The beautiful village of Lindos on Rhodes’ east coast is one of the island’s finest attractions. Nestled on the hillside of a picture-perfect location, it sits above the turquoise Mediterranean Sea and below the ancient Acropolis on the nearby hill. Surrounded by some stunning beaches and other historical sights, it’s no wonder visitors have flocked to Lindos for centuries.
Throughout this guide, we’ll be looking at why it is so highly rated and what the best things to see and do are in Lindos and the surrounding areas. So whether you plan to visit on a day trip or stay in the area for a few days, you’ll find all you need to know in our Best Things to do in Lindos guide.
Lindos’s defining attraction is the splendid Acropolis on the hill that overlooks the village. At an elevation of 116 meters, it’s the perfect height to provide panoramic and spectacular views of the village and surrounding coastline.
The Acropolis and historical area on top of the hill is a fusion of different historical periods. Successive empires have built in the area, often reusing existing buildings and foundations. Therefore, when visiting the Acropolis, you’ll see a fascinating mixture of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Crusader, and Ottoman architecture.
The oldest part of the site is the propylaea, or staircase, that leads to the series of columns on the stoa. It’s believed to have been built in the 4th century BC, while the columns date back to the 2nd century BC. A Hellenistic staircase leads to the main archaeological area, which contains the remains of the Temple of Athena from the 3rd century BC. It also contains a few ruins from a Roman temple and a significantly better-preserved Byzantine church from the 13th century AD. The walls and towers of the fortifications built by the Crusaders in the 14th century AD are still clearly evident and follow the cliff edge.
Reaching the site involves an ascent from Lindos village below. The route is clearly sign-posted from the main square in Lindos, and it’s a moderate hike. If you don’t fancy the walk, you can take a donkey ride costing €5. Be warned, it’s not the most comfortable experience for you or the donkey.
When visiting the Acropolis, make sure you plan in advance. There’s very little shade on the way up or at the top, so bring water and a hat. The site is open from 8 am to 6 pm daily, and admission costs €6 for concessions and €12 for non-concessions.
One of the other exceptional historical sites in the Lindos area is the Tomb of Cleobulus. Set atop a rocky headland, the tomb is the last resting place of the poet, Cleobulus. He lived during the 6th century BC and ruled Lindos. His fame and work were such that he was included as one of the Seven Sages of Greece.
The Tomb of Cleobulus is situated just north of the village and accessible by a cliff-top trail. The scenic 3-kilometre hike takes around an hour and provides spectacular views across the Mediterranean and back over Lindos and the Acropolis. The trail to the tomb is well-marked from both Lindos village and the nearby Road 95.
Regardless of the time of year you visit, pack plenty of water and sun cream. There’s no shade on the route, and summer temperatures can become unbearable during the middle of the day. It’s also a good idea to wear hiking boots or comfortable trainers as the route is quite rugged.
The Ancient Theatre of Lindos is an often overlooked sight in the area. Situated on the less visited southern side of the Acropolis, it’s suggested by some that it’s a case of out of sight, out of mind. Those who do make the effort to visit are rewarded by a historic sight that they often have all to themselves.
The theatre dates back to the same period as the Acropolis, namely the 4th century BC. Able to accommodate several thousand people at a time, the theatre was used for musical performances and theatre. While much of the original site has been lost, there’s still enough remaining to give you a good sense of how it looked in its heyday. It’s a relatively short 15-minute walk from the center of the village, and there’s also no admission fee. The theatre is an especially evocative place if you visit at sunrise or sunset.
Lindos village, with its cobbled streets, white-washed buildings, decorative doors, and bright flowers, is everything you imagine Greece to be. Its shady alleyways are home to boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants, which provide a welcome reprieve from the heat in the middle of the day. Many cafes and restaurants offer excellent views across the sea or up to the Acropolis.
The small but beautiful Church of Panagia is the finest in Lindos. The church is famous for its traditional Rhodian architecture, including the campanile tower and pebble mosaic floor. The inside of the church is adorned from floor to ceiling with colorful, pristine frescos dating back to the 19th century. It’s well worth a visit at any time, but particularly in the middle of the day when it’s air conditioning is a heavenly reprieve.
One of the best beaches on the island, Lindos Beach features soft sand and crystal clear waters. Occupying a sheltered cove next to the town and with the spectacular Acropolis in view, it’s a fantastic place to kick back and relax for the day. The beach has plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas and many great amenities. You’ll find several bars and tavernas offering food and drink, plus a shop within walking distance. There’s also canoe and paddle board hire if you want to be active on the water.
During the summer, the beach can become busy, so arrive early to ensure parking and sun loungers are available. It’s easy to navigate to the beach by vehicle or on foot, and you’ll find the beach is signposted as ‘Lindos Main Beach’.
The small but incredibly spectacular St. Paul’s Bay is a must-see beach in the Lindos area. It’s hard to decide whether it’s more spectacular when viewed from above from the nearby Acropolis or at sea level as you descend to the beach. Either way, this location will blow your mind. The bay is nearly completely enclosed from the sea, resulting in lagoon-like conditions. It’s still clear waters are ideal for families and young children.
St. Paul’s Bay is situated south of the Acropolis and Lindos village. It’s a comfortable 10-minute walk from the village. At the beach, you’ll find all the amenities you need, including sun loungers, umbrellas, and a restaurant, Tambakio. The restaurant regularly receives rave reviews for its fine food and excellent location. If you visit during the evening, you’ll see the restaurant and beach lit up with candles. It’s a very romantic scene and comes highly recommended.
You’ll find the Monument of Ioanna Zigdi on a hill at the northern end of Lindos beach. Celebrating the life of the Lindos born politician and economist, the location is the reason to visit rather than the monument. This is especially true at sunrise as the elevated location of the monument provides far-reaching panoramic views across the sea, coastline, village, and Acropolis. This is the best spot to see the sunrise while taking in some important local history.
Lindos is home to a host of small boutique shops selling various things. Local products include a range of leather goods such as sandals and handbags, while you can also buy handmade jewelry and embroidery. Prices are often negotiable, so don’t be afraid to haggle for a better price. You’ll also find more traditional souvenir shops, plus some shops selling a range of local produce, including olives and olive oil.
Often referred to as the other beach in Lindos, Pallas Beach is a smaller and quieter alternative to the main beach. Its quietness is in part down to its relative inaccessibility. The beach is reached via a walk through the village and then a descent down many stone stairways and alleyways. The destination is worth the effort, though, with a soft sandy beach and a host of lovely local tavernas offering fresh seafood and Greek cuisine. The sheltered nature of the bay ensures calm, clear waters, making it perfect for swimming and young children. There are plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas on the beach, and a shop selling everything you need. It’s an easy location to settle down in and while away a day or two.
Lindos is a village on the island of Rhodes in the Greek Dodecanese Islands, in the South Aegean Sea, close to the Turkish mainland. The town is on the hillside, midway down Rhodes’ eastern coast. It’s an hour’s drive and 47 kilometers along Greek National Road 95 to reach Lindos from Rhodes Town, the island’s capital. The town lies 52 kilometers away from Rhodes International Airport. The transfer time from the airport to Lindos is around 50 minutes.
The best time to visit Lindos is early summer (June) or late summer (September). Lindos and the whole island see a swell of visitors during the European summer holiday season, from the start of July to the end of August. This is also the hottest part of the year, where temperature can sometimes become unbearably hot, with daily temperatures often exceeding 35°C during this period. You avoid the peak crowds, temperatures, and prices by visiting in June or September. During these shoulder months, a visit guarantees hot, dry days, ensuring you can make the most of the nearby beaches and outdoor dining.
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