Lindos Acropolis and Coastal Paths

The Lindos Acropolis and coastal paths form a compact walking area on the east coast of Rhodes, in Greece's South Aegean region. Lindos village is reached by the KTEL/RODA bus from Rhodes Town, which takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, or by rental car or taxi. Cars cannot enter the whitewashed village centre, so visitors park at the edge and walk in. The routes are short, mostly under 5 km in total, with modest elevation gain, so they are classed as easy, although the climb to the Acropolis involves a steep stepped path. The main walk climbs from Lindos village through narrow lanes and up worn stone steps to the Acropolis, where the ancient sanctuary of Athena Lindia and medieval fortifications overlook the sea. An entrance ticket is required for the site. Surfaces are polished stone, steps and dirt, and they can be slippery, especially on the lanes. Exposure to sun is high on the Acropolis, where there is little shade, and the stone reflects heat. A second walk follows the cliffs along the coast to St Paul's Bay, a small, sheltered cove with a chapel, where the turn-around point is the beach. Along the way the views take in the village roofs, the harbour and the sea. Water can be bought in the village but there are no springs or refuge huts on the cliff paths, so walkers carry a bottle. Sturdy walking shoes, a sun hat and sun protection are advisable. The routes are busiest in the middle of the day in summer, when cruise and tour groups arrive, so early morning or late afternoon walking is more comfortable. April to June and September to October provide the best balance of warmth and manageable crowds.