Lindos

Lindos is a medieval village perched on a steep hillside on the eastern coast of Rhodes, the largest of Greece's Dodecanese islands. With only about 700 permanent inhabitants, it is one of the most visited archaeological sites and picturesque settlements in the Greek Islands, drawing vastly more tourists than residents during the summer months. The village is a jumble of whitewashed houses, narrow cobblestone lanes — all entirely pedestrianised — and grand "Captain's Houses" dating from the 15th to 18th centuries, when Lindian seafarers commanded prosperous Mediterranean trading routes. A strict preservation order protects the village's character, forbidding unauthorised construction or alteration, which keeps the atmosphere remarkably intact.

Above the village stands the Acropolis of Lindos, a fortified ancient site with roots stretching back to the Dorian founding around 1000 BC. Legend attributes the village's origin to a divine son of Zeus. The acropolis complex layers Hellenistic, Byzantine, and Crusader-era fortifications around the remains of the Temple of Lindian Athena, commanding sweeping views of the Aegean. Below, two sandy bays — the Main Beach and the sheltered St Paul's Bay — provide some of the finest beach settings on Rhodes.

Lindos enjoys a hot Mediterranean climate. Summers are dry and intense, with temperatures regularly exceeding 35 °C in July and August, cooled by the reliable Meltemi winds. Winters are mild and rainy, with most businesses in the village closing from November through March. The village is compact and hilly, built into the slope between the acropolis summit and the sea; getting around means walking steep stone paths, riding a donkey, or hopping on the small shuttle bus.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Rhodes International Airport "Diagoras" (IATA: RHO), located near Paradisi on the northwest coast of the island, about 55 km (34 mi) from Lindos. The drive takes roughly 50–60 minutes. A taxi from the airport to Lindos costs approximately €75; if a driver quotes significantly more, ask to be taken to the local police station — overcharging is a known issue. There is no direct airport bus to Lindos; you would need to take the city bus to Rhodes Town (Rodos) and transfer to the Lindos-bound service (see below), or arrange a pre-booked private transfer.

Rhodes airport receives direct flights from Athens (year-round, ~50 min on Aegean Airlines and Sky Express) and dozens of seasonal charter and budget flights from across Europe from April through October.

By Car / Road

Lindos is 56 km (35 mi) south of Rhodes Town along the east-coast highway, a modern two-lane road. The drive takes about 50–60 minutes, passing through the resorts of Faliraki and Kallithea. Traffic can be heavy in summer. Parking is available outside the village: a large unpaved lot serves as the main "supermarket parking" area. Free and paid (blue-marked) spaces are intermixed — look for the free spots beyond the supermarket area. From the parking area, walk downhill to enter the village via a side street, or descend to the beach and walk across to climb up into the village from the sea side.

Bus: KTEL Rhodes operates frequent services between Rhodes Town (Averof bus station) and Lindos. The journey takes about 1 hour 15 minutes, with intermediate stops at Faliraki, Afandou, and other east-coast villages. A one-way ticket costs €5.50 and is purchased from the driver. Buses run several times daily; schedules are posted at the Rhodes Town bus station and on the KTEL Rhodes website. The bus terminates at Kranos Square above the village centre; a small shuttle bus runs passengers down to the lower square near the beach.

By boat: Excursion boats and catamarans run daily in summer from Mandraki harbour in Rhodes Town to Lindos, typically departing in the morning and returning in the afternoon. The journey takes about 1.5–2 hours one way. Several operators offer this service; tickets can be booked at the harbour or through hotels.

Lindos is tiny and entirely walkable, but be prepared for steep, uneven cobblestone paths and steps throughout the village. Comfortable shoes with good grip are essential. The village has no cars, no tuk-tuks, and no ride-hailing services — the only motorised vehicles are the occasional moped belonging to residents.

Donkeys can be hired at the village entrance for the climb up to the Acropolis. The ride costs around €6. Note that this is a traditional but somewhat controversial practice; animal welfare groups have raised concerns, and travellers should use their own judgement.

Shuttle bus: A small bus runs from the main arrival stop at Kranos Square (where the intercity bus terminates) down to the lower square near the sea. It is not a long walk, but the elevation difference is significant in the heat.

Walking is the primary and often only way to explore the village's labyrinthine lanes. The walk from the village centre up to the Acropolis entrance takes about 10–15 minutes on steep paths. Allow 20–30 minutes from the parking area to the Acropolis summit on foot.

• Acropolis of Lindos — The dominant landmark. A fortified ancient citadel perched on a 116-metre cliff above the village, with layers of Hellenistic, Byzantine, and Crusader architecture. The reconstructed Stoa and the remains of the Temple of Lindian Athena (4th century BC) are the centrepieces. Entrance fee €20 (as of April 2025). Open March–December until 18:40. The ascent is steep and entirely without handrails or accessibility features — not suitable for visitors with limited mobility.

• Ancient Theatre — Carved into the rocky slope below the Acropolis, this Hellenistic amphitheatre once seated 1,800 spectators. It is visible from the path leading up to the Acropolis but is not separately ticketed. Concerts are occasionally held here during the Lindos Festival in summer.

• Captain's Houses — Scattered throughout the village, these grand two-storey residences date from the 15th–18th centuries and feature ornate pebble-mosaic courtyards, wooden balconies, and coats of arms carved above their doorways. They were built by wealthy Lindian sea captains. Most are privately owned, but a few are open to visitors or operate as guesthouses. Finding them is part of the fun — pick up a free map from the tourist information centre (though the map lacks street names, making navigation an adventure).

• Church of the Panagia (Assumption of the Virgin) — A 14th-century Byzantine church in the heart of the village, notable for its elaborate frescoes, carved wooden iconostasis, and beautifully painted interior. Free entry. It is also one of the coolest places to escape the midday heat.

• Kleoboulus's Tomb — A small ancient stone structure at the tip of the bay, thought to be the tomb of Cleobulus, one of the Seven Sages of Ancient Greece and a tyrant of Lindos in the 6th century BC. It is a short walk along the waterfront.

• St Paul's Bay — A sheltered cove on the southern side of the acropolis headland, where according to tradition the Apostle Paul landed during a storm and brought Christianity to the island. The tiny whitewashed chapel of St Paul on the rocks above the bay is one of the most photographed spots in the Dodecanese. The bay itself has calm, clear water ideal for swimming.

• Medieval Walls — Walking up the road to the Acropolis, the first ruins encountered are the fortifications built by the Knights of St John in the early 14th century, incorporating earlier Byzantine and ancient defensive walls. Several towers follow the natural contours of the high ground.

• Beach time — Lindos has two main sandy beaches, rare on Rhodes where most coasts are pebbly. The Main Beach (Lindos Beach) sits directly below the village and can be reached by walking down from the main square. It gets crowded in peak season. St Paul's Beach (Paul's Bay) is smaller, more scenic, and sheltered from wind; sun loungers and a parasol cost about €8. It receives shade from around 17:30–18:00 on the southern side. Both beaches have calm, clear water for swimming.

• Donkey ride to the Acropolis — A quintessentially Lindos experience, if a controversial one. Donkeys wait at the village entrance for the ride up to the fortress. About €6 per ride.

• Explore the backstreets — Leave the main tourist lanes and wander the quieter residential paths. The whitewashed architecture, potted bougainvillea, and mosaic-floored courtyards are at their most atmospheric away from the shops.

• Glass-bottom boat tours — Several boats in Lindos bay offer short excursions along the coast, including glass-bottom boats for viewing the marine life. Departures from the main beach.

• Scuba diving and snorkelling — The clear waters around the acropolis headland and St Paul's Bay offer good visibility for snorkelling. Several dive centres operate in Lindos and nearby Pefkos, offering beginner courses and guided dives at local sites.

• Day trips from Lindos — The island of Halki, Symi, and the Turkish coast at Marmaris are all reachable as day excursions by boat from Rhodes Town, which is an hour north. Closer to Lindos, the resort village of Pefkos (5 km south) and the traditional village of Lardos (7 km south) make easy half-day trips.

Lindos's restaurants and tavernas are almost entirely tourist-oriented, which means menus are in English, staff are English-speaking, and the food can lean toward international rather than authentic Greek cuisine. That said, there are good options if you look for them. Souvlaki joints and crepe stands offer cheap, filling meals at around €2.50–4 for a pita gyro or kalamaki. Ask for "ap' ola" for the full garnish: tomato, onion, lettuce, tzatziki, and chips.

• Mama's Kitchen — Traditional Greek home cooking in the village centre. Moussaka, stuffed vine leaves, and slow-cooked lamb at reasonable prices. Popular with both tourists and locals.

• Medeast Bar Restaurant — Mediterranean cuisine with stunning views up to the Acropolis from its terrace. Excellent food and a relaxed, laid-back ambience. Mid-range pricing.

• Artemis (Pefkos, ☎ +30 22440 48365) — A short drive from Lindos, this restaurant serves local Rhodian cuisine prepared to a high standard using locally sourced meat from Rhodes. All food is barbecued. Friendly atmosphere and professional service.

• César Meze Bar (☎ +30 2244 0 31410) — A fine-dining option with a pool on the rooftop terrace overlooking the town. Mediterranean meze dishes in an upscale setting.

• Zorba's Tavern (Gennadi) — Fresh local produce in an open-air setting further down the coast. Worth the drive for quality Greek food and friendly staff.

• Maria's Taverna — A no-frills village taverna serving simple, well-prepared Greek dishes at fair prices.

Dietary notes: Vegetarian options are available at most tavernas (Greek salads, stuffed peppers, gemista, spanakopita), though truly dedicated vegetarian or vegan restaurants are absent in Lindos itself. Gluten-free diners will find grilled meats and fish naturally suitable but should communicate needs clearly. Halal and kosher options are not available in Lindos.

Lindos has a lively bar scene, particularly in summer, with many establishments featuring rooftop terraces where you can watch the sunset over the acropolis. Most bars welcome families with children during the evening hours. Two nightclubs operate within the village, and an open-air club a short taxi ride away stays open into the early hours.

• Courtyard Bar — As the name suggests, it features a courtyard and a smart interior over two floors with views of the Acropolis. The only bar in Lindos with live bouzouki music, performed on Sunday nights.

• Lindos By Night — A popular multi-level bar with several rooftop gardens for watching the night go by over the village. Open late.

• Melia Cafe and Bakery (St Stefanos Square) — A bakery and café with a lovely rooftop seating area offering views of the Acropolis, across the Lindian rooftops, and down toward St Paul's Bay. Off the main tourist trail, making it quieter and more relaxed. Coffee around €3.30.

• Yanni's — A standard village bar. Coffee about €3.

Local drinks: Ouzo and raki (tsipouro) are the traditional aperitifs. Greek wines — particularly those from Rhodes (look for labels from CAIR and Emery wineries) — are well-priced and worth trying. Greek coffee (ellinikos kafes) is served strong and sweet in most cafés. Tap water in Lindos is generally safe to drink but has a mineral taste; bottled water is widely available and inexpensive.

Self-catering accommodation — studios, apartments, and villas — is the dominant and best-value option in Lindos, often with spectacular views and within walking distance of everything. Hotels exist but several are outside the village, requiring transport to reach the beach and restaurants.

Budget

• Lindian Myth (☎ +30 22440 31333, [email protected]) — Clean studio rooms with kitchen facilities and good bathrooms near the main road at the top of town. About 15 minutes' walk from the village centre and beach. Guests can use the swimming pool at the adjacent hotel. From €50/night.

• Eugenia Villa and Studio (Lindos, ☎ +30 22440 31397) — Next-door properties above the Small Beach (Pallas Beach) in Lindos, offering proximity to the sea in a village setting. Budget to mid-range pricing.

Mid-range

• Lindos Mare Hotel (Lindos, ☎ +30 22440 31130, [email protected]) — Check-in 24 hr. Double rooms €220–260/night.

• Pefkos Garden Hotel (Pefki, ☎ +30 22440 48259, [email protected]) — A comfortable, quiet hotel in nearby Pefkos, about 5 km from Lindos. Check-in 14:00, check-out 12:00. A good alternative for those who want easy access to Lindos without the village premium.

• Caesars Gardens Hotel & Spa (Lindos, ☎ +30 2244 0 31537, [email protected]) — An adults-only luxury boutique hotel and spa with 24-hour check-in. Double rooms €200–320/night.

Upscale

• Lindos Blu Hotel (Lindos, ☎ +30 22440 321110, [email protected]) — Check-in 24 hr. A luxury property with panoramic sea views. Double rooms €200–660/night.

• Melenos Art Boutique Hotel (Lindos, ☎ +30 22440 32222, [email protected]) — Check-in 24 hr. A boutique hotel with individually designed rooms and rooftop dining. Double rooms €230–760/night.

• Lindos Aqua Terra (Lindos, ☎ +30 22440 31605, [email protected]) — Check-in 24 hr. Rooms €150–450/night.

Lindos's narrow lanes are lined with tourist shops selling jewellery (particularly silver and gold), leather sandals, ceramics, olive oil products, handmade soaps, and Greek-themed souvenirs. Prices are generally higher than elsewhere on Rhodes owing to the tourist-heavy footfall. Bargaining is not customary in fixed-price shops but may be possible at market stalls, particularly at the end of the season.

Local specialities worth buying: Rhodian honey (particularly thyme honey), locally produced olive oil, ouzo, and handmade lace or embroidery. The village has a handful of small art galleries selling paintings and prints of Lindos and Rhodes.

There are three supermarkets within 100 metres of each other on the main street, all stocking similar products — groceries, snacks, seasonal fruit and vegetables, and a disproportionately large selection of alcohol at elevated prices. Two more supermarkets sit up at Kranos Square near the bus stop: Floras (larger selection) and Acropolis (better fruit and veg), both with higher prices than those in the village below. For self-caterers, prices across all shops are notably above Rhodes Town rates.

• Rhodes Town (56 km, ~1 hr by car or bus) — The island's capital and the oldest inhabited medieval town in Europe. A UNESCO World Heritage Site with the Street of the Knights, the Grand Master's Palace, and a bustling harbour. Worth at least a full day.

• Pefkos (5 km, ~10 min) — A small, laid-back beach resort just south of Lindos with a long sandy beach and good tavernas. A pleasant low-key alternative to Lindos's bustle.

• Lardos (7 km, ~10 min) — A traditional inland village with a main square lined with tavernas and a quieter, more authentically Greek atmosphere than the coastal resorts.

• Faliraki (35 km, ~35 min) — Rhodes's main party resort, with long sandy beaches, a water park, and lively nightlife. Better suited to younger travellers and families than those seeking tranquillity.

• Afandou (27 km, ~25 min) — One of the larger villages on the island, home to Rhodes's only golf course and a long pebble beach. A more local, less touristy stop.

• Symi (day trip from Rhodes Town by ferry, ~1 hr 15 min) — A stunning small island with a neoclassical harbour town, known for its colourful architecture and sponge-diving heritage. Reachable by excursion boat or scheduled ferry from Mandraki harbour.