One of the vital vital archaeological websites in Greece and one of many best-known locations to go to in Rhodes for households, you shouldn’t miss the Acropolis of Lindos with children.
incorporates affiliate hyperlinks*
Sitting on a clifftop above the village of Lindos, the Acropolis dates again hundreds of years, with the ruins of historic temples now tucked inside defensive partitions constructed by the Knights of St John in medieval instances, all towering over the ocean 100m under.
With an opportunity to wander amid the ruins, in addition to exploring the village and heading to close by seashores, it’s straightforward to fill a day in Lindos with children. However should you’re planning to go to the Acropolis, don’t set off with out studying my ideas first.
Is it value visiting the Lindos Acropolis with children?
The brief reply is sure! The positioning actually is spectacular, each to discover and for its views again down, to not point out millennia of historical past.
In the event you’re visiting with little or no ones, it’s definitely not buggy-friendly, and there are some steep drops and uneven sections, so that you’ll wish to preserve tight maintain of toddlers.
There are some quirky highlights to identify which can assist to convey it alive for older children (and often a sunbathing cat or two so as to add to the leisure), plus it’s enjoyable clambering round to get to totally different components and engaging for individuals who love historical past.
The positioning isn’t large both, so should you keep away from the crowds – learn on for tips about how to try this – you received’t be spending hours there, in case your children have a brief consideration span for ruined temples.
What time is finest to go to Lindos?
Arrive early! I can’t stress this sufficient, particularly in peak season or when cruise ships are visiting.
The gates open at 8am, and should you flip up then (or shortly afterwards, like us) & you’ll in all probability share the positioning with only a handful of others. It additionally enables you to discover earlier than the worst of the warmth.
After we left at round 9.30am, the queue was large with a whole bunch of individuals within the line stretching down the hillside.
In the event you’re visiting out of season, it’s value doublechecking the opening hours (and cruise ship arrivals). Lindos Acropolis is at all times well-liked however there’ll be far fewer individuals on a quiet day in March in comparison with the summer season holidays.
Is it value prebooking tickets?
Positively. You’ll be able to prebook tickets on-line, which helps you to stroll straight in to the turnstiles to have your tickets scanned reasonably than having to purchase them on the ticket workplace. There are two-hour time slots, with the earliest at 8am – verify right here for the full opening hours, that are restricted within the winter months.
There are indicators dotted round with QR codes to purchase tickets, so should you’ve visited with out prebooking and located an enormous queue, you’ll be able to scan and skip that wait although.
Grownup tickets presently value 12 Euros, whereas kids aged 6-25 from international locations not within the EU pay 6 Euros. Below fives are free, as are EU residents aged underneath 25.
To get skip-the-line tickets, you’ll be able to e book straight on the Hellenic Heritage web site. Alternatively, you should purchase from websites similar to tiqets (with a small low cost utilizing my hyperlink and the code MUMMYTRAVELS6) and have the tickets scanned in your telephone – no want to choose them up from the ticket workplace.
Get Your Information additionally sends the tickets direct to your electronic mail, and lets you add an audio information as properly.
How do I get to Lindos Acropolis with children?
Whereas there’s a bus route from Rhodes City to Lindos, most individuals visiting the Acropolis will come by automotive or as a part of a tour.
It’s straightforward to journey there independently, and means you’ve the flexibleness to beat the massive teams however it’s value realizing which you could’t drive to the acropolis – the one approach to get to the positioning on the prime of the hill is on foot from Lindos village or by donkey.
There are two routes to take as much as the Acropolis. As you head into Lindos village, should you flip to the left, the route will take you up the winding path alongside the hillside in direction of the positioning, whereas the opposite leads by way of the village climbing up a string of steps to method the acropolis from the other facet.
My choice is to take the winding path up, as you get some nice views as much as the Acropolis in addition to again all the way down to the ocean, and it’s extra fascinating to climb with children – it’s straightforward to think about individuals hundreds of years in the past following the same route.
Then take the route by way of the village to move again down. It’s lined with little stalls and outlets, in addition to tavernas, so it’s straightforward to choose up a couple of souvenirs alongside the way in which (whereas you may have to rush previous on the way in which up) – plus happening steps is simpler than going up!
Each routes take the same period of time. In the event you’re coming from St Paul’s, you’ll come from the other facet of Lindos, however it would lead you to the identical routes.
The place can I park?
You’ll be able to’t park within the village itself, though there are a number of choices inside a brief stroll. There’s parking by the close by sandy seaside should you’re planning to move all the way down to the ocean afterwards, together with some free parking in addition to paid parking.
It’s a couple of minutes stroll again uphill in direction of the village and the route as much as the Acropolis.
Alternatively, there are a handful of areas on the highway main downhill to Lindos village – this personal parking is paid (count on to pay round 5 euros in excessive season) however it cuts out a number of the stroll.
In any other case, nearly all of individuals go away their vehicles within the larger automotive park on the prime of the hill, referred to as Lindos Central Parking. With room for 300 vehicles, you’d be unfortunate to not discover a area.
Or on the opposite facet of Lindos, St Paul’s Parking takes you a barely totally different route but additionally has a lot of area and prices round 6 euros for the day.
Do I want a donkey?
Truthfully, no. Fortunately the donkeys do look properly cared for, however until you’ve mobility points, anybody of common health can sort out the stroll and climb.
My 11-year-old had no points in any respect (she was sooner than I used to be), and there have been youthful children who managed equally properly.
In case you are planning to go to with little ones and the stroll is an excessive amount of for little legs, you’ll cross the donkeys within the village to rearrange a trip – should you do arrive early, chances are you’ll discover you get there earlier than the donkeys do, so it’s value bearing that in thoughts.
What’s there to see on the Acropolis of Lindos?
In contrast to plenty of historic websites in Greece, the Acropolis of Lindos has been added to through the years, so you’ll be able to uncover totally different components from throughout the centuries.
The positioning itself is assumed up to now again to the ninth or tenth century BCE, with Lindos changing into strongest in across the sixth and seventh century BCE. Lindos is sufficiently old that it’s talked about by Homer as one of many Greek cities which took half within the Trojan Warfare.
Inside a couple of centuries, town close to Rhodes turned a very powerful political centre, whereas Lindos develop into its key spiritual web site – the well-known ruins of the temple to Athena Lindia date from the 4th century BCE, constructed on the positioning of an earlier temple.
Later, the Knights of St John (or Knights Hospitaller) constructed their citadel right here by 1317 on prime of older Byzantine fortifications.
The positioning itself isn’t large however because it’s set over a number of ranges, it takes some time to stroll round, as you climb from the doorway, by way of the medieval fortifications and as much as the Temple of Athena Lindia, in addition to a number of the different sections of ruins in between. We spent round an hour inside.
There are paths or steps by way of most areas, however you may as well wander away to get nearer to some sections of ruins – enjoyable for teenagers, though the bottom off the trail generally is a bit uneven for toddlers.
Right here’s what else to look out for at Lindos Acropolis with children:
The ship reduction
One of many first issues you’ll be able to see after coming into the positioning is a big ship carved into the rock; a triemiolia or trireme, which was a kind of historic warship utilized in Rhodes.
The boat by Pythokritos, because it’s identified, was sculpted within the rock within the early 2nd century BCE, and whereas not all of it’s seen, you’ll be able to see see the curving prow and different particulars.
Initially this was the bottom of a statue to an admiral, Agesandrus, so you’ll be able to think about how imposing it should have been when it was intact.
The Knights Hospitaller buildings
One of many ‘new’ additions to the positioning, the Knights of St John added their citadel and fortified the positioning with large partitions stretching over 500 metres across the hillside.
From the ship reduction, you climb the stone steps as much as the following stage of the acropolis, which takes you contained in the constructing – look out for the coats of arms as you go.
You’ll stroll by way of the executive constructing, added in across the 14th-Fifteenth centuries CE – it’s definitely one of the vital memorable places for workplaces, with some large column bases tucked into corners earlier than you emerge into the daylight once more.
The opposite foremost medieval constructing is the Byzantine church of St John, later changed into a mosque after the Ottoman invasion. Throughout our go to, you couldn’t go inside, however you’ll be able to take a look at the ornamental exterior and spot the door connecting it to the executive constructing.
The temple of Athena Lindia
The ultimate climb up the 34 steps to the sanctuary and the stays of the Temple to Athena are what makes a go to to the Acropolis of Lindos so memorable.
The large columns soar as much as the cloudless sky, dwarfing everybody who walks up. It’s not arduous to think about the awe these visiting the intact temple should have felt.
As soon as there would have been ornate statues inside, though these are lengthy gone. You’ll be able to see stone bowls designed for gathering choices although underneath the imposing columns.
Different highlights of Lindos Acropolis
There are all types of little particulars to look out for – inscriptions carved into rocks, bits of statues, and the stays of different temples.
Among the different architectural highlights embrace the Propylaea of the Sanctuary – a gateway resulting in a coated walkway – and the Hellenistic Stoa, which sits to the perimeters of the Propylaea staircase. Courting from the third century BCE, 26 columns nonetheless survive.
Realistically it’s the expertise of exploring that’s extra fascinating for teenagers, than realizing the particular architectural options although.
One different enjoyable element to maintain children engaged is the story of the tyrant Kleoboulos, who dominated Lindos. So the parable says, he was punished for disrespecting Athena by being changed into a rock – which may nonetheless supposedly be discovered on the entrance to the Acropolis. As to which one it’s? No-one can say for positive, however it’s enjoyable to take a position.
It’s value realizing that there’s conservation work happening on the web site, partly to repair the unsympathetic restoration performed by the Italians within the Thirties – whereas it helped convey components of the positioning to life as soon as extra, the supplies used are damaging a number of the remaining ruins. Elements of the positioning could due to this fact be closed whereas this takes place.
Do additionally take a couple of moments to soak within the views all the way down to St Paul’s Bay and Lindos Bay that are unbelievable – the totally different blue and turquoise shades of the ocean are merely stunning, and on a transparent day, you’ll be able to see for miles.
Do I want a information?
There are some indicators and boards giving data on what you’ll be able to see, however they’re pretty restricted. In the event you’re on the lookout for a quick overview, that may be a good start line, however if you need extra, you’ll want some form of information or guidebook.
In the event you e book tickets from Get Your Information there’s an choice to get an audio information along with your ticket, whereas most guidebooks for Rhodes have some data on Lindos.
In the event you do need a lot of element, you’ll have to e book a information – both a gaggle guided tour or you’ll be able to rent a personal information. In any other case don’t count on to see a lot of guides ready on the web site, so it’s finest to make different preparations prematurely.
What ought to I convey if I’m visiting Lindos with children?
Comfy strolling sneakers are important – you don’t essentially want trainers, however strolling sandals are a greater thought than flipflops given the stroll up and the uneven floor inside.
It’s properly value bringing a hat too, as you received’t discover a lot shade when you’re exploring, together with loads of water and any snacks your children may need.
There’s a cafe close to the doorway to the Acropolis, however (unsurprisingly) it’s pricy, though the recent juices are pretty – there are additionally bathrooms subsequent to the cafe, as there are not any amenities inside the acropolis web site.
What else is there to do in Lindos with children?
Lindos itself is a picturesque little village, all whitewashed alleys, however very touristy – as you wander the slim streets, you’ll discover stalls and outlets with (pretty!) souvenirs galore, in addition to loads of bars + tavernas.
It’s straightforward to whereas away a while looking or enjoyable with a drink after your climb to the Acropolis, in addition to strolling across the winding lanes to see what you stumble throughout. It’s pedestrian-only which makes it a soothing place to wander with children.
There are additionally a few seashores sitting under the village – each with comfortable sand, Lindos Seaside is larger, busier and also you’ll discover loungers galore plus kayaks to lease, whereas Pallas Seaside is smaller and quieter, with shallow water that’s good should you’re visiting Rhodes with toddlers and youthful children.
Close by St Paul’s Bay is pebbly and an extended stroll from any automotive parking, however could also be quieter should you’re seeking to paddle.
On the route spherical in direction of St Paul’s Parking, you may as well see the stays of the Theatre of Lindos, minimize into the rocks, which might as soon as have seated round 2,000 individuals, and the close by Tetrastoon constructing, thought to have been used for rituals.
The place else can I uncover historical past on Rhodes?
For a comparatively small island (albeit the biggest within the Dodecanese), Rhodes is a history-lover’s paradise – its strategic location means it was on the centre of commerce routes and fought over by a wide range of cultures and civilisations.
That additionally implies that you’re spoiled for alternative should you’re on the lookout for different historic websites on Rhodes – in response to legend, the primary settler on the island was the son of Hercules, Tlipolemos, who helped discovered the three main cities; Lindos, Ialyssos and Kamiros.
On the other coast to Lindos, Historic Kamiros is the oldest metropolis on the island, the place you’ll be able to see the stays of retailers, properties and baths, in addition to extra temples. The positioning is extra unfold out than Lindos however tends to get fewer guests – there’s additionally extra shade underneath the pine bushes.
The third historic web site of Ialyssos is close to Rhodes City, and you may as well uncover the Temple of Apollo and Acropolis of Rhodes simply outdoors the island’s capital.
For more moderen historical past, Rhodes City itself has a splendidly preserved medieval centre, together with buildings from the time of the Knights of St John and a number of the outdated metropolis partitions.
Or round an hour from Lindos, Monolithos Fortress was additionally constructed by the Knights of St John, with its hilltop setting giving unbelievable views – initially designed to warn of assault from the ocean.
For extra tips about issues to do in Rhodes with children, try my prime picks
Disclosure: This submit incorporates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee
Predominant picture/Theatre of Lindos courtesy of Depositphotos, all different photographs copyright MummyTravels
