If you want Rhodes beyond the beach, try a quad safari. This one takes you from Faliraki into mountain roads and dusty off-road trails, with guides keeping the pace fun and safe. I especially like the mix of riding time plus viewpoint breaks where you actually get to stop, breathe, and take photos, often with wildlife sightings like deer and eagles overhead. One thing to think about first, the trails can get dusty and muddy, so you’ll want clothes you don’t mind ruining.

The operation is family-run and feels personal, and the guides you might meet include Anna and Pedro, who show up during the ride and at pickup. If you can’t drive, you can ride behind the guide instead of being left out. The main drawback is that it’s not for everyone, since it is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems, and you do need a valid driver’s license to ride.

Quick hits before you go

• 350cc+ quads and helmets are provided, with guides assigning a quad that fits you
• A guided route through mountains and forests with off-road sections, not a speed contest
• Short breaks and drink stops with soft drinks or water along the way
• Photo stops and uploaded pictures, including Instagram uploads if you agree
• Wildlife is possible, including deer, goats, and eagles during the drive

From Faliraki into Rhodes Hills, what the 3.5 hours feels like

This is a half-day style experience that starts in Faliraki and ends back there. The total time is listed as 3.5 hours, with about 3 hours of nature-focused riding, plus time for setup and stops.

The vibe is not a long, drawn-out tour bus day. Instead, you spend your time doing the main thing, driving. That matters in Rhodes, because it means you see more of the island than just a coastline strip, without committing to a full day excursion.

You’ll begin at the pickup point in Faliraki, then head to the office area so the team can get your gear sorted. Helmets come first, then you’re matched to a quad (350cc or bigger is part of the deal). If you’re new, you’ll get the basic instructions before you roll out.

Quads, helmets, and the rules that keep it exciting

Let’s be clear: this tour is adventure riding, not a competition. The guidance is designed for safe, guided routes, with everyone expected to follow the guide’s rules and return safely together.

A few details make this feel more controlled than random off-road tours:

• Guides typically ride at the front and also check the back of the group.
• The ride is structured with stops, breaks, and photo moments, not nonstop chaos.
• Even if the route includes off-road segments, it’s not set up for racing.

You also don’t have to be a professional quad rider. The tour info says it is not for professional quad drivers, which usually translates to: they want you to listen, learn, and ride within the plan. If you do have experience, you might get a bit more freedom during certain sections, since guides sometimes adjust pace for rider comfort.

If you cannot drive, you’re not out of the action. You can sit behind the guides, which is a big deal for couples or families where one person is hesitant about handling the quad.

The route leaving Faliraki, mountains, forests, and real dirt road time

Once you’re geared up, you set off through the mountains and forests around Rhodes. The tour description calls out “safari and off-road driving,” and the ride itself matches that promise, with a mix of on-road movement and dirt-track portions.

This is one reason people like it. Rhodes has plenty of viewpoints, but getting there by car from one spot to another can feel like hopping. On a quad, you travel differently. The route includes turns and elevation changes that make the day feel like you’re pushing into the island, not just passing through it.

It’s also why dust becomes part of the story. Multiple riders note that you should plan for powder and grime, so clean clothes are a bad strategy. Wear something comfortable for riding and closed shoes if you have them.

Viewpoint breaks and the part of the tour you actually remember

The itinerary centers on a “view point” segment, which includes break time, a photo stop, and guided riding plus the off-road adventure. In plain terms, this is where the tour slows down enough for you to take in what you’re seeing.

The day usually includes water and soft drinks during stops, and people specifically mention cold drinks at breaks. One review experience also describes a drink stop under trees after about an hour, which is consistent with how these rides are typically paced: you get time to reset, drink something cold, then go again.

At viewpoint and stop moments, guides often take pictures so you’re not stuck trying to shoot everything with shaky hands. Photos can be uploaded on Instagram at the end if you agree. Some riders talk about photos and videos being taken during the ride, with individual shots going up at the finish.

If you’re the type who hates hunting for the “best angle,” this is a small luxury. You spend less time directing and more time just enjoying the ride.

Wildlife moments, deer and eagles, plus what to expect realistically

This safari isn’t sold as a guaranteed wildlife encounter. It’s more like, you might see wildlife on the way. The description specifically mentions deer, goats, and eagles.

Here’s how I’d think about it: you’re riding through natural areas, so animals are more plausible than if you were staying on paved roads. But you should still treat wildlife sightings as a bonus, not the main goal.

Even without a guaranteed animal moment, the animal possibility changes your attention. You naturally look up for movement and scan edges of the path. That makes the ride feel more alive than a simple dirt-drive loop.

Who this tour suits best, and who should skip it

This is a good match if you want active sightseeing. You get time in the hills, off-road terrain, and built-in breaks, all without needing advanced driving skills.

It’s a weak match if you have physical limitations. The tour info lists two clear “not suitable for” categories:

• Pregnant women
• People with back problems

You also need to be ready for the driving requirement. A driver’s license is required, and you should be comfortable riding a quad within guide instructions. The tour explicitly notes it is not a speed competition, which is good, but it still assumes you can handle basic control and balance.

If you want a smooth, calm day, this might feel too rough. But if you’re excited by dirt trails, elevation changes, and a group ride that still feels like freedom, it lands in the sweet spot.

Price and value for up to two riders, what $176 buys you

The price is listed as $176 per group up to 2, for roughly 3.5 hours total time. For two people splitting the group cost, that works out to about $88 each.

That matters because the inclusions aren’t just “you’re on a vehicle.” You get:

• Helmets and a quad with a 350cc or bigger engine
• Experienced guides throughout the ride
• Soft drinks or water during the experience
• Photos that are uploaded if you agree
• A guided route through mountains, forests, and off-road sections
• Transfer from nearby villages upon request (hotel pickup is more conditional)

So yes, it costs real money. But you’re paying for time on a quad with a guide, safety gear, and the kind of route you probably won’t find on your own without a car and a willingness to deal with rural tracks.

What to bring so the day stays fun (not miserable)

This tour has a simple kit list, and it’s also backed up by rider notes about dust.

Bring:

• A driver’s license (required if you plan to ride)
• Water (plus extra if you get thirsty fast)
• Comfortable riding clothes
• Sunscreen if the weather is hot

Also, plan for clothing you do not care about. You’ll be on a rural route where dust and dirt are part of the experience. White shirts are a special kind of mistake.

Don’t bring:

• Alcohol or drugs (not allowed)
• Smoking (not allowed)
• Baby strollers or baby carriages (not allowed)

The booking basics that affect your day most

Timing matters. The tour starts at 9 a.m., so you don’t want to schedule anything early the same day that could cause delays.

Pickup is mostly based on your details. The tour says the operator can pick you up from your hotel or apartment if you provide the correct name and address, at least 20 minutes before the tour starts. Transfers from nearby villages are also available upon request.

If you’re staying outside the standard pickup pattern, it’s worth confirming what the team can do for your exact location before you rely on it.

Should you book the Faliraki Quad Safari Tour?

Book it if you want an active Rhodes experience with guided off-road riding, real nature time, and built-in breaks for drinks and photos. It’s also a strong pick for first-timers who want structure, since you’re not dumped into the wilderness with no instructions.

Skip it if you have back issues or you’re pregnant, since it’s not suitable for those situations. Also skip if you want a clean, gentle sightseeing day. This tour is dusty, and your clothes should be prepared for that.

If you’re deciding last minute, here’s my quick filter: if you’d rather ride your way into the hills than just look at them from a viewpoint, this is the right kind of half-day adventure.

FAQ

Do I need a driver’s license for this quad safari?

Yes. A driving license is required to ride the quad.

What is the duration and start time of the tour?

The tour starts at 9 a.m. and runs about 3.5 hours total, with around 3 hours described as riding time in nature.

Are helmets and safety gear included?

Yes. Helmets are provided as part of the safety equipment.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup is not automatically included in the standard listing, unless requested. The tour information also says pickup may be arranged from your hotel or apartment if you provide the correct name and address, at least 20 minutes before the tour starts. Transfers from nearby villages are available upon request.

What should I bring with me?

Bring your driver’s license, water, and comfortable clothes suitable for riding. Sunscreen may also be helpful depending on the weather.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems. Smoking and alcohol are also not allowed during the activity.