Two Must-See Sides of Rhodes

Some places tell the story of Rhodes through ancient temples and sea views. Others reveal it through medieval walls and centuries of history. Lindos and Rhodes Old Town offer both.

For many visitors, no trip to Rhodes feels complete without experiencing both Lindos and Rhodes Old Town. While they are often mentioned together in guidebooks and itineraries, they offer remarkably different perspectives on the island. One is defined by whitewashed houses, dramatic coastal scenery, and ancient heritage. The other unfolds through medieval streets, knightly architecture, and a living city shaped by centuries of history.

Together, they reveal two of the most iconic and memorable sides of Rhodes.

Things to Do in Lindos and Rhodes Old Town

Whether you are visiting Rhodes for a few days or a full week, Lindos and Rhodes Old Town deserve a place near the top of your itinerary. Both are rich in history, atmosphere, and cultural significance, yet the experiences they offer feel entirely distinct from one another.

Why Lindos and Rhodes Old Town Define a Rhodes Holiday

There are many beautiful places across Rhodes, but Lindos and Rhodes Old Town remain the destinations most closely associated with the island’s identity.

Rhodes Old Town offers one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, where layers of history unfold behind fortified walls. Lindos, meanwhile, combines ancient Greek heritage with spectacular sea views, creating one of the most recognisable landscapes in the Dodecanese.

For travellers planning a broader itinerary, our guide on how to spend 3 days in Rhodes provides additional inspiration for combining these iconic destinations with other highlights across the island.

Lindos: Ancient Greece by the Sea

Among the most popular things to do in Lindos is simply allowing yourself time to explore. Unlike destinations built around a single landmark, Lindos rewards slow wandering and unplanned discoveries.

The village itself is a maze of whitewashed streets, traditional houses, hidden courtyards, and small terraces overlooking the sea. Around almost every corner, visitors encounter another postcard-worthy view.

Above it all rises the Acropolis of Lindos, one of the island’s most important archaeological sites. Perched high above the coastline, it offers sweeping views across the Aegean while connecting visitors to Rhodes’ ancient Greek past. Those interested in its history and significance can learn more in our guide to exploring Lindos Acropolis.

Just below the village, beaches and coves add another dimension to the experience. St Paul’s Bay, in particular, remains one of the most photographed locations on the island, combining crystal-clear waters with dramatic scenery. Yet the true charm of Lindos often lies beyond its headline attractions, within its winding streets, traditional architecture, and atmosphere, which continue to make Lindos, Greece one of the island’s most beloved destinations.

Travel Tip: During July and August, visiting Lindos early in the morning or later in the afternoon offers a more comfortable experience, especially if you plan to walk up to the Acropolis.

Rhodes Old Town: A Living Medieval City

While Lindos is closely connected to the ancient world, things to do in Rhodes Old Town revolve around a very different chapter of the island’s story.

Behind its imposing walls lies a city that feels almost cinematic. Cobbled streets, stone archways, hidden courtyards, and medieval buildings create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Greece.

Visitors often arrive with specific landmarks in mind, such as the Palace of the Grand Master or the Street of the Knights. Yet some of the most rewarding experiences come from stepping away from the busiest routes and exploring the quieter lanes where everyday life continues to unfold alongside centuries of history.

The atmosphere changes again after sunset. As daytime crowds begin to fade, restaurants, cafés, and illuminated monuments give the city a more intimate character that many visitors consider its most memorable side.

Before your visit, discover what to see in Rhodes Old Town to gain a deeper understanding of its landmarks and hidden corners.

Lindos or Rhodes Old Town? Understanding the Difference

While both destinations are among the most iconic places to visit in Rhodes, they offer remarkably different experiences.

Lindos feels shaped by sunlight, sea views, and ancient heritage. Its whitewashed houses tumble down towards the coast, while the Acropolis rises dramatically above the village. Time here is often spent moving between historical landmarks, scenic viewpoints, and moments by the water.

Rhodes Old Town, by contrast, tells a different chapter of the island’s story. Behind its medieval walls, visitors encounter knightly architecture, fortified streets, hidden courtyards, and a city that continues to evolve around its historic core. While Lindos invites visitors to slow down and admire the landscape, Old Town encourages exploration through layers of history and culture.

Rather than choosing between them, most visitors discover that experiencing both provides a fuller understanding of Rhodes itself, revealing the island’s ancient Greek heritage in one destination and its medieval legacy in the other.

The Perfect Day Combining Both

If your schedule allows only one day to experience these highlights, it is entirely possible to enjoy both.

Begin the morning in Rhodes Old Town, exploring its quieter streets before the city becomes busier. Continue south towards Lindos in the early afternoon, allowing time to wander through the village, visit the Acropolis, and enjoy the coastline.

As the day draws to a close, the views from Lindos become especially rewarding. Whether from the Acropolis, a rooftop terrace, or one of the surrounding viewpoints, sunset provides a fitting conclusion to a day spent discovering two of Rhodes’ most extraordinary destinations.

Why Most Visitors End Up Loving Both

Although Lindos and Rhodes Old Town are often compared, they are not competing experiences. Instead, they complement one another.

One reveals Rhodes through the lens of Ancient Greece, the other through the legacy of knights, merchants, and medieval fortifications. Together, they tell a story that spans thousands of years, helping visitors understand why Rhodes remains one of the most fascinating destinations in the Mediterranean.

For those seeking to experience the island beyond its beaches, there is no better place to begin than these two timeless landmark locations.