July 2024. Steve and I are cruising on the Norwegian Getaway, a Breakaway class ship by Norwegian Cruise Line or NCL. Interestingly, our stay on board happened shortly after the Getaway paid a visit to the dry dock for some refurbishments. The route? Piraeus, which is the port of Athens in Greece; followed by Mykonos; two days in Istanbul in Turkey or Türkiye; then Kusadasi or Kuşadası for Ephesus; Rhodes; Santorini (Thira or Thera) and back to Piraeus. Oddly enough, the itinerary offered no sea days. 

At first we didn’t book a shore excursion for our port of call of Rhodes (Greek: Ρόδος, romanized Ródos). We estimated we could explore Rhodes on our own. The city of Rhodes that is. But the Steve’s ex sent photos of the Acropolis (Ακρόπολη της Λίνδου) of Lindos. So we decided to book a tour to Lindos (Λίνδος).

Lindos

Lindos, a picturesque village nestled on the sun-drenched southeastern coast of Rhodes. This destination has been drawing visitors for centuries, lured by its whitewashed houses cascading down a hillside towards the sparkling Aegean Sea.

According to myth, Lindos was founded by the Dorians led by the King Tlepolemus of Rhodes, who arrived in about the 10th century BC. It was one of six Dorian cities in the area known as the Dorian Hexapolis. The eastern location of Rhodes made it a natural meeting place between the Greeks and the Phoenicians, and by the 8th century Lindos was a major trading centre. In the 6th century it was ruled by Cleobulus, one of the Seven Sages of Greece. The importance of Lindos declined after the foundation of the city of Rhodes in the late 5th century BC. 

The Acropolis of Lindos

Dominating the skyline above the modern village, the Lindos acropolis is a natural citadel fortified successively by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Knights of St. John, and Ottomans. This layered history renders archaeological excavation and interpretation challenging. Offering commanding views of the surrounding harbors and coastline, the acropolis is a captivating site.

Today, visitors can explore remnants of several significant structures. The Doric Temple of Athena Lindia, dating from around 300 BC, stands as a testament to the city’s ancient grandeur. Its interior houses the remains of the offering table and the base of the cult statue dedicated to the goddess. The monumental Propylaea, a 4th-century BC gateway, leads to a D-shaped colonnade. Nearby, a Hellenistic stoa, dating from around 200 BC, once stretched for 87 meters, supported by 42 columns.

A particularly striking feature is the Rhodian trireme relief carved into the rock. Depicting a warship with General Hagesander at its helm, this 2nd-century BC masterpiece is attributed to the sculptor Pythokritos. A Hellenistic staircase from the same period provides access to the acropolis’ main archaeological area.

Remains of a Roman temple, possibly dedicated to Emperor Diocletian, date back to around 300 AD. The acropolis itself is encircled by a Hellenistic wall, contemporary with the Propylaea and the entrance stairway. Repairs to this wall and its square towers were funded by P. Aelius Hagetor, the priest of Athena, in the 2nd century AD.

Overlaid on these earlier structures is the Castle of the Knights of St. John, built before 1317. Its walls and towers conform to the cliff’s natural shape. A pentagonal tower once commanded the harbor, while a large round tower faced the sea. Today, two towers remain.

Finally, a Greek Orthodox Church of St. John, dating from the 13th or 14th century, occupies the site of an earlier church, possibly from the 6th century. 

The acropolis has also served as a cinematic backdrop, featuring in the film ‘The Guns of Navarone‘.

A visit

The bus drops you off outside the town. A little hike later, you arrive at ‘The Square’. That ‘The Square’ is the entrance of the old town, with narrow streets and many, many, many shops. Apparently, the donkey is a symbol for Lindos so you’ll see cartoonish donkeys everywhere. 

We did not buy any souvenir. But we bought freshly squeezed orange juice. Apparently, that’s a specialty of the town.

The narrow streets of Lindos are busy, but it’s not as bad as Mykonos. The climb on and to the acropolis is steep and there’s no railing to protect you. On the way down that is scary, because marble is slippery. Even when it’s dry.

The acropolis itself is well-preserved and interesting. All the occupants of Rhodes laid their mark on this citadel, so you’ll see layers of history.

As is the case with the other acropolis, the Acropolis with capital A, in Athens, there’s barely any shade to protect you of the sun. Be prepared for that. 

Souvenir shop

After the tour we stopped at a ceramics factory and shop. I forgot its name. After a demonstration, we were invited to buy stuff. We didn’t. But a cute twink offered help and maybe I should have bought an object with a penis on. Ah well. 

So?

If you’re in or on Rhodes, go visit Lindos.

2024 Athens – Mykonos – Istanbul – Kusadasi – Rhodes – Santorini – Athens Cruise on the Norwegian Getaway

1. Flying Airbus A320neo with Aegean Airlines from Brussels to Athens return.
2. REVIEW | Athenarum Portus Life & Style Hotel in Piraeus.
3. GREECE | A modest exploration of Piraeus.
4. NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE | Before you sail, online check-in and Embarkation Day.
5. GREECE | Mykonos ft Archaeological Museum, the Windmills and massive crowds.
6. NORWEGIAN GETAWAY | Balcony Stateroom with included access to the Thermal Spa.
7. ISTANBUL | Beylerbeyi Palace – Blue Mosque – Grand Bazaar.
8. NORWEGIAN GETAWAY | Activities – sports – entertainment – common areas.
9. ISTANBUL | Galataport – Sirkeci Railway Station – Hagia Sophia – Topkapi Park.
10. Bars & Lounges on Norwegian Getaway.
11. Ephesus.
12. Restaurants and food on Norwegian Getaway.