Top things to do in Kiotari

Spectacularly overlooking the adjacent town of Lindos, the Acropolis is a stunning archaeological site dating back to the 4th century B.C. It sits atop a hill 116 metres high. Situated at the top of a 116-metre-high hill, the ancient citadel includes the ruins of the Temple of Athena, a colonnaded walkway dating back to the Hellenistic period and the Byzantine Chapel of St John. It's a steep climb through the winding streets of Lindos, then onto a well-trodden path, but it's well worth the effort as you'll be rewarded with stunning views during the accent. However, we recommend that you save the leather in your shoes and the muscles in your legs and take the popular donkey ride to the top. These well-maintained mules follow a familiar path to the summit and are an equally enjoyable experience for young and old alike.

In the middle of the nearby town of Lindos is a Greek Orthodox place of worship dating back to the 1300s, the Church of Panagia. The church has been renovated several times over the centuries, most recently during the Italian occupation in the 1920s. The interior of the church is cool and features superb frescoes of saints and biblical scenes lovingly preserved, while the exterior is equally impressive, with a tall bell tower towering over the building. If you'd like to find out more about the history of the area, there's a small museum attached to the church.

Although neither ancient nor steeped in history, a visit to the Ioanni Zigdi monument is well worth including in your holiday itinerary. This stone shrine is located above the northern end of Lindos town, a short walk from Kiotari, and is dedicated to a popular local hero, Greek politician and economist, Ioanni Zigdi, who was born in Lindos in 1913. Situated on a small hill, the current attraction for tourists is the spectacular view that the site offers over the bay and the Acropolis, and it is also one of the best places to watch the sunrise on the island.

At the northern end of St Paul's Bay, a short distance from Kiotari, is a circular stone structure said to be the burial place of the 6th-century Greek poet Kleoboulous. Unfortunately, there is no reliable evidence to support this claim and it is more likely that the tomb is the final resting place of a wealthy local family. Whatever its history, Kleoboulous Tomb is well worth a visit for the spectacular views across the bay towards Kiotari. The gentle 3km walk to the site is a great way to exercise your leg muscles and a welcome alternative to lazing on the beach.

Opposite the Acropolis of Lindos, on the eastern side of the bay, is St Paul's Chapel, a stunning example of a traditional Greek church. Built to mark the spot where St Paul landed in 51 AD to begin his work as a Christian missionary on Rhodes, this simple white chapel rests just above the water's edge. This location, combined with stunning views and picturesque scenery, has made it a favourite venue for modern weddings. A trip to Rhodes during the summer months is often an opportunity to attend a beautiful wedding that looks as if it has just stepped off a film set.