Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Back on the coast, the beaches of
Kolym- bia
and
Tsambika
are sandy but can get
crowded in summer. Further up the road is a turn-off to sandy, idyllic
Stegna Beach
.
Another 4km along is a turning for Haraki from where you'll find a path up to the ruins
of the 15th-century
Castle of Faraklos
. Once a prison for recalcitrant knights and the is-
land's last stronghold to fall to the Turks, it offers great views. Nearby is the sandy cove
of
Agathi
.
Lindos Λίνδος
POP 1090
Unbelievably pretty, your first glimpse of Lindos from the elevated road will steal your
breath; the towering acropolis radiant on the cypress-silvered hill, below it the sugarcube
houses of the whitewashed town tumbling down to an aquamarine bay. The town itself is
a magical warren of hidden alleys, packed with boutiques, effervescent bars and cafes set
in old sea captain's houses with carved relief facades. Pick your way past donkeys as you
coax your calves up to the acropolis and one of the best views in Greece.
Ancient Lindos was founded by the Dorians around 2000 BC thanks to its excellent
harbour and vantage point. It's overlaid with a conglomeration of Byzantine, Frankish
and Turkish remains.
Sights & Activities
Acropolis of Lindos
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
(admission €6; 8am-6pm Tue-Sun Jun-Aug, to 2pm Sep-May)
An alluring mix of Byzantine
architecture on the outside, insulating 2nd-century-BC Doric architecture, this beautifully
preserved Acropolis is worth the climb up the 116m-high rock, thanks to its partial re-
construction allowing you a glimpse of its former greatness. Look out for the 20-
columned
Hellenistic stoa
(200 BC) and the Byzantine
Church of Agios Ioannis
, with
its ancient frescoes, to the right. The wide stairway behind the stoa leads to a 5th-
century-BC propylaeum, beyond which is the 4th-century
Temple to Athena
. Athena
was worshipped at Lindos as early as the 10th century BC; this temple has replaced earli-
er ones on the site.
Donkey rides to the Acropolis cost €5 one way, but to get here under your own steam,
head straight into the village from the main square, turn left at the church and follow the
signs. There's no shade at the top so pack a hat and some water.
Beaches
BEACH
