VISIT THE ACROPOLIS

Lindos is built around a hill crowned by the Acropolis. A natural cidatel that was fortified successively by the Greeks, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Knights of St John and the Ottomans. This makes the site difficult to excavate and interpret archaeologically.

On the acropolis of Lindos today parts of the following buildings may still be seen:

-The Doric Temple of Athena Lindia, dating from about 300 BC, built on the site of an earlier temple. Inside the temple is the table of offerings and the base of the cult statue of Athena.

-The Propylaea of the Sanctuary, also dating from the 4th century BC. A monumental staircase leads to a D-shaped stoa and a wall with five door openings.

-The Hellenistic stoa with lateral projecting wings, dating from about 200 BC. The stoa is 87 metres long and consisted of 42 columns.

-The well-known relief of a Rhodian trireme (warship) cut into the rock at the foot of the steps leading to the acropolis. On the bow stood a statue of General Hagesander, the work of the sculptor Pythokritos. The relief dates from about 180 BC.

-The Hellenistic staircase (2nd century BC) leading to the main archaeological area of the acropolis.

In 1307 the Knights of St. John seized Lindos. The Order of the Knights of St. John was founded as a charitable brotherhood in Jerusalem by merchants from Italy who were resident in the Holy City. The wall or fortification of the Acropolis of Lindos as we see it today was built by the Knights of St. John during that period. We also the see in the Acropolis from the era of the Knights of St.John, the Greek Orthodox Church of St John, dating from the 13th or 14th century and built on the ruins of a previous church, which may have been built as early as the 6th century. The Acropolis offers spectacular views of the surrounding harbours and coastline. it is best to visit the Acropolis during early morning hours or late afternoon hours. This is to avoid the hot temperatures and the hordes of day trippers that visit Lindos. One can walk up to the Acropolis or you can hire a donkey to take you up to the entrance of the Acropolis.

VISIT THE CHURCH OF THE ASSUMPTION

The church is in the village at about 100 meters from the main square of Lindos. It is to the left of the road that leads up to the Acropolis. Surrounded by high walls and a small courtyard, this church was originally built in the 1300’s but since has been submitted to a number of reconstructions. The Grand Master Pierre d’Aubusson (1476 to 1503) of the Knights of Rhodes (Order of St. John) and ordered the reconstruction of the church but the frescoes found on the dome and walls inside the church are said to be the work of the famous Gregorius of Symi dating back to 1779.

As you enter the church you notice the floor done in the traditional Rhodian style using pebble mosaic design or Hohlaki as is referred to in Greek. Across from the entrance is carved wooden iconostasi. On the left is the against the left wall is the bishop’s throne. A bronze candle layered chandelier hangs from the top. The frescoes are impressive and in good quality depicting icons of Mary, Jesus ant the Saints. A visit to the churst is a must.

LINDOS BEACHES

There are four beaches within walking distance from the main square of Lindos. The main beach, also called “Megalos Gialos” is a long sandy beach, well protected by the natural harbour with its two islands at the entrance. The sea slopes gently remaining shallow for quite a long way. It is ideal for children to play along the shore since there is no waves during the summer months. It offers sunbeds, umbrellas, and changing facilities, restaurants and rental of pedaloes.

To the right of the main beach is the smaller beach where the elders called Mikros Gialos(Small sea) but now it is referred to as Pallas beach. There is rocks to the right side of the beach near the boat jetty but most of the beach is sandy and slopes gently. Again, it is ideal for children playing near the shore with practically no waves to think of. Facilities are similar to the main beach with with sunbeds, umbrellas, changing facilities and a number of restaurants and a mini market. Water sports facilities are just beyond the boat jetty and a glass bottom boat operates hourly tours from the boat jetty

St. PAUL’S BAY

At the foot of the Acropolis and on the south end of the village is the picturesque St. Paul’s Bay. The sea is not very deep. it has approximately six meters depth and is excellent for snorkelling.There are two beaches in this bay. On the side near the Acropolis, the beach is a mix of sand and gravel. The beach is small for approximatelly 50 persons. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available.There is a cafe, sort of a cantina with chairs and tables, located on the rocks just above the beach that offers basic food, cold drinks and beer. On the other side of the bay is a larger beach with golden sand. Sunbeds and umbrellas are also available with changing facilities. There is also a restaurant located very close to the beach which is also open in the evening. St. Paul’s chapel is located on this side of the bay. The chapel is dedicated to Saint Paul, one of the Apostles who visited Lindos in 43 AD to preach Christianity. The bay is photogenic and therefore it is a very popular location for weddings.

WALK TO THE TOMB OF KLEOVOULOS

For those that enjoy walking, a walk to the tomb of Kleovoulos is well worth it just for the views. Kleovoulos governed Lindos for forty years in the 6th century B.C

DINING

Lindos has many restaurants and tevernas. The dining scene is varied to suit everybody’s tastes and pocket book. You can enjoy Greek traditional cuisine, Italian, Chinese, Indian and other International cuisine. Reviews of the restaurants in Lindos are available on www.tripadvisor.com.

NIGHTLIFE

Lindos has a nightlife with a variety to suit everybody’s tastes. Some of the bars have courtyards where you can relax with a cool mythos or your favourite cocktail. For the young at heart there are two discos where you can dance all night. An open air disco operates during the busy season.