The Thorough Guide to Lindos
The 10 best things to do, how to get here, what to eat, where to stay, interactive map and more!
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Lindos is a beautiful little town on the Island of Rhodes, Greece. Full of quaint winding streets, white-stone buildings and topped with an impressive acropolis, it is the perfect place to base yourself for a holiday. We spent a week here on our first holiday together and completely fell in love with this charming town – I don’t think we’ll ever stop shouting from the rooftops about how amazing our time was. We crammed in a lot including sightseeing, day trips, relaxing in the sun and enjoying the views from walks. We definitely tried to do it all! So without further ado, here is our thorough Lindos Travel Guide. All you need to know before you go, including the best things to do, places to see, food to eat and more!
Time needed: 1 week+.
When to go: June or September for glorious sunshine and to avoid the school holidays.
Weather: Averages of 10°C-17°C in the Winter and 20°C-35°C in the Summer.
Language Spoken: Greek.
Currency: Euro.
Things to do
1) Climb up to Lindos Acropolis
This iconic acropolis is Lindos’ most picture-worthy location. A vast hilltop archaeological site which not only boasts some impressive ancient history but also offers incredible 360° views of Lindos town and the ocean. How old is Lindos Acropolis – we hear you ask? Dating back to the 4th century BC and standing at a height of 116m, this ancient citadel includes The Doric Temple of the Goddess Athena Lindia, the Propylaea (gateway) of the Sanctuary, the Hellenistic stoa (walkway) and a relief of a Rhodian trireme (warship).
Look out for fossils in the stone underfoot!
Get there early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the busier periods.
Hours: April-October: 8:00-19:40, November-March: 8:00-15:00, Tue-Sun.
2) Don’t miss the Ancient Theatre
What most guidebooks don’t mention is that there is actually an ancient theatre around the back of the acropolis. We accidentally stumbled upon this impressive carved theatre on a wander and we’re glad we did because we would have come home without knowing it existed! We also had it all to ourselves. Considering how busy the acropolis itself can get it just goes to show that leaving the path most trodden can sometimes be incredibly rewarding.
3) Get lost wandering the streets
We like to spend time exploring new destinations on foot. We’re big advocates of getting a little lost as we tend to find it often offers experiences that rival the bigger tourist destinations.
Explore Lindos’ little winding streets, discover white-stone churches and market shops, make friends with the locals and many cats and taking in breath-taking views of the sea.
There are also some lovely little bars, restaurants and cafés to stop at along the way – we loved Socrates’ for a midday break from the sun with an icy drink.
Pro tip: Lindos’ bars can offer excellent and free WiFi connections! Back in 2015 we didn’t get free roaming in Europe (and with Brexit (ugh) it looks like that will be reality again soon) so we would escape the midday heat, grab a glass of Greek wine and catch up with family at Giorgos 2 Food Café Bar.
4) Eat to your heart’s content
If you know us, you know we’re massive foodies. Luckily for you we’ve compiled a list of the must-try foods in Greece. We’d highly recommend trying:
- Taramasalta, houmous, tatziki – with pitta bread
- Gyros
- Calamari, octopus & fresh seafood
- Fresh olives
- Dolmades
- Moussaka
- Greek frozen yogurt
And I cannot not mention Lindos’ rooftop restaurants! There’s so many to choose from, we ate at a different one each night and every single one had breath-taking views of the acropolis all lit up!
5) Visit St Paul’s Bay
A gorgeous and secluded bay on the other side of the headland to the town and main beach, St Paul’s Bay is definitely worth the walk. Relax on the beach, paddle in the sea or stretch out on a lounger at Paralia Agios Pavlos. You might even see a Greek wedding being held in the little church on the corner.
6) Relax on the Beach
Did you even go on holiday if you didn’t go to the beach? Choose between Lindos beach or the smaller Pallas beach for your time in the sun. For all you adrenaline junkies, there are plenty of water sports on offer. Try parasailing, a banana boat or hire a jet ski.
For those who like a slower pace of life, this stand up paddle board and snorkel tour is perfect. It includes all the gear you need and lessons for first-timers, as well as snacks and photos!
7) Get out of town
The capital, Rhodes Town, has so much to offer it’s definitely worth a day trip (or two!). So, how far is Rhodes Town from Lindos? The distance by road is approximately 30.1 m (48.4 km) and takes only 1 hour and 45 minutes. The KTEL bus departs from the main road in Lindos regularly and is super cheap and easy to use so there’s no excuse not to make the journey and discover the rich cultural history of the island.
When you enter the walls of Medieval Old Town of Rhodes you enter into the oldest inhabited medieval city in Europe! Take some time to wander the streets of this UNSECO World Heritage City, looking out for Medieval buildings, Byzantine and Gothic churches, mosques with oriental motifs, traditional fountains, shops, cafés and more! There are roughly 200 little streets to explore and you may discover the Street of the Knights, which is lined with the buildings where the holy warriors spent their time in prayer or military practice.
Be sure to check out the Throne of Helios – a 9D Special Effects Cinema, which will give you a full understanding of the history of the island.
And don’t miss:
- The Colossus of Rhodes Memorial: The site of one of the seven ancient wonders of the world.
- The Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes: Buy your ticket for an audio-guided tour of this stunning historical palace here.
- The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes: Discover Greek history and ancient artefacts through informative and engaging exhibitions.
Read next: Thorough Guide to Rhodes Town
Rhodes Town isn’t the only place worth visiting though! Check out these other fun day trips from Lindos:
- For banging nightlife head to Pefkos (a 10 minute drive from Lindos) or Faliraki (35 minute drive).
- For rural countryside road-trip to Rhodes’ West Coast and visit the ancient Kritinia Castle (1 hour drive).
- For the quietest and most secluded beaches head to Rhodes’ South Coast (35 minute drive).
- To escape the heat, cool down at Faliraki Water Park (35 minute drive). Hours: May, September & October: 10:00 – 18:00, June, July, August: 10:00 – 19:00, November-April: closed.
Prices: 1 Day Ticket: Adult 12+: €24, Children 3-12: €16/0-3: Free. Special offers for 2 & 3 days. - Take a hike to Tsambika Monastery (a 30 minute drive from Lindos). Perched on top of a large hill surrounded by a national park, this leisurely hike to the top will reward you with some of the best views on the island.
- Island hop to the nearby Symi, one of the most traditional and colourful islands in the Aegean Sea.
8) Take a boat trip
You can’t go on holiday to a place like Lindos, which has one of the bluest seas you’ll ever see, and not go out on it! (Unless you get sea sick – then this one might not be for you).
Depart from the jetty at Pallas beach on a glass bottom boat for crystal clear views of fish and the sea floor. Or soak up the sun with your feet trailing in the turquoise waters on a Lazy Day Cruise. Don’t miss Lion Rock, look out for cormorants and take in the stunning view of the hilll-top Acropolis towering over the town. If you’re travelling as a group, why not charter a boat and enjoy a day cruising on the azure waters? Whatever type of boat you choose, the views of the coastline will be unrivalled.
9) Chill out at Lindos Ice Bar
Escape the heat outside with a cocktail in a bar made completely of ice! At a balmy -6°C, Lindos Ice Bar will cool you right down (don’t worry, you‘re provided with an insulated poncho-coat). Even the glasses are made of ice – a totally unique experience.
The Ice Bar isn’t the only option for a relaxing drink. Lindos’ nightlife scene is super varied with many restaurants, bars and clubs to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a rooftop restaurant with views of the acropolis at sunset, or a club with a sick beat there’s something for you.
10) Hike for the best views
As you’ve probably gathered by now, Lindos is incredibly picturesque. One of the best hikes from Lindos town is the path to the tomb of Kleoboulos, a Greek poet and one of the Seven Sages of Greece. This walk offers panoramic views of Lindos and the acropolis.
Pro-tip: The path can be uneven and there is little shade so take appropriate shows and lots of water.
Interactive Lindos Map
Getting around Lindos
It’s super easy to get around Lindos on foot so there’s no public transportation within the town (unless you count the donkeys to and from the acropolis but for ethical reasons I wouldn’t recommend that). If you do tire of walking you can take a taxi – fares start at a flat rate of €3.70 and it’s €3.22/mile after that.
To explore further afield you can hire a car or take the KTEL bus from the main road.
How to get from Rhodes Airport to Lindos
The easiest way to get to Rhodes is to fly. Many major European flights will fly directly into Rhodes International Airport Diagoras. Those that don’t will often require a change in Athens or Thessaloniki, which offer direct flights to Rhodes.
We travelled to Rhodes with TUI. They have a range of ATOL protected holidays for every budget, from basic self-catering to luxury all inclusive packages.
Airport Connections
Enjoy the stunning scenery whiz by on your drive from the north-west airport to the cove in the the south-east of the island. Don’t get a taxi outside the airport unless you’ve lots of cash to spare! Instead book an airport transfer in advance. You can book a a private transfer (around £55) or shared mini-bus (which is significantly cheaper at around £10 per person).
Or if you want more freedom, why not rent a car? Book in advance for the best prices and collect your car from the airport terminal, giving you free roam of the entire island.
If you’re on a budget you can always catch the local bus. Buses on Rhodes are nice and reliable but the 2 hour 30 minute journey will cost £6-9 per person, which is nearly the same price as a shared shuttle transfer, which can be much quicker!
Ferry
If flying’s not for you, you can take the ferry. From the mainland you would need to go from Piraeus port, near Athens. Ferries also go from Santorini, Crete, Kos, Patmos, Leros and Simi.
Beware, some ferries can be slow and take a long time. It’s best to book in advance and consider reserving a seat or shared/private cabin, all of which can be booked for an extra fee.
Best Restaurants in Lindos
If our list of foods to try in point 4 got you salivating then don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here is where you can find some of best food in Greece.
Mavrikos – Opened in 1933 and located in Lindos town square, this family-run restaurant is the oldest restaurants in lindos! Chef Dimitri Mavriko’s cooking combines Greek cuisine with fresh ingredients, putting his own twist on classic dishes and has been featured everywhere from the Discovery Channel to the New York Times.
Mythos – Conveniently located in Lindos’ main square, Mythos offers some of the best views in Lindos! Look up at the stunning acropolis on one side and look out to the ocean on the other. This restaurant offers traditional Greek food and lots of Mediterranean seafood for a fully authentic dining experience.
Royo Frozen Yoghurt – There’s no better way to cool down from the scorching Greek sun than with a pot of fresh frozen yoghurt and Royo has the best we’ve ever tasted!
Top-tips: For the quieter experiences make sure to avoid the beachfront restaurants and eat dinner before the locals do at 20:00. And we’d recommend to always choose a rooftop restaurant – the view of the acropolis never gets old!
If you’re on foot, two great options for food shopping are Supermarket Flora, located on the main road, by the bus stop or ABC Supermarket in town. If you’ve got a car or take a taxi a slightly bigger store is Flevaris supermarket.
Lindos Accommodation
There is a wide range of accommodation in Lindos, from 1-5 stars and from all included to self-catering. We know there’s nothing more annoying than researching accommodation only to find out it’s not even walkable to the town! So the following list of hotels are all centrally located and the perfect base for a holiday of any budget!
For luxury:
Melenos Art Boutique Hotel – This hotel was created by local Michalis Melenos who has created an intimate hotel which subtly combines ancient history with 21st-century expectations of comfort. Having featured in hundreds of magazines, you can choose between 12 17th-centrury style suites or book Villa Melenos for a luxury escape. Enjoy an opulent dining with impressive views of the acropolis in the rooftop restaurant, which mixes traditional Greek food with an inclusion of the aromatic influence coming from Asia Minor.
Mid-range:
Lindos Harmony Suites – These centrally located suites offer style and comfort and come fully equipped with a flat-screen, satellite TV, DVD player, mini fridge and electric kettle. The perfect accommodation for those who like to relax and go-slow, the hotel also offers a terrace with views over the Aegean Sea and the acropolis.
On a budget:
Lindos Gardens – We can recommend this one personally as it’s where we stayed! A basic but comfortable resort located 10 minutes from town and 5 minutes from the main road, Lindos Gardens is the perfect budget-friendly option. The panoramic views of the acropolis from our self-catered room were incredible and we enjoyed the 2 pools (an infinity pool and a larger pool with a swim-up bar).
Read Next:
The Thorough Guide to Rhodes Town
The Thorough Guide to Reykjavík
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