The ancient Lindos Acropolis in Rhodes is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island — but one local’s tip will help you avoid the crowds
Cruising along the twisting coast of Rhodes towards Lindos, with the breeze wafting through the car on a scorching June day, I was buzzing with anticipation for the day’s plans. My family and I were soaking up the sun in Greece, eager to explore the ancient Lindos Acropolis — a site brimming with history, including the Doric Temple of Athena Lindia, the Castle of the Knights of St John, an amphitheatre, and staggering views across the sea.
Yet, as we turned the bend and caught sight of the mountain crowned by the Acropolis, my excitement waned at a concerning sight. Through the gaps of the distant columns, I spotted tiny black specks weaving around them, packed so densely they seemed to merge into one.
“Is that… people?” I queried, half in disbelief, to which my family responded with reassurances that it simply couldn’t be — there were far too many of them.
But as is often the case, my instincts were spot on. Nearing the mountain, the reality became clear: a snaking queue of visitors stretched down the path to the Acropolis, motionless.
The historic site was swarming with tourists, disgorged en masse from the multitude of coaches parked below. It was an ominous sign indeed, reports the Express.
Undeterred, we sought out a parking spot to give it a go, but the moment we stepped into the old town, it was apparent our efforts would be futile.
The streets were chock-a-block with people, prompting us to retreat to our car. However, on our way out, we paused for a chat with the ticket operator, who revealed his clever trick for avoiding the throngs.
He suggested that if we returned around 5pm, the tourist rush would have subsided, and with the Acropolis open until 7:30pm, there’d be ample time for exploration.
Intrigued, we decided to test his theory the next day and, as it turned out, he was spot on.
We arrived at the Acropolis at 6pm, after a leisurely day of sunbathing on the beach, to find the town considerably quieter.
While there were still tourists meandering through the streets, by the time we ascended the mountain to the Acropolis, the crowds had largely dispersed, leaving only about 20 people strolling around the grounds.
The vastness of the space meant it didn’t feel congested at all, and compared to the previous day’s view from afar, it was a striking contrast. The vistas were breathtaking, and, visiting later in the day, the summer heat, though still hot, was more bearable.
We didn’t feel rushed either; the climb to the Acropolis took about 15 minutes, leaving plenty of time to drink in the sights.
With so few people around, our photos turned out much better; the near-empty Acropolis allowed us to fully appreciate its grandeur.
If you’re planning a trip to Rhodes, visiting the Acropolis is an absolute must. To avoid the throngs of tourists, we recommend going in the evening, just as we did.