The off-road sections are the main activity, and they give you access to parts of the island that are awkward to reach by ordinary sightseeing vehicle. You will want to keep your camera ready, but do not try to photograph while moving. The guide will stop the group at suitable points.

The first viewpoint, a 10-minute pause with a purpose

The first viewpoint stop lasts about 10 minutes. This is a short break, but it gives you a chance to take in the larger setting and catch your breath.

From the higher ground, you can see the contrast between Čiovo’s rocky shores, green cover, clear water, and the mainland across Kaštela Bay. On a clear day, the views toward Split and Marjan should be one of the tour’s strongest visual moments.

Do not expect a long walk or a formal viewing platform based on the available details. This is a brief scenic pause within an active route. If you want extensive time for photography, the stops may feel quick, but the pace also keeps the outing moving.

Reaching Our Lady of Prizidnica after the second ride

After the first viewpoint, you ride for another 10 minutes before reaching the monastery area. The Church and Monastery of Our Lady of Prizidnica is the most distinctive cultural stop on the route. Its hermitage was built in 1546 and sits against the cliffs on Čiovo’s southern side.

The setting is what makes this stop special. You are not visiting a large city church with busy streets around it. The site is tied closely to the rock, the coast, and the quiet southern side of the island. It gives the tour a sense of place that a standard quad loop would lack.

You have about 25 minutes here for a break, photos, a visit, free time, and sightseeing. That is enough to look around without turning the outing into a long historical tour. The guide also provides information about Čiovo and the surrounding area during the day, so you can ask questions as you go.

The supplied details do not promise an inside tour or a formal religious service. Think of this as a scenic and cultural stop, with time to see the site and enjoy the view. Dress respectfully if you plan to enter any religious space.

The ride after the monastery: short bursts instead of one long haul

The return portion is broken into several short sections. You ride for about 15 minutes, stop for 10 minutes of photos, then continue for another 20 minutes of off-road riding. A further five-minute photo stop and a final five-minute quad ride bring you back to Put Porta 41A.

This structure works well for a mixed group. You are not committed to a single long stretch of driving, and the guide has several chances to check the group and adjust the pace. The pauses also make it easier to enjoy the scenery without spending the entire tour focused on the track.

The route includes scenic driving as well as more technical dirt paths, but no difficulty rating is provided. Conditions can affect how the ride feels. If you are uneasy about rough terrain, tell the instructor before setting out. The best version of this experience is not about driving as fast as possible. It is about enjoying the track, staying comfortable, and leaving time to look around.

What the $79 price gives you

At $79 per person, this is priced as an active half-day outing rather than a simple sightseeing transfer. The fee includes the quad bike, instructor, safety lesson, helmet, gloves, glasses, and water. You are also paying for access to a route that connects coastal views, forest tracks, and the Prizidnica site in one compact experience.

That package offers fair value if you want an activity with some variety. You are not only renting a vehicle for a short spin. The guide handles the route, teaches you how to ride, sets the group pace, and provides local information along the way.

The value is less clear if your main goal is a long beach visit or a relaxed boat trip. The tour has several short breaks, but it remains an ATV outing first. Ferry fares are extra, and pickup or drop-off costs more, so calculate the full amount before you book.

The duration is listed as 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Starting times vary, so check the available departure when you reserve. The longer end of the range may depend on the group, riding pace, and time spent at stops.

The guides and the feel of a small operation

The experience is run by PINE TREE, with Croatian and English spoken by the guide or instructor. The supplied details do not provide guide names, but they do make clear that instruction and local information are part of the outing.

The small-group option is important here. An ATV tour works better when the instructor can see every rider and set a sensible pace. It also leaves more room for questions at the viewpoint and monastery.

The operation has a friendly, personal feel. Guests have been offered a drink before or after the ride, and one account specifically mentions beer after the tour. Treat that as a possible courtesy rather than a guaranteed inclusion, since it is not listed among the formal inclusions. The listed bottle of water is the drink you can count on.

The quads are described as almost new, powerful, and well suited to both beginners and more experienced drivers. That combination is useful, but power is not a reason to push beyond your comfort level. Follow the instructor’s directions, especially on unfamiliar ground.

Who will enjoy this Čiovo outing most

I would choose this tour if you want to combine active driving with real sightseeing. It suits couples, friends, and families with an appropriate-age child who are comfortable on uneven ground and want more than a standard coastal excursion.

It can also work well for first-time ATV riders because the lesson is substantial and the guide controls the speed. You do not need advanced riding experience, but you should be able to follow instructions and handle a physical outdoor activity.

The tour is less suitable if you have back trouble, a medical condition that limits strenuous activity, or difficulty mounting and controlling a quad. It is also a poor match if you dislike dust, uneven tracks, or the sound and vibration of an engine.

Families should pay close attention to the rules. One account describes an 8-year-old enjoying the experience, but the supplied information does not state the age policy or whether children ride as passengers or operate their own quad. Confirm those details directly before booking.

Practical preparation for a smoother ride

Bring your passport or ID card and driver’s license. You will also want sunglasses, swimwear, comfortable clothing, and closed-toe shoes. Avoid loose items that could fall out during the ride, and secure your phone before setting off.

If you arrive by ferry, allow enough time to find the meeting point. The start is only 50 meters from the Slatine dock, and the operator says they can meet you there, but a little spare time is still wise.

Plan for sun and dust. The island has clear coastal views, pine woods, olive groves, rocky and pebble beaches, and exposed sections. Water is included, but you may prefer to bring extra water if you are visiting in hot weather, provided the operator allows it on the vehicle.

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Croatia plans are still moving around.

Should you book the From Coast to Hill tour?

Book it if you want a lively way to see Čiovo and value a guide-led route over a long, lazy beach stop. The best reasons are the mix of forest tracks and sea views, the visit to Our Lady of Prizidnica, the careful safety briefing, and the chance to ride newer quads at a pace suited to the group.

Think twice if $79 already feels high before adding ferry tickets or transport. You should also skip it if you have a back problem, need wheelchair access, are pregnant, or want a quiet sightseeing trip with little physical effort.

For the right person, this is a well-balanced island outing: enough driving to feel like an adventure, enough breaks to enjoy the setting, and one memorable cultural stop that gives the ride more character than a simple circuit through the woods.

FAQ

Where does the ATV tour start?

The starting location is Put Porta 41A in Slatine on the island of Čiovo.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts about 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Available starting times vary, so check the schedule when booking.

How can I reach Slatine from Trogir or Split?

The Bura Line ferry connects Trogir, Slatine, and Split. The ride takes about 30 minutes from either Trogir or Split, and the ferry ticket is not included.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

No. Pickup and drop-off are available for an additional surcharge.

What equipment is provided?

The tour includes a quad bike, helmet, gloves, protective glasses, a safety briefing, and a bottle of water.

Do I need a driver’s license?

Yes. You should bring a valid driver’s license, along with a passport or ID card.

What languages does the instructor speak?

The instructor or guide speaks Croatian and English.

Who should not take this tour?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, wheelchair users, people with pre-existing medical conditions, or people over 95 years old.