Four-wheel drive to Rhodes’ quieter corners. I love the panoramic viewpoints over South Rhodes and the chance to stop in places like Monolithos village for traditional Greek platters. I also like that each jeep stays semi-private, capped at six people, so the day doesn’t turn into a crowd march. One thing to consider: this is bumpy off-road with some cliff-top sights, so it’s not ideal if you get motion sick or you’re afraid of heights.

The mix of hotel pickup, a multilingual guide, and off-road time means you can sit back and focus on what matters: views, villages, and the slower rhythm of southern Rhodes. At $159 per person for 7.5 hours, it’s priced like a full-day excursion with transport and lunch handled for you.

Key moments that make this safari worth your time

• South Rhodes viewpoints on purpose: stops are timed for photo angles, not just check-the-box tourism.
• 4×4 time with a small group: up to 6 passengers per jeep keeps the experience relaxed.
• Italian-era detail at the start: you pass and admire the Italian Arch Bridge from the vehicle.
• Quiet religious stop: Artamitis Monastery offers a rare calm break inside Rhodes’ interior.
• Jacob’s Canyon / Koufou Forest viewpoint: a forest-and-sea viewpoint that’s known for great Aegean views.
• Monolithos Castle + village lunch: cliff photos first, then a traditional taverna meal.

Hotel pickup, 4×4 jeeps, and how the day stays comfortable

This is a 7.5-hour South Rhodes safari built around hotel pickup and an off-road vehicle you don’t have to drive yourself. Your driver-guide is multilingual (English and German), and the jeeps are fully equipped off-road vehicles for up to 7 people, with a maximum group size of 6 on the safari experience.

Pickup is offered at many areas along the south and east of the island (places like Lindos, Kiotari, Charaki, Lachania, Gennadi, Pefki, Archangelos, and more). The practical part: you should stand outside your hotel reception about 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time, and the driver won’t wait more than 5 minutes after that time.

In other words, plan to be ready—this tour doesn’t revolve around late starts. Once you’re in the jeep, though, you’ll spend a lot of the day looking outward, not worrying about logistics.

Gadoura Dam and the Italian Arch Bridge start: big views, quick photos

The day begins with a scenic drive that includes a pass by the Italian Arch Bridge, a visible remnant of Rhodes’ Italian-era architecture. You don’t have to hike for it—you admire it right from the vehicle as you head deeper into the island.

Next comes the stop at Gadoura Dam. Expect a classic “pull over and look” moment: off-road adventure mechanics start to kick in, but first you get a chance to take in the reservoir views around the dam. It’s scheduled as a break time/photo stop (about 15 minutes), so it’s not a long nature walk. It’s ideal if you want the reward without sacrificing the full itinerary.

Practical tip: bring your camera ready. The dam viewpoint is the type of place where the light changes fast, and you’ll want a few different angles.

Artamitis Monastery near Laerma: calm roads and a spiritual pause

After the dam, the route moves through the traditional village area of Laerma, then heads toward the Monastery of Artamitis. This is one of the tour’s calmer moments, and that balance matters on a 7.5-hour day that includes off-road driving and big views.

At Artamitis Monastery, you get a photo stop and time to visit and look around (about 20 minutes). The best value here isn’t speed—it’s the chance to slow down and take in the setting, because this stop is described as serene and tucked away in the lush interior.

What I like about this kind of stop is how it breaks up the “look, drive, look again” rhythm. You also learn and/or get context from the guide while you’re there, which helps the monastery feel like more than just a photo backdrop.

Koufou Forest viewpoint (Jacob’s Canyon): where the Aegean shows up hard

Then the safari turns toward nature and dramatic sightlines with Koufou Forest, also called Jacob’s Canyon. The route passes through Agios Isidoros before reaching the viewpoint.

This is one of the most Instagrammable parts of the day because you’re positioned for a broad look over the Aegean Sea and nearby islands. The stop is relatively short (about 15 minutes), but it’s built for taking it in and grabbing photos before the jeep rolls on.

The upside of this short timing: you don’t get stuck waiting around. The downside: if you want to linger for a long sit-down break, you might feel rushed. If you’re the type who likes to soak in scenery for 45 minutes, you may prefer a tour with fewer scheduled photo stops.

Castle of Monolithos: cliff-top photos, real height awareness

No Rhodes South Safari is complete without the Castle of Monolithos, perched dramatically on a rocky cliff. The viewpoint time here is about 20 minutes, which is enough to take photos, check out the area, and reset before lunch.

This stop is iconic for a reason: the views are wide, and the castle’s position makes it feel like you’re looking out over southern Rhodes from above. It’s also the part of the day that can be tough for some people.

If you’re afraid of heights, this is a “be honest with yourself” moment. The tour isn’t recommended for people who are afraid of heights, and that’s not just fine print—it matters here because the setting is elevated.

Also note: the terrain and photo areas may involve uneven ground and steps. Comfortable shoes are a real requirement, not a suggestion.

Monolithos village lunch: traditional Greek platters in a no-rush setting

After the castle stop, you head to Monolithos village for lunch in a traditional local taverna. Lunch is scheduled as a longer stop (about 75 minutes), which is a big deal on a full-day tour.

What you get: traditional Greek food served as platters. This is one of the most practical parts of the experience because it’s food that fits the setting—simple, local, and meant for sharing. The tour includes lunch, but it’s not a bar tab: coffee, wine, beer, or refreshments in the tavern are not included.

So if you want drinks with your meal, plan on cash on hand. The tour also notes that dietary restrictions and food allergies can be catered for with prior notice, which is useful if you need simple adjustments.

One more small but helpful detail: children under 18 can’t consume wine. If you’re traveling as a family, this matters for what’s available at lunch.

The value question: is $159 worth a full-day off-road safari?

At $159 per person for 7.5 hours, the value mostly comes from what’s included. You get:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• A 4×4 off-road vehicle
• A multilingual guide
• Lunch with traditional Greek platters
• Liability insurance and local taxes

If you tried to recreate this yourself—driver, car, fuel, timed stops, and a lunch reservation—costs tend to creep quickly, especially during peak travel weeks. The “semi-private” setup (up to 6 per jeep) is another value lever. You’re not stuck in a large group bus, and you can usually hear the guide better and move at a calmer pace.

Would I call it cheap? No. But I do call it fair when you want a structured day that covers several major highlights in South Rhodes without needing to organize the whole thing.

And one more human detail: the driver can change the tone of the day. In a recent German-language experience, the driver Dimitri was praised for a relaxed, friendly style, including small extras like ouzo candies. That sort of light, personal touch is what makes the hours pass quickly.

What to bring (and what to skip) for an easier off-road day

Rhodes South Safari is not an “athleisure and sandals” tour. The rules are clear, and following them makes everything smoother.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes (no slippery soles on uneven ground)
• Sunglasses and sun hat
• Sunscreen (you’ll be in sun with viewpoint stops)
• Camera
• Jacket (even in summer, a breeze can show up)
• Cash (for drinks or anything you want beyond lunch)

Not allowed:

• High-heeled shoes
• Sandals or flip-flops
• Pets
• Luggage or large bags
• Smoking in the vehicle
• Alcohol and drugs in the vehicle

Also consider motion and comfort. The tour isn’t suitable for people with motion sickness, and it’s not recommended for back problems or certain heart and blood pressure situations. That’s the kind of safety guidance you should take seriously, even if you feel fine before you board.

Who this tour is best for—and who should choose differently

This safari is a good match if you want a packed-with-stops South Rhodes day but still prefer a small-group feel. It also works well if you enjoy photo stops and you like seeing how island life changes as you move from coast to interior.

It’s especially a fit for:

• People comfortable with off-road driving
• Sight-focused travelers who like viewpoints
• Visitors who want a monastery and castle, not only beaches
• Anyone who values hotel pickup to avoid car logistics

It’s not suitable for:

• Children under 7
• Pregnant women
• People with back problems or mobility impairments
• Wheelchair users
• People afraid of heights
• People over 6 ft 6 in (200 cm) or over 287 lbs (130 kg)
• People with high blood pressure or recent surgeries
• People with motion sickness

If you fall into any of those categories, choose a different Rhodes itinerary that’s flatter and less off-road. You’ll enjoy the day more, and your body will thank you.

My booking verdict: should you book the Rhodes South Safari?

I’d book this tour if your ideal Rhodes day includes three things: big southern views, a calm cultural stop at a monastery, and a proper sit-down lunch in a village. The small-group setup (up to 6 per jeep) is a real quality factor, and the route covers multiple highlights that you’d otherwise struggle to connect efficiently on your own.

You should think twice if you hate heights, get carsick, or need a fully smooth ride. And since drinks beyond lunch aren’t included, bring cash so you’re not stuck deciding on the fly.

If you want a structured off-road day with authentic village time and a lot of viewpoint payoff, this is one of the more sensible ways to experience South Rhodes.

FAQ

How many people are in each jeep on the Rhodes South Safari?

The safari is semi-private, with up to 6 guests per vehicle, using 4×4 off-road vehicles that seat up to 7.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food is served?

Yes. Lunch is included and is served as traditional Greek food (platters) in a local taverna in Monolithos village.

What languages are spoken during the tour?

The live guide/escort-drivers provide the tour in English and German.

Where does pickup happen, and how should I time it?

Pickup is offered at multiple locations around the island’s south/east areas. You should wait outside the hotel reception about 10 minutes before the scheduled time, and the driver will wait no longer than 5 minutes after.

Are drinks like coffee, wine, or beer included with lunch?

No. The tour includes lunch, but coffee or wine or beer or refreshments in the tavern are not included.

Is the tour suitable for people afraid of heights or with motion sickness?

No. The tour is not suitable for people afraid of heights or for people with motion sickness. It’s also not recommended for several mobility and health-related situations listed in the tour information.