Hardly any other place on Rhodes draws visitors like Lindos, the postcard motif of the island. A sea of whitewashed houses nestles along a hill, crowned at the top by a mighty castle complex. Below it lies a long curved bay with a bright sandy beach.
“Lindos is the most beautiful place on Rhodes. But also the place most affected by mass tourism.”
The dreamlike scenery is both a curse and a blessing of the former capital of Rhodes, which today has around 1,000 inhabitants. And rightly famous – Lindos on Rhodes draws the crowds, as everyone wants to explore this picturesque village and photograph it from every angle.
Below we share our 7 most important Lindos tips for visiting the picturesque village and show you how to explore this Rhodes highlight in a relatively relaxed way:
🏖️ Dream beaches & hidden bays
🍽️ Restaurants, tavernas & cafés
🏛️ Must-see highlights & ancient sites
🗺️ Worthwhile spots & insider tips
🚘 Practical info like rentals & parking
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#1 Getting to Lindos
Lindos is located on the east coast of the island of Rhodes, about an hour from the capital. The main road (Route 95) runs from Rhodes Town in the north down to Lindos, a distance of about 47 km.
Just outside the entrance to Lindos there is also a bus stop. From here, you can catch the Rhodes public buses of the KTEL company, which travel north and south. Current bus timetables can be found at: KTEL Rodou
Best time to visit Lindos
Visiting Lindos is one of the most popular Rhodes excursions. If you want to enjoy the picturesque alleyways and the Acropolis as undisturbed as possible, we recommend arriving before 9 a.m. in high season. After that, the alleyways fill up quickly and finding a parking space around Lindos becomes a real challenge.
Parking in Lindos
Since the historic centre of Lindos is traffic-calmed, you have to park your vehicle outside the village. A number of parking areas (mostly paid) are available around the village.
On our first visit, we made the mistake of parking at the Lindos Beach car park. On top of the rather steep parking fees, getting back out onto the main road in the afternoon and evening was a stressful experience due to the heavy traffic.
We recommend parking above St. Paul’s Bay, either at the free Lindos Parking 3 or at Lindos St. Paul’s Parking (€5). From here you can walk directly into the maze of alleyways.
Having your own vehicle gives you the most flexibility, allowing you to visit Lindos outside the busiest hours. You can find good-value rental cars for your trip to Lindos through our partner Discover Cars*:
➲ To offers for cheap rental cars*
#2 Acropolis of Lindos
The landmark of Lindos is over 3,000 years old and rises above the village at an altitude of 116 metres. The fortress is one of the most popular things to do in Greece, and ongoing restoration work continues to this day. A visit is worthwhile even for those who are not particularly drawn to history.
The Acropolis of Lindos has a long history. Construction of the ancient upper city (Greek: akro = upper, polis = city) began in the mid-6th century BC. Under the Romans, new buildings were added. In the 15th century, the Knights of St. John expanded the hill into a fortified stronghold against the Ottomans.
Many ancient buildings and columns have been well preserved or rebuilt, giving a vivid impression of the scale of the Acropolis. Everywhere you find traces left by the original builders and successive occupiers. The view from the top platform over the picturesque coastline – including St. Paul’s Bay – is simply breathtaking.
💡 Save time at the Lindos Acropolis: To avoid long queues at the entrance, we recommend purchasing your ticket in advance. Available via GetYourGuide*: Online ticket Acropolis*
Entrance & Opening Hours Acropolis of Lindos
Summer opening hours Lindos Acropolis:
- 1 April to 31 August: 08:00–20:00, last admission at 19:30
Autumn opening hours Lindos Acropolis:
- 1–15 September: 08:00–19:30, last admission at 19:00
- 16–30 September: 08:00–19:00, last admission at 18:30
- 1–15 October: 08:00–18:30, last admission at 18:00
- 16–31 October: 08:00–18:00, last admission at 17:30
Ticket prices for the Acropolis of Lindos:
- €20 for adults, €10 for seniors aged 65 and over, EU citizens up to 25 years of age free of charge
→ Since 2024, you must purchase your timed-entry ticket for the Lindos Acropolis in advance, e.g. via GetYourGuide* or hhticket.gr
Visit to the Acropolis
Right at the entrance you can still see old cisterns and the relief of a warship from 190 BC. A staircase leads up to the lower level of the complex, where the commandant’s house and a Byzantine church are located – the latter was unfortunately closed during our visit.
Further up, we discovered the Hellenistic stoa of the Acropolis. The sweeping colonnade with the grand stairway behind it makes for a beautiful photograph – especially in the early morning hours, when the light and the atmosphere here are truly special.
At the very top, the Temple of Athena Lindia is the centrepiece of the complex. Make sure to look out over the fortress walls, where the coast drops steeply into the deep blue Aegean – with St. Paul’s Bay in the background, it is a breathtaking view.
In high season, the town and the Acropolis are bursting at the seams, swamped by organised bus tours. The path up to the fortress becomes a bottleneck at lunchtime. We recommend these tours only in the low season – bookable through our partner GetYourGuide*:
💡 Lindos tours perfectly organised: For unforgettable excursions to Lindos and other highlights on Rhodes, we recommend Vicky’s travel agency “Faliraki Tours Travel Agency”. With a personal touch, German-speaking support, excellent organisation and a real passion for the island, every excursion becomes a unique experience – ideal for independent Rhodes explorers! More information at: Faliraki Tours
In midsummer, it is almost impossible to take a photo without crowds in the frame. Some visitors have left what is arguably the most famous spot on Rhodes feeling thoroughly frazzled, thanks to mass tourism.
Even in high season, you can get ahead of the rush by arriving for the opening at 8:00 a.m. at the Lindos Acropolis. This gives you a good window to look around in peace. From 11 a.m. onwards, the Acropolis becomes extremely crowded.
The Donkeys of Lindos
As animal lovers, it is hard to watch the donkeys of Lindos working day after day in blazing heat above 30°C. Countless adult tourists are carried up to the 116-metre-high Acropolis on their backs, with donkey and mule rides marketed as a tourist attraction.
We took a close look at the animals after working hours and noticed chafed patches on their backs and curved spines caused by the heavy daily strain. The legal maximum load of 100 kg is frequently not observed either.
Animal welfare organisations such as Liber Life Rhodes have been campaigning against donkey riding in Lindos for years. Even though donkeys are working animals by nature, they should not be subjected to these conditions. As fit adults, we would encourage everyone to use their own two feet – the climb to the Acropolis is straightforward and not particularly strenuous. You can find more information on animal welfare in Greece in our article: Stray animals in Greece
#3 Lindos Walking Tour
After an early visit to the Acropolis, it is well worth exploring the alleyways of the old village afterwards. In the morning there is still a magical stillness here, and you can soak up the special atmosphere undisturbed. Despite its modest size, Lindos is often referred to as a city – though for us it feels more like a village with a big personality.
The heart of the village centre of Lindos is the Panagia Church, with its red roof and free-standing bell tower. The magnificent 14th-century church houses a small museum as well as valuable frescoes from the post-Byzantine period. Even at the height of the tourist rush, the inner courtyard feels like a haven of peace.
As you wander through the labyrinth of alleyways in Lindos, be sure to peek through the open house entrances along the way. Many of the old sea captains’ houses still have magnificent courtyards with floors decorated in hand-set pebble mosaics, known as “hohlaki”.
Along the alleyways, boutiques, shops and souvenir stores offer plenty of shopping opportunities in Lindos. High-quality leather goods such as sandals are available at Thanos Leather Shop, and culinary island souvenirs can be found at the delicatessen Kerasma Lindos.
#4 Beautiful beaches near Lindos
Lindos Beach
Directly below Lindos is the long town beach with fine sand and a very shallow shoreline. Popular with families, as you can walk a long way into the sea. Fully equipped with sunbeds, showers, changing rooms, beach tavernas and water sports. In high season it is usually completely overcrowded and can get quite dirty – not for those seeking peace and quiet.
St. Paul’s Bay
A fantastic bay south of Lindos, tucked behind the Acropolis. It is here that the Apostle Paul is said to have set foot on the island of Rhodes for the first time in the 1st century AD. In his honour, the gleaming white chapel of Agios Pavlos stands at the eastern end of the bay and is a popular venue for weddings.
The narrow sandy beach of St. Paul’s Bay has a gentle slope into the sea, but it is almost entirely managed by the local restaurant, which charges €40 for two loungers and an umbrella. Space to lay down a towel is limited. In high season, the bay is usually full of excursion boats.
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Vlycha Beach
A beautiful sandy beach about 3 km northwest of Lindos, used primarily by guests of the local hotels in the village of Theotokos. Water sports and boat rentals are also available. Parking can be found at the northern end of the beach near the beach bar CANTEEN Vlicha.
Pefkos Beach (Paralia Pefki)
A long golden sandy beach with crystal-clear water in the resort of Pefkos, just south of Lindos. Well organised with sunbeds, showers, changing rooms and beach bars. If you prefer more seclusion, the rocky cove of Fokia Bay on the edge of the village is a good alternative.
#5 Guided tours to Lindos
If you don’t have your own vehicle, you can join a guided tour or use a transfer service to Lindos. Both bus tours and boat trips visit the coastal village – click on the GetYourGuide* links for availability and pricing:
➲ To the Acropolis ticket with audio guide*
#6 Tips for Restaurants & Cafés
Melia Bistro Café: A great spot for a second breakfast after visiting the Acropolis and exploring the alleyways. On the café’s large roof terrace, delicious snacks, cakes and pastries, smoothies and various coffee specialities are served. Good value for money!
EnKaiPan: Beautifully decorated restaurant set in a tropical garden. Creatively presented Mediterranean dishes and good cocktails, though prices are on the high side.
Almyra: A pleasant beach restaurant on Lindos Beach with views of the Acropolis. Interesting food creations are served in a tasteful setting. Like almost everywhere in Lindos, prices are high.
Street Food Area: Good and affordable pita gyros and souvlaki in the centre of Lindos. Perfect for a quick lunch or a bite to eat on the go.
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#7 Lindos Hotel Tips
In the village itself there are some holiday apartments and tasteful boutique hotels. If the hustle and bustle in the village feels like too much, the quieter western part of Lindos beyond the main road is a good option. Alternatively, we recommend a stay in nearby Theotokos, just 5 minutes away. Here are our favourite hotels in Lindos:
Lindos Blu Luxury Hotel & Suites
Elegant 5-star hotel on the northern edge of the Theotokos resort. Modern rooms, friendly staff and a fantastic view over Vlycha Bay.
➲ Book Lindos Blu Luxury Hotel*
Melenos Art Boutique Hotel
Quietly located boutique hotel directly below the Acropolis with a magnificent panoramic view of Lindos Bay. Varied breakfast and stylishly furnished rooms.
➲ Book Melenos Art Boutique Hotel*
Lindos Comfy Suites
3-star aparthotel in the western part of Lindos with modern rooms and a cosy roof terrace with views of the Acropolis. Good value for money!
Lindos Beach Boutique Villa
A dream in blue and white: Tasos rents out a lovingly designed villa for four people above Lindos Bay, with a cosy courtyard, views and a hot tub.
➲ Book Lindos Beach Boutique Villa*
→ More articles and numerous travel tips for Rhodes can be found here:
- Rhodes Highlights
- Best Rhodes Hotels
- Rhodes Resorts
- Rhodes Holidays – 11 Important tips
- Rhodes Beaches – Our favourites
- Day Trip Rhodes Town
- Rhodes with children – 9 Highlights
- Seven Springs of Rhodes
- Tsambika (Beach & Monastery)
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