Lindos is one of the most beautiful villages on Rhodes and one of the island's major tourist attractions. Whitewashed houses with pebble-mosaic courtyards climb a hillside above a turquoise bay, crowned by an ancient Acropolis that has been continuously fortified since the 4th century BC.
The Acropolis of Lindos is the main draw. A long staircase — or a donkey ride, if you prefer — leads up through the medieval Knights' fortifications to the Doric Temple of Athena Lindia, perched dramatically on the cliff edge. Along the way you pass the carved prow of a Hellenistic trireme, the remains of a 5th-century BC stoa with its 42 columns (20 restored), and a Byzantine Church of St John. The views from the top over the village, St Paul's Bay, and the coast are worth the climb alone.
Below the Acropolis, the village itself is car-free and easy to get lost in. Narrow lanes wind between whitewashed houses, many dating to the 15th century and now protected as traditional buildings. The Byzantine Church of the Panagia is covered with 18th-century frescoes. The captain's houses — mansions built by prosperous sea captains — have courtyards paved with intricate black-and-white pebble mosaics (chochlakia). The main square is lined with restaurants and bars — pleasant enough, though you pay tourist prices.
St Paul's Bay, the small sheltered harbour on the south side, is where the apostle is said to have landed on his way to preach on Rhodes. It is one of the best swimming spots near the village. The main beach on the north side is larger and busier, with sunbed rentals and watersports.
Lindos is less than 50 kilometres from Rhodes City. Local buses run regularly, or you can drive — stop at the roadside pullouts on the approach for spectacular views of the village below.