Things To Do in Lindos

Used as a fortress by the island’s former rulers, the acropolis is really several ruins in one. Among other things, you’ll find a Greek temple to Athena, the walls and towers of the Castle of the Knights of St John and what’s left of a Roman temple. It’s a steep, half-hour climb up from the village, but you can always hail a donkey for an easier trip.

Local pottery, leather sandals and pretty jewellery fill the little shops here. You’ll also find plenty of places stocking the island’s ouzo-based liqueur, koriantolino. And the village has its own art gallery selling Lindos-inspired paintings. Shops stay open ’til late and you’ll find that their owners have a really laid-back, no-hassle attitude towards customers.

The Rainbird Bar – on the main donkey route to the acropolis – comes with views over the main beach and bay, and courtyards bursting with flowers. It has a lovely, relaxed atmosphere, too, particularly on the outdoor terrace. Sit back and relax with their signature cocktail, the Rainbird Rush – a mix of Bacardi, banana and coconut liqueurs and cream, served in a half-pineapple.

Lindos is surrounded by hills, so evenings stay pretty warm. Lots of the town’s restaurants have airy roof garden terraces where diners can catch a welcome breeze. They also have fantastic views over the village and the acropolis. Or, for a waterfront setting, pull up a seat at one of the harbour’s eating places to try dishes like shrimp with feta cheese and soupiorizo – that’s squid risotto.

You can’t get much more authentic than this place. Most Sundays, owner Jack plays up a storm on the bouzouki – which is a lute-like instrument – and you get Greek folk dancing on occasional nights, too. The house cocktails are pretty special, but, as you’re here, you might want to try the ouzo ice-cream.

Lindos has a history of attracting rock royalty – Pink Floyd’s Dave Gilmour has a house here, and some of music’s biggest names are regular visitors. So it’s no coincidence that tribute bands fly in from across Europe for a week of open-air concerts. Expect to see almost-legends like Think Floyd, Fleetwood Bac and Who’s Next.

At Mythos, owners George and Tsambika produce all of the meat on their organic farm, and most ingredients come from local suppliers. You can taste the care they take in their oven-baked lamb in yoghurt, not to mention Tsambika’s homemade baklava dessert. Sit on the outdoor terrace and it all comes with views of the floodlit acropolis.

When it comes to nightlife, Lindos is all about options. If you’re up for a laid-back evening, then sipping a cool Mythos beer in a vine-covered courtyard bar should do you nicely. Or you can find a livelier place to listen to live Greek bouzouki music – though they turn the volume down at 11pm. You’ve even got a few – sound-proofed – clubs here if you fancy them.

It can be hot work walking up to the acropolis, so most people hail a donkey. Up here, you’ve got a lot to see – there’s a Roman temple, an ancient fortress plus a 13th-century Greek Orthodox church. Make sure you charge up the camera battery because you’ll want to snap the incredible view, too.

The places round here are in no rush to shut up shop, so you can get your retail fix late into the evening. Wander the winding streets and you can pick up clothes, jewellery, pottery and custom-made sandals. And if you want a drinkable memento, stock up on koriantolino, Rhodes’s signature liqueur made from ouzo, sugar and spices.

Lindos’ bar scene is big enough to take in uber-cool cocktail joints, rooftop party spots and vine-covered courtyards where you can enjoy a quiet drink. Keep an ear out, too, for places playing traditional bouzouki music. The noise laws here ensure all music is turned down at 11pm, but if you want some late-night dancing there are a few soundproofed clubs around.

Set in one of the village’s traditional captain’s houses built in the 17^th century, Kalypso keeps up the authentic vibe with traditional Lindian plates on the walls. The food, too, stays true to its Greek roots, with dishes like chicken souvlaki and spicy lamb meatballs with whipped feta and yoghurt sauce. A roof terrace table secures you first-rate views of the acropolis.