9 Unforgettable Things to do in Lindos: The Jewel of Rhodes
Lindos is one of those Greek islands that you see on a postcard advertising the country. The only thing is, it’s so much better in real life! Whitewashed villages, cobbled streets, donkey rides, ancient history, and beautiful beaches – there are so many wonderful things to do in Lindos.
This picturesque village is located on the Greek island of Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands, just a stone’s throw from Turkey. From the historic Lindos Acropolis to the beauty of St. Paul’s Bay, there is something for everyone in this charming village.
With its idyllic setting, friendly locals, and relaxed atmosphere, Lindos is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Rhodes.
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✅ Here’s the best hotel in Lindos.
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The best time to visit Lindos
Lindos, like most of the Greek islands, gets incredibly busy around the summer months. June, July, and August see high prices and much larger crowds. As such, I’d recommend visiting in the shoulder seasons.
April to early June or September and October are great times to visit Lindos. The weather can still reach a toasty 25°C, but you’ll be treated to cheaper prices and fewer tourists crowding on the beaches. When we stayed in Rhodes, we went in September, and it was perfect. Great weather and not too busy.
What is Lindos known for?
Lindos is mostly known for two things: its history and its traditional whitewashed village. Lindos Acropolis is one of the most significant historical sites outside of Athens, and certainly one of the most significant on the Greek islands.
Then again, you can’t see a photo of Greece without the traditional white villages popping up. And rightly so, because they are well worth a visit. Additionally, the town is surrounded by beautiful beaches and clear waters, making it a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.
Where to stay in Lindos
There are so many great places to stay in Lindos.
If you are looking for a luxurious stay, then there are many upscale hotels and resorts in Lindos. These hotels offer excellent amenities, including swimming pools, spas, and fine dining restaurants. A few top options are:
For those looking for a more affordable option, there are many guesthouses and apartments in the village. A few of my favourites include:
If you’re travelling in a group, or would rather stay in self-catering accommodation, this villa is a great option.
Regardless of your preference, Lindos offers a range of accommodation options that can suit different budgets and needs. I recommended booking in advance, especially during the peak season, to ensure availability and get the best rates.
9 Amazing things to do in Lindos
So, without further ado, here are some of the absolute best things to do in Lindos.
1. Marvel at Lindos Acropolis
As I mentioned, the Acropolis of Lindos is a pretty impressive structure. Located on a hilltop overlooking the town, it is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece.
The Acropolis dates back to the Hellenistic period (323-31 BC) and was dedicated to the goddess Athena Lindia. The main structure on the site is the Temple of Athena Lindia, which was built in the 4th century BC.
You can walk around the temple, admiring its remaining columns, and also check out the views over the ocean and the magnificent St Paul’s Bay below.
In addition to the Temple of Athena Lindia, the Lindos Acropolis also features several other ancient structures, including the Hellenistic Stoa, the Roman baths, and the Propylaia, an ancient Greek archway.
However, to reach the acropolis, you have to climb a pretty large and steep hill. This can be pretty tough on hot days with the sun beaming down on your back, but it’s worth it for the history and the views.
Alternatively, you can also take a donkey ride up to the Acropolis. Guided tours are also available for those who want to learn more about the site’s history and archaeology.
2. Relax on Lindos Beach
Once you’ve taken as many photographs as your memory card can handle of Lindos Acropolis, head back down the hill towards the beach.
Lindos Beach has everything you could want in a beach: soft sand, clear waters, sun loungers, umbrellas, restaurants, and beautiful views of the town of Lindos and the Acropolis on the hill. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece.
Surrounded by cliffs, the beach offers and natural and serene atmosphere. It’s ideal for snorkelling and exploring the underwater world, and it’s also perfect for sunbathing and catching some rays.
For adventurous types, there are plenty of opportunities to do water sports on the beach too, such as paddle-boarding, windsurfing, and jet-skiing.
It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Lindos. However, it does get very busy during peak season – another reason to visit just before or just after.
I should also mention that, although it’s lovely it’s not my favourite beach in Lindos (although we’ll get to that soon!).
3. Wander the Whitewashed Village
For a chance to walk through hundreds of years of Greek culture, be sure to explore the village of Lindos. This historic town features the traditional whitewashed buildings that everyone has grown to love in Greece, narrow streets, cobblestones, and great views of the ocean.
Throughout the town, you’ll find cute little boutique stores, cafes, traditional family-owned restaurants, places where you can buy trinkets and souvenirs, and tavernas.
You can also head down to the harbour, which is lined with boats and restaurants offering fresh seafood. It’s also a great place to catch a boat tour to one of the nearby islands, or simply relax and enjoy the scenic views.
If you’re visiting Lindos in the evening, it also has a pretty vibrant nightlife with plenty of clubs and bars offering cocktails, happy hours, live music, and entertainment.
4. Visit the Church of Our Lady
You’ll find this church on the way toward the Acropolis of Lindos. This historic Greek Orthodox church is one of the oldest and most important religious sites in the village and is surrounded by high walls and a courtyard.
Originally built in the 1300s, it has undergone several reconstructions but kept its whitewashed exterior and red tiled roof. However, the most distinctive part of this church is its campanile bell tower that stretches above the rest of the village.
The inside of this church is just as impressive as the outside. Completely adorned with gold carvings and amazing artwork, it’s literally stunning to look at. You’ll also find intricately sculpted frescoes and well-preserved wooden carved benches.
5. Explore the Ancient Theatre of Lindos
I love a Greek amphitheatre, and while the Theatre of Lindos is nearly as impressive as the likes of Izmir or Antalya, there’s still something to love about the crumbling ancient structure. Located on the western slope of the Acropolis rocks, the history of this site goes back to the 4th century BC.
It used to seat around 1,800 people and was the setting for a variety of entertainment like plays, concerts, sporting events, and political gatherings.
About a 10-minute walk from the centre of Lindos town, the theatre is free to enter and gives an interesting glimpse into the past. It’s easy to imagine the magnificence of the theatre centuries ago and the part it played in the historical town life.
6. Go Snorkelling in St Paul’s Bay
Okay, this is my favourite beach in Lindos. Scratch that, it’s my favourite beach in Rhodes! Beautiful to look at from above and even more fun to swim in, this is the rocky, heart-shaped bay you can see from the top of the Acropolis.
Once you walk down to the sand, you’ll find it to be smaller, and more secluded than Lindos Beach, with fewer umbrellas, and much fewer restaurants.
Nonetheless, it’s the smaller amount of touristy-ness that makes it better. Now, don’t get me wrong, it still gets very busy in the summer months. You’ll also find that several boat tours depart from here, but it’s the perfect place for snorkelling.
Once you’re in the water, swim to the rocky cliffsides, and you’ll see hundreds of tiny fish, corals, and ocean creatures that have made their homes beneath the waves. The further out you get, the more you can see, all whilst staying when the calm waters of the bay.
You can actually swim to the place where the bay meets the open ocean – I tried this and the change in both the choppiness of the water and the sea temperature is pretty noticeable. I decided to stay in the bay!
If snorkelling isn’t for you, you can also simply paddle in the waves, sunbathe on the sand, or join one of the boat trips to explore the surrounding area.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try cliff jumping there – we saw several people jumping from a small outcrop of rock into the bay below. It’s safe to say, this bay has a little something for everyone.
7. Admire the Chapel of Agios Pavlos
I love how Greek churches are always tiny little buildings on rocky outcrops in the middle of nowhere! They’re the complete opposite of the huge churches you see in places like Florence or even London. But they somehow hold the same (if not more) charm.
The Chapel of Agios Pavlos, also known as St. Paul’s Church, is a Greek Orthodox church located in St Paul’s Bay. It is dedicated to the Saint and is an adorable building overlooking the ocean.
It features a typical white exterior with an amber-coloured roof and is a great spot for photographers. It’s also simply very pretty and one of the best things to do in Lindos.
8. Go on a boat trip
To see the village, and other areas of Rhodes, from a different perspective, a boat trip is a great way to do it. You can get one of these trips from the harbour, St Paul’s Bay, or Lindos Beach. You can also book them online in advance.
There are a variety of trip types available from half-day to full-day excursions along the coast. Some of the most popular destinations for boat trips from Lindos include Tsambika Beach, and Anthony Quinn Bay, as well as the nearby islands of Symi and Halki.
We took a full-day trip to Symi and it was a wonderful day and a great way to see the island.
It will also give you a chance to reach great snorkelling spots and see things that you can only see by boat. Plus, being on the open ocean with the wind in your hair and the sun on your back is a great way to spend an afternoon.
9. Take a trip to 7-Springs
This was one of my favourite things I did in Rhodes and it’s well worth a day trip from Lindos. We took a taxi and it was only about 25 minutes. It wasn’t too expensive either and we simply flagged the taxi down from the harbour area.
Seven Springs allows you to temporarily escape the bustling town and beach life of Lindos and explore gorgeous woodland scenery and freshwater springs instead.
It’s a lush, scenic area tucked away in the hills near the village of Apolakkia. As well as spring, you’ll find a lake, stunning waterfalls, and some pretty impressive views.
It’s a popular spot for hiking, swimming, paddling in the shallow pools, or simply relaxing in the leafy goodness. It’s also a great spot to have a picnic and go birdwatching, with several species of birds, including the European bee-eater, commonly seen in the area.
Be sure to pack appropriately though, and take a water bottle, comfortable shoes, and insect repellant.
Overall…
Lindos is a great place to visit and one of my favourite places in Greece. From the magnificence of the Acropolis to the beauty of St Paul’s Bay, this is a town that will keep you coming back.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday, an adventurous excursion, or a cultural experience, there are so many wonderful things to do in Lindos. With its stunning scenery, rich cultural heritage, and relaxed atmosphere, Lindos is a destination not to be missed when visiting Rhodes.
So I hope this article has helped you plan your brilliant trip to Lindos. I loved it there and I’m sure you will too. 🙂
👉 Haven’t decided where to stay yet? Here are all my favourite places to stay in Rhodes!
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