Explore Rhodes in a unique way with the Self Drive 4×4 Safari in the South. For $84 per person, this 8-hour tour offers the freedom to drive your own Suzuki Jimny through the island’s diverse landscapes. From coastal villages to mountain roads, this experience is perfect for those who love adventure and want a more personal connection to Rhodes’ natural beauty. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a tour guide, and fuel, making it a straightforward way to see the southern parts of the island without the hassle of organizing transport.

This tour is designed for independent explorers comfortable with self-driving. The small group size — limited to 15 participants — ensures a relaxed atmosphere. Keep in mind, drivers must be at least 21 years old with a two-year driving license. While the experience offers a fantastic variety of scenery, one review notes that some mountain paths can be impassable, leading to more time on asphalt, which is something to consider if you’re seeking off-road thrills.

Key Points

Self-drive adventure in a Suzuki Jimny through Rhodes’ southern landscapes
8-hour tour with hotel pickup and drop-off included
Visit small Greek villages, olive fields, and riverbeds
Enjoy a lunch at Monolithos with spectacular views
Swim at a secluded beach in the afternoon
Limited to 15 participants, with a multi-lingual guide

You can check availability for your dates here:

Drive Yourself in a Suzuki Jimny through Rhodes’ Diverse Scenery

This tour allows you to drive your own 4×4 — specifically a Suzuki Jimny — giving you the chance to explore Rhodes at your own pace. The route takes you from the coast into the mountains, crossing riverbeds, hills, and forests. The mix of off-road and asphalt roads creates a varied driving experience, perfect for those who appreciate a little adventure behind the wheel.

The pickup service operates from specified locations, mostly within walking distance of your hotel, with the exact spot sent the day before via WhatsApp. Once on the road, you follow the east coast, passing Lindos and Pefkos, before reaching Kiotari. The journey makes its way through small villages like Asklipion, where a castle adds to the local charm, and Profilia, a picturesque spot with refreshments.

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Exploring Rhodes’ Mountain Roads and Scenic Vistas

Driving toward the highest mountain, Ataviros, the tour offers some of the most stunning views on the island. The mountain roads provide a panoramic backdrop of Rhodes, with opportunities to appreciate the island’s natural beauty from elevated vantage points.

Crossing the wine region adds a touch of local flavor, and the second highest mountain, Akramitis, marks the stop for a lunch break at Monolithos village. Here, travelers can enjoy local food while taking in spectacular vistas of the surrounding landscape and the sea.

A Forest Drive and Secluded Beach Swim

In the afternoon, the tour turns to a shaded forest drive, offering relief from the sun and peaceful green scenery. The forest route also provides views of the West Coast and several small islands, making it a visually rewarding part of the journey.

The day concludes with a swim at a secluded beach, giving you time to relax and enjoy the island’s less crowded coastline. The beach swim is a highlight for those seeking a quiet spot away from busy tourist beaches.

Lunch at Monolithos with Impressive Views

A key highlight is the lunch stop in Monolithos village, where the view is just as much a part of the experience as the food. The village offers a terrace with panoramic vistas, making lunch a memorable moment during the day.

While there is no included lunch in the booking price, the lunch stop is a relaxed break, allowing you to sample local dishes and enjoy the scenery. The tour emphasizes a balance between scenic driving and relaxation.

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What’s Included and What to Bring

The package covers hotel pickup and drop-off, a seat in a 4×4 vehicle, fuel, a tour guide, insurance, and liability cover. The swimming at a secluded beach is also part of the experience, giving added value.

Travelers are advised to bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, camera, sunscreen, and water. Since this is a self-drive tour, drivers need to meet minimum age requirements and hold a valid driver’s license for at least two years.

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Tour Logistics: Group Size, Languages, and Flexibility

With a small group limit of 15 people, the experience remains intimate and flexible. The tour operates with live guides speaking English, Dutch, French, German, and Greek, ensuring clear communication throughout.

The availability of the tour is flexible, with options to reserve now and pay later, and full cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The starting times depend on availability and are best checked directly before booking.

Review Highlights: Guide and Scenic Value

The tour’s guide is praised for being friendly and knowledgeable, making the journey more engaging. The route’s scenery — including mountain views and coastal landscapes — receives many compliments, although some reviews note that certain mountain paths can be impassable, limiting some off-road sections.

The lack of detailed island information during the trip is a common critique, but the beautiful views and authentic villages compensate for this. The lunch at Monolithos and the secluded beach are standout moments.

Limitations and Considerations

One review mentions that a large part of the mountain route was impassable due to branches, resulting in more time spent on asphalt roads. This highlights the importance of realistic expectations regarding off-road conditions, especially after weather events or overgrowth.

Plus, the tour is not suitable for pregnant women or those with back problems, due to the nature of the vehicle and driving conditions.

Best Fit for Adventure Seekers and Independent Explorers

This self-drive safari is ideal for adventurers who enjoy driving and want a customizable experience of Rhodes’ south. The tour offers a balance of scenic roads, local villages, and beach relaxation, all without the hassle of organized bus travel.

While some may find the lack of detailed island commentary disappointing, those seeking personal freedom and a hands-on exploration will find this tour highly rewarding.

Ready to Book?

Rhodes: Self Drive 4×4 safari – Pick ups South

4.8

(10)

“The guide was very nice. Unfortunately, a large part of the tour was impassable due to branches on the mountain. We therefore spent most of the tim…”

— Lena, May 15, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, fuel, a seat in the vehicle, tour guide, insurance, and liability insurance.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included but is available at Monolithos village during the stop. Refreshments are not provided.

What are the driver requirements?
Drivers must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driver’s license for at least two years.

Can I drive if I don’t want to share?
If your vehicle is not reserved for 4 seats, you might be sharing the driving with other participants.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is designed for adults, and not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, camera, sunscreen, and water.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts 8 hours, with start times depending on availability.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, Dutch, French, German, and Greek.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 15 participants for a more personal experience.

How do I book and pay?
You can reserve now and pay later. Cancellation is free if made 24 hours in advance.

This Rhodes self-drive 4×4 safari offers a flexible, scenic, and engaging way to see the island’s south. Its combination of mountain roads, coastal villages, and secluded beaches makes it suitable for independent explorers wanting a personalized adventure, despite some potential challenges with mountain terrain.