When I told people that I was going to Lindos, it surprised me how many didn’t know where it was, or had even never heard of it. Yet this small town on Rhodes Island is a beautiful place to explore and most definitely should be on your bucket list.
If you’ve heard of Lindos, it’s probably for the romantic St Paul’s Bay, a heart shaped lagoon where many couples go for a swim, snorkel or even to say I do in the little Cycladic chapel.
We bought a couple of snorkels in a supermarket near the town (18 Euros each for the best ones) and spent a day exploring the coves and deep water.
Two beach areas sit either end with comfy sunbeds and beach bar service. There is also a lovely looking restaurant at the main end of the bay, looking out across the water.
To see the heart outline of the bay, you’ll need to head up to the Lindos Acropolis, the town’s most historic site. Many seem to complain about the 12 Euro entry fee but seeing as this is the only tourist ticket you’ll need in Lindos, it’s hardly something to moan about!
The views themselves are worth it. On arrival you can catch a glimpse of the Megali Paralia, Lindos’ main beach and the slightly smaller Pallas Beach below. We also snorkelled here and caught some rays for a 5 Euro sunbed fee, however do be careful around the jetty as sea urchins can lurk among the rocks! You can also enjoy water sports and a ride in a glass bottom boat from the bay.
As you climb up the Hellenistic staircase (2nd century BC) through the medieval gate, you pass a wall indented with a Rhodian trireme (a warship) that dates back to 180 BC. Make sure to say hi to the cat who guards the entrance.
The main archaeological site begins with a slightly slippy climb over a cascade of rocks, leading you to the summit.
The Propylaea of the Sanctuary is perhaps the most impressive part of the structure, a 4th century BC gateway with a dramatic staircase leading to a D-shaped stoa.
At the edge of the cliff sits a throne like pile of rubble, a perfect spot to awkwardly balance on and attempt a glamorous shot overlooking the bay below! (Allyn did a far better job than me…)
The Doric temple of Athena Lindia is perhaps the star of the show. Although it’s humoured us to discover that the majority of the structure was in fact reconstructed just eleven years ago! Perhaps in 2000 years people will gaze at the columns, trying to imagine what life was like in 2005.
Behind the temple is where the views of St Paul’s Bay look their best. Although upside-down, the heart outline is a truly remarkable natural wonder, a great spot to get a romantic selfie!
Below the Acropolis is Lindos Village, a labyrinth of narrow Cycladic streets filled with restaurants, souvenir shops and dotted with a slippery pebble floor! Donkey rides take those who can’t face the walk up and down from the Acropolis, a perhaps romantic notion however I couldn’t help feeling bad for the poor creatures carrying hefty tourists in the scorching sun.
Among the tacky souvenirs are a few fine jewellery stores and local crafts, my favourite was Kori, where we picked up a gorgeous locally made bowl.
In the centre of it all are rows of restaurants, each beckoning you in for a moussaka and shot of Ouzo. Hungry after the steep walk to the hilltop, we decided on Lindos Restaurant. Their rooftop view over the Acropolis was stunning and the food was equally great.
A fresh mojito was a perfect refreshment and the freshly baked pitta with tzatziki and hummus was delicious.
I particularly enjoyed my ‘shrimp orzo’, a fresh tomato sauce on rice-shaped pasta.
The next day we ventured to the Navarone Bay, a slightly more secluded spot opposite the Lindos Sun Hotel. With turquoise waters and stunning cliff surroundings, I could see why this spot was famous for a backdrop in the film ‘Guns of Navarone’.
We enjoyed a leisurely snorkel out over the cliffs, spotting schools of fishes of all shapes and sizes.
If that’s not enough to keep you occupied in Lindos, then a day trip to Rhodes town is an hour bus journey away. For 6 Euros (one way) you can catch a bus to the town from the Lindos Sun Hotel or at the top of the Village.
I won’t lie, we weren’t overwhelmed by Rhodes. Everyone had told me I should go and visit but I’m not sure what all the fuss is about.
The old town is enclosed within medieval walls, offering a true feeling of ancient Greece. However it is slightly spoiled by the huge number of tacky shops and overpriced jewellery. I would only recommend a visit if you are in need of a change of scenery and have time to spare. I’m sure a meal and glass of wine on one of the open top bars would be delightful.
The only thing we loved about Rhodes was the bright blue pier, a lovely strip to walk along in the sunshine.