Rhodes looks different off-road. This small-group 4×4 safari takes you from easy hotel pickup into the island’s quieter south, with real viewpoints and stops built around photos and flavor, not just checkboxes.

I love that the day feels relaxed even while you’re bouncing through the backcountry, and the traditional Greek lunch in Monolithos is included (so you’re not hunting for food mid-adventure). The main thing to consider is that this is a rugged, motion-heavy route—if you’re prone to car sickness or you need lots of easy, flat walking, you may find it uncomfortable.

Key Highlights You Should Know Before You Go

• Hotel pickup + 4×4 access: You start with a scheduled pickup and ride in a 7-seater vehicle built for rough roads.
• A strong mix of nature and small sacred stops: Gadoura Dam, the Monastery of Artamitis, and Monolithos Castle all land with distinct scenery.
• Jacob’s Canyon viewpoint is the picture-maker: Expect sweeping Aegean Sea and island views from inside the Koufou Forest area.
• Lunch in a real village: You get a traditional taverna meal in Monolithos, plus free time afterward.
• Set photo-stop timing: You’ll see a lot, but stops are time-boxed, so this isn’t a slow wandering tour.
• Limited group size: Maximum 18 travelers means you’re usually not lost in the crowd.

What Makes This South Rhodes Safari Feel Different

This trip has a simple idea: get you away from the usual tourist loop and into places that look more like Rhodes than a postcard. You’ll ride in a 7-seater 4×4 with an escort-driver, and the route is planned around key stops—each one designed for a quick breather, a few good photos, and a change of scenery.

The small-group feel matters. You can usually hear your escort-driver, ask questions, and adjust how you move during short stops. And because you’re not spending the whole day in one big bus, the drive-through moments start to feel like part of the experience instead of dead time.

Price and Value: What Your $159.70 Actually Buys

At $159.70 per person for about 7 hours, you’re paying for more than sightseeing. Your ticket includes:

• Free hotel pickup and drop-off
• A 4×4 vehicle (7 seats) with a multilingual escort-driver
• Traditional Greek lunch
• Liability insurance and local taxes
• Admission tickets at select stops (included on key locations)

What’s not included is also important: coffee, wine, beer, and other refreshments at the taverna are on you. That’s normal for most tours like this, but it does affect your final cost. If you plan to buy drinks, set aside extra euros.

Here’s how I think about the value: if your priority is south Rhodes viewpoints plus a monastery plus Monolithos Castle, and you want that all wrapped into one guided day with lunch included, this pricing makes sense. If your priority is long, easy walking in towns or a heavy focus on heritage museums, you might feel the day is more “route and views” than “sit and study.”

The Morning Start: Pickup Times and What to Expect

The day starts at 8:30 am, but your pickup window depends on where you’re staying. Pickup times are scheduled by area, including:

• 8:25 Plimmiry
• 8:35 Lachania
• 8:45 Genadi
• 8:50 Kiotari
• 9:00 Lardos
• 9:05 Pefki
• 9:15 Lindos
• 9:20 Theotokos
• 9:25 Kalathos
• 9:35 Charaki
• 9:45 Archangelos

Pickup is outside your hotel. If the vehicle can’t reach your exact spot, you’ll get an email with the nearest available pickup point. So if you’re trying to coordinate with a taxi or another plan, give yourself a little buffer and double-check your pickup email when it arrives.

You’ll also want to dress for early sunshine and changing conditions. Morning can start mild and turn warmer quickly, especially when you’re outside taking photos.

Stop 1: Gadoura Dam and the Italian Arch Bridge Moment

Your first scenic segment includes a drive past the Italian Arch Bridge, a visible remnant of Rhodes’ Italian-era architecture. The key thing: you’re viewing it from the vehicle as you head inland, so this is a “notice it, frame it, move on” kind of moment.

Then you reach Gadoura Dam, Rhodes’ main water reservoir. You get:

• About a 35-minute drive
• A 15-minute photo stop
• Admission ticket included
• Roughly 50 minutes total for this segment

Why this stop works: it gives you a big, open view right away, and it’s a nice reset after pickup. The dam area also tends to create that classic south Rhodes feeling—quiet, spacious, and less cluttered than the coast.

Possible drawback: the time is short. If you love slow scenic wandering, plan to get your photos quickly and enjoy the views from where you’re allowed to stand.

Stop 2: Monastery of Artamitis (Moni Artamitis) in the Interior

Next comes the quieter, more spiritual contrast: Monastery of Artamitis (also called Moni Artamitis). You drive through the traditional village of Laerma on the way in.

You get:

• About a 35-minute drive
• A 20-minute monastery stop
• Admission ticket included
• Roughly 55 minutes total

This is the stop where you can slow down a bit mentally. The monastery is described as serene, and that’s what you’ll likely feel—less about grand spectacle and more about calm surroundings and a chance to learn about the site.

Timing note: 20 minutes can be enough for a respectful look around and a few photos, but not enough for a long, unhurried read. If you’re the type who likes to sit and absorb every detail, you may wish there were more time here.

Stop 3: Jacob’s Canyon Viewpoint Inside Koufou Forest

From monastery calm to green, rugged nature. You’ll head toward Koufou Forest, often referred to as Jacob’s Canyon, with a viewpoint stop that’s a top photography moment.

You get:

• Around a 25-minute drive to the viewpoint area
• A 15-minute photo stop
• No admission fee listed for this stop
• Roughly 40 minutes total

This is where the route earns its off-road reputation. Expect lush forest driving and then a sudden, wide view out toward the Aegean Sea and nearby islands. Even if you’re not a serious photographer, it’s the kind of lookout that helps you understand why Rhodes has such a mix of coast and inland character.

Practical consideration: because it’s a forest-to-viewpoint switch, the air and footing can feel different. Wear shoes you’re comfortable walking in briefly, and be ready for the view to be worth the climb of a few steps (even if the stop isn’t long).

Stop 4: Monolithos Castle Photo Stop on the Cliff Edge

After Jacob’s Canyon, you head to Monolithos Castle. This is the dramatic one: the castle sits perched on a rocky cliff, making it instantly photogenic.

You get:

• About a 30-minute drive
• A 20-minute photo stop
• Admission ticket included
• Roughly 50 minutes total

Why timing matters here: cliffside viewpoints can be windier and brighter than you expect. If you’re chasing the best photos, you’ll want to move quickly when the group stops, because lighting can change fast.

Also, this is not a “tour the castle rooms for hours” stop—this is a viewpoint photo stop. You’re there to capture the castle shape and panoramic views, then you move on.

Stop 5: Monolithos Village Lunch and Free Time

You finish at Monolithos, a charming village where lunch is served at a traditional local taverna.

You get:

• A short 5-minute drive into the village
• Lunch + free time totaling about 1 hour 15 minutes
• Then you begin the return to your pickup points

Lunch is included, and it’s designed to let you recover after the driving. This is also the best part of the day for doing something low-effort: stroll a bit, people-watch, maybe grab an extra drink if you want (coffee, wine, and beer are not included), and enjoy a slower pace.

One note: since alcohol isn’t included and there are rules for minors, assume drinks are managed by the taverna, not by the tour package.

The Off-Road Reality: How the Vehicle and Schedule Affect Your Comfort

This safari is built on 4×4 off-road driving, and the ride is part of the deal. The tour is not recommended if you have:

• car sickness
• mobility or kinetic issues
• back problems
• pregnancy
• children under 7 (no baby seats are provided)
• height over 195 cm or weight over 130 kg (it may be challenging)

If any of those apply to you, I’d treat this as a hard stop and look for a more accessible sightseeing option.

How I’d plan for comfort even if you’re okay on the ride:

• If you’re sensitive to motion, consider that your tolerance will matter most on the bumpy segments between stops.
• Keep expectations realistic: the route includes several drives plus quick photo stops, so there aren’t long “wandering breaks” scattered all day.
• Bring what you’d normally want for a full morning out—especially if you like having water available during photo stops (refreshments in the taverna are not included beyond lunch).

There’s also a schedule rhythm. The day is structured around stops with set times. That can feel fantastic if you like efficient touring. If you prefer frequent toilet and refreshment breaks before the lunch hour, you might want to plan your timing accordingly.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This works best for you if:

• You want south Rhodes views more than town centers
• You like off-road days where the scenery changes often
• You enjoy mixing nature (dam, forest canyon views) with a few cultural landmarks (monastery, castle)
• You appreciate having lunch included without thinking about logistics

I’d skip it if:

• You want a long, walking-heavy heritage tour
• You get carsick easily or you need easy ground all day
• You need baby seats or you’re traveling with young children under 7
• You have mobility restrictions that make uneven terrain or quick stops stressful

And one more “reality check”: the tour runs in good weather. If conditions are poor, it may be canceled and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Should You Book the Rhodes Uncharted South Safari?

If your idea of a great Rhodes day is off-road views, monastery quiet, and a Monolithos village lunch, then this is an easy yes. The value comes from the full package: hotel pickup, 4×4 access to the interior south, admissions at major stops, and a real meal at the end.

Book it with clear expectations: it’s a routed safari with photo-stop timing, not a slow “linger and read every wall” kind of tour. If that fits your travel style and your body handles bumpy roads, you’ll likely have a memorable day.

If you want long breaks, easy walking, or you’re sensitive to motion, skip it. Rhodes has plenty of other tour styles where the pace is calmer.

FAQ

What time does the Rhodes South Safari start?

The tour starts at 8:30 am.

What are the pickup times by area?

Pickup times vary by area. Examples include 8:25 Plimmiry, 8:35 Lachania, 8:45 Genadi, 8:50 Kiotari, 9:00 Lardos, 9:05 Pefki, 9:15 Lindos, 9:20 Theotokos, 9:25 Kalathos, 9:35 Charaki, and 9:45 Archangelos.

How long is the tour?

The duration is approximately 7 hours, including traveling time.

What’s included in the price?

Included are free hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch with traditional Greek food, liability insurance and local taxes, and a 4×4 off-road vehicle with a multilingual escort-driver. You also get a mobile ticket.

Are admission tickets included?

Admission tickets are included for Gadoura Dam, Monastery of Artamitis, and Monolithos Castle. The Koufou Forest viewpoint (Jacob’s Canyon) is listed as free, and lunch is included in the Monolithos stop.

What should I know about food and drinks?

Lunch is included. Coffee, wine, beer, and refreshments in the taverna are not included.

Is the tour okay for everyone?

This trip is not recommended for people with car sickness, mobility or kinetic issues, back problems, pregnancy, or children under 7 years old. There are no baby seats. Also, people taller than 195 cm or heavier than 130 kg may find it challenging. Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited for minors under 18.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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