Lindos combines a distinctive settlement layout with archaeological remains, church history and beach activities. These themes offer you different starting points when choosing a destination between local history and the coast. If you are looking for hotels in Lindos, you can first consider whether ancient buildings, the church complex or beach activities should shape your stay.
Lindos between the Acropolis and Mount Krana
The settlement of Lindos stretches across a narrow strip of land. It is bounded to the east by the ancient Acropolis and to the west by Mount Krana. This geographical layout provides two concrete reference points for understanding the townscape: the Acropolis and the mountain mark opposite sides of the strip on which the settlement lies. In this way, the topography adds Lindos’s geographical setting to the view of its individual sights.
Acropolis: Buildings and Historical Significance
The Acropolis of Lindos stands on a hill and can be reached on foot or by donkey. Check the current rules for access on site. Archaeological remains on the Acropolis include the large Doric stoa dating from around 200 BC. At the entrance is a relief carved into the rock depicting a trihemiolia, a typical Rhodian type of warship. The stoa and the relief reveal different aspects of the site: a large building on the one hand, and a ship depicted in the rock on the other.
The Sanctuary of Lindian Athena is part of the historical context. Because of this famous sanctuary, Lindos was an important religious center in Rhodes and throughout Greece. Its religious significance can be considered alongside the specific archaeological features of the Acropolis without confusing the individual architectural and artistic remains.
Church of the Dormition of the Virgin and Museum
The Church of the Dormition of the Virgin in Lindos was built between the 13th and 15th centuries, or possibly earlier. Marble architectural elements from earlier periods were reused in the construction of the church and in the design of its exterior. Examples include an altar and a marble throne. Both the church’s history and the reuse of older elements are therefore among the specific topics you can explore when learning about the town.
The Ecclesiastical Museum of Lindos is housed in a complex comprising three parts: the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin, its northern annex and part of the former primary school. The permanent exhibition is located in the irregularly shaped annex north of the church. The exhibition and the complex as a whole should therefore be distinguished spatially: the exhibition occupies a specific part of the building, while the described complex also includes the church and part of the former school.
Beaches and Boating
Small motorboats and pedal boats can be rented at Lindos Beach; availability may vary by season. If boat rentals are important to your plans, check what is on offer for your visit. Nearby Saint Paul’s Beach is described differently: it has sand and pebbles, as well as a few small rocky outcrops. You can therefore distinguish between an activity available at Lindos Beach and the features of nearby Saint Paul’s Beach when considering which coastal focus suits your trip.
Discover more destinations: Petaloudes, Gennadi, Profilia, Pastida, South Rhodes, Symi, Salakos, Fanes.
For the broader travel overview: Rhodes.
