Faliraki: Quad Safari Tour

The best part of this Faliraki quad safari is the change of scene. Within minutes, you leave the resort roads behind and reach the mountains and forests above Rhodes, where dusty tracks, open views, goats, deer, and circling eagles replace beach umbrellas. You ride in a guided group, so you get adventure without having to find the route yourself.

I like the mix of on-road travel and off-road tracks, plus the regular stops for water, soft drinks, photos, and a rest. I also like the calm approach to safety: this is not a speed contest, and the guides keep the group together. The main drawback is dust. Wear old clothes, expect dirt on your shoes and face, and avoid white shirts unless you want a souvenir from the trail.

Key points to know before you book

• Around three hours on the quad: The total outing lasts about 3.5 hours, with roughly three hours devoted to riding, stops, and views.
• A real mix of terrain: You travel on some public roads before reaching rural tracks, hills, forests, and off-road sections.
• Friendly, careful guidance: Guides ride at the front and back of the group, check on riders, and adjust help for beginners.
• Drinks and rest stops included: Water and soft drinks are provided, with several pauses to cool down and take photos.
• Dust is part of the deal: The rural route can leave you very dusty or muddy, especially in dry weather.
• Good for first-time riders: You need a driving license, but professional quad skills are not expected.

Leaving Faliraki for Rhodes country

The tour begins in Faliraki, usually at 9 a.m. Pickup from a hotel or apartment can be arranged if you provide the correct name or address. The pickup is scheduled at least 20 minutes before the start, and past arrangements have included a tuk-tuk, a modern car, and other local transfers.

If you make your own way to the meeting point, you avoid waiting for transport. If you are staying in a nearby village, ask about a transfer when booking. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not automatic in every case, so treat this as something to confirm rather than assume.

At the local 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 short explanation of the controls and the safety rules before setting off.

That briefing matters. A quad can look simple, but steering, throttle control, and rough ground take a little getting used to. First-time riders have been given extra tips when needed, and anyone who cannot drive can ride behind a guide. The guides are there to keep the outing safe and manageable, not to push you into showing off.

You need a valid driving license. The tour is not intended for professional riders, and the pace is set by the guide. Faster riders may sometimes be allowed a little more freedom, but the group still follows the safety instructions and returns together.

The first road section helps you get comfortable

The opening section includes roads as the group leaves Faliraki. This is useful for getting a feel for the quad before the rougher ground begins. You can settle into the controls, learn how the machine responds, and watch the guide’s signals.

Do not expect three straight hours of hard off-road riding. The route includes paved roads, dirt tracks, hill paths, and pauses. That variety is part of the appeal, though riders wanting a nonstop technical course may find the pace too gentle.

The guides generally keep one rider at the front and another at the back. That setup gives beginners reassurance and makes it easier to keep the group together. If you are nervous, stay close to the guide and take the early section slowly. There is no prize for being first up a hill.

Some parts may feel more challenging if you have never driven a quad. The route is described as safe, but safe does not mean effortless. Loose dirt, uneven ground, and inclines still call for both hands on the controls and attention to the path ahead.

Mountain tracks, forest roads, and big Rhodes views

The rural section is where the outing earns its safari name. You ride through the hills and forests around Faliraki, following paths that show you a quieter side of Rhodes. The scenery changes from resort development to open countryside, with broad views from higher ground.

At several viewpoints, the group stops for photographs and a breather. These pauses are not filler. A quad ride can be physically tiring, especially under the Rhodes sun, and the stops give you time to take in the view instead of staring only at the trail.

The route can feel dusty and rough in dry weather. That is part of the fun for some riders, but it is also the detail most worth planning for. Dust can cover your clothes quickly, and one rider specifically wished they had known how dusty it would become. Wear old shorts or trousers, a shirt you do not mind washing twice, and closed shoes that can handle dirt.

Bring sunscreen and extra water if the day is hot. Water and soft drinks are supplied during the stops, but you should not rely only on the included refreshments, especially in midsummer. One July participant had to stop after about an hour because of the heat and was helped safely back to the office. The staff provided cold water and assistance, but that experience is a useful reminder to pace yourself.

Wildlife sightings are possible rather than guaranteed. You might see goats, deer, or eagles overhead, but this is not a zoo or a wildlife-counting expedition. The animals are part of the natural setting, and a quiet eye may catch more than a rider focused only on the next bend.

Stops that break up the ride

The route includes several pauses, often two to four depending on the day and group. You may stop beneath trees for water, at a viewpoint for pictures, or at a small local café or restaurant in the hills.

The refreshment stop adds a pleasant local touch. It is not a major sightseeing attraction, but taking a cold drink at a small place surrounded by rural Rhodes feels more genuine than stopping at a standard resort bar. Some outings include toilets, seating, and a place to wash dust from your hands.

You should still bring your own water bottle. The included water and soft drinks are welcome, yet a personal supply is sensible for a warm morning. Use the breaks to reapply sunscreen, cool down, and ask the guide about the route.

The stops also make the tour workable for mixed groups. Families, couples, complete beginners, and more confident riders can share the outing without the whole morning becoming a race. One couple used a single quad and changed drivers during a break, but ask the operator about the current arrangement if you plan to do the same.

A guided ride, not a speed competition

The tone here is controlled adventure. The guides want you to enjoy the off-road sections, but everyone follows the same basic rules. That makes the tour suitable for people who have never tried quad biking, provided they have a license and are comfortable operating a motor vehicle.

The guides’ manner is one of the strongest reasons to consider this outing. Riders have described the team as patient, friendly, and attentive. Pedro has handled pickup and drop-off for some groups, while Anna, one of the owners, has been praised for looking after a rider who became unwell in the heat.

That personal care is useful on an activity where confidence can change quickly. A beginner may need help with a hill or a turn. An experienced rider may want a little more room to enjoy the trail. The guides appear to adjust where they can, while keeping safety ahead of speed.

You can also sit behind a guide if you cannot drive. Pregnant women and people with back problems should not book this activity. The rough surface and repeated bumps are not a good match for back trouble, and the operator specifically excludes pregnant participants.

Photos, memories, and the practical reality of dust

Photos may be taken during the tour, including individual shots on a hill or at scenic points. At the end, images may be uploaded to Instagram if you agree. That gives you a chance to enjoy the ride without trying to hold your phone while steering.

Do not treat the photography as a guaranteed professional package. The information says photos are taken if there is an opportunity, and social media sharing requires your consent. If you want personal pictures, bring a secure phone case or use the stops rather than trying to photograph while riding.

The dust is worth repeating because it affects what you pack. Avoid good clothes, pale trainers, and anything you cannot easily wash. Comfortable clothing is required, but comfort here means practical riding clothes, not your best holiday outfit.

Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed during the activity, and alcoholic drinks cannot be taken in the vehicle. Baby strollers and carriages are also not suitable for this outing. These rules are straightforward, but they matter if you are combining the tour with a family day out.

Is $176 good value for two people?

The listed price is $176 per group of up to two people. That makes the value depend on how you share the quad and how many riders are in your party. For a couple, it can be reasonable when you count the 3.5-hour commitment, equipment, guides, drinks, possible photographs, and transport from nearby villages when arranged.

You are paying for more than quad hire. A self-guided rental would not provide the route, front-and-back supervision, safety briefing, or local stops. The guide also removes the work of figuring out which mountain tracks are suitable.

The price may feel high if you want a short thrill ride or a competitive off-road session. This is a guided sightseeing adventure with a steady group pace. One rider called it a little expensive but still recommended it for a family with teenagers because everyone had a good time and spent substantial time on the quads.

Families should check the age rules directly before booking. Children have ridden as passengers, including a 10-year-old and a 14-year-old, but the supplied information does not set out a universal minimum age or passenger policy. Do not assume every child can drive or ride. Confirm the arrangement for your group.

Who will enjoy this Faliraki quad safari?

I would choose this tour if you want to see more of Rhodes than beaches, tavernas, and resort streets. It gives you countryside, hills, forest tracks, viewpoints, and possible wildlife in one morning without requiring a full hiking day.

It suits:

• First-time quad riders who want instruction and a guide
• Couples looking for an active half-day outing
• Families with older children, after confirming age and passenger rules
• Riders who enjoy scenery as much as engine noise
• Anyone who wants hotel pickup and a simple, organized morning

I would hesitate if you dislike dust, heat, rough roads, or group riding. It is also a poor choice if you want to go fast for the entire route. The guides make clear that this is not a speed contest.

The activity is available in English and Greek. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Rhodes plans are still shifting.

My verdict: book it for the countryside, not the horsepower

Book the Faliraki Quad Safari if you want a friendly, guided ride into the Rhodes hills with plenty of scenery and a sensible pace. The best features are the route variety, careful staff, hotel transfer options, regular drinks stops, and the chance to see parts of the island you would not reach on a normal resort outing.

Skip it if you are looking for a demanding motorsport session or dislike getting dirty. For everyone else, the formula works: helmet on, follow the guide, accept the dust, stop for the views, and let Rhodes show you its wilder side.

FAQ

Where does the quad safari start and finish?

The tour starts in Faliraki and returns to Faliraki.

How long does the activity last?

The total duration is about 3.5 hours. The riding and route experience lasts around three hours, including stops.

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 9 a.m.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup from a hotel or apartment can be arranged if you provide the correct name or address. Transfers from nearby villages may also be available upon request.

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 provided for the tour have engines of 350cc or larger.

Is a helmet provided?

Yes. Safety equipment, including a helmet, is included.

Can I join if I cannot drive a quad?

Yes. You may sit behind one of the guides if you cannot drive.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear comfortable clothes suitable for riding, and bring your driving license and water. Sunscreen is also useful when the weather is hot. Old clothes are a smart choice because the route can be very dusty or muddy.

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

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

Are drinks included?

Water and soft drinks are provided during the tour. You may bring extra water if needed.

Are photos included?

Photos may be taken during the tour and uploaded to Instagram at the end if you agree and if there is an opportunity to take them.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.