Introducing Lindos

Soak up the spirit of traditional Greece in Lindos, a village preserved in time. Centuries-old ‘captain’s’ houses and cobblestoned streets zigzag down the hillside, where you’re more likely to see a donkey than a car. It’s a place made for meandering – souvlaki in hand – with tiny Byzantine churches to peer inside and plenty of tavernas to stop in before heading back to one of our boutique hotels. Lindos, with its beautiful beaches and ancient ruins, is a picture-perfect setting for luxury boutique breaks.

Things to do

BEACH
If you like your beach pleasantly buzzing, head for Pallas. Its shallow, sapphire seas, framed by a rocky outcrop, are favoured by locals and visitors alike. To explore by water, you can hire a private boat or hop aboard a tour at Pallas or Lindos’ main beach. Make time for pebbly St Paul’s Bay, too. This tiny but stunning cove is said to be where the apostle himself landed.

LANDMARKS
Standing on a hillside over 100 metres high, visiting the Acropolis at Lindos involves a climb. But walking the final stretch up the ancient steps is more than worth it. At the top you’ll find a beautifully preserved ancient monument with Hellenistic columns, Byzantine architecture and a 4th-century temple to Athena. Not to mention glorious views. Look out too for the magnificent depiction of a Rhodian Trireme warship, carved into the rocks.

HISTORY & CULTURE
Legend says a son of Zeus built the village. In fact, it was founded by the Dorians. But since then all sorts of cultures have left their mark on Lindos, from Roman and Byzantine to Turkish. Thanks to the preservation order that’s in place, much of the village’s historic features have been protected. Look out for carved doorways, mosaic floors and medieval walls as you wander. Or pop into Panagia Church. It boasts a beautiful bell tower outside, and incredible frescoes within.

Top Tip from SLH

As you stroll, look down. Lindos is famed for its monochrome pebblestone flooring, known as chochlaki.