Why Visit Lindos by Boat
Most visitors to Lindos arrive by bus from Rhodes Town, queue at the foot of the village in 38-degree heat and ride a donkey or walk steep cobbled lanes to the Acropolis. There is another way. Approaching Lindos by sea gives you a view that the ancients themselves would have seen — the white cubic village and the Doric columns of the temple rising together from the promontory above St Paul's Bay.
The bay itself is one of the finest swimming spots on the island: a circular, almost enclosed turquoise inlet with a sandy bottom and calm water sheltered from the prevailing north wind. It is said that St Paul landed here during his voyage to Rhodes in 57 AD — the small chapel on the headland marks the spot.
The Route: Rhodes Town to Lindos by Boat
The direct coastal distance from Mandraki Harbour to Lindos is approximately 50 kilometres along the east coast. Day-trip boats cover this in 2–3 hours depending on the stops made along the way. Most cruises call at Anthony Quinn Bay, Kalithea Springs or Tsambika for a swim stop before continuing south.
Arriving by sea means you step straight onto the beach in St Paul's Bay, with the Acropolis towering directly above you. You can swim first and climb second — or simply stay on the boat and admire the view from the water.
What to Do in Lindos Once You Arrive
- Swim in St Paul's Bay — The bay has a beach bar, sunbeds, snorkelling over shallow rocks and calm, warm water. This is the main reason most people on the boat stay here.
- Climb to the Acropolis — The Acropolis of Lindos is genuinely worth the climb: a 4th-century BC Temple of Athena Lindia with dramatic views over both bays. Entrance fee applies (currently €12 adults). Allow 1.5 hours for the climb and site visit.
- Walk the village — The whitewashed village below the Acropolis has narrow lanes, Captains' Houses (15th–17th century mansions with pebble courtyards), jewellery shops and tavernas. It gets crowded mid-morning; arrive early or late.
Private vs Shared: Which Is Better for Lindos?
A shared day cruise to Lindos gives you the view and the swim stop without organising anything — the boat follows a set route and drops you at the beach. If you want to time your arrival to beat the cruise ship crowds (who arrive between 10:00 and 14:00), a private trip gives you the flexibility to leave earlier or later.
A private boat also lets you linger as long as you like in St Paul's Bay or explore the smaller coves south of Lindos that shared boats do not stop at.
Booking
Lindos day trips from Rhodes run throughout the May–October season. See boat tours that include Lindos or ask us about private trips to the Lindos area.