Rethymno: Old Town Segway Tour

Exploring Rethymno’s picturesque Old Town on a Segway offers an entirely different perspective on this historic Greek city. For about $73 per person, you’ll spend three hours weaving through narrow streets, seaside promenades, and impressive Venetian ruins, all with a friendly guide leading the way. The tour begins at the seafront near the marine port, making it a convenient starting point for those arriving by cruise or local transport.

What we love about this experience are two things: First, the lightweight, modern Segway makes navigating the ancient streets easy and fun, even for beginners. Second, the access to panoramic views from Fortezza Fortress provides a stunning backdrop for photos and a sense of the city’s strategic history.

A potential consideration is that the tour’s group size is limited to 10 people, which can be perfect for personalized attention but might mean waiting if you have a very large group. Also, since safety is paramount, it’s not suitable for children under 6 or anyone over 118 kilograms, so check your weight beforehand.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a bit of adventure, want a comfortable way to explore without walking long distances, and love seeing authentic city sights with knowledgeable guides. It’s especially appealing if you’re interested in Venetian architecture, scenic coastal vistas, and a fun way to cover multiple sights in a short time.

Key Points

• Balanced Experience: Combines sightseeing, fun riding, and local history.
• Accessible and Easy: Perfect for beginners with safety training included.
• Focus on Views: Highlights include Fortezza Fortress and Venetian Harbour.
• Small Group: Limited to 10 participants for a more personal experience.
• Educational: Guides share stories about the landmarks and local myths.
• Flexible: Confirmed bookings are easy to reschedule or cancel.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Rethymno’s Old Town on a Segway

Rethymno’s Old Town is a maze of cobbled streets, shaded squares, and historic ruins, all within a lively Mediterranean setting. Seeing it on a Segway turns what could be a tiring walk into a breezy, sightseeing adventure. As we glide along the waterfront and through narrow alleyways, it’s clear this tour offers both comfort and excitement.

Starting at the Sofokli Venizelou 4 meeting point, the first part of the tour is a safety briefing and quick test-drive. This helps even absolute beginners feel confident on the device. From there, your guide — often a local with a passion for their city — will introduce you to the sights. One of the first stops is the bustling Venetian Harbour, with its colorful fishing boats and waterfront cafes. We loved the way the guide shared stories about the myth surrounding the Rimondi Fountain, making the city’s history come alive.

The Old Town’s Hidden Gems

As you weave through the streets, you’ll pass by the Neratze Mosque and other Venetian-era buildings. These are not just relics; they are integral to the city’s character. One of the highlights is a scenic drive up to Fortezza Fortress, where we paused for panoramic views of Rethymno and the sea beyond. From this vantage point, you can truly appreciate the city’s strategic position and its layered history.

Our guide, Giannis, was praised for being attentive and friendly, making the experience comfortable even for those new to Segways. As one reviewer noted, “Very easy to learn to drive Segway,” which is true — the controls are intuitive, and the safety instruction is thorough.

The “Secret” Streets and Local Atmosphere

Beyond the main sights, the tour ventures into quieter, less crowded parts of the Old Town, giving a more authentic feel of daily life in Rethymno. These “secret” spots are where you might catch glimpses of local artisans or small cafes, perfect for photo opportunities or just soaking in the atmosphere.

The Coastal Drive and Scenic Beauty

Proceeding along the city beaches, you’ll feel the cool breeze and see locals enjoying their seaside walks. The coastline is lively, with plenty of spots to stop and admire the views, making it a well-rounded city tour with a splash of beachside fun.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting at the Segway Tours Rethymno Best Ride office, the tour kicks off with instructions and a supervised test drive. The initial drive along the seafront offers great views of the beach and the city’s historic architecture.

Next, you’ll glide through the Neratze Mosque, a prominent symbol of Rethymno’s Ottoman past, then head towards the Fortezza Fortress. This hilltop castle is the tour’s highlight, offering sweeping vistas over the city and the sea. A dedicated photo stop here lets you capture the moment and appreciate the impressive walls and scenic outlooks.

Following the fortress, you’ll descend into the heart of the Old Town, stopping at the famous Rethymno square. Here, you’ll have a chance to explore on your own, perhaps grabbing some local snacks or simply relaxing in the lively atmosphere. The tour ends back at the starting point, completing a loop through the city’s historic core.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes an English and Greek-speaking live guide, safety helmets, and safety training, ensuring everyone can enjoy the ride confidently. The immediate confirmation of booking is a plus, especially during busy seasons.

However, it doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off, which is worth noting for travelers staying outside the city center. Food and drinks aren’t included, but the tour passes through areas with local cafes, so you could plan to grab a bite afterward.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

Multiple reviews praise the guides for being knowledgeable and attentive. One traveler called the experience “outstanding,” mentioning how their guide Theo was “so lovely and amazing,” which makes a big difference when exploring a city unfamiliar to you. Others appreciated how easy it was to learn the Segway, making it accessible even for beginners.

The reviews also highlight how the views and sights make this experience special: “Nice to see the Old Town on wheels,” and “Really good tour around the city, showing us the sights.” These comments underscore that the experience isn’t just about riding but about gaining an insightful perspective on what makes Rethymno unique.

Practical Tips for Travelers

Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, as you’ll be on your feet for some moments, especially at stops. Confirm your weight eligibility before booking, as the tour isn’t suitable for those under 35/40 kg or over 118 kg.

Since safety is emphasized, listen carefully to the guide’s instructions, and don’t rush into riding. The small group size ensures personalized attention, making it easier to ask questions or get extra help if needed.

The Sum Up

The Rethymno Old Town Segway Tour offers a lively, informative, and fun way to explore this historic city. It balances sightseeing with the thrill of riding a modern Segway, all while giving you a local’s insight into Rethymno’s rich past and vibrant present. The panoramic views from Fortezza are a real highlight, and the small group setting makes for a relaxed, engaging experience.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want to cover a lot of ground without exerting too much energy, especially those interested in Venetian architecture and seaside scenery. It’s perfect if you’re traveling with friends or family, and want a memorable, hands-on way to see the city.

While it may not be ideal for very young children or those with weight restrictions, it offers excellent value for a well-paced, guided adventure. For anyone looking for a unique perspective on Rethymno’s Old Town, this Segway tour is a delightful choice.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour includes safety training and supervised test drives, making it accessible for first-time Segway users.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, including safety instructions, riding time, and sightseeing stops.

What sights will I see?
You’ll visit Venetian ruins like the Venetian Harbour, Neratze Mosque, and the Fortezza Fortress, along with panoramic city views.

Is the tour family-friendly?
It’s not suitable for children under 6 and for those over 118 kg, so check your weight before booking.

Are food and drinks included?
No, but the tour passes through areas with cafes where you can grab refreshments afterward.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at the same location: Sofokli Venizelou 4, Rethymno.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and reservations can be booked with the option to pay later.

Is this tour available in multiple languages?
Yes, guides speak both English and Greek.

Is it safe to ride a Segway in Rethymno?
Yes, with proper safety instructions and helmets provided, it’s a safe and fun way to explore the city.

This detailed review aims to help you decide if a Segway tour of Rethymno’s Old Town fits your travel style. It promises a lively mix of history, scenery, and fun — ideal for those who want to experience the city from a fresh perspective.

You can check availability for your dates here: