Crystal clear turquoise blue water, a barren, rock-grey coastal landscape and the bright white face of a dream town that rises like a mirage in the east of Rhodes . Lindos is a picture-book Greek village on the magnificent St. Paul’s Bay. Whitewashed houses stretch along the castle hill in the shadow of a fortress – the ancient town lies there as if painted. On a 116-metre-high rock, the picturesque town exudes its charm, bustling and typically Greek. Welcome to the magical east coast of Greece, welcome to Lindos in Rhodes!
Stop! Arrivals should pause for a moment and pay attention to the viewing plateau: The view of the proud Johanniterburg from the Middle Ages is breathtaking. Ancient columns on a mighty mountain, on the slope below offers the dream town, surrounded by olive groves and lined with white cube houses – the bay rests in the distance. At the southern tip, surfers cavort and dance like splashes of color on the blue waves. After every bend, the dreamlike beauty of the village gains intensity. Beach chapel, fishing boat, oleander blossoms – Lindos is the Greek cliché par excellence.
Lindos – the pearl of Rhodes
Once upon a time, the sun god fell in love with the nymph Rhodes. Soon he threw his light over her and enveloped her in rays of sunshine – then the nymph was transformed into a beautiful island. Since that time, the sun has been shining 300 days a year in Lindos on Rhodes. A beautiful legend. At the same time, Lindos is a focal mirror of Rhodian history. The settlement of Lindos can be traced back to the 3rd millennium BC. After Kameiros and Ilysos, Lindos was the third city on the island, which was founded as early as the 11th century BC.
The Acropolis of Lindos is the postcard motif of the island with magnificent views of the vast sea. Dominated by the mighty Acropolis, Lindos is characterized by a ravishing location, by a closed picturesque townscape and by its low white houses. In the evening, the place offers a beguiling sight.
Lindos – an archaeological treasure chest
The castle hill was one of the most important sanctuaries in Greece. Visitors climb up in a long row to the portal of the former Johanniter fortress, which was built around 1500. Behind it are the ancient temples of the patron goddess of the city. Its ruins are relics dedicated to the cult of Athena Lindia. The considerable remains of the temple date from the 3rd/2nd century. Century BC They were surrounded by a mighty fortress wall by the Knights of St. John from 1476 to 1505. From the rock there is a fascinating view of the Agios Pavlos Bay and the Agios Pallas Bay.
Afterwards, it is worth taking a detour to the Ancient Theatre on the southern outskirts of the village. The theatre once offered space for 1800 visitors – it is impressively carved into the rock at the foot of the Acropolis.
Who dares to look at the Last Judgement? The Church of the Mother of God in Panagia, decorated with frescoes and icons from the 18th century, captivates many visitors. On the entrance wall, the Last Judgement convinces with numerous creepy details. The church is located on the main street, in the center of Lindos. Far from the hustle and bustle of the village alleys, the inner courtyard of the church with its lemon trees provides an oasis of peace.
Meanwhile, many visitors cavort in the atmospheric alleys, lined with restaurants and souvenir shops. Spoiler alert: Everything is kind of pretty or cute and also chic. In any case, Lindos is a “dangerous” place for spontaneous buyers.
Magnificent captain’s houses attract attention again and again. The oldest of these houses dates back to 1599. In addition, many historic private houses characterize the cityscape. The private houses are not only beautiful to look at, they also house restaurants and bars. A viewing is therefore guaranteed!
Between beach magic and hiking dream
Good to know: Lindos is closed to all car traffic. Only the road to the beach is open to private traffic. Two beautiful beaches invite you to have fun swimming. Lindos Beach is the main beach, wonderfully sandy and at the same time a child-friendly “sea pool”. The selection of taverns is almost unmanageable. Pallas Beach is the former anchorage of the fishermen. The beautiful bay stretches below the village. It is quieter here than on the main beach. Opposite is the enchanting Agios Pavlos bay with a tiny sandy beach. In memory of Apostle Paul, a chapel was built in the bay.
A hike to the tomb of Kleoboulos is worthwhile. Visitors will find it north of Pallas Bay on a cape in a fantastic location. However, the rotunda has less to do with the tyrant Cleobulus – it dates back to Hellenistic times. An entrance made of stone layers leads to the burial chamber. You should plan about 90 minutes for the way there and back.
A culinary journey in the magic of the countryside
Lindos has long since ceased to be a secluded idyll. The countless taverns, bars, souvenir shops and cafés bear witness to this. The pretty alleys seem to have long since become too narrow. By summer at the latest, when the crowds of people flock towards the Acropolis, the small town is bursting at the seams. Nevertheless, the many taverns are worth a visit. On the way to the Acropolis is the Taverna Timi’s Place. Here, guests can enjoy Cypriot specialties and a great view from the roof terrace.
If one drink is enough for you, you can stop at the Rainbird Bar. Here you sit on colorful cushions in a beautiful garden and sip homemade lemonade.
The Captain’s House Bar is one of the most beautiful captain’s houses and offers a great flair. Right next door, the Socrates Bar invites you to stop for a bite to eat. In the early 70s, it was the favorite pub of the boys from Pink Floyd.
When the night begins, guests are drawn across the alley at the donkey square to a wonderful outdoor terrace. From the top floor, you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the effectively illuminated rock tombs to the illuminated Acropolis at Lindos by Night. The visit is a fantastic end to any Lindos trip.
