Lindos: the small, eternal city of Rhodes

If you hear that Lindos is beautiful, do not believe it. Lindos is dazzling! You will fall in love at first sight. It's also scorching, at least by European standards - with hotter temperatures than the Canary Islands and Tenerife. Upon arrival, your eyes will be drawn to a massive, 116 metre high promontory of rock. At its base dominates the 'Trireme of Rhodes', a formidable relief of an ancient Greek ship carved into the stone. At its summit rises the Acropolis overlooking the Aegean. From here you can spy iconic and historical monuments: the Doric temple of Lindia Athena, a Hellenistic gallery of 42 columns stretching an impressive 87 metres, altars and bases of statues, as well as fortified walls built by crusaders, and the 13th century temple of Saint John.

The findings from the Acropolis testify to the timeless power and wealth of ancient Lindos, which peaked in the 6th century BCE under the leadership of Cleobulus - one of the seven wise men of ancient Greece. It's no coincidence that the Lindos Acropolis ranks third in the number of visitors throughout Greece. Established by ancient Greeks, Lindos was later utilised by the Romans, the Byzantines, and the Order of the Knights of Saint John. All were left in awe of her beauty and the same will undoubtedly apply to you, too.

From these heights the light seems tinged with gold, the air feels lighter and the sky seems so close, you feel as though you could fly. Lindos is one of the most magical places in the Dodecanese - one painted in the colours of the Cyclades. With no particular destination in mind, it's worth meandering through the picturesque alleys to discover tiny shops and quaint island homes. Many have courtyards that are decorated with hochlakia (pebble mosaics). Others have verandas overlooking the sea and intimate rooftop settings where you can enjoy coffee and ice cream or a meal under the stars. However, the architectural jewels of Lindos are undoubtedly the 'captains' houses' of the 16th to 18th centuries. Commissioned by wealthy seafaring merchants and constructed by skilled local craftsmen, these homes stand out for their harmonious proportions, functionality, attention to detail and simple interiors. The ceilings are often painted and the walls decorated with the traditional ceramic plates of Lindos.

What else is there to see and do? Visit the Byzantine church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. Its impressive murals are incredibly detailed. Visit the bay of St. Pavlos to swim at one of the top 10 beaches in Europe. No matter the length of your stay in Lindos, you will be obliged to return; this much beauty is impossible to discover in just one visit.

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