On our recent family holiday to Rhodes, we spent time exploring one of the island’s most famous and picturesque spots – Lindos. Last year, we only passed by it by boat, gliding past the coastline from St Paul’s Bay on our way to Navarone Bay aboard the Hippo Submarine.
From the water, Lindos looked beautiful, stacked white buildings beneath an ancient acropolis on the hilltop. I knew then I wanted to return and explore it properly on foot one day.
This year, we finally did. Not just once either – we went twice. The first visit was during the day to explore the maze-like streets, visit the Acropolis, and eat at a vegan restaurant we’d read amazing reviews about called T-Veg.
The second time we came back in the evening, when Lindos was lit up and much quieter. Visiting both by day and night gave us two completely different experiences and a real sense of this iconic Greek village.
Arriving In Lindos
Both times we drove from Kolymbia in our hire car. The first time, we parked in a paid car park next to St Paul’s Bay, which cost €7 for the day – not bad considering the convenience and location. On our second visit, we found a free parking spot slightly further up the road, though spaces were limited.
Lindos is set on the eastern coast of Rhodes, about 50 kilometres south of Rhodes Town. You can’t drive into the heart of the village itself, which is pedestrian-only, so you’ll need to park and walk down.
That walk alone is worth it – the view from above, with the whitewashed village cascading down the hillside beneath the ancient Acropolis, is breathtaking. You can see the turquoise bay stretching out behind it, boats anchored peacefully in the calm water.
Even though we visited Rhodes in October, during the day, Lindos was packed. Crowds filled the narrow lanes, tour groups wandered behind guides holding little flags, and the sound of chatter and clinking cutlery echoed through the alleys. It was busy, but still charming – the kind of place that feels alive.
At night, though, everything changed. The streets were calm and unhurried. We could take our time, stop and look at the details, and actually hear the sound of our own footsteps on the cobbles. The Acropolis was lit up above the village, glowing golden against the dark sky. It was stunning.
Exploring The Streets
Wandering Lindos is like walking through a postcard. Almost every building is whitewashed, their walls glowing in the sun, with wooden doors, potted plants, and bursts of bougainvillaea adding pops of colour.
Lindos has kept its traditional look for centuries thanks to strict preservation laws that protect its distinctive Cycladic-style architecture. The houses are cube-shaped with flat roofs, built close together to keep them cool in the summer heat.
The cobbled streets are made from local stone and decorated with black-and-white mosaics called chochlaki, a traditional Rhodian pattern that dates back hundreds of years. These stone-paved lanes twist through the village like a maze, connecting tiny courtyards, rooftop terraces, and small chapels.
Everywhere you look, there are shops spilling their goods onto the street – linen dresses fluttering in the breeze, handmade jewellery catching the light, and souvenirs printed with the famous blue Greek eye. I spotted beautiful canvas pouches and bags printed with traditional Greek designs that tempted me even though I’m not usually one for shopping on holiday.
The whole village feels well cared for, clean, and upmarket. Restaurants are stylish, many with rooftop gardens shaded by vines or bougainvillaea. You’ll find everything from simple Greek tavernas to fine-dining spots with panoramic views of the Acropolis and the sea.
Despite how busy it was during the day, Lindos never felt overwhelming or stressful. The locals were friendly and relaxed, greeting us with smiles and invitations to come in, but never pushy or forceful.
It’s something I really appreciate about Greece – people genuinely seem happy for you to take your time. We were told in more than one place to “relax, don’t rush, enjoy,” and that easygoing attitude adds so much to the experience.
Rooftops And Views
One of the things that makes Lindos so special is the way it’s built on the hillside. As you wander, you’ll often find yourself climbing gently upwards without realising it – and then suddenly you’ll reach a rooftop terrace or viewpoint that looks out across the white village to the deep blue sea.
We stopped for lunch at T-Veg, an entirely vegan restaurant with a rooftop terrace. The views were beautiful – the white rooftops below, the Acropolis rising above, and the distant shimmer of the bay. It’s such a rare treat to find a fully vegan place in a traditional Greek village, and the food was incredible. (Check out my full review of T-Veg separately.)
From up there, we could see other rooftops too – Casa della Pizza just behind us looked lovely, surrounded by greenery, and Mythos Roof Garden across the street had the same relaxed, leafy charm. Many of Lindos’ rooftops feel like little gardens in the sky, filled with plants and shaded seating.
The Acropolis And The Climb
Above Lindos stands the Acropolis of Lindos, one of the island’s most important archaeological sites. Even if you don’t go inside, the climb up to it gives you some of the best views you’ll find anywhere on Rhodes.
The Acropolis sits about 116 metres above sea level and dates back to the 6th century BC. It was once a major centre of worship dedicated to Athena Lindia, and later fortified by the Knights of St John during the medieval period.
Today, you can still see the remains of ancient columns, temples, and fortifications that tell stories of thousands of years of history.
The walk up to the Acropolis winds through narrow lanes and rocky paths, with donkeys sometimes offered for rides (though we personally don’t support this and preferred to walk).
From the path, you can look down across the entire bay – calm turquoise waters, boats bobbing gently, and the village below looking like a patchwork of white squares.
Lindos By Night
When we came back one evening later in the week, Lindos felt like a different world. The crowds were gone, the air cooler, and the lights from the restaurants and bars twinkled softly in the dark. The Acropolis glowed above, illuminated like a beacon.
It was so much more peaceful. We strolled slowly through the quiet lanes, enjoying the warm evening and the atmosphere. It felt romantic and calm without being overly busy, and we even returned to T-Veg for dinner since everyone wanted to try more from their menu after loving it the first time.
We could actually hear the sounds of clinking glasses and soft music drifting up from rooftops as people ate under the stars. Walking around Lindos at night is definitely something I’d recommend – you see another side to it entirely.
Practical Tips For Visiting Lindos
If you’re planning a visit, here are a few things we learned that might help:
Parking: There’s paid parking next to St Paul’s Bay (€7 a day), and some limited free parking slightly uphill if you arrive early.
Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes – the cobbles and steep paths can get slippery, especially if it’s been raining.
Best Time To Visit: Early morning or later in the day if you prefer it quieter.
Shops & Restaurants: Many stay open into the evening, so you can explore by night and still grab dinner or browse.
Views: The path up to the Acropolis and most rooftop terraces offer stunning views across Lindos and the bays.
Beaches Nearby: Lindos Beach and St Paul’s Bay are both just below the village, with calm turquoise water perfect for swimming.
Final Thoughts
Lindos is one of those places that looks exactly like the postcards – but feels even better in person. It’s vibrant and full of life during the day, yet peaceful and atmospheric in the evening. The mix of history, charm, and natural beauty makes it somewhere I could happily return to again and again.
Even though it’s busy, it has a warmth and friendliness that makes you want to stay longer. I’d love to spend a couple of weeks here one day, exploring more of the hidden lanes, swimming in the calm bays, and eating at as many rooftop restaurants as possible.
Whether you’re a history lover, photographer, foodie, or just someone who enjoys exploring beautiful places on foot, Lindos is a must-see on any trip to Rhodes.
Watch My Husband’s Lindos Video on YouTube:
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