© Unsplash
Lindos Acropolis & Castle of the Knights
Ακρόπολη Λίνδου
Greece · South Aegean, Rhodes · Near Rhodes
Built 300 · Ancient Greek / Knights Hospitaller
Quick Facts
- Hours
- Winter hours 08:00–15:00. Check locally as hours vary. Closed Mondays in winter.
- Tickets from
- €12
- Duration
- 1.5–2 hours
- Best time
- April to June, September to October
- Nearest city
- Rhodes
Highlights
- ✦Stunning hilltop site combining 4th-century BC Greek temples and medieval Knights' fortifications
- ✦Temple of Athena Lindia — one of the most sacred sites in the ancient Aegean
- ✦Panoramic views over the Lindian bay — one of the most beautiful in Greece
- ✦The whitewashed village of Lindos below is one of Greece's finest
- ✦Alexander the Great reportedly prayed at this temple before his Persian campaign
Skip the queue with a guided tour
Skip-the-line tickets & expert guides
The Acropolis of Lindos is one of the most spectacular ancient sites in the Greek world — a sheer 116-metre rock above the Aegean crowned by the ruins of the 4th-century BC Temple of Athena Lindia, enclosed within the massive medieval walls built by the Knights of St John. The sacred site of Lindos was one of the most important religious centres of the ancient Aegean: Alexander the Great reportedly prayed here before his invasion of Persia. The Knights Hospitaller took control of Rhodes in 1309 and built their commanding castle walls around and over the ancient remains, creating the remarkable layered monument visible today. Below the acropolis stretches the dazzling white village of Lindos, one of the most beautiful in Greece, its cubist houses and Byzantine church filling a natural amphitheatre above a perfect circular bay.
History
The sanctuary of Lindos was established in the 10th century BC and expanded into a major temple complex in the 4th century BC. The Temple of Athena Lindia was rebuilt in the 3rd century BC in the form seen today. The Romans held the site and later the Byzantines. In 1309 the Knights of St John (Hospitallers) conquered Rhodes and fortified the acropolis with the massive defensive walls still standing. After the Ottoman conquest of Rhodes in 1522, the site continued to be used militarily. Archaeological excavations began in the early 20th century and continue today.
How to Visit
Lindos is 50 km south of Rhodes Town on the east coast of Rhodes island. Regular buses and taxis run from Rhodes Town (1 hour). From the village a steep 300-step path (or donkey ride) leads to the acropolis entrance. Lindos is extremely busy in July and August; visit in April–June or September–October for manageable crowds and cooler temperatures. The village itself is car-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — donkeys are available for hire at the base of the hill as an alternative to climbing the steps, a long-standing local tradition.
Location
Acropolis of Lindos, 851 07 Lindos, Greece
Nearby Castles
Tours & Tickets
Powered by GetYourGuide
Entry from
€12/ adult