This is Greece’s Most Beautiful Whitewashed Village and It’s Less Crowded Than Santorini

Before visiting Rhodes, everyone told me I had to spend a day in Lindos. I thought it would just be another pretty whitewashed village in Greece and I wanted that as you mainly see it in Santorini or Paros.

Between the Lindos Acropolis, tiny cobbled streets, rooftop restaurants, turquoise bays, and what felt like hundreds of friendly cats, it ended up being one of my favourite places in Rhodes.

Lindos is roughly an hour by car from the Rhodes Old town where we stayed in. And the next time I visit Rhodes, I am definitely going to stay in Lindos or least for one day or two.

We did pretty much everything in Lindos during our visit here, from the village to the Lindos Acropolis, pet many many cats, the food, the bay.

I want to show you the best parts of Lindos Rhodes also spots for food, so you can pick and choose what you fancy doing during your time in Lindos.

Best things to do in Lindos Rhodes, my quick answer and experience

This was my first time visiting Lindos and Rhodes, and I do say I am pretty lucky on this trip as my bestest friend is local to Rhodes.

And we timed it perfectly to visit her and she and her partner basically drive us around (as I could not drive), and showed us around and the best spots.

As I mentioned before, Lindos is very much a different vibe to Rhodes Old Town and Faliraki, and its been on my mind to book a stay in Lindos next time I visit Rhodes.

For a quick things to do if you are short on time, I say do visit the Lindos Acropolis first, cause the queue to get the tickets can take a while during peak times.

You can also purchase them online beforehand. Wander through Lindos Village and Then St Paul’s Bay for a swim or a visit if you don’t fancy swimming.

More on this below, and these are my list of things to do in Lindos that I have personally visited, and feel free to pick and choose what you prefer to do for your day or weekend.

My Quick tips for visiting Lindos Rhodes

Rent a car to drive around

I had a car that we rented for the 4 of us, and my friend is able to drive which was a huge blessing, and he drove us around to all the spots.

Lindos is quite secluded on it’s own, there are buses you can take to get to Lindos or if you are staying in Lindos and you want to visit other parts of Rhodes.

I had a car for my entire week Rhodes and we used Discovercars to get the comparison, we got a silver normal car, not big and fits 5 comfortably with a boot (there’s only 4 of us) and AC.

If you or your travelling friend or partner can drive, then I highly recommend renting a car. Its way more flexible and gives you the freedom to travel aroiund at your own pace and has ac too.

Keep in mind that Lindos Rhodes is a town in itself, and it’s quite a distance away from Rhodes Old town, there are nearby attractions such as St Pauls Bay but it’s far more convenient to drive to beaches, the valley of Butterflies or Rhodes Old town.

Book your tickets and accomodation early

I’m a firm believer of booking tickets prior to going, especially during peak periods during summer and winter time.

I was told to get tickets to the Acropolis in Lindos as early as you can either by going early morning which is always a good shout to avoid the midday heat, or get them online and less queueing.

Cause the queue can get very very long during peak summer.

Being with a known local, we were lucky that the people there knew my friend and we got in relatively quick.

As for resorts and hotels, book your accomodation in advance especially if you have an idea where you like to stay in Rhodes or if you fancy in staying in Lindos, some places books out quite fast.

Start your day early

And this goes without saying, for main attractions especially Acropolis Lindos, I would recommend coming in early.

Also to beat the crowds for the parking spots, we got there about 10am, and there were few spots available but I can see it being full by lunchtime.

Rhodes is notorious for cruise ships as well meaning you will get a surge of crowds from the ships at some points or days, I am not quite sure when but safer to be early to avoid some or most of the crowds.

Bring a fan and sunscreen

Although Rhodes is a windy island, and it is far cooler than Athens in the summer, but in peak summer, the sun burns. I brought a portable fan both electronic and manual fan and lots of sunscreen, always better to be safe than sorry.

My Top Things to Do in Lindos Rhodes

1. Visit the Acropolis of Lindos

This is one of the main reason most people visit Lindos. The Acropolis is on a cliff above the village, built on and added to for roughly two thousand years by the Dorians, the Romans, Byzantine builders, and the Knights of St John, who layered a fortress over the earlier ruins.

The Temple of Athena Lindia is on the top along with a Hellenistic stoa and a ship’s relief carved straight into the rock near the entrance.

The walk up can take 15 to 20 mins and they are on stone steps from the village.

It gets very hot up here, there’s barely any shade except for a few spots. The view is incredible though.

You can tickets prior to visiting Lindos Acropolis here

2. Have Lunch at Ginger

We stopped by Ginger for lunch and I’m really glad we did. It’s a rooftop cafe restaurant type inside Lindos village with a view of the sea.

We had the spanakopita cause I just had to, it’s so delicious, a salad wrap, and an acai bowl between us. Everything was fresh and the portions were generous. I was so grateful for the rest, and the breeze was so lovely on the rooftop, food and drinks were needed after a climb in the heat.

3. Explore Lindos Village

Lindos village is fully pedestrianised, and I wasn’t expecting it to be such a vibe here. Reminds me of the Greece you see online or the other islands like Paros or Santorini.

The narrow streets are lined with 17th and 18th century captain’s houses, built by wealthy sea merchants, marked by carved stone doorways and black and white pebble courtyards called hohlaki.

There’s so many cure independent shops dotted around, and also plenty for souvenir shopping and getting cold drinks too.

Had to buy lots of cold water everytime we pass a shop, was so hot the day we went to, the sun was quite strong.

If you go early, it’s less busy and you can take lots of cute pictures with less crowds.

4. Step Inside the Church of Panagia

Tucked near the main square, the Church of Panagia dates to the 15th century and is covered inside with frescoes added around 1800, depicting biblical scenes across the walls and domed ceiling.

The floor is paved in the same pebble style as the houses outside.

Entry runs around €5, and modest dress is expected, with a wrap provided at the door if you show up in shorts or a tank top.

Fifteen minutes is enough, and the cool, quiet interior is a decent break from the heat outside.

5. Swim at St Paul’s Bay, the Calmest Water on the Island

Just past the Acropolis, St Paul’s Bay is a small, nearly enclosed cove split into two beaches. The water barely moves, thanks to the cliffs wrapping around it, and it was the calmest swim I had anywhere on Rhodes.

Tradition holds that St Paul landed here in the first century, and there’s a small whitewashed chapel at the far end named for him.

Sunbeds can cost anywhere between €30 to €50 for 2 depending on the spot and season.

And definitely lunch at Tambakio.

Also there are parking spots by St Pauls bay and about 7 Euros for the whole day.

And if you are here just for the pictures and have a look around, sunset is wonderful time, and there are golf carts that can take you up and down here.

6. Spend an Afternoon at Lindos Main Beach

There are 2 places for swimming in Lindos, Lindos Beach is one of them and it’s also called Megali Paralia.

This is the bigger, sandier beach on the north side of the village, with more facilities and water sports than St Paul’s Bay. Want paddleboarding, or just more sand to spread out on.

7. Take a Boat Trip Out of the Bay

Small operators run out of St Paul’s Bay and Pallas Beach, including glass-bottom and semi-submarine boats that show you the reef without snorkelling, plus standard swim-stop cruises.

A common route heads to Navarone Bay, the cove used for filming The Guns of Navarone, with a stop to swim in clear water between the cliffs.

We ran out of time for this one, so it’s first on my list for next visit. She’s done it a few times with visiting family and calls it one of the better ways to see this coast from the water instead of the road.

8. Stop at the Famous Lindos Viewpoint

On the main road into Lindos (Route 95), there’s a dedicated roadside viewpoint with the classic shot of the whole village stacked up the hillside, Acropolis on top, bay curving below.

Pull over for a couple of minutes before you park and walk in, especially if you’re driving down in a rental car.

9. Eat at a Traditional Taverna

The restaurants right along the walking route cater to whoever’s passing through that day, and the food and prices reflect it.

She led us up a couple of side streets, away from the main flow, to a small taverna packed with Greek families instead of tour groups.

Best seafood of the trip, easily. Nobody at our table wanted to be the one who suggested we head back.

10. Watch Sunset from a Rooftop Bar

Once the day trippers clear out, Lindos slows down completely. A handful of rooftop bars around the village look straight out over the Acropolis, lit up after dark, and make a solid spot to close out the day once the crowds are gone and the heat’s finally dropped.

What I would not do but it’s your choice:

1. Decide How You Feel About the Donkeys

At the base of the village, donkeys, locally called the Lindos taxis, carry visitors up toward the Acropolis for around €8 to €10 one way.

New rules from 2024 set weight limits, capped working hours, and require vet checks, after years of pressure from welfare groups.

We were not going to take this, as we are perfectly able to walk up thankfully. Most people can manage the climb without trouble.

Mobility is the one real exception, and where that applies, the donkeys remain an option, just go in knowing where things currently stand rather than treating it as simple tradition.

How do you get to Lindos by public transport

Lindos is about 50km south of Rhodes Town, roughly an hour by car and closer to an hour and 20 minutes on the public KTEL bus, which costs around €6 to €8 each way.

There are organised tours and private transfers which you can do for peace of mind with a guide, and it can be useful.

Arrive at or before 8am for the Acropolis to beat the heat and the cruise crowds. After 4pm is the other good window, once most groups have moved on.

FAQs About What to Do in Lindos Rhodes

Final Thoughts on the Things to do in Lindos Rhodes

The order above is really just the order we did things in, not a ranking. Looking back, I’d cut the afternoon at Lindos Main Beach and put that time into the boat trip instead, since that’s the one thing my bestie keeps bringing up months later and we never got to.

I hope this guide on things to do in Lindos gives you an idea of what to do in Lindos, and feel free to pick and choose what suits your travel and helps you plan your amazing trip!

Courtney xx

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Take a look at my other Rhodes Greece Guides

My best things to do in Rhodes Greece, and what you can skip

Is Rhodes worth visiting? My honest guide after spending time here with a local friend

Rhodes Old Town or Beachfront? Where to Stay in Rhodes, The Best Areas and Budget

Only Have One Day in Rhodes Old Town? Follow This Free Walking Route of Rhodes Old Town

Mini Guide to Rhodes Old Town: What to see, do, and what to miss

Is Lindos Rhodes Worth Visiting? What Nobody Tells You Before You Go (2026)

WhatsupCourtney

Hey! I’m Courtney, creator behind the travel and food site WhatsupCourtney and @heywhatsupcourtney on socials.

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