Faliraki: Quad Safari Tour

Faliraki’s best quad safari gets you away from the beach crowds and onto the dusty tracks above Rhodes. For three hours, you ride through mountain and forest routes, pause at viewpoints, and keep an eye out for goats, deer, and eagles. It is guided, not a speed race, so the pace suits mixed groups.

I like the friendly, safety-minded guides, who keep a leader at the front and another rider near the back. I also like the generous riding time, with water or soft drinks at stops and several chances to take photos. Pickup can be arranged, too, with Pedro mentioned by name as a helpful hotel driver.

The main drawback is dust. You will get dirty, especially on the rural tracks, and the ride can feel slow if you want nonstop speed. Wear old clothes, bring water and sunscreen, and expect a supervised outing rather than a hard-core motorsports session.

Key points to know before you book

• Three hours on the quads: This is a proper half-day activity, not a quick spin around a parking lot.
• A mix of surfaces: Expect some road riding before reaching dirt tracks, hills, forest paths, and off-road sections.
• Good for first-time riders: The guides explain the controls, set a controlled pace, and can take a passenger behind a guide if needed.
• Dust is part of the deal: White shirts and smart holiday clothes are poor choices.
• Views and wildlife: Stops offer mountain scenery, while goats, deer, and eagles may appear along the route.
• Price can work well for couples: The listed rate is $176 per group of up to two, so check at booking how many quads that price covers.

Leaving Faliraki for the hills

The safari begins in Faliraki at 9 a.m. You either meet the group there or arrange pickup from your hotel or apartment. Pickup customers should give the operator the correct property name or address, since the vehicle is scheduled to arrive at least 20 minutes before the ride starts.

The transfer details vary. Some people arrive on their own, while others are collected from nearby villages. A tuk-tuk has been used for some hotel pickups, and other pickups have been made in a car. The practical point is simple: confirm your pickup details clearly and do not assume every hotel transfer is automatic.

At the office, you receive a helmet and are matched with a quad suitable for the driver. The machines have engines of 350cc or larger. You also get a briefing on operation and safety before setting off.

I would treat this first lesson seriously, even if you have ridden before. The operator makes clear that the trip is not for professional quad drivers and is not a speed competition. The goal is for the whole group to return safely, not for one rider to prove something on a bend.

The first road section gives you time to settle in

The ride starts around Faliraki and uses some public roads before reaching the rougher tracks. That road section may feel less exciting than the off-road riding, but it gives you time to get used to the throttle, brakes, steering, and spacing between quads.

This matters if it is your first quad experience. A quad is easy to understand, but it is not a bicycle with an engine. You need to steer smoothly and listen carefully to the guide, especially when the group moves from pavement to loose dirt.

The guides keep an eye on riders at both ends of the group. Faster riders may be given a little more freedom in suitable sections, while less confident drivers can stay with the main pace. That setup makes the outing workable for couples or families with different levels of experience.

Some families have taken children as passengers. One family brought children aged 10 and 14 on the backs of their quads, and another parent appreciated that a child could ride along for a birthday outing. The supplied information does not set out a full age policy, so confirm passenger rules before booking.

Dusty tracks and mountain riding

The main attraction begins when the quads leave the regular roads. The route leads through the hills and forests around Faliraki, using dirt tracks and uneven rural paths. You get a more open view of Rhodes than you would from the resort streets, with mountain scenery, scrub, trees, and broad viewpoints.

The riding is described as a safe route with some interesting paths. That does not mean the surface is perfectly smooth. New riders may find a few sections more challenging, especially where the track is rough or loose. The guides provide instructions and keep the group together, but you still need to drive with care.

I would not book this expecting extreme off-road driving. The fun comes from the setting, the changing surfaces, and the feeling of moving under your own power through the hills. It is an active sightseeing trip, not a racing session.

The route can be dusty enough to cover your clothes and shoes. Several people found that the dirt added to the fun, but they also wished they had known how much dust to expect. Wear old shorts or trousers, an old shirt, closed shoes, and sunglasses if you have them. Avoid white clothing.

Viewpoints make useful breaks, not wasted time

The safari includes photo stops at viewpoints. These breaks let you step off the quad, stretch your legs, drink water, and take in the scenery without trying to photograph it while riding.

That pause is especially welcome on a hot Rhodes morning. One outing took place during an unusually hot day, and a rider had to stop after about an hour because of the heat. The staff helped her back to the office, supplied cold water, and arranged practical assistance.

Bring your own water even though water or soft drinks are provided at stops. Sunscreen is also sensible, and the information specifically advises bringing extra water if needed. The combination of sun, dust, protective clothing, and physical concentration can wear you down faster than you expect.

The stops also help the group stay together. Rather than having the faster riders disappear into the hills, everyone gets a chance to regroup. That is one reason the safari works for mixed abilities.

Wildlife is possible, but never guaranteed

The route passes through natural areas where you may see goats, deer, and eagles. The animals are an extra benefit, not the main reason to book. This is not a wildlife drive with guaranteed sightings or a dedicated animal guide.

Keep your eyes open during quieter sections. Goats are the most plausible sighting around rural tracks, while deer and eagles may appear only occasionally. The changing scenery is the reliable part of the experience.

This natural setting also gives the ride more character than a purpose-built quad circuit. You are moving through real countryside, with views and rural paths rather than repeated laps. At the same time, the route remains guided, so you are not left to find your own way through unfamiliar terrain.

Refreshment stops add comfort to the ride

The group takes several short breaks, with accounts of two, three, or four stops depending on the outing. Water and soft drinks are provided, and some groups stop at a small local restaurant or cafe in the mountains.

A remote refreshment stop can be one of the most enjoyable parts of the morning. You can cool down, use the toilet, wash off some dust, and sit under shade before returning to the quads. It also gives you a glimpse of the quieter side of Rhodes, away from Faliraki’s hotels and bars.

Do not confuse the included water and soft drinks with a full meal. Food is not listed as included, and extra drinks may cost more. Bring money if you want to buy something beyond the supplied refreshments.

The breaks also make the three-hour duration feel manageable. You spend substantial time riding, but you are not expected to remain on the quad without stopping.

Photos help you remember the dusty parts

The team may take photos and short videos during the ride, including individual shots as you tackle a hill. Photos are uploaded to Instagram at the end if you agree.

This is a useful touch because taking your own phone out on a dusty, moving quad is awkward. You still need to give permission before images are shared. If you do not want your face online, say so clearly.

The photos are also a reminder to dress for the activity rather than for the rest of your holiday day. Dust on your clothes can be washed out, but it is worth keeping a clean change of clothes in your accommodation or transfer vehicle if you have plans afterward.

Safety is the strongest part of the operation

The tone of this safari is careful and encouraging. Guides explain the quads before departure, watch the group during the route, and check on riders at stops. People who cannot drive can sit behind a guide, according to the activity information.

The trip is not presented as a test of skill. The guide sets the rules, and everyone follows the same route. If you are nervous, stay near the guide and ask for help early rather than waiting until a rough section feels difficult.

A driving license is required. You should also be comfortable enough to control the quad and remain seated during a three-hour outing. The safari is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems.

Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed. Alcoholic drinks are also not allowed in the vehicle. These rules make sense for a motorized activity on public roads and uneven tracks.

What the $176 price really buys you

The listed price is $176 per group of up to two. Because the wording does not clearly say whether that means one quad shared by two people or two quads, check the exact arrangement before paying.

For a couple, the value can be good if the price covers the expected equipment and group service. You get about three hours of riding, a 350cc-or-larger quad, helmet use, guides, refreshments, possible transfers from nearby villages, and photos when available.

That is more substantial than many short quad rides, which last only an hour. Several outings also ran a little longer than the advertised riding time, though you should not count on an extension.

The price is less attractive if you want a private tour or a fast, highly technical off-road session. This is a shared group experience with a controlled pace. It is best value for someone who wants active sightseeing, mountain views, and a friendly structure.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend the safari to couples, families with older children, and first-time quad riders who want a guided activity beyond the resort. It is also a good choice if you have already visited Rhodes beaches and want to see the hills around Faliraki.

You should be reasonably comfortable with dust, heat, and a little physical effort. You do not need professional driving skill, but you do need a valid license and the patience to follow the guide.

It is less suitable if you have back trouble, are pregnant, dislike group activities, or want a quiet sightseeing trip. It also may disappoint experienced riders looking for high speed or technical challenges.

Booking details worth checking

The tour lasts about three and a half hours overall, with roughly three hours described as the quad experience. It starts at 9 a.m., and live guidance is available in English and Greek.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Pickup is included only when arranged, so provide the exact hotel or apartment name and address.

Bring your driving license, water, sunscreen, and comfortable riding clothes. Leave baby strollers, alcohol, and smoking materials out of the vehicle. Most importantly, wear clothes that can handle dust and dirt.

Should you book the Faliraki Quad Safari?

Book it if you want three useful hours of riding, mountain views, dirt tracks, and a guide who keeps safety ahead of speed. The route offers more than a resort activity, yet it remains approachable for beginners.

Skip it if you want guaranteed wildlife sightings, private driving, or a serious high-speed off-road challenge. For everyone else, the combination of scenery, friendly support, refreshment stops, and hotel pickup options makes this a strong way to spend a morning in Rhodes. Just wear old clothes and expect to come back dusty.

FAQ

Where does the quad safari start?

The tour starts in Faliraki and returns to Faliraki.

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 9 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The total activity lasts about three and a half hours, with the quad ride described as three hours.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup can be arranged from hotels or apartments, including nearby villages upon request. You must provide the correct property name or address.

Do I need a driving license?

Yes. A driving license is required to drive a quad.

What engine size do the quads have?

The quads have engines of 350cc or larger.

Are helmets provided?

Yes. Safety equipment, including helmets, is included.

Can beginners join the safari?

Yes. The guides explain how to operate the quads and help riders of different ability levels. If you cannot drive, you may sit behind a guide.

Are drinks included?

Water or soft drinks are provided during stops. Extra drinks are not included.

Is the safari suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems?

No. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems.