Rhodes: Self Drive 4×4 safari – Pick ups South

Southern Rhodes is at its best from behind the wheel, where a narrow dirt track can lead from olive groves to a mountain view in minutes. This self-drive 4×4 safari gives you that freedom in a Suzuki Jimny, with a guide out front and a small group of up to 15 people behind.

I like the mix of off-road tracks and paved roads, and I like that the day reaches places a standard coach cannot. The trade-off is real: a route can change if mountain tracks are blocked by branches, and one participant found there was no alternative off-road section that day. The tour also includes little formal sightseeing commentary, so this suits drivers more than history fans.

Key points before you book

• You drive the Suzuki Jimny: This is not a passive jeep ride. Take the wheel if you meet the age and license rules.
• The route covers southern Rhodes: Expect villages, olive fields, riverbeds, Ataviros, Akramitis, forest roads, and west-coast views.
• Monolithos is the main lunch stop: The village gives you a scenic break, but lunch and refreshments cost extra.
• A secluded beach closes the day: Swimming is included, so bring swimwear, towel, water, and sun protection.
• The route is not a rally: It is a guided adventure with bumpy tracks, not a high-speed driving contest.
• Pickups use safari vehicles: Collection is from specified places within walking distance of hotels, with the exact meeting point sent mainly by WhatsApp the day before.

What kind of Rhodes day is this?

This is an active road trip through the less polished side of the island. You will not spend eight hours looking at one famous monument. Instead, the appeal is the change in scenery: a coastal road, a village lane, a rough riverbed, a mountain pass, a shaded forest track, and finally a swim.

The self-drive setup changes the feel of the day. You are not looking through a bus window while someone else handles every turn. In a Jimny, you feel the bumps, the tight bends, and the difference between smooth asphalt and loose dirt. That makes the tour more involving, but it also means you should be comfortable driving on rough roads.

The pace is controlled by the guide. Cecile, named in one especially positive account, was praised for keeping the group at a safe speed. That matters here. The point is to see southern Rhodes and enjoy the route, not to race across it.

You may drive the whole time if you reserve a vehicle for four seats. If you do not reserve the car for your own party, you may share the driving with other participants. Confirm this before booking if you want full control of the vehicle.

From the east coast to Asklipion

Pickup begins at your hotel or at a specified nearby meeting point. The safari cars are Suzuki Jimny vehicles or Mercedes Vito 4x4s, and there is no separate bus transfer before the activity. That makes the start simple: once you are collected, the day has already begun.

The group follows the east coast past Lindos and Pefkos toward Kiotari. These well-known resort areas give way to quieter roads as the route heads south. You will see a different side of Rhodes than the busy hotel strips, with open views, fields, and smaller settlements along the way.

The first notable village is Asklipion, known for its castle. The stop helps place the day in context. Rhodes is not only beaches and resort towns. Inland routes connect old villages, working farmland, and hill country, and Asklipion is one of the points where that rural character becomes clear.

Do not expect a long castle visit or a formal archaeological tour. The emphasis remains on the drive. If you want a full explanation of every site, this may feel light on detail. If you prefer a moving day with short stops, the balance works better.

Riverbeds, Profilia, and the first rough roads

From Asklipion, the route follows a river toward Profilia. Riverbeds are one reason the 4×4 matters. Depending on the condition of the route, these sections can be rough, stony, and slow, with the vehicle handling terrain that an ordinary rental car should not attempt.

This is the part of the day where you get the most direct sense of off-road driving. The Jimny is small, which helps on narrow tracks, but the compact cabin also means it is a practical vehicle rather than a luxurious one. Expect a firm, bumpy ride. That is part of the fun, but anyone with back problems should skip this activity.

Profilia provides a refreshment stop. Drinks are not included, so carry water and allow extra money for anything you buy. The stop also breaks up the driving before the route climbs toward the mountains.

One useful expectation from the driving feedback is that conditions can affect the day. Branches blocked a mountain section on one outing, pushing the group onto more asphalt than planned. The operator was not responsible for the obstruction, but there was no alternate dirt route that day. If off-road driving is your only reason for booking, understand that the actual mix can change.

Ataviros and the high mountain roads

The route continues toward Ataviros, the highest mountain on Rhodes. The road rises through mountain country, with broad views and a stronger sense of distance from the resorts. This is where the experience becomes more than a vehicle excursion. You are moving through the island’s interior, where slopes, fields, herbs, and bends shape the day.

The guide leads the group, which is important on unfamiliar mountain roads. You do not need to plan a route or work out which track is suitable. Your job is to keep a safe distance, follow instructions, and enjoy the changing views.

The tour passes through the island’s wine region before reaching Akramitis, the second-highest mountain. The route may include both paved mountain roads and rougher sections, so the driving does not stay at one level of difficulty. The result is a good middle ground for visitors who want some off-road action without signing up for an all-day technical 4×4 course.

The scenery here is one of the strongest reasons to pay for the excursion. A bus can reach many main roads, but it cannot give you the same access to small tracks or the same feeling of moving through the hills under your own control.

Lunch with a view in Monolithos

Monolithos is the main midday stop and one of the most satisfying pauses on the route. Lunch is not included, so you choose and pay for your own meal. The village setting and views make this more than a quick roadside break.

You should think of lunch as a chance to slow down rather than a formal food tour. The supplied details do not promise a specific restaurant or menu, so do not book expecting a set tasting. You will have the opportunity to eat local food and enjoy the view, but the exact meal depends on the stop and your choices.

The timing also matters. By this point, you have driven through coastal roads, villages, riverbeds, and mountain country. A proper seated break is welcome, especially after the bumps. Families who took the tour with children aged 9 and 11 found the day fun, but the price and the long duration are worth weighing carefully for younger passengers.

Monolithos is also a good place to judge what you want from the rest of the afternoon. If you are enjoying the road itself, the shaded forest section should be a highlight. If you are hoping for frequent historical explanations, the day may feel too focused on driving.

Forest roads and views toward the west coast

After lunch, the route enters a more shaded stretch through the forest. This changes the mood from open mountain exposure to cooler, quieter driving. You will have views across the west coast and out toward small islands, with the panorama of Monolithos appearing from different angles.

This is a particularly good section for people who enjoy photography. Bring a camera, but do not expect long photo sessions at every viewpoint. The group has a full route to cover, and stops are built around the drive rather than arranged as extended sightseeing visits.

The route’s variety is the main prize. You may start with the bright, developed east coast, then pass fields and villages, cross rough river sections, climb mountain roads, and travel under trees before reaching the water. That range makes the eight hours feel like a proper tour of southern Rhodes rather than one isolated activity.

Still, the guide commentary seems to be uneven. Some participants received useful information about the area and felt well informed throughout the day. Another found that very little was explained beyond the route itself. I would treat the guide as a road leader first and a full cultural guide second.

The secluded beach finish

The final reward is a swim at a secluded beach. Swimming is included, but towels and refreshments are not, so pack both. After a warm day in a vehicle, the water gives the schedule a welcome change of pace.

The phrase secluded beach sets the expectation of a quieter stop, not a major resort beach with rows of facilities. Bring what you need with you. The beach was described by one participant as only moderately attractive, so I would not book this tour mainly for a picture-perfect shoreline. Its value is the combination of remote setting and a chance to cool off after the drive.

You should also remember that the day is long. An eight-hour activity with pickup, mountain roads, rough tracks, lunch, and swimming requires comfortable clothing and shoes. Sunscreen, water, swimwear, a towel, and a camera belong in your day bag.

Is $87 good value?

At $87 per person, the price is fair if you want access to a vehicle, fuel, guide, insurance, hotel pickup, and a full day across southern Rhodes. You are paying for transport into areas that may be awkward or unsuitable in a normal rental car, plus the chance to drive a 4×4 rather than simply sit in one.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want a beach day, a detailed history tour, or a guaranteed amount of off-road driving. Lunch and refreshments are extra, so add those costs before comparing it with other excursions.

The group size is limited to 15, which should feel more personal than a large coach. The actual vehicle arrangement matters more than the headline group size, though. Ask whether your party gets its own Jimny or shares one with other participants. A private four-seat booking gives you the clearest value if driving is central to your plans.

The included insurance is third-party and liability insurance. Read the booking conditions carefully if you are concerned about vehicle cover, because the supplied details do not describe every possible driving excess or damage condition.

Who should book this safari?

I would recommend it to confident drivers who want to see rural Rhodes without planning their own route. It is also a good choice for couples, friends, and families who enjoy a bit of dust, noise, and uncertainty in exchange for wider access and better views.

The activity is suitable for people who can handle a bumpy ride and are happy with a full eight-hour day. You need to be at least 21 and have held your driving license for at least two years. Pregnant women and people with back problems should not book it.

I would be more cautious if you dislike sharing driving, need a soft ride, or want a guide who explains every village and mountain in detail. The route is beautiful, but the experience depends heavily on road conditions and the guide’s level of commentary.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Pickup information is normally sent the day before, often by WhatsApp, so keep an eye on your messages and choose the closest available pickup point when booking.

Should you book the southern Rhodes 4×4 safari?

Book it if you want to drive through the island’s interior, not just admire it from a tour bus. The best parts are the changing terrain, the mountain views, the small villages, and the simple pleasure of reaching a quiet beach after a long road day.

Skip it if you need guaranteed off-road conditions or a detailed cultural lecture at every stop. A blocked mountain track can change the balance toward asphalt, and commentary may be limited. For the right driver, though, $87 buys a lively, varied day and access to parts of southern Rhodes that are hard to experience on your own.

FAQ

How long does the Rhodes self-drive safari last?

The tour lasts eight hours, including the route through southern Rhodes, the stops, lunch break, mountain driving, and swimming time.

What vehicle will I drive?

The safari uses Suzuki Jimny vehicles, with Mercedes Vito 4×4 vehicles also used for collection and the tour. If your car is not reserved for four seats by your party, you may share driving with other participants.

What are the driver requirements?

Drivers must be at least 21 years old and have held a driving license for at least two years.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch and refreshments are not included. The tour stops at Monolithos village for lunch, where you pay for your own food and drinks.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, a camera, sunscreen, and water.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from specified locations within walking distance of hotels. The exact pickup point is generally sent the day before, mostly through WhatsApp.