Lindos holidays

How to reach Lindos

• Flight time: Flights to Rhodes from Dublin and other Irish airports take approximately 4 to 4.5 hours.

• Transfer time: Lindos is about a 50-minute taxi ride from Rhodes International Airport. If you're using public transport, the journey involves a bus to Rhodes town followed by a connection to Lindos, taking roughly 2 hours 30 minutes in total.

• Price: A taxi from the airport to Lindos costs around €80. Buses are a more budget-friendly option, costing under €10 for the whole journey.

Weather and best time to visit Lindos

The best time for your holidays to Lindos depends on your ideal mix of weather, crowd levels and activity preferences.

• April to June is a great time to go if you want warm temperatures (ranging from 19 to 26°C), plenty of sunshine (8 to 12 hours a day), and minimal rain. These months are perfect for exploring archaeological sites or enjoying outdoor activities before the peak summer heat sets in.

• July to August is high season with long, hot days (average 30°C), perfect for beach holidays. Rain is extremely rare, but expect the highest prices and the busiest beaches.

• September to October offers a sweet spot with temperatures still in the 24 to 28°C range and the sea pleasantly warm for swimming. It’s a good time to visit if you want slightly cooler days for sightseeing, although light rain showers are more likely.

• November to March is low season, with milder weather (15–21°C) and a higher chance of rain. If you're after fewer tourists and don’t mind the occasional downpour, it’s an ideal time to soak up Lindos’ atmosphere at a slower pace.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Greek is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

• Currency: Greece uses the Euro.

• Getting around: Lindos itself is car-free and best explored on foot – bring sturdy walking shoes for the hilly terrain. Local taxis are available from the main square and bus stop on the main road. KTEL buses connect Lindos with other towns and villages on the island. Ticket prices range from €2 to €5.50, available from the driver or nearby kiosks.

• Electricity and plug types: Greece uses standard European plugs (Type C and F) and 230V supply. Irish travellers will need a two-pin adaptor.

• Time zone: Greece is on Eastern European Time, 2 hours ahead of GMT (3 hours ahead during Daylight Saving Time).

Best things to do in Lindos

With its dazzling whitewashed houses, ancient ruins and pristine beaches, Lindos holidays offer a mix of history, culture and natural beauty.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Kleoboulos' Tomb: Located on the far side of Lindos Bay, the tomb (no connection to the tyrant of Lindos – metamorphosed into a rock, his earthly remains are said to be at the Acropolis) is nothing to write home about, but the coastal views are spectacular.

The best districts

• Lindos Village: Labyrinthine streets and alleys winding down to the sea make this the perfect place to get lost amongst the picture-postcard cubic houses, churches, shops, rooftop bars and restaurants galore.

Parks and gardens

• Katafigio Agrias Zois Xortis: Fudging boundaries here, this nature reserve is 16-odd km from Lindos Village (strictly speaking, in Lardos). Wild and rugged, it's the perfect antidote to tourist hubbub.

Museums

• Ecclesiastical Museum of Lindos: Set up in an annexe of the Greek Orthodox Holy Church of Dormition of the Virgin (a must-see in its own right; every square inch of the interior is covered in frescoes of biblical scenes and saints), the museum showcases everything from manuscripts and incunabula (early printed books) to portable icons and murals, processional crosses and flabella (ceremonial fans).

Historical monuments

• Acropolis of Lindos: A fascinating hotch-potch of ancient ruins – the Temple of Athena Lindia, the Propylaea (look for the trireme relief on the staircase) and a 20-columned stoa – enclosed by Knights Hospitaller–era ramparts. At 116m above sea level, it's a bit of a slog but well worth the trek. The views are superb, too.

Day trips in the area

• Butterfly Valley: Situated in Ano Kalamonas (1 hour's drive from Lindos Village), this scenic valley is exactly what it says on the tin: home to innumerable butterflies (and tiger moths). It's also the site of Europe's only natural forest of oriental sweetgums.

Activities for families in Lindos

Holidays to Lindos aren't just for grown-ups; barring a few adult-only resorts, Lindos is very child-friendly.

• Swimming pools: With Lindos Village under a preservation order, swimming pools are the domain of nearby hotels, such as Lindos View (just above the village) or Lindos Royal Resort (next to Vlycha Beach); the latter goes the whole hog with water slides.

• Family-friendly beaches: Sheltered Lindos Beach is perfect for sandcastle-building and swimming with gently shelving waters. There are plenty of beach amenities – canoe rentals, sunloungers, umbrellas, showers – and nearby cafés for refreshments.

• Donkey rides: Lindos' donkey taxis trek from the village entrance to the Acropolis. It's a fun and memorable way for kids to reach the top while experiencing a piece of local culture – as a rule of thumb, the rider's weight shouldn't exceed 50.8kg.

• Rock pools: Roughly 12km south of Lindos, family-friendly Glystra Beach is a fab spot for rock pooling. Kids will love peering and scooping for crabs, fish and shells.

Free things to do in Lindos

There are plenty of ways to stretch your euro further on holidays to Lindos, from attending a free festival to a day at the beach.

• Beaches: Ignore the sunloungers (rental costs €10–€15 per bed) and find a spot to lay out your towel on Lindos, Pallas or St. Paul's Bay beaches. By law, 50 percent of Greek beaches must be open to the public.

• Annual festivals: If your visit coincides with local festivals, such as the Feast of Agios Pavlos (29th June) or the Feast of the Virgin Mary (15th August), you can experience traditional music, dance and local customs at no cost.

• Explore Lindos by public transport: Take advantage of free shuttle services; for instance, a complimentary bus runs from Lindos (the bus stop on the main road) to Faliraki Waterpark.

Wellness in Lindos

• Spas and thermal baths: Lindos' luxury hotels feature opulent spas with a range of treatments, from facials to thalassotherapy treatments – for example, Caesars Gardens Hotel & Spa.

• Traditional body care: Vouched for by Hippocrates, ancient Greek massage (a deep friction massage with olive oil) is offered at several spa hotels, including the Lindos Village Resort & Spa.

• Yoga and meditation centres: Cultivate mindfulness with yoga sessions at one of Lindos' hotels, for instance, Lindos Blu.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking: The area around Lindos is filled with scenic hiking trails – point-to-point from Vlycha Beach (between Lindos and Kalathos) to Zata Hill for splendid isolation. The trail is marked with red dots and cairns. Trail running or climbing footwear is a must.

• Wakeboarding and water skiing: Dust off old moves or learn to wakeboard or water ski at Vlycha Beach.

• Snorkelling and diving: Teeming with marine life, the Sea Caves near Pallas Beach are popular with snorkellers and divers. Navarone Bay (between Lindos and Pefkos) is another good option.

• Marine life spotting: Observe local sea life without getting wet; glass-bottom boat trips depart from Pallas Beach.

Best Beaches in Lindos

Lindos is renowned for its breathtaking beaches, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Whether you prefer lounging on golden sands, swimming in crystal-clear waters, or trying out water sports, Lindos has a beach to suit your needs. Here are some of the top beaches to explore during your Lindos holiday.

Lindos Main Beach (Megali Paralia)

Perfect for: Families, swimming, amenities

• Lindos Main Beach: Also known as Megali Paralia, this is the most popular beach in Lindos. Located just a short walk from the village centre, it offers soft golden sands and shallow, clear waters, making it ideal for families and swimmers. The beach is well-equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, and various water sports facilities. Numerous beachfront tavernas and cafes provide plenty of dining options, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable day by the sea.

St. Paul's Bay

Perfect for: Scenic views, snorkelling, romantic spots

• St. Paul's Bay: Famous for its stunning scenery and calm turquoise waters, St. Paul's Bay is divided into two smaller beaches. The southern beach is sandy and more organised, while the northern beach is rockier and quieter, offering a more secluded experience. The clear waters are perfect for snorkelling, allowing you to explore the underwater world. This bay is also a popular spot for weddings, thanks to its picturesque chapel and romantic ambiance.

Pallas Beach

Perfect for: Relaxation, families, proximity to town

• Pallas Beach: Located just to the east of Lindos Main Beach, Pallas Beach offers a more laid-back atmosphere. With its shallow waters and soft sands, it's another great option for families with children. The beach is smaller and less crowded, providing a peaceful spot to relax. Several tavernas and bars along the beachfront offer refreshments and local delicacies.

Vlycha Beach

Perfect for: Water sports, tranquility, spaciousness

• Vlycha Beach: Situated a few kilometres north of Lindos, Vlycha Beach is known for its wide stretch of sand and pebbles. It's perfect for those looking for a less crowded option with plenty of space to spread out. The beach offers various water sports activities, including jet skiing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding. With several hotels and resorts nearby, Vlycha Beach is an excellent choice for those staying in the area.

Navarone Bay

Perfect for: Scenic beauty, diving, tranquillity

• Navarone Bay: Named after the famous film "The Guns of Navarone" which was shot here, this bay is known for its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters. It's a more secluded spot, perfect for those seeking tranquillity and natural beauty. The bay is also popular with divers, thanks to its interesting underwater rock formations and abundant marine life.

Lindos boasts some of the most beautiful and diverse beaches on the island of Rhodes. Whether you're looking for a bustling beach with full amenities, a romantic spot with stunning views, or a tranquil escape, Lindos has it all. Make the most of your holiday by exploring these top beaches and enjoying the sun, sea, and spectacular scenery that this charming village has to offer.

Local dishes in Lindos

One of the great delights of holidays to Lindos is indulging in all manner of Rhodian and traditional Greek delicacies.

Some typical dishes

• Moussaka: Pure comfort food, layers of aubergine, minced meat and béchamel sauce, baked to perfection.

• Gigantes Plaki: Baked beans, but better – giant butter beans cooked in a sofrito-based tomato sauce.

• Loukoumades: Deep-fried dough balls drizzled with honey and often sprinkled with cinnamon and sesame seeds – perfect with Greek coffee.

Meze dishes

• Dolmades: Vine leaves stuffed with rice, herbs and (sometimes) meat.

• Pitaroudia: Rhodian chickpea fritters seasoned with mint and cumin – best dipped in tzatziki.

Meat dishes

• Kleftiko: Fall-off-the-bone slow-cooked lamb with garlic, lemon and herbs (traditionally baked in a clay pot to lock in the flavours).

• Stifado: One-pot cooking at its finest, beef or rabbit slow-cooked with onions, tomatoes and spices.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Chtapodi Sti Schara: Grilled fresh octopus brushed with a marinade of red wine vinegar, olive oil and oregano.

• Kalamaria Yemista: Squid stuffed with rice, herbs and (sometimes) feta cheese, then baked or grilled to perfection.

Street food

• Gyros: Loaded with shavings of rotisserie-cooked meat, tomatoes, onions, (sometimes) chips and tzatziki, these pittas are the ultimate Greek sandwich.

• Souvlaki: Ubiquitous across Greece, these grilled beef, chicken, lamb or pork skewers are typically served with pitta bread, tomatoes, onions and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce.

Sweets and desserts

• Galaktoboureko: Consisting of custard-filled layers of filo pastry soaked in sweet syrup, this traditional Greek dessert is perfect for special occasions – creamy indulgence.

• Melekouni: A Rhodian speciality made from sesame seeds, almonds and thyme honey spiced with cinnamon and cloves.

Local drinks

• Ouzo: A traditional Greek spirit flavoured with anise. It's usually served as an aperitif and can be enjoyed straight or diluted with water.

• Retsina: Arguably the Marmite of the Greek wine world, this unique wine (white or rosé) is flavoured with pine resin.

• Souma: Made from grape marc and wine, Souma is essentially a more potent version of Tsipouro.