Lindos Acropolis

The Acropolis of Lindos crowns a rocky hill high above the whitewashed village of Lindos on the island of Rhodes in the Dodecanese. Rising about 116 metres above the Aegean, the site combines ancient Greek temple ruins with the walls and ramparts of the medieval Knights of Saint John, giving visitors several layers of history in one climb. The setting, with bays of deep blue water on both sides, is one of the most photographed in the Greek islands. The path to the summit starts in the village, where steep steps climb past houses with pebble-mosaic courtyards. Many visitors ride donkeys for part of the way, although animal welfare concerns lead some to walk. The entrance passes through the Knights' fortifications, and inside the visitor reaches a grand stoa, a staircase carved into the rock, and the Temple of Athena Lindia, dating from the fourth century BC, with its Doric columns standing on the very edge of the cliff. A relief of a trireme prow is carved in the rock at the foot of the stairs. From the terraces, the view takes in Saint Paul's Bay, a tiny enclosed cove where tradition says the apostle landed, and the long stretch of the Lindos main beach. The summit gets very hot, there is little shade, and the marble surfaces are slippery, so sturdy shoes and water are essential. The visit takes about one to one and a half hours, plus the climb. The site is busiest between late morning and mid-afternoon in summer, when tour buses arrive from Rhodes Town and cruise ships stop at nearby ports. Visiting at opening time gives cooler conditions and quieter ruins. Late afternoon also offers softer light. Opening hours change seasonally and the site may close early in poor weather. The village below has narrow lanes with shops, tavernas and a church with interior frescoes, and many visitors combine the acropolis climb with a swim at Lindos Beach or Pallas Beach. A visit during the shoulder season in Rhodes, Greece, in May or October, avoids the heaviest crowds and heat.