Lindos

Lindos is an ancient settlement on the island of Rhodes with whitewashed stone houses that nestle against a hillside and are dominated by a massive rock formation with an Acropolis. The narrow lanes between the buildings lead to the central square and then continue upward to the fortification complex at the summit, from where the sea is visible on several sides.

Dorians founded the settlement in the 10th century BC and expanded it into a major trading hub in the Mediterranean by the 8th century. Later, Byzantines, Crusaders and Ottomans added further fortification layers before the settlement took its present form in the 20th century.

The Greek Orthodox faith center and whitewashed houses with their stone-paved lanes shape daily life in the settlement today. Locals and visitors meet at the central square, where village life has run its course for generations.

Arriving early in the morning makes it easier to find parking and tackle the steep climbs to the fortress in cooler temperatures. The path upward is paved but uneven in places, so sturdy shoes are advisable, and sun protection should not be forgotten.

A temple for Athena once stood on the highest point of the fortress and attracted pilgrims from across the Mediterranean. The foundation walls of this sanctuary from 300 BC are still recognizable today, as are inscriptions in the rock face below.