The old town of Kos is a charming maze of narrow streets, historic ruins, and traditional whitewashed buildings, reflecting the island's rich history and cultural heritage.
Greece: Rhodes – The Village of Lindos
Lindos, a picturesque village on the island of Rhodes in Greece, is renowned for its whitewashed houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. Dominated by the ancient Acropolis of Lindos, perched dramatically on a hilltop, the town offers a fascinating blend of history and charm. Visitors can explore the ruins of the temple of Athena Lindia and medieval fortifications, stroll through the charming village with its boutique shops and traditional tavernas, or relax on the pristine beaches below.
It is a very popular place for tourists to visit, so don’t expect to be there on your own. When we reached the village, it was already the middle of the day and things were hectic. We made the mistake of driving down the hill into the village centre, which was crazy, so we headed back up to the carpark at the top of the hill and walked back down to the village.
There is a popular sandy beach at Lindos, but looking down from above it was an infestation of sun loungers. Luckily, we were not planning to go there. Instead, we wandered through the streets of Lindos, which was incredibly touristy but for Emily who had not been travelling in Greece as long as we had, so it was great for her. There were also plenty of great places to take photographs.
We worked our way up to the top of the village as we were heading from the acropolis of Lindos. Like most places we’d visited in Greece the path to the top was laid with marble bricks and very slick.
The Acropolis of Lindos is a natural citadel which was fortified successively by the Greeks, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Knights of St John, and the Ottomans. So, it is a fascinating mishmash of architecture. There are remains of several Greek structures dating back between 300 BCE and 200 BCE including the Doric Temple of Athena Lindia, the Propylaea of the Sanctuary and the well-known relief of a Rhodian trireme (warship) cut into the rock at the foot of the steps leading to the Acropolis.
There are remains of Roman structures on the Acropolis dating to the 2nd century CE. The Castle of the Knights of St John was built sometime before 1317 on the foundations of older Byzantine fortifications. The walls and towers follow the natural conformation of the cliff. A pentagonal tower on the south side commanded the harbour, the settlement, and the road from the south of the island. There was a large round tower on the east facing the sea and two more, one round and the other on a corner, on the northeast side of the enceinte. Today one of the towers at the southwest corner and one to the west survive.
The Acropolis has also been featured in a film, the Guns of Navarone, which was shot on the island in 1961.
After taking a load of photos we headed back down through the streets of ‘modern’ Lindos back to the car.
Getting to and around Rhodes
Getting to Rhodes, Greece
Rhodes, part of Greece’s Dodecanese islands, is well-connected to mainland Greece and other international destinations. Here’s how to get there:
By Air:
- Rhodes International Airport (Diagoras): Located about 14 km from Rhodes Town, it serves both domestic and international flights.
- Domestic Flights: Frequent flights connect Rhodes to Athens (45 mins), Thessaloniki, and other Greek islands.
- International Flights: Seasonal flights from major European cities and some Middle Eastern destinations.
By Ferry:
- From Athens: Ferries run regularly from Piraeus port to Rhodes. The journey takes 12-15 hours, with both standard and overnight options available.
- From Nearby Islands: Ferries also connect Rhodes to Kos, Symi, and other Dodecanese islands, as well as Crete.
- From Turkey: Daily ferries operate between Rhodes and Marmaris, with a travel time of around one hour.
By Cruise:
- Rhodes is a popular stop for Mediterranean cruise ships. Cruise passengers typically dock at the harbor near Rhodes Town, making exploration convenient.
Getting Around Rhodes
Once you’re on the island, there are multiple ways to explore Rhodes:
Public Transport:
- Buses: Operated by RODA and KTEL, buses are affordable and connect major towns, tourist attractions, and beaches. For example:
- Rhodes Town to Lindos: ~1.5 hours.
- Rhodes Town to Faliraki: ~30 minutes.
- Schedules: Timetables can vary, so check in advance, especially for trips to smaller villages.
Taxis:
- Taxis are readily available and convenient for short trips or specific destinations. Rates are metered, but confirm the fare or ask for an estimate before starting.
Car Rental:
- Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace.
- Requirements: A valid driver’s license (an international license may be required) and a minimum age (usually 21-25).
- Driving Tips: Roads are generally in good condition, but some rural areas can be narrow or winding.
Scooters/ATVs:
- Popular for adventurous travelers, scooters and ATVs are affordable and great for reaching remote areas. A valid license is required.
Walking:
- Rhodes Town and Lindos are best explored on foot due to their compact size and pedestrian-friendly streets.
Tours:
- Guided tours by bus, boat, or on foot are available for visiting key attractions like the Old Town, Lindos, and nearby islands.
With a mix of historical charm, natural beauty, and reliable transport, Rhodes is easy to navigate and a delight to explore.
The best time to visit
The best time to visit Rhodes, Greece, depends on your preferences for weather, crowds, and activities. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Spring (April to early June)
- Weather: Mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 20-25°C (68-77°F).
- Crowds: Fewer tourists, making it ideal for a peaceful visit.
- Activities: Perfect for exploring historical sites, hiking, and enjoying blooming landscapes.
- Pros: Comfortable weather and lower accommodation prices.
2. Summer (Mid-June to August)
- Weather: Hot and sunny, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F).
- Crowds: Peak tourist season, especially in July and August.
- Activities: Best time for beach lovers and water sports.
- Pros: Vibrant nightlife and a lively atmosphere.
- Cons: Higher prices for accommodations and larger crowds at attractions.
3. Autumn (September to October)
- Weather: Warm and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 22-28°C (72-82°F).
- Crowds: Less crowded than summer, particularly after mid-September.
- Activities: Ideal for swimming (the sea is still warm), sightseeing, and outdoor activities.
- Pros: Perfect mix of good weather and manageable crowds.
4. Winter (November to March)
- Weather: Cooler and wetter, with temperatures ranging from 10-16°C (50-61°F).
- Crowds: Minimal tourism, making it very quiet.
- Activities: Great for exploring Rhodes’ cultural and historical sites without crowds.
- Cons: Some tourist-focused businesses may be closed, and beach activities are limited.
Where to stay
1. Mid Range: Atma Beach Rooms & Suites
Atma Beach Rooms & Suites is a modern, luxury accommodation located in the heart of Faliraki, Rhodes, Greece. Situated just 20 meters from the 5-kilometer-long Blue Flag Faliraki Beach, it offers guests easy access to soft sands and clean, shallow waters.
2. Luxury – Villa Di Mare Seaside Suites
Villa Di Mare Seaside Suites is a historic 5-star hotel located in Ixia Bay, Rhodes, Greece. Established in 1925 as the island’s first hotel, it has hosted numerous notable figures, including Aristotle Onassis, Maria Callas, and Winston Churchill.
The hotel offers a variety of luxurious suites and bungalows, many featuring private pools and stunning sea or mountain views. Each unit is equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and kitchenettes.
3. Budget – Hotel Anastasia
Anastasia Hotel is a charming, family-run establishment situated in the heart of Rhodes Town, Greece. Housed in a neoclassical villa built in 1932, the hotel offers a unique blend of historical architecture and modern amenities.
The hotel is centrally located, just 500 meters from Elli Beach and the Rhodes Casino. The Medieval Town of Rhodes is a 10-minute walk away, making it an ideal base for exploring local attractions.
Rooms feature high ceilings and iron beds, each equipped with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a refrigerator. The private bathrooms include free toiletries and a shower.
More to Explore
