A Segway looks silly for about thirty seconds and then feels like a small miracle. After a short lesson you learn to lean forward to go and back to stop, and within a few minutes you are gliding along the moat and through the lanes of the medieval city of Rhodes with a guide in front. The tour covers far more ground than a walking visit in the same time, and it keeps the effort low, which makes it a favourite on hot afternoons and for visitors with limited walking time. It is also simply fun, and it is one of the few ways to see the outer walls and the quiet back streets without sore feet.
Tours normally begin with a safety briefing and a practice session in a quiet area, where the guide checks that everyone is steady before the group sets off. Helmets are provided. The route then follows a mix of wide paths, pedestrian streets and the edges of the walls, and the guide stops regularly to explain what you are looking at: the gates, the bastions, the Italian-era buildings, the harbour and the layers of Crusader and Ottoman history inside the walls.
The two-hour version stays mostly in and around the Old Town, while longer versions extend into the new town and the seafront.
Cobbles are the main challenge. A Segway handles them well when you go slowly, but the ride can be bumpy, and in some narrow lanes the guide may ask you to walk the machine or switch to a single-file line. Operators set weight and age limits, usually a minimum age in the early teens and a weight range that suits the machine, so check these before you book. Pregnant visitors and those with balance or back problems are normally advised to skip it.
What do you get compared with a walking tour? Speed and reach. A guided walk of the Old Town rarely covers the outer walls and the moat; a Segway tour can. You also get a break from the heat, because you are moving through the air rather than standing in the sun. What you lose is the ability to linger in a courtyard or stop spontaneously, so many visitors pair a Segway tour with a slower walk later to revisit the places they liked most.
Practical points
Wear closed shoes with a flat sole, avoid long flowing clothing that could catch, and bring sunglasses and a bottle of water. Phones and cameras are best kept in a secure pocket or a small bag, since you need both hands on the handlebar. Meeting points are usually just outside the walls, and the group is typically small, which keeps the pace friendly. A late-afternoon departure gives softer light for photographs and less heat than midday.
Seasons and weather
Tours run for much of the year, with the busiest period from April to October. Strong wind or rain can lead to cancellation, as wet cobbles are slippery, so leave a spare day if you can. In July and August the early morning and evening departures are the most comfortable. If you are travelling in a group with mixed interests, the Segway tour is a good compromise: it is active enough for teenagers and gentle enough for adults who do not want a long hike.
What to expect
The experience
A guided Segway ride around the walls and lanes of the medieval city, after a short lesson.
Best time
Early morning or late afternoon, especially in summer.
How long
About two hours including the practice session.
Tips
Wear closed flat shoes, avoid loose clothing, check age and weight limits and keep dates flexible for wind or rain.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors who want to see the walls and the Old Town quickly and with little effort.
- Families
- Teenagers who meet the age and weight limits; check with the operator.
- Couples
- A playful way to see the town together before a long dinner.
- Pair with
- A slower walk along the Street of the Knights afterwards.
- Time needed
- Two hours, plus travel to the meeting point.
Good questions
Is a Segway hard to learn?+
Most people are steady within a few minutes. The tour starts with a short lesson and practice session.
Are there age or weight limits?+
Yes. Operators set minimum ages and weight ranges, so check when you book.
Does the tour go inside the Old Town?+
Yes, it uses the lanes and squares where allowed, plus the paths along the outer walls.
Is a helmet provided?+
Yes, helmets are normally provided along with the Segway.
What if the weather is bad?+
Strong wind or rain can lead to cancellation because wet cobbles are slippery. Keep a spare day if possible.
