Lindos, the place where, from a distance, everything looks perfect. Up close… not quite the same story.
Let’s take them one by one.
The village. From afar, it looks peaceful, authentic, almost like a postcard from “the good old Greece.” Step inside, though, and the postcard turns into a bazaar: narrow streets crammed with stalls and souvenir shops (most of them peddling glittery plastic “treasures” at luxury-boutique prices). Add in the endless flow of tourists and you get more chaos than charm. As for the taverns? Well, they’re packed to the brim and the prices are way above the prices charged in Rhodes town, for example.
The medieval castle and acropolis ruins. From below, the sight is trully breathtaking. But after queuing for hours, the magic evaporates fast. Inside, the “restorations” look like the backdrop of a student film project with a very, very limited budget.
St. Paul’s Beach (Paralia Agios Pavlos). Famous, photogenic, social-media-perfect… if you only look at it from above. On the ground, though, it’s a different picture: a tiny strip of sand where every square centimeter is claimed, boats that stir up mud right next to swimmers, and exorbitant prices for the sunbeds (starting from 50-60 euro and reaching well over 100 euro).
The main beach of Lindos (split into Lindos Beach and Pallas Beach). Again, from the fortress, the bay looks like a scene painted by an impressionist artist: calm water, boats gliding in and out. But go down and reality paints in darker colors: murky water, noise everywhere, bodies crammed together like sardines, and, yes, the ever-present overpriced sunbeds.
And, even if we had accepted all of the above, the sight of dozens of exhausted, thirsty donkeys and mules forced to carry tourists under a blazing 40-degree sun was more than enough to ruin the...
Read moreThe overwhelming thoughts linked to the beach is that it’s overcrowded, unfriendly and foul-smelling.
Ruined by tourists and in attempts to cater for/exploit us (yes, that’s laden with hypocrisy.)
It’s hard-sell from the get-go. Don’t expect much relaxation. You’ll have people pestering you to buy huge donuts and the like. The smells (possibly from the toilets) was too much to bear.
There’s lots of activity around boat hires, right down at the front, which would be much better based around the bay where the larger boats are moored.
Such a beautiful beach, we had high hopes but were disappointed to have wasted time and left after just an hour, taking 5 hours out of our planned day.
There are much nicer places to spend time, even if the other beaches aren’t so picturesque (from a mild distance.)
It’s worth a visit to the area in general (it is beautiful and the Acropolis is there, so…) but I would get in, get around it and tick it off the list.
Our experience of Greek islands is that the people are a huge part of the appeal. They’re so hospitable. So engaging and generous in all ways. Not so in Lindos. From the Acropolis to the shops, the Gelateria, restaurants, gift shops and beach bed vendors, it was like being in another country.
Only a couple of exceptions made up in a small way. The first Gelateria on the right, past the Info booth at the plaza was good & run by people that were busy but still charming. There was another small gallery shop with pieces by a local artist that was similarly typical of the good experiences of the rest of...
Read moreLindos Beach is one of the most popular and picturesque beaches on the island of Rhodes, located on the eastern side of the island, beneath the ancient archaeological site of Lindos. This area is renowned for its stunning beauty, combining golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and a scenic bay with calm, shallow waters, making it ideal for swimming and perfect for families with young children. The beach is divided into two sections, the main beach that stretches in front of the town and a smaller, quieter beach known as Saint Paul's Bay, situated on the southern side of Lindos. Saint Paul's Bay offers a more secluded experience and is also of historical significance, as it is believed that the Apostle Paul landed there during his visit to Rhodes. The beach is well-organized, providing all necessary amenities such as sunbeds, umbrellas, water sports, and restaurants. The picturesque town of Lindos, with its whitewashed houses, narrow alleys, and the imposing Acropolis, is within walking distance, allowing visitors to combine the enjoyment of the beach with the exploration of the area's history and culture. Lindos Beach attracts many tourists during the summer season, so it is recommended to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for a more peaceful experience. A set of sunbeds typically starts at around 25 euros. The combination of natural beauty, historical heritage, and modern conveniences makes Lindos Beach one of the most beloved...
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