Room 1
Lindos
With its traditional Greek village, some of the best beaches in the area and the ancient Acropolis dominating the skyline, Lindos on Rhodes is a stunningly beautiful holiday destination. Spend your days relaxing in St Paul's Bay, take a donkey ride to the Roman ruins or get lost in the maze of traditional whitewashed houses, shops and restaurants, there really is something for everyone.
- Flight time
- 4h
- From London
- Currency
- €
- Euro
- Time zone
- GMT + 2h
Getting to Lindos
Lindos, a former sleepy fishing village and now an authentic seaside resort, is situated in the south-east region of Rhodes, one of the Dodecanese islands. The nearest airport to Lindos is Rhodes International Airport (RHO). The flight from London to Rhodes takes just over four hours, and you can fly direct from London and other major UK cities. Public buses from Rhodes to Lindos take an average of two hours. Alternatively, you can take a private taxi.
Average weather in Lindos
- Temperature (°C)*
- Rainfall (Inches)*
Holidays in Lindos
The nightlife in Lindos is, on the surface, a little more traditional and subdued compared with other ‘party’ locations on the island; but do not be fooled, as the evening matures and those looking for a quiet dinner retire, the music ramps up and the late-night action begins. Some of our early evening favourites include the Historic Captain's House Bar where you can relax in a courtyard surrounded by historic architecture or the Rainbird Bar with its perfectly formed open-air space that looks over olive groves and a tiny church framed by the stunning coastline. If you are hankering for a taste of home then try the Sunburnt Arms, an establishment serving traditional English beers and snacks. For serious late-night revelry, it has to be the Lindos at Night Bar with resident DJs belting out tunes over three floors or Yannis, situated at the centre of town and a perfect place for people watching before its serious party side takes over.
Foodies are spoilt in Lindos with all tastes and budgets catered for. This compact town certainly packs a culinary punch with a variety of restaurants offering rooftop and courtyard dining, most with amazing views, here are a few of our recommendations. For high end dining and a special treat, it has to be the rooftop terrace restaurant of the Melenos Hotel. Here the finest Greek and Mediterranean cuisine is served in a romantic, intimate atmosphere, that has, allegedly led to many marriage proposals. In the heart of Lindos is Byzantino, where rooftop dining provides spectacular vistas but at a fraction of the cost of other high-end establishments or there is Mythos, which has arguably the best of all views, taking in the town and Acropolis, both beautifully illuminated at night. Mythos prides itself on its tasty seafood as does Skala Beach, popular for large family gatherings, the restaurant is used to coping with large numbers of diners and serves great food in a beach front location.
You will not find any malls or discount stores in Lindos, but what you will find are quaint local businesses intertwined with cafes, bars and restaurants which make the town feel like a giant outdoor shopping centre. As you wind through the maze of narrow streets you will come across stalls selling jewellery, pottery, clothing, ceramics as well as leather and artisan goods. As you become pleasantly lost amongst the town's collection of alleys and walkways you will encounter small gift shops and mini markets selling those essential souvenirs, including Koriantolino, the traditional drink of Rhodes, a heady blend of ouzo and spices. If you prefer to just get your shopping done then head to the centre, at the base of the Acropolis, as this is where the majority of shops can be found.
Activities in Lindos
Relaxing on the sandy beaches or swimming in the warm Mediterranean Sea are popular activities in Lindos, but there's much more to do. Take a cruise along Rhodes' rugged coastline or head inland on a 4 x 4 Land Rover safari to discover traditional villages off the beaten track. Take a donkey ride over the town of Lindos to the Acropolis, with its breathtaking views over St Paul's Bay, or simply get lost in the city's winding streets. Whichever you choose, we can guarantee you won't be bored.
Watersports
Diving in Lindos
Lindos offers some of the most spectacular diving in Greece. With water temperatures around 25 degrees and visibility in excess of 20 metres, this area is a top choice for novice and experienced divers alike. Explore caves, wrecks and a wide range of marine life, including colourful anemones, tuna, groupers and monk seals. Many centres offer equipment hire, courses and organised diving trips. Some have state-of-the-art Aqua Lung equipment, allowing divers to explore the seabed with minimal training and making the sport accessible to people with disabilities.
Surfing in Lindos
Currently, there is no real surf culture in Lindos or the surrounding area, as conditions are not ideal. While there is a steady wind, perfect for windsurfing or kitesurfing, the sea is generally calm and lacks the waves essential for surfing. In winter, storms develop along the east coast, creating more favourable conditions for surfing. If you want to enjoy the waves on your holiday, we recommend you try some of the other Greek islands that are becoming increasingly popular with the surfing community. Current favourites include Ikaria, Tinos, Santorini and parts of the Peloponnese.
Windsurfing & kitesurfing in Lindos
One of the most popular water sports on Rhodes is windsurfing, and Lindos beach is at the heart of this thriving sport. Calm, warm seas and gentle winds combine to create ideal conditions for windsurfing and there is a great infrastructure to cater for all needs. Equipment hire and lessons are readily available from a number of beach-based businesses and, increasingly, they are beginning to cater for kitesurfers, a sport that is becoming really popular on the island. Other windsurfing spots on Rhodes include Faliraki, Afandou, Tsabika Beach, Kolymbia and the jewel in the surfing crown, Prasonisi.
Sailing in Lindos
Many companies offer a wide variety of boat trips from Lindos, and you're sure to find something to interest you. Take an excursion to Rhodes along the beautiful coastline, stopping for a short swim at Tsambika before docking at Mandraki harbour, right in the centre of Rhodes. Take time to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site before joining your boat for the return journey. Alternatively, hop aboard a yacht for a dream excursion around the caves of Stegna, Agathi beach and the beach village of Haraki before returning to Lindos. Finally, we recommend a day trip to the island of Halki, where you can wander the streets full of traditional Greek houses, before having lunch and admiring the picturesque fishing port.
Fishing in Lindos
Numerous fishing boats operate from Lindos, all equipped with the latest fishing gear and using the latest technology to ensure you don't come home empty-handed. Excursions can last half a day or a full day, and night fishing is also available. Non-fishermen are also catered for with plenty of sun loungers on board and stops for swimming and snorkelling. Food and drink are included in the package and, on many excursions, your own catch can be part of the menu. During the day you can catch a wide variety of fish including flounder, marlin, swordfish, halibut, barbel and barracuda. Most companies take an environmentally sustainable approach and therefore expect a proportion of their catch to be returned to the sea.
Canoeing & kayaking in Lindos
There's no greener way to discover the hidden parts of Lindos than paddling a sea kayak along its stunning coastline. Gently propel your boat over crystal clear waters to find hidden beaches, small caves, rock formations and natural arches, many of which are only accessible from the sea. Several companies operating in Lindos provide kayaks, safety equipment, courses and guided excursions. Many excursions include lunch stops and opportunities to explore secluded beaches, bays and caves, as well as swimming and snorkelling. Why not include sea kayaking in your holiday itinerary and explore Rhodes from a different angle?
Land activities
Golf in Lindos
Just a short drive from Lindos, on the road to Rhodes, is the island's only golf club, the Afandou Golf Course. The course and facilities occupy one of the most beautiful parts of Rhodes, Afandou Bay, and this lush oasis of eighteen holes is a pleasure to see and play. The course was designed by British designer Donald Harradine and opened in 1973. This par 73 grassland course stretches for over 6,800 metres and has enough trees, bunkers and clever features to provide a challenge for golfers of all abilities. The course is open all year round and uses several varieties of grass to ensure it is always green and playable.
Cycling & mountain biking in Lindos
Rhodes is a great place to cycle as the roads are well maintained, generally quiet and provide access to all parts of the island. Lindos is a good base for a cycling holiday and there are two bike hire companies nearby, Rhodos Cycling and Get Active Rhodes. Both will deliver bikes and equipment to your accommodation, and also provide GPS with suggested routes that will take you along coastal roads or into the mountains, where you can discover picturesque villages and churches. Be warned, cycling in Rhodes is not for beginners, as it is difficult to find flat stretches of road. Almost all the routes are a constant mix of ascents and descents, sometimes with very steep gradients.
Walking & hiking in Lindos
Lindos and the surrounding area offer a wealth of walking opportunities. You can simply stroll through the maze of shady streets, explore the shops or stop for refreshments in the many bars and cafés, or climb the steps of the Acropolis for a breathtaking view of the Bay of St Paul. If you fancy a bit more adventure, there are many hiking trails that will take you up into the mountains, through the forests or along the coastal paths, all of which offer breathtaking views of this beautiful island.
