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Lindos
Lindos is one of the main attractions on the Greek island of Rhodes, with its Acropolis, other ancient sites, beaches and historic captain’s houses.
Lindos is an impossibly picturesque village; a labyrinth of white-painted Dodecanesian-style houses climbing the slopes to the dramatic Acropolis and Knights’ Castle. The village is, of course, a hugely popular visitor attraction, and from Easter onwards it is crowded by day and fairly lively at night. It’s an hour’s drive south of Rhodes Town, about half-way down the island’s east coast.
The Acropolis is the main attraction, but Lindos has much more to offer than this splendid monument. Its narrow streets are empty of traffic and locals carry everything in motorbike trailers with which they negotiate some alarming challenges in the steeper streets.
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In some ways Lindos is robbed of its inherent character by the sheer pressure of visitors and by the multi-lingual guided tours. It’s a popular excursion from the cruise ships which dock in Rhodes Town. Yet the village is still captivating, especially if you allow time to wander and seek out less well-known ancient ruins, the tiny churches, and the quieter corners.
Ancient Lindos
Ancient Lindos was the most prestigious of the three great city-states of Rhodes, the others being Kameiros and Ialyssos. When the three cities combined to found the unified city of Rhodes, Lindos continued to prosper and its sanctuary of Lindian Athena remained a place of pilgrimage until Roman times.
The Knights of St John kept a strong presence here, and during the Turkish era, Lindos was a prosperous sea-going community. Modern Lindos still reflects this history of commerce and culture.
Ancient Sites Around Lindos
The prime site of the Acropolis apart, there are a number of other ancient sites scattered throughout the Lindos area. Within the village itself is the well-preserved 4th-century BC amphitheatre. It’s located on the south-western side of the Acropolis just below the Stavri Square car park. Nearby are the remains of a large building, thought to have been a temple of the 3rd or 2nd century BC. Later Christian churches were built over the site.
Directly opposite the Acropolis, on the side of Krana Hill and above the highest houses of the village, is the ruin of a monumental necropolis, the tomb of a wealthy Hellenistic family. On Cape Agios Emilianos, across the main bay from the Acropolis, is the so-called ‘Tomb of Kleoboulos’, a large circular mausoleum composed of stone slabs. It can be reached by a path from the main beach. There is no convincing evidence that this actually is the tomb of Kleoboulos, who was a famous ruler of Lindos.
Read our review of the Best Guidebook to Rhodes
Beaches Around Lindos
On the north side of the village is a substantial bay in the shelter of the Acropolis hill. Directly below the Acropolis lies a small harbour where fishing boats moor. Further round the bay is Lindos’s very busy main beach. There are several tavernas and bars, beach furniture can be hired, and water sports are available.
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There is another beach further round the bay, and bathing places beyond the headland of Cape Agios Emilianos. To the south of the Acropolis lies the remarkable natural harbour of St Paul, where the evangelist is said to have landed on his mission to spread Christianity.
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Houses of the
Captains
An earthquake of 1610 devastated Lindos but the settlement was rebuilt in traditional style, and today’s houses, a mix of simple vernacular buildings and handsome Gothic mansions, enhanced with subtle Byzantine and Moorish features, stand behind their high walls and inner courtyards where there is much use made of the exquisite pebble flooring called hokhlaki.
The Lindian doorways, called pyliones, often have fine carvings around them. Wealth from seagoing enriched Lindos, and many of the finer houses were built by sea captains. Several of these restored captains’ houses are open for public viewing, although they are often tied in with restaurants or gift shops. You can get details from the tourist office.
Our Pick of Greek Islands Guides
Panagia (Church of
the Assumption of Our Lady)
Panagia is the main church of Lindos and stands at the heart of the village. It dates from medieval times but has been lovingly cared for and refurbished over the years. The characteristic exterior is rather engulfed by its close-knit surroundings but the interior is overwhelming, a superb example of Orthodox decoration.
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Late 19th-century frescoes, restored in the 1920s, cover the walls and depict vivid biblical scenes. There are numerous fine icons, and the wooden altar screen and Bishop’s throne are beautifully carved. The pebble mosaic floor is outstanding. There is a strict requirement for visitors to dress soberly, and photography is not allowed.
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Places to See in Southern Rhodes
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The best Rhodes guidebook is undoubtedly the A-Z Travel Guide to Rhodes, including Symi, with a new revised and updated edition for 2022.
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The Greece Travel Secrets guide to the Old Jewish Quarter, which you’ll see if you visit the Old Town of Rhodes.
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