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The bay of Saint Paul below Lindos on Rhodes, loungers on the sand inside the cove

St Paul’s Bay: an almost-closed circle of water under Lindos

A near-circular cove directly below the Lindos acropolis, its entrance almost closed by two arms of rock, so the water inside stays flat when the sea outside is not.

An at a glance card for St Paul's Bay. What it is: An almost enclosed cove. Why it is calm: Rock nearly closes the mouth. Shore: Shingle and rock, no sand. Getting down: Steps, or a walk from Lindos. On the shore: A small white chapel. One row is marked out as the thing that decides the visit. The conclusion reads: Go early. The flat shore is taken by mid morning. No prices appear.
Go early. The flat shore is taken by mid morning.

Diagram by Greece Trips. Free to reuse with credit - CC BY 4.0.

A small white chapel stands on the shore, which is where the wedding photographs come from.

What it is like

Small, deep and clear. The shore is shingle and rock rather than sand, and the water is calm enough to snorkel comfortably. There are loungers and a canteen in season on the main strip, and quieter rock ledges around the edge.

Because the bay is enclosed, it warms early and stays calm. Because it is small, it fills, and by late morning in August the flat part of the shore is taken.

Getting down there

Two ways, both on foot:

  • From the road above, down a stepped path from a small parking area, which is the usual approach.
  • From Lindos village, a walk of fifteen to twenty minutes round the headland, which is pleasant early and hot later.

There is no vehicle access to the shore itself. Wear shoes you can walk in rather than beach slides.

When to go

Early. The bay faces the morning sun, it fills through the day, and the walk down is unpleasant at midday in high summer.

It pairs naturally with the acropolis: climb the rock first thing, come down, swim in the bay, eat in the village. That is the standard Lindos day and it works in that order.

Practical notes

  • Shingle and rock, so water shoes help.
  • Shade is minimal beyond what is rented.
  • The chapel is in use for weddings and services; it is not a photo backdrop when something is happening.
  • Facilities are seasonal, thinning quickly outside summer.

Last checked August 2026. Seasonal facilities change - see our editorial policy.

Common questions

Where is St Paul’s Bay?

Directly below the acropolis at Lindos on the east coast of Rhodes, in a near-enclosed cove round the headland from the main village beach.

Is St Paul’s Bay sandy?

No. The shore is shingle and rock, with clear deep water that suits swimming and snorkelling.

How do you get to St Paul’s Bay?

On foot: down a stepped path from the road above, or a fifteen to twenty minute walk round from Lindos village. There is no vehicle access to the shore.

Why is the water so calm at St Paul’s Bay?

Two arms of rock almost close the entrance to the cove, which shelters the water inside from the open sea.

When is the best time to visit?

Early morning, before the bay fills and before the walk down turns hot.

Next

Read best beaches in Rhodes, the Lindos Acropolis, or where to stay in Rhodes.