Mountain Biking Red Water

Exciting Full-Day Mountain Biking Tour on Rhodes for Just $98.30

For those looking to combine active exploration with scenic beauty, the Mountain Biking Red Water tour offers a memorable full-day adventure on Rhodes, Greece. Priced at $98.30 per person, this tour is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and curious travelers alike, with a duration of approximately 6 to 8 hours. Starting from the charming fishing village of Haraki, the tour promises a mix of rural trails, historic sights, and stunning natural landscapes.

What makes this tour stand out is its comprehensive itinerary, which includes cycling past olive and orange groves, stopping at village churches, exploring WWII battlements, and ending with a relaxing dip at Agia Agathi Beach. The full-day format, combined with the professional guidance and use of specialized bikes, ensures a smooth and engaging experience—though it’s best suited for those comfortable on a bike and prepared for varied terrain.

While the tour operates rain or shine and involves some physical activity, its carefully curated stops and scenic highlights make it a worthwhile choice for active travelers wanting to see Rhodes beyond the usual tourist spots. Its popularity, with bookings made on average 150 days in advance, speaks to its appeal.

Key Points

• Price: $98.30 per person for a full-day cycling adventure
• Duration: Approximately 6 to 8 hours, including stops and breaks
• Starting Point: Fisherman’s village of Haraki
• Highlights: Cycling along country trails, visiting village churches, exploring historic WWII battlements, enjoying Greek snacks
• Finish: Relaxing swim at Agia Agathi Beach before return to hotel
• Group Size: Limited to 20 travelers, ensuring personalized guidance

The Tour Starts in the Picturesque Fishing Village of Haraki

The tour begins with hotel or port pickup, usually between 8:00 and 8:45 AM, giving you a smooth start without worries. Once at Haraki, a scenic fishing village, you’ll be introduced to specialized bikes tailored to your body type, ready for the day’s adventure. The group leaders are knowledgeable and ready to share insights into Rhodes’ natural beauty and history.

This setup ensures a comfortable beginning, especially as most travelers can participate, and the tour operates in all weather conditions—just dress appropriately. The pickup and drop-off service adds convenience, removing the hassle of separate transportation.

Exploring the Red Water Route from Haraki Beach to the Olive Groves

The Red Water route takes you from the beach in Haraki, along country paths and trails through the rural parts of Rhodes. As you cycle, you’ll pass ancient olive groves of Massari and Malona’s orange groves, soaking in the lush scenery. The route offers a mix of easy sections and more challenging terrain, allowing riders to choose their preferred pace.

This part of the ride includes a visit to the village’s main church, offering a chance to pause and explore. Here, cyclists can recover briefly and enjoy a traditional Greek snack—a perfect recharge before continuing. The stops are well-timed, with enough time to appreciate the surroundings without feeling rushed.

Discovering the Gadoura River and Red Water Gorge

One of the most distinctive features of this tour is cycling along the course of the Gadoura River, leading to the source of the river and the impressive Red Water Gorge. The gorge gets its name from the distinctive red hues of the water and surrounding rocks, providing a striking visual.

Cyclists pass through a forest of olive and orange trees, creating a peaceful backdrop for the ride. The natural beauty here is complemented by the tranquility of the environment, and the route offers plenty of opportunities for photos and quiet reflection.

Historic WWII Battlements and the Italian Bridge

Between the scenic nature stops, the tour offers a glimpse into Rhodes’ more recent history. Riders get a chance to explore WWII battlements near the Gadoura Bridge, which was constructed in the 1930s. The old Italian bridge nearby serves as another reminder of Rhodes’ layered past.

Short stops at these historic sites allow for brief explorations and photo opportunities. The battlements, in particular, highlight the island’s strategic importance during wartime and add a fascinating historical dimension to the ride.

Passing the Old Airport and Byzantine Castle Ruins

The route also takes you past the runway of an abandoned airport, adding a touch of modern history and intrigue to the landscape. Later, the Feraklos Byzantine and medieval castle appears along the coast, providing a dramatic backdrop for the ride.

Although the ride focuses mostly on natural scenery and historic sites, these remnants of Rhodes’ past enrich the experience and make the journey more diverse. The castle ruins are accessible from the trail and offer insight into the island’s medieval history.

Final Destination: Agia Agathi Beach & Refreshing Swim

The last segment of the tour leads to the beautiful Agia Agathi Beach, renowned for its clear, deep blue waters. Here, riders can enjoy a refreshing dip to cool off after a day of cycling. The beach is a perfect spot to unwind, with calm waters ideal for swimming and relaxing on the sand.

After the swim, the group boards the coach for the return journey, arriving back at the hotel by approximately 3:30 PM. This relaxed finish makes the tour suitable for those seeking both adventure and downtime in a stunning setting.

What’s Included and What to Consider

The tour package includes bottled water, a light Greek meal, tour escort, activity guiding, hotel or port pickup and drop-off, along with use of the bicycle and helmet. These inclusions ensure comfort and safety throughout the day, allowing participants to focus on the experience.

Not included are drinks and photos, so travelers may want to bring extra funds if they wish to purchase beverages or souvenirs. The small group size (maximum 20 travelers) fosters a personalized environment, and the tour’s booking window of around 150 days in advance indicates high popularity.

Practical Tips for Participants

Since the tour covers varied terrain, it’s best suited for physically active individuals comfortable on bikes. Riders should wear appropriate clothing for all weather conditions, and bring sunscreen and a hat. The specialized bikes provided are well-maintained, but participants are encouraged to communicate any specific needs to the guides.

Children are welcome if accompanied by an adult, making this a family-friendly option for active families. The pace is flexible thanks to the choice of routes—easy or more challenging—so casual riders can enjoy the scenery without pressure.

The Unique Charm of the Red Water Route

What sets this tour apart is its combination of natural beauty, historic sites, and scenic trails. The journey from the fisherman’s village of Haraki through olive and orange groves, to the Red Water Gorge, and finally relaxing at Agia Agathi Beach offers diverse experiences in a single day.

The knowledgeable guides and excellent equipment contribute to a seamless ride, making it accessible yet interesting for a range of riders. The stunning views and historical insights make this more than just a bike ride—it’s a fuller exploration of Rhodes’ landscapes and stories.

Rhodes Mountain Biking Red Water: Is It Worth It?

This tour delivers genuine value for active travelers seeking an immersive outdoor experience. The price point, combined with hotel pickup, guides, and bike use, makes it a compelling option. The scenic stops and historical highlights add depth that appeals to those curious about Rhodes beyond its beaches.

While the physical effort required may be a consideration for some, the variety of terrain and well-planned itinerary help keep the experience enjoyable and rewarding. The fact that the tour operates rain or shine indicates confidence in the routes and safety measures.

This full-day adventure is most suited to those who appreciate nature, history, and active exploration. If you want to see Rhodes from a different perspective, this tour provides a well-rounded, scenic, and informative experience worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 to 8 hours, including stops, breaks, and the return to your hotel.

What is the starting point?
The tour begins with hotel or port pickup, usually between 8:00 and 8:45 AM, from Rhodes.

Are children allowed?
Yes, children can participate if accompanied by an adult; suitable for most travelers capable of cycling.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers bottled water, a light Greek meal, guided activity, bike and helmet use, and hotel/port pickup and drop-off.

What should I wear?
Dress appropriately for all weather conditions and wear comfortable, active clothing suitable for cycling.

Is the route difficult?
The route offers choice between easy and more challenging segments, making it accessible for various fitness levels.

Can I buy drinks or photos during the tour?
Drinks and photos are not included, so bring extra if you wish.

What makes this tour special?
Its scenic trails, historic sites like WWII battlements, and relaxing swim at Agia Agathi Beach make this a diverse, memorable experience.

How far in advance should I book?
Given its popularity, it’s advisable to reserve around 150 days in advance to secure a spot.