St Paul's Bay

St Paul's Bay is a small, nearly enclosed cove just below the Acropolis of Lindos on the east coast of Rhodes, Greece. A narrow gap in the rocks opens the pool to the Aegean, and tradition holds that the Apostle Paul landed here in the first century, which is why a small whitewashed chapel, Agios Pavlos, stands on the shore. The bay forms a near-perfect circle of turquoise water, which makes it one of the island's most recognisable photo subjects. The classic frame is from the terraces and rocks on the northern side or from the Acropolis path above, looking down on the round cove with the chapel and sunbathers for scale. From water level, a wide-angle lens captures the rocky entrance and the chapel with clear water in the foreground. The bay faces east, so mid-morning sun lights the water from behind and above, bringing out the colour gradient from pale sand to deep blue; a polarising filter cuts surface reflections and reveals the sandy bottom. Late afternoon leaves the cove partly shaded by the cliffs, which gives moodier but less colourful results. The best seasons are May to October, when the water is warm and clear, and shoulder months of May, June and September offer calm conditions with fewer people. In July and August the small beach and surrounding rocks fill with swimmers and boat trips, so early morning is the best time for a clean frame. Tripods are fine on the public rocks and shoreline when they do not block walkways, and no entry fee is charged to view the bay, although sunbeds and umbrellas are rented by the beach operator. Drones should follow Greek registration rules and avoid flying over swimmers and the archaeological area above. Cafes and toilets are found in Lindos village, a short walk uphill.