By Annick Dournes & Frederic de Poligny
Lindos acropolis overlooking St Paul Bay
Lindos is a must-see site when going to Rhodes. Of course visiting the ancient acropolis is on your list of must do when visiting the island but this is not the only thing to do in Lindos. With its picturesque old village, its two beaches and water activities, its hiking trails and its night life Lindos deserves at least one day of your precious holiday time.
Lindos-acropolis
First thing first, your day will begin with the visit of the acropolis when the heat is still comfortable. During the high season the site is open every day from 8:00 am to 19:30 pm. Try to be there before 9 am you will thus avoid the heat and the crowds of tourists who get there from Rhodes town by coach on a one-day excursion. Arriving later, you would have to deal with a heavy traffic of cars trying to get to one of the parking lots and with the tourist groups invading the narrow streets of the old village.
Shopping-time-in-Lindos-village
It is believed that Lindos was founded in the 10th century BC by the Dorians who were one of the first four ethnic groups that were to create the Hellenes of Classical Greece. The site was well chosen for several reasons. First it is ideally located on the eastern coast of Rhodes making it a major trading centre between Greeks and Phoenicians.
Inside-the-acropolis-walls
Plus, the site is simply beautiful and 3,000 years later we realise that we share the same beauty standards as our distant ancestors! The acropolis was built on top of a high hill overlooking the bay with two beautiful beaches at its foot. In between a lovely white village seems to be climbing up the steep slope. One of the best views in all Greece!
The-iconic-Lindos-Athena-Temple
You can either climb up the hill by foot or riding a donkey that local guides rent to tourists. The site was successively inhabited by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Knights of Saint John and Ottomans. Each of them left evidence of their passing. The top of the hill has probably been a place of worship since the 9th century BC. A first temple dedicated to Athena was built in the 6th century BC but burned out 200 years later. It was not before the 3rd century BC that a stone temple was built on the same place. This is the Doric temple we can still see today with its elegant colonnade, impressive double stairway, five unusual vaulted doorways and a high surrounding wall built at the same time as the temple.
Impressive-staircase-inside-the-acropolis
When climbing up the long stone staircase leading to the main entrance don’t miss the iconic relief of a Rhodian antique warship cut in the rocky wall on your left-hand side.
There is not much left from the Byzantine time and the Castle of the Knights of Saint John was built in the beginning of the 14th century on the foundations of their remains. Three of the original towers of the medieval fortress still stand guard over the bay as well as a gothic chapel.
The-medieval-St-John-Chapel
On the way down take time to enjoy the narrow pedestrian streets of the old village. There are filled with cafes, restaurants and small shops selling all kinds of souvenirs such as local crafts, jewels and clothes. Downhill local women sell embroidered tablecloths, tablemats, aprons… They call out to the tourists passing by in several different languages in a joyful cacophony!
Embroidered-table-clothes-for-sale-on-the-way-up-to-the-acropolis
After this cultural yet active morning on the acropolis it’s time to enjoy Lindos beaches. The first one is Lindos beach long and sandy, from where you’ll have a beautiful view over the acropolis and the white village. It is well equipped with umbrellas and sun beds. On the other side of Lindos promontory is Saint Paul Beach. It is nestled at the far end of an omega shaped cove well protected from wind and waves. Saint Paul Beach aims to be chic and exclusive with luxury amenities. Therefore this is one of the most expensive ones on the island. And of course you also pay for the fantastic view over Lindos temple and the fortress that rise high over the shore.
Impressive-view-from-the-acropolis-terrace
You probably have already heard of sunset in Santorin. Unfortunately it is now the victim of its own success and is over popular and over crowded. Sunset in Lindos is no less marvellous than Santorin’s. While the sun sets behind the hill the acropolis is haloed in this special light while the electric lights of the village start to sparkle in the coming night. There are many bars and restaurants with roof terraces to enjoy this magic moment in Lindos, the pearl of Rhodes.
Text ©Annick Dournes
Photos ©Frederic de Poligny
Typical-Lindos-souvenir
