Lindos: Acropolis, History and Coast

Lindos combines archaeological remains and church architecture with beach activities. The historic sites and waterside experiences offer different priorities when planning a holiday: would you most like to explore the town’s history, or are beach days among your top holiday ideas? The answer can help you choose a holiday apartment that suits your plans.

The town’s layout between the Acropolis and 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 clear east–west orientation makes the landscape a good starting point for getting to know the town’s distinctive layout. At the same time, the hill of the Acropolis and the mountain stand out as two different landmarks: one is part of ancient history, while the other is a defining feature of the town’s landscape.

Those who mainly want to explore archaeological and church buildings will plan differently from those who want to focus on beach and boating activities. The town’s features offer specific interests to consider, without requiring every holiday day to have the same focus.

The Acropolis: architecture and archaeological details

The Acropolis of Lindos is on a hill and can be reached on foot or by donkey. Check locally for current access options before your visit. The Acropolis is home to a large Doric stoa dating from around 200 BC. A stoa is a colonnaded hall; the term provides a clear description of the ancient structure, while the date adds historical context.

Another archaeological detail can be found at the entrance to the ancient Acropolis: a relief of a trihemiolia, a typical Rhodian warship, carved into the rock. In this compact setting, different kinds of ancient remains stand side by side—a large structure and a ship relief carved into the rock. Lindos was an important religious centre on Rhodes and throughout Greece because of the famous sanctuary of Lindian Athena. This historical context adds to the significance the site once held, beyond its individual buildings and artworks.

Church and museum complex

The Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary is also part of Lindos’ architectural history. It was built between the 13th and 15th centuries or earlier. Marble elements from earlier periods were reused in the construction of the church and the design of its exterior. Examples cited include an altar and a marble throne. Looking at these reused elements draws attention not only to the church itself, but also to how older building materials were incorporated into its design.

The Ecclesiastical Museum of Lindos is housed in a complex of three buildings: the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, its northern annex and part of the former primary school. Its permanent exhibition is in the irregularly shaped annex north of the church. Those interested in the religious side of the town’s history will find another specific area to explore alongside the Acropolis. The church, museum complex and ancient remains offer different cultural highlights to weigh against other holiday ideas when choosing a holiday apartment.

Beach and waterside activities

Small motorboats and pedal boats can be rented at Lindos Beach; availability may vary by season. The two types of boat offer different ways to enjoy a beach day, without requiring you to make a fixed plan for your entire stay. Check local seasonal availability if you have specific plans.

Saint Paul’s Beach, near Lindos, is made up of sand and pebbles and has a few small rocky outcrops. The beaches described therefore have different features: the boating activities mentioned are a highlight at Lindos Beach, while the description of Saint Paul’s Beach focuses on its terrain. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, you can take these different interests into account when planning your holiday and consider whether culture, the beach or a mix of the two should be the deciding factor.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Trianda, Haraki, Sgourou, Salakos, Soroni, Monolithos, Kalavarda, Archángelos.

For the main travel overview: Rhodes.