Rhodes: Explore the New and Medieval City on a Segway

Medieval Rhodes moves fast on two wheels. I love how this Segway tour lets you cover the medieval Old Town sights without tiring your feet, and I also love the built-in photo stops that make the route feel full, not rushed. The one thing to consider is that you do need basic fitness and comfort with the short training before you start rolling through the city.

You’ll glide past major landmarks like the Street of the Knights and the Palace of the Grand Masters, then keep going into the modern seaside area by Mandraki Harbor. At around $100 per person for 3 hours, it’s not the cheapest way to see Rhodes, but it can be a great value if your goal is “see a lot, learn a lot, and still have energy for dinner.”

Key highlights

• 2-wheel Segway i2 or 4-wheel Mia Dynamic options, including 4 wheels if you want extra stability
• Small-group cap (max 6) for a more personal pace and more time with your guide
• Old Town powerhouse route, from the Palace of the Grand Masters to the Street of the Knights
• Moat fortifications and medieval defenses, plus plenty of photo breaks
• Mandraki Harbor and windmills area, with views that feel different than the Old Town streets
• Guide-led photo help, with photos sent after the tour at no extra charge

Why a Segway works so well in Rhodes Old Town

Rhodes is one of those places where the best sights are close together, but the streets are often tight, uneven, and full of turns. Walking can be charming, but it also means you spend a lot of time slowing down, weaving around crowds, and losing time to fatigue.

On a Segway, you keep the fun motion while still seeing the details. You get to experience the medieval character of the Old Town, then switch gears to the breezier Mandraki Harbor area without feeling like you did a full hike. You’re basically compressing a big chunk of Rhodes sightseeing into a 3-hour window.

I also like that the tour is built around “stop, look, and learn” instead of “ride past and hope you noticed.” The guide keeps the route moving, but there are real moments to take photos and get oriented.

Getting started: briefing, helmets, and fast Segway confidence

Before you zip off, you get an orientation session and a full safety briefing, plus a helmet. This matters because Segways are not complicated, but you still need the basics down for smooth turns and safe stops.

You’ll meet the team at 37 Ippodamou Street. If you’re having trouble finding it, there’s an easy backup plan: the escort can meet you at the Hamam Baths (Arionos Square) and lead you a short distance to the office. That’s helpful if you arrive on foot from the harbor and your bearings are still fuzzy.

What surprised me is how much the guide quality can shape the experience. In past tours, guides like Nikos and George have been praised for being patient with first-timers, for keeping you comfortable during the learning phase, and for staying focused on safety the whole way. If you’ve never used a Segway before, that kind of calm coaching makes a big difference.

One practical note for your planning: this is not a “wear anything” activity. You’ll want comfortable shoes. Avoid backpacks, and skip high-heeled footwear. You’ll also want sunscreen, because Rhodes sun is rarely polite.

Palace of the Grand Masters: the moment Rhodes feels real

Your first big “wow” stop is the Palace of the Grand Masters. You’ll spend about 30 minutes here with guided sightseeing, enough time to take in the scale without feeling stuck in a single corner.

This is one of those landmarks that does something to your brain. Up close, you can feel why Rhodes mattered for so long. The building is imposing, and even if your Greek is limited, your guide can connect the architecture to the medieval story happening right where you stand.

I like starting here because it sets the tone for everything that follows. After the palace, the medieval streets and fortifications stop being random scenery and start making sense as a system of power, defense, and ceremony.

If you prefer structured sightseeing, this stop does that for you. It’s guided, timed, and designed so you don’t miss the obvious highlights.

Street of the Knights: medieval symbolism at driving speed

Next comes one of the most famous stretches in Rhodes: the Street of the Knights. You’ll have about 20 minutes for guided sightseeing here.

This street is all about texture. The medieval identity is visible in the way the buildings line up, and it’s the kind of place where the small details can be easy to overlook if you’re just strolling. From the Segway, you can move between viewpoints quickly, then park for photo moments and have your guide point out what to look for.

What I like most is that the tour doesn’t just treat it like a photo stop. You’ll hear facts that help you interpret what you’re seeing, so you come away with more than a few snapshots.

And yes, the Segway makes this part fun. You get to keep momentum while still honoring the “pause and look” rhythm that the guide uses throughout the ride.

Church of the Virgin of the Burgh and the quiet stops

You’ll also visit the Church of the Virgin of the Burgh, with guided sightseeing and Segway riding time. It’s about 15 minutes.

This is a good contrast stop. The Palace and the Knights street are about public power and medieval identity. A church like this feels more intimate, more about spiritual life and local rhythm. If you like travel that mixes the big landmark moments with smaller, calmer corners, you’ll probably enjoy this portion.

Between the major sights, the tour also includes extra “secret spot” style moments where you get a chance to look around and grab photos. These micro-stops can be the difference between feeling like you “saw Rhodes” and feeling like you actually learned how the city is put together.

You’ll likely notice your guide keeping a close eye on comfort and pacing, especially during stops where you have to slow down, dismount, and move around on foot for a moment.

Medieval Moat fortifications, plus the sense of defense

One of the tour’s standout sections is riding through the Medieval Moat area and its fortifications. You’ll see this as part of the Old Town exploration, with time set aside for guided sightseeing.

Rhodes did not become a major fortress by accident. The moat and defensive structure help you understand how cities protected themselves when walls were not optional. Even when you’re not reading every sign or stone, you can feel the logic in how the defenses were designed.

This is also where Segway travel helps most. If you’re walking, you might spend your energy simply getting from one viewpoint to the next. On the Segway, you can focus on observing what you’re passing, then stop for photos when something clicks.

The moat portion can be great for photographers too. You’ll get multiple moments to take pictures and see the Old Town from angles you can’t get by staying on the main roads alone.

Mandraki Harbor, windmills, and the Aegean breeze shift

After the medieval core, the tour moves into Rhodes’ modern seaside vibe. You’ll ride into the area near Mandraki Harbour, where the air feels different.

You’ll stop at the Lighthouse of Saint Nicholas, which sits at the entrance of Mandraki Harbor. You’ll also get a break period with time to enjoy the harbor atmosphere, then continue to the Windmills of Mandraki area with more sightseeing time.

These stops tend to land well because they change the emotional tone of the trip. Instead of stone defenses and tight lanes, you get open water views, sailing energy, and that breezy Aegean feel that makes Rhodes feel like a living coastal city instead of just an old one.

I especially like having a little free time at Mandraki Harbor. It gives you room to step away from the Segway for a minute, slow down, and take in the harbor without feeling like every second is accounted for.

Photo help and the small-group pace that matters

This is a small group tour, capped at a maximum of 6 participants. That matters because you’re not constantly waiting for people to catch up, and your guide can keep an eye on each rider.

Photo moments are also built into the experience. You’ll have stops for photos along the way, and if you don’t have a camera, your guide can take photos of you and send them after the tour at no extra charge. That’s a small detail, but it can save you from juggling gear while trying to enjoy the ride.

Guides are frequently praised for making new riders feel comfortable. Names that come up include George and Nikos, and the theme is consistent: clear instruction, patience with first-timers, and staying engaged with the group. When the coaching is good, the ride stops being intimidating and starts feeling like a shortcut through your own curiosity.

Also, the tour uses the new equipment approach, with both 2-wheel Segways (i2) and 4-wheel Segways (Mia Dynamic) available. If you’ve got balance concerns, you might like the 4-wheel option, and some riders have specifically called that out as the better fit for them.

Price and time: is $100 per person worth it?

At about $100 per person for 3 hours, this tour sits in the “pay for convenience” category. Walking Old Town is cheaper, of course. But the trade-off is time and energy.

What you’re buying here is:

• more ground covered than walking alone
• a structured route through Rhodes’ big medieval highlights
• Segway fun that makes the experience feel active, not passive

If you’re only in Rhodes for a short stretch and you want a first-look overview, 3 hours can be an efficient use of time. You’ll cover major landmarks like the Palace of the Grand Masters and the Street of the Knights, plus the moat and the harbor side of the city.

If you’re the type of traveler who enjoys planning downtime too, the breaks help. You’re not riding nonstop. There are photo stops and a pause at Mandraki Harbor where you can breathe and reset.

One quick caution on value: you should book this when you’re feeling well-rested. You need basic fitness for the riding and short dismounts, and you’ll get more out of the tour if you’re not rushing in from a punishing day of hiking.

Who should book, and who should skip this Segway ride

This experience is best for people who:

• want to see Rhodes efficiently in a limited time window
• are comfortable with a brief training session and basic fitness
• enjoy a guide-led mix of major sights and smaller photo angles

It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or anyone over 264 lbs (120 kg). You’ll also want to avoid it if you’re expecting a totally relaxing, low-effort ride with no learning curve.

If you’re traveling with a friend who’s nervous, this tour can still work, as long as both of you are willing to take the instruction seriously. The guides are used to first-timers and focus hard on safety and comfort early on.

Should you book the Rhodes by Segway tour?

Book it if your goal is a first or best-of Rhodes experience in about three hours, and you want to travel between medieval landmarks and seaside views without spending the whole day walking. I think it’s especially worth it when you can get the 4-wheel Mia Dynamic option if you want that extra steadiness.

Skip it if you know you won’t feel comfortable with the training, if you need an accessibility-friendly alternative, or if your day is already booked with lots of walking and you want a more restorative plan.

If you do book, show up with comfortable shoes and sunscreen, keep your bag restrictions in mind, and give yourself a moment to learn the Segway before you judge the ride. Once you’re rolling, Rhodes starts to feel like it was designed for exactly this kind of movement.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes Segway tour?

The tour lasts 3 hours.

What does it cost?

The price is $100 per person.

How big is the group?

The experience is kept small, with a cap of 6 participants.

What Segways are used?

You’ll use either a 2-wheel Segway i2 or a 4-wheel Mia Dynamic, plus you’ll wear a helmet.

Where do we meet?

The meeting point is at 37 Ippodamou Street. If you have trouble finding it, the escort can meet you at the Hamam Baths (Arionos Square) and lead you to the office a short distance away.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off can be arranged upon request.

What should I bring or wear?

Wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen.

What is not allowed during the tour?

High-heeled shoes and backpacks are not allowed.

Who should not take this tour?

It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, and people over 264 lbs (120 kg).

Does the guide take photos for you?

Yes. If you don’t have a camera, the guide can take photos of you and send them after the tour at no extra charge.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.