Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The acropolis
Mid-June to mid-Sept Mon 12.30-7.10pm, Tues-Sun 8am-7.10pm; mid-Sept to mid-June Tues-Sun 8.30am-2.40pm • €6
Although the dramatic battlements that circle the acropolis on the bluff directly above
Líndhos belong to a Knights' castle , the precinct they enclose is much more ancient. A
sanctuary dedicated to local deity Lindia was founded here in the ninth century BC,
while the surviving structures were started by local ruler Kleoboulos three hundred
years later.
A short climb up steep steps from the centre of the village, or a longer walk (or
even donkey ride) up a gentler but more exposed pathway, brings you to the
stairway to the castle itself. The relief sculpture of a ship's prow at its foot dates from
the second century BC. Once you pass through the sole gateway, restrain the
impulse to head straight for the summit, and explore the site from the bottom
upwards instead. That way the temple of Athena Lindia at the top, set on a level
platform that commands magnificent coastline views to both north and south,
comes as a stunning climax. Almost all the buildings are recent reconstructions,
replacing older restoration work now deemed inaccurate, though some ancient
stones have been incorporated.
Come early or late in the day if you can, to avoid the crowds and enjoy the best light.
And be warned that many of the stairways, parapets and platforms have precipitous,
unrailed drop-offs.
Beaches
Líndhos's main beach , once the principal ancient harbour, tends to get very
overcrowded; quieter options lie one cove beyond at Pállas beach . The small, perfectly
sheltered St Paul's harbour , south of the acropolis and well away from town, has
excellent swimming. According to legend, the Apostle landed here in 58 AD on a
mission to evangelize the island.
8
ARRIVAL AND INFORMATION
LÍNDHOS
By car No cars are allowed in the village itself, and there's
no vehicle access to the acropolis. Arriving drivers instead
have to perform an elaborate U-turn at the tiny main
square to reach car parks towards the beach, some of
which, as clearly signposted, are free.
ACCOMMODATION
Ì Melenos T 22440 32222, W melenoslindos.com.
The only hotel in Líndhos itself is an absolute gem,
exquisite and highly exclusive, discreetly sited on the
second lane above the north beach, by the school. No
expense has been spared in laying out the twelve luxurious
suites with semi-private, votsalotó terraces and tasteful
furnishings; there's also a swank y garden-bar and
restaurant. Open all year round. €310
EATING AND DRINKING
The lanes of Líndhos are crammed with run-of-the-mill restaurants, with a rapid turnover in ownership, but there are still
a few stand-outs. Almost all have roof terraces, offering views up to the castle; whatever the decor may look like inside,
most diners end up sitting on bare concrete patios in a parallel rooftop world.
Acropolis Roof Garden Trapeza 26 T 22440 32160,
W lindostreasures.com/village. The best option along
the lanes, with a solid menu of Greek specialities such as
rabbit stifhádo (€9.50) and a fine array of mezhédes,
including tasty dolmádhes , all served on a castle-view
terrace. Daily lunch & dinner.
Ì Mavrikos Main Square T 22440 31232.
Prominent restaurant, on the fig-tree square where all
traffic has to turn around. Starters such as yígandes in
carob syrup (€7.50), sweet marinated sardines, or beets
in goat-cheese sauce, are accomplished, as are fish
mains such as skate timbale with sweetened balsamic,
or superior traditional recipes like dolmádhes and
tyrokafterí . Typical food charge of €23-30 per person.
Daily noon-midnight.
Village Café T 22440 31554, W lindostreasures.com
/village. Friendly café and snack bar, set around a little
pebbled courtyard, with a fine array of pastries, juices,
sandwiches and snacks. Daily 10am-5pm.
 
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