Rethymno: Old Town Segway Tour

REVIEW · CRETE

Rethymno: Old Town Segway Tour

  • 4.939 reviews
  • 3 hours
  • From $76
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Operated by Rethymno Bike Tours / Rental Bikes, eBikes & eScooters · Bookable on GetYourGuide

Segways turn sightseeing into motion. In 3 hours, you glide from the harbor area into Rethymno’s Old Town streets, then climb up for fortress views without making your legs do all the work. It’s an easy way to cover ground, but still feel like you’re walking through the real city.

What I like most is the mix of sea + story: you get city beaches by Segway and stop in key spots like Neratze Mosque and the Fortezza area. I also like the guides—names you may hear include Yannis and Léo, and the best part is how clearly they connect the sights to everyday Greek culture.

One caution: this isn’t for everyone. If you’re under 6, pregnant, outside the weight range, or you’re expecting a totally relaxing ride with no learning curve, you may want a different format.

Key Things That Make This Tour Work

Rethymno: Old Town Segway Tour - Key Things That Make This Tour Work

  • Small group (up to 10) means you don’t feel lost in a crowd while you’re learning the Segway
  • Helmet + safety training + supervised test-drive before you head out properly
  • Old Town route through tight streets and squares, not just a quick drive-by
  • Fortezza Fortress photo stop with panoramic city views (the climb is worth it)
  • Venetian Harbour area + Rimondi Fountain myth adds local flavor to the visuals
  • English and Greek live guide, with guides such as Yannis and Léo known for clear explanations

Getting the Segway Game Plan at Sofokli Venizelou

Rethymno: Old Town Segway Tour - Getting the Segway Game Plan at Sofokli Venizelou
The tour meets at the partner office on Sofokli Venizelou 4 in Rethymno. You’ll start right on the seafront side of the Old Town area near the marine port, which helps the whole experience feel immediate rather than rushed.

Your guide starts by showing you the Segway basics, then you practice with a supervised test-drive. This matters because Segways feel intuitive once you’ve done a short warm-up, and you spend less time thinking about balance and more time noticing the city.

If you’ve never done this before, don’t worry about looking awkward. The training is built for new riders, and helmets are included—so you can focus on the ride, not the rules.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Crete.

Safety Training First, Then Real Old Town Streets

The most “value-per-minute” part of the day is the sequence: training, then you roll out. You’ll get safety instruction in English and Greek and you’ll have extra time to practice until you feel steady.

After that, the tour heads into the heart of Rethymno’s older quarter. You’ll glide through narrow streets and public squares where normal walking can feel slow and stop-start. On a Segway, those turns and little changes in surface feel more manageable, and your guide can keep you moving at a comfortable pace.

I also appreciate the guide-led structure. You’re not just riding in a line; you’re learning why each area is there—how different eras shaped what you see now.

Seafront Driving: Beaches and Salt-Air Views

Rethymno: Old Town Segway Tour - Seafront Driving: Beaches and Salt-Air Views
One of the best early beats is the ride along the city beaches. You get sea-breeze energy without having to pick your own route or backtrack later. It also gives you a quick “systems check” for your riding skills: once you’re stable, the rest feels smoother.

This is the part that helps you reset your expectations. Rethymno can be a mix of tight streets and open views, and the seafront segment acts like the bridge between the two. You’re already in a holiday mood before you start hunting for monuments and photo angles.

If you’re someone who likes seeing how a city relates to the water, this portion delivers.

Neratze Mosque and the Old Town Core

After the initial stretch, you move into the Old Town near major landmarks like Mitropolis and Neratze Mosque. This is where the tour becomes more than scenic transportation. Your guide points out what you’re looking at and how it fits into the local story of place and faith.

You’ll also feel the change in the streets: tighter passageways, more corners, and more small-scale atmosphere. That’s where a Segway helps a lot. You can move through spaces that would otherwise force you to slow down constantly.

A practical tip: keep your posture relaxed. It’s easy to tense up in narrow areas, especially if you’re still getting used to turning. Smooth steering and looking where you want to go makes the whole section less effort.

The “Secret” Old Town Feel

The tour includes time in what’s described as a “secret” part of the Old Town. Translation: you’ll likely get lanes and quieter angles that don’t feel like the main postcard path.

This is a good place for the guide to do their job. When you’re not just at big-name stops, the explanations can connect the dots—why that street layout exists, what kind of buildings you’re passing, and what locals mean when they talk about their city.

It’s also one of the most fun segments for photos, because you’re close to the walls, doorways, and small squares. If you’re hoping for more texture than just landmark signage, you’ll probably enjoy this section.

Fortezza Fortress: Panoramas Without the Full Stair Workout

Rethymno: Old Town Segway Tour - Fortezza Fortress: Panoramas Without the Full Stair Workout
The tour then heads toward Fortezza Fortress. Up there, you get that “Rethymno spreads out below you” feeling—rooftops, sea lines, and the Old Town layout all visible at once. There’s a photo stop and scenic ride, so you can slow down at the viewpoint without turning it into a full hike day.

This is a standout moment because it pays off the earlier riding. From the fortress area, you can actually understand how the city is arranged—what’s close to the water, what’s tucked into older lanes, and where the boundaries between neighborhoods feel natural.

If you’re traveling with people who don’t want a sweaty workout, this is a strong compromise. You still reach the high views, but the ride does the heavy lifting.

Venetian Harbour and the Rimondi Fountain Myth

On the way down, the tour includes a look toward Venetian Harbour. This matters because it connects the “castle view” with the “maritime reality.” You’re not just looking at ruins or stone walls; you’re seeing where people once looked out from and traded with the sea.

You’ll also hear about a myth linked to the Rimondi Fountain. The fountain itself isn’t the only story—what you’re really getting is local imagination attached to a real landmark. That kind of detail turns the place from a photo into a memory.

If you love culture mixed with landmarks, this is one of the best segments. The myth element gives you something to talk about later when you’re back on the beach.

Finishing in the Most Famous Square

The ride ends back with you finding yourself in Rethymno’s most famous square. That’s a smart move: it sets you up for post-tour wandering using your own pace.

Because the tour is 3 hours, you’re not left drained. You finish with enough energy to grab a drink or snack nearby and still keep exploring. You also won’t feel like you’ve been stuck on a schedule all day.

Group size helps here too. With a maximum of 10 participants, you’re more likely to get a smooth finish rather than a chaotic dismount and scramble.

Price and Value: Is $76 Worth It?

At $76 per person for a 3-hour small-group Segway tour, the question is value: what you’re paying for is not just the Segway ride—it’s the guided route, the safety setup, and the ability to cover big terrain fast.

Here’s how it pencils out practically:

  • Your vehicle time is guided: you’re not figuring out routes or navigating on your own while you’re learning.
  • You’re getting multiple tiers of sights: Old Town lanes, seafront views, fortress panoramas, and a Venetian Harbour look.
  • You’re paying for explanation time via a live guide in English and Greek.

Also, helmets and a supervised test-drive are included. That’s a real quality-and-safety factor, not an extra you have to chase down.

What you should budget for separately: food and drinks, and hotel pickup/drop-off. If you’re staying in the general Old Town area, that’s less of an issue. If you’re farther out, plan your meetup time so you’re not rushing.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour fits best if you want:

  • A fast, fun way to see more of Rethymno than a slow walking day would allow
  • A guided route with cultural context, delivered by an English- and Greek-speaking guide
  • A blend of sea views and Old Town texture, capped with fortress panoramas

It’s not a match if:

  • You need a fully accessible, low-effort option—comfort matters, and the Segway is still a “ride + learn” activity
  • You fall under the limits: children under 6, pregnancy, and the listed weight constraints (under 35/40 kg or over 117 kg)
  • You prefer a quiet self-guided sightseeing day rather than a structured route

One more real-world consideration: language comfort. In one note, a non-English/non-Greek situation was described as more challenging for understanding the guide’s explanations. If you don’t speak either language, the experience may feel less interpretive and more like a scenic ride.

Practical Tips to Make Your Ride Smoother

A few small choices can make a big difference:

  • Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. You’ll want grip and freedom of movement when you practice.
  • Dress for a breeze. You’re near the sea, and the route to the fortress means you’ll feel wind at viewpoints.
  • Plan to arrive a few minutes early at Sofokli Venizelou 4 so training doesn’t eat into your fun time.
  • Bring a camera you can grab easily during stops—especially around the Fortezza photo moment.

If you’re the type who likes to know what’s next, you’ll do well with this format. The guide keeps the flow, and each stop has a purpose: sights, then viewpoint, then finishing square.

Should You Book the Rethymno Old Town Segway Tour?

I’d book it if you’re after a guided “best of” day that doesn’t force you into an all-day walking marathon. The combination of seafront driving, Old Town streets near key landmarks, and the Fortezza Fortress panoramas is a strong use of a half-day slot. At $76 for a small group with safety training and helmets included, it’s also pretty fair for what you get.

I would skip it if your priorities are quiet, independent wandering, or if you’re outside the safety and suitability limits. And if language is a concern for you, you may enjoy the views more than the stories.

If your travel style is part sightseeing, part “let’s see it from the best angles,” this tour is a solid way to do that in Rethymno.

FAQ

How long is the Rethymno Old Town Segway tour?

The tour runs for 3 hours.

Where do I meet the guide?

Meet at Segway Tours Rethymno Best Ride at Sofokli Venizelou 4, Rethymno 741 00, Greece.

Is the guide available in English?

Yes. The guide is live and speaks English and Greek.

What’s included in the price?

Included are the English and Greek-speaking live guide, safety training with a supervised test-drive, and helmets.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Are there age or weight limits?

Yes. It’s not permitted for children under 6. Participants must weigh between 35/40 kg and 117 kg, and it’s not suitable for pregnant women.

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