Rhodes: Anthony Quinn Bay E-Bike Tour with Snorkeling

Anthony Quinn Bay is the star of this 40-kilometer e-bike tour, but the ride there gives you much more than a beach stop. You’ll pass through Rhodes Old Town, climb toward Monte Smith and the Acropolis, roll through traditional villages, and follow the coast to one of the island’s most photogenic coves. I like the easy electric assist and the mix of history, sea views, swimming, and local snacks. My main caution is simple: parts of the route use busy roads, so this is not a relaxed bike path outing.

I especially like that the tour gives you time to snorkel at Anthony Quinn Bay rather than just pause for a photograph. I also like the small-group format, advertised for up to six people, and the practical inclusions: helmet, bottled water, mask and tube, snack, and a cold refreshment. One review noted a group of eight, so I would confirm the group size when booking if that matters to you.

Key points at a glance

• Anthony Quinn Bay swimming stop: You get about 45 minutes for swimming and snorkeling, with masks and tubes supplied.
• Rhodes sights before the coast: The route includes the medieval old town, Gate of d’Amboise, Palace of the Grand Master, Mosque of Suleiman, Monte Smith, and the Acropolis.
• Electric help on a long route: The e-bike takes the strain out of hills, but you still need to pedal and handle a bicycle confidently.
• Traffic is part of the deal: Some roads are heavily trafficked, including a road described in one review as highway-like.
• Small-group feel: The tour is limited to six participants in the advertised details, with a live English-speaking guide.
• Useful extras included: You receive a helmet, child seat, snorkeling gear, water, snacks, and a later refreshment with a view.

Starting in Rhodes Old Town

You meet at Explore Rhodes E-bike Tours on Amarantou 49. There is no hotel or cruise-port pickup, so you need to make your own way to the shop. The starting point is in Rhodes Town, which makes this especially practical if you are staying in town or arriving by ship and can reach the meeting point independently.

The first riding section takes you through Rhodes Old Town for about 30 minutes. This is a good opening because you get your bearings among the medieval walls and major landmarks before leaving town. You pass the Gate of d’Amboise, the Palace of the Grand Master, and the Mosque of Suleiman.

The old town section is sightseeing by bicycle rather than a long guided walking visit. That distinction matters. You’ll see the main sights and hear some information, but this tour is built around movement, not detailed historical interpretation. One three-star account found the guide team too quiet and noted that only a few stops included much explanation. If you want a full history lecture at every monument, you may find this brief.

Still, the bicycle gives you a pleasant way to cover ground. You can see the old town, then move on to the island’s higher viewpoints without spending half the day on foot.

Monte Smith and the Acropolis of Rhodes

From the old town, the route heads toward Monte Smith, where you stop for about 20 minutes for photographs and views. This is one of the strongest sightseeing sections because you can look across Rhodes Town and the Aegean Sea from higher ground.

The electric motor matters here. Monte Smith involves an uphill ride, and one review specifically praised the bikes for making uphill sections easy. You still need to ride and control the bicycle, but the motor helps reduce the effort that might otherwise leave you tired before the coastal portion.

The next stop is the Acropolis of Rhodes, with about 20 minutes for sightseeing and riding through the area. The ancient stadium is part of this visit. The stop is partly a pass-by, so do not expect a long archaeological tour or an extended visit to every ruin.

I see this as a useful introduction to Rhodes’ ancient side. The tour connects the medieval city with older remains, then shifts toward villages and the sea. That broad sweep gives you a better sense of the island than a beach-only excursion would.

Quiet village roads and the move to the coast

After Monte Smith and the Acropolis, the route leaves the city behind. You ride through traditional villages and use calmer streets where possible before reaching the coast.

This part gives the tour its best rhythm. The old town supplies stone walls and major monuments. The inland section offers a change of pace. Then the sea comes into view as you pass toward Kallithea and Faliraki.

The route is not entirely quiet. You should be comfortable riding in regular traffic and on main streets. The tour information makes this a clear requirement, and it is worth taking seriously. One review praised the electric bikes and the two-guide setup, with a guide in front and another behind, but also warned about heavily trafficked roads and the lack of suitability for small children.

That mix makes this a better choice for confident cyclists than for families hoping for a protected cycle route. The included child seat does not change the traffic conditions. If you are bringing a child, consider both the child’s age and your own comfort carrying a passenger on public roads.

Reaching Anthony Quinn Bay

The ride continues along the coast past Kallithea and Faliraki toward Ladiko and Anthony Quinn Bay. The views are a major reason to choose this tour. You see the sea from the road, stop at bays, and approach the cove by bicycle instead of arriving by a standard transfer vehicle.

At Anthony Quinn Bay, you have about 45 minutes for photographs and another 45 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. The water is described as crystal-clear and turquoise, and the bay is known for its striking setting. The beach itself is compact and scenic, so the stop works best for people who value a beautiful swim more than a long, sandy beach session.

Snorkeling equipment is included. You receive a mask and tube, which saves you from packing your own gear. You can swim along the rocky shore and look beneath the surface, though the tour does not promise a particular marine species or organized underwater instruction.

The timing is generous enough for a proper swim, but not so long that you can settle in for the whole afternoon. You should bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and flip-flops. A long-sleeved shirt can also help with sun protection during the ride and beach stop.

The bay is the tour’s main reward, but you should remember that you reach it after substantial cycling. You will already have ridden through town, uphill areas, villages, and coastal roads. The e-bike reduces strain, yet this remains an active half-day rather than a vehicle tour with a quick swim.

Snacks, water, and a viewpoint break

The tour includes bottled water and a traditional snack. After the bay, you stop at a viewpoint for about 30 minutes, where you can enjoy a refreshment and views over the Kallithea bays.

This is a smart part of the schedule. A cool drink after the ride and swim gives you a chance to dry off, rest, and enjoy the coast without rushing straight back onto the bike. The viewpoint also adds a second scenic pause, so Anthony Quinn Bay is not your only chance to take in the sea.

The food is described only as a traditional snack, so you should not book this expecting a full meal. Bring extra water or food if you know you need more than a light bite. Bottled water is included, but the supplied information still recommends bringing water, which is sensible for a five-and-a-half-hour outdoor activity.

The return to Rhodes Town

The return section lasts about 45 minutes in the listed schedule and follows the coastline back toward Rhodes Town. You’ll have more sea views along the way and a final chance to see the island from the road rather than from a bus window.

The tour ends where it began, at Explore Rhodes E-bike Tours on Amarantou 49. There is no separate drop-off at your hotel or ship. If you are on a tight cruise schedule, allow enough time after the stated five-and-a-half-hour duration to walk or travel back to your departure point.

The schedule adds up to a full half-day, but the exact start time depends on availability. You should choose a time that leaves room for the ride back to the port or your accommodation. The tour provider also offers free photos, which is useful because you can focus on riding and swimming instead of trying to document every stop yourself.

How demanding is the 40-kilometer route?

The tour is marketed for riders of all experience levels, but that should not be read as suitable for people who cannot ride confidently in traffic. The instructions specifically require you to feel very comfortable on main streets.

An e-bike helps with hills and distance, but it does not remove the need to steer, brake, watch traffic, and stay with the group. A 40-kilometer route is a serious ride for anyone who rarely cycles. If you normally ride only on flat paths, this may feel more demanding than the relaxed wording suggests.

The electric bikes received strong praise for their uphill performance. The guide arrangement described in one account placed a guide at the front and another at the back, which can help keep a group together. However, the same account found the guides somewhat silent and wanted more information and energy along the route.

That is the main tradeoff. You get a scenic active outing with several stops, but the guiding may be lighter than at a dedicated history tour. The experience seems best for someone who wants a local-led route and practical support, not constant commentary.

What the $80 price gets you

At $80 per person, the cost is reasonable if you plan to make use of the whole package. You are paying for a five-and-a-half-hour outing, an e-bike, helmet, bike-certified English-speaking guide, snorkeling gear, water, snacks, a refreshment, and a route that links several parts of Rhodes.

You would need to arrange a bicycle, reach Anthony Quinn Bay, and organize your own snorkeling equipment if you went independently. The tour also saves you from planning the route between the old town, Monte Smith, the Acropolis, the villages, and the coast.

The value is weaker if you mainly want to swim at Anthony Quinn Bay. In that case, a direct beach trip would give you more time in the water and less cycling. The price makes the most sense when you want both the journey and the destination.

The small-group promise also matters. A limit of six should allow a more personal outing than a large coach excursion, although one account recorded eight participants. I would ask about the expected group size before paying if you are choosing this specifically for a very small party.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it to an active adult who wants a broad look at Rhodes in one outing. It suits you if you enjoy history in short portions, coastal scenery, swimming, and the freedom of moving through the island by bicycle.

It is also a good fit if you want electric assistance but do not want a passive sightseeing tour. You still get exercise, but the motor helps you handle the hills and long distance.

I would not choose it if you dislike riding near traffic, cannot ride a bicycle, are pregnant, or have heart problems. It is also not suitable for unaccompanied minors. Families should think carefully before booking because the route includes main roads and may not suit small children, even though a child seat is available.

The tour is conducted in English, so you should be comfortable following an English-speaking guide while riding. If detailed explanations at every site are your top priority, you may want a slower walking tour of Rhodes Old Town instead.

Final call: book it for the route, not only the beach

Book this tour if you want a full half-day that joins Rhodes’ medieval and ancient sights with a proper coastal ride and a swim at Anthony Quinn Bay. The e-bike support, included snorkeling gear, snacks, water, and refreshment make the $80 price easier to justify.

Skip it if you want a quiet, traffic-free bike ride or a long, unhurried beach day. The route is active, the roads can be busy, and the commentary may be brief. For a confident cyclist who wants variety, though, this is a strong way to see more of Rhodes in one well-packed outing.

FAQ

Where does the Anthony Quinn Bay e-bike tour start?

You meet at Explore Rhodes E-bike Tours at Amarantou 49 in Rhodes Town.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends back at the same meeting point, Explore Rhodes E-bike Tours.

How long is the tour?

The activity lasts about five and a half hours. Starting times vary, so you need to check availability when booking.

How far do you ride?

The route covers about 40 kilometers.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. A snorkeling mask and tube are included for the swimming stop at Anthony Quinn Bay.

Do I need to be an experienced cyclist?

You do not need advanced cycling skills, but you must be able to ride a bicycle and feel comfortable riding on main streets and in traffic.

Is hotel or cruise-port pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to reach the meeting point at Amarantou 49 yourself.