Ancient sites in Rhodes
Ancient sites are the main draw at Rhodes, and the Acropolis of Lindos is the one most visitors plan around. It sits on a steep hill above the village of Lindos, with ruins of many ancient civilizations and a reconstructed temple of Lindian Athena. The Acropolis of Rhodes in the city and the ancient city of Kamiros offer quieter, more spread-out visits.
Places to go
Acropolis of Lindos
The Acropolis of Lindos is a clifftop ancient site above the village of Lindos on Rhodes. You climb steep stone paths to a reconstructed temple of Lindian Athena and wide views over the bay.
Acropolis of Rhodes
The Acropolis of Rhodes is an ancient hilltop site above Rhodes town, where you walk among the ruins of an old city and take in the view.
Kamiros
Kamiros is an ancient city on Rhodes, one of three ancient cities on the island. The ruins give a clear picture of ancient Greek life, and you walk the stone remains on foot.
Palace of the Grand Master
The Palace of the Grand Master, called Castello, is a Knights' fortress that now works as a museum. Walk in from the Old Town streets and spend time among its halls.
Filerimos Hill
Filerimos Hill is a wooded hill with serene pathways, historical ruins and panoramic views over the island. Visitors also meet free-roaming peacocks along the way.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
What to expect
The village is pedestrian only, with cobbled streets that are walked or covered by donkey or moped. From the village you climb the path to the Acropolis, which is the main event. The climb is steep and slippery, and visitors walk up or hire a donkey for part of the way at their own expense.
At the top you find the remains of many ancient civilizations, including the 4th-century BC Doric Temple of Athena Lindia, the reconstructed temple of Lindian Athena and wide views over the bay. An ancient amphitheatre is carved into the slope below. Medieval walls built by the Crusaders in the early 14th century run along the road up to the site. Allow most of a half day for the whole visit.
Where to go
- Lindos ancient amphitheatre. A theater cut into the slope of the Acropolis, seen on the way up. On foot from the village. A trip that goes here: Lindos On Your Own, 6 Hours 30 Minutes, $48 a person
- Kamiros. An ancient Greek city on the west side of the island, one of three ancient cities on Rhodes alongside Lindos and Ialysos. By tour or car.
- Acropolis of Rhodes. An ancient site in the city, with artistic and architectural remains of an ancient civilization. In Rhodes town, by bus line 5 from the New Market. A trip that goes here: Lindos On Your Own, 6 Hours 30 Minutes, $48 a person
Getting there
Buses from Rhodes town also reach Lindos, though timetables can be unreliable. The Acropolis of Rhodes is a shorter trip, reached by bus line 5 from the New Market, which is a short walk from the Old Town.
When to go
The Acropolis of Lindos is open until evening from March to December. Lindos is crowded in the mornings, so arriving later in the morning or at midday can help with crowds.
Good to know
- Wear sturdy shoes with grip, since the path up to the Acropolis is steep, slippery and has more than 250 steps.
- Bring water and a hat, especially in summer, when Rhodes gets very hot.
- Budget for the entrance fee at the Acropolis of Lindos, and for a donkey if you want one for part of the climb.
Questions
Is the Acropolis of Lindos hard to climb?
Yes, the climb is steep and slippery, with more than 250 steps and no handrails. Visitors can walk up or hire a donkey for part of the way at their own expense. It is not accessible for people with limited mobility.
How do you get to Lindos on Rhodes?
Lindos, its Acropolis and St Paul's Bay are about 50 minutes by road from Rhodes town. Tours, taxis and buses all make the trip, and boats from Mandraki harbor also reach Lindos.
What else ancient is there to see on Rhodes?
The Acropolis of Rhodes is reached by bus line 5 in the city. Kamiros, an ancient Greek city on the west side, is one of three ancient cities on the island. Both are useful if you want more than Lindos.
