Chapter 1 of 6
A beautiful cove, not a secluded beach
St Paul’s Bay has a more enclosed feel than an open stretch of coastline. The surrounding rock gives the water an almost pool-like appearance, while the Acropolis above keeps you firmly in Lindos: this could hardly be mistaken for an anonymous resort beach.
There are two beach sections within the bay, with sandy places to settle and rocky stretches around the edges. Space is limited, so the available room between sunbeds matters more than finding a supposedly perfect side.
The atmosphere suits an unhurried swim, reading under an umbrella and lunch by the water. It is particularly appealing for couples, though romance here means a lovely setting, not privacy.
For a day devoted entirely to stretching out on the beach, compare nearby Vlycha Beach before deciding. St Paul’s Bay earns its place through the combination of coastline and Lindos, not through acres of spare sand. For more beaches nearby and ideas for beach hopping, see the complete guide to Rhodes beaches.
Chapter 2 of 6
Swimming and snorkelling inside the bay
The sheltered water is the main attraction once you get down to the shore. It is generally calm, with shallow water close to the beach that lends itself to paddling and relaxed swimming.
For families, the shallow beach areas are appealing, but rocky edges, changing depth and the sloping approach make this less straightforward than a broad sandy beach. Keep clear of boat routes and the bay entrance when swimming.
For casual snorkelling, the clear water and rocky edges provide interest without making this a specialist snorkelling trip. Bring your own mask to add a little exploring to a beach visit; water shoes are useful around the rockier parts.
Coastal cruises also call at the bay for swim stops. Seeing it from the sea offers a different perspective, although a boat visit gives you less freedom to linger over lunch or wander into Lindos.
Chapter 3 of 6
Sunbeds, shade and lunch beside the water
Sunbeds and umbrellas are part of the beach setup, and demand is strong in summer. For several hours here, usable shade is more valuable than a front-row position.
Before paying, establish the full rental charge, any minimum spend and whether the price includes the umbrella, both beds and any food or drink credit. Prices and packages belong to the individual operators.
A short swim needs much less planning than an all-day stay. For the latter, ask your chosen venue about toilets, showers and changing facilities.
Eating at the bay or in Lindos
St Paul’s Bay Taverna and Tambakio Restaurant are beachside dining options. The former offers Greek food with a sea view; Tambakio suits a more romantic beachfront meal at a higher price point.
Eat by the bay when the plan is to linger over the view, and head into the village when lunch is a highlight in its own right. The Lindos restaurant guide will help with that choice.
What to carry down
Keep the bag light enough for the return walk. You do not need much for a swim between sightseeing stops.
- Drinking water, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
- Secure sandals or trainers for the approach.
- A towel, dry clothes and a bag for wet swimwear.
- A snorkel mask and water shoes if you plan to use them.
Chapter 4 of 6
Morning swims or a late-afternoon stay?
Morning suits a beach-first visit: swim before the strongest heat, then head into Lindos for food and a wander. A spontaneous midday arrival is less comfortable in summer, with occupied sunbeds, a hotter walk and visiting boats adding activity on the water. My own preference is late afternoon, when the heat eases and warmer light brings out the cliffs and chapel—a lovely time by the water without an all-day sunbathing commitment.
July and August put the most pressure on this little bay. Outside peak summer, there is more breathing room; the Rhodes guide to when to visit helps put that choice in the context of the rest of your holiday.
Chapter 5 of 6
Getting down to St Paul’s Bay
From Lindos, the bay is a walking destination. From elsewhere on Rhodes, the main choices are driving, a taxi or a bus to Lindos followed by the final approach to the beach.
Walking from the village
The approaches from Lindos include steep sections and uneven stones. Wear shoes with grip and allow for the uphill return, particularly after a long swim.
This is not a straightforward wheelchair or pushchair outing. Anyone needing step-free access should establish the exact route from their proposed drop-off point to the beach before travelling; a nearby vehicle stop does not resolve the final approach.
Driving and parking
There is parking above the bay near St Paul’s Chapel. Summer spaces fill quickly, so leave time to park and walk down instead of planning to arrive beside the water.
Use signed, permitted spaces and follow the displayed charges and restrictions. Roadside gaps are not automatically legal parking.
A car is useful when Lindos forms part of a wider coastal outing; it is unnecessary simply to move between the village and the bay. Compare Rhodes car rental options when planning several stops.
Buses and pre-arranged transport
Buses serve Lindos, not a door-to-sunbed journey. Build the walk into your plan and consult the current seasonal timetable, including the return service, through the Rhodes bus guide.
A taxi gives you more flexibility over arrival and departure. For a hotel pickup arranged in advance, you can request a private transfer and specify your destination and any mobility needs when booking.
Chapter 6 of 6
The Acropolis, the heart-shaped view and the chapel
The famous heart-like outline is an elevated view, not what you see while sitting on the sand. At beach level, the pleasure is in the enclosing rocks, the colour of the water and the monument rising above them.
A visit to the Lindos Acropolis gives you a different perspective on the same bay. For a sightseeing-led day, visit the monument first, take a proper food-and-water break, then make the beach your slower second half.
There is no need to climb the Acropolis just to justify coming here. A village wander, a meal and a swim already make a satisfying Lindos outing.
Photographs without chasing one exact shot
From the shore, frame the water with the cliffs or the Acropolis rather than trying to reproduce an aerial photograph. Morning light can bring out the turquoise colour; late afternoon gives the scene warmer tones.
Use public, permitted paths for elevated views and leave exposed cliff shortcuts alone. People and boats are part of the scene here, so a tighter frame often works better than waiting for the entire bay to clear.
St Paul’s Chapel
The little white chapel is a distinctive part of the shoreline, and weddings and photo sessions take place around it. Give ceremonies space, keep entrances clear and seek permission before photographing inside or including wedding guests in your pictures.
Treat it as a lovely detail of the visit, not an attraction that needs its own elaborate schedule. The best part of this bay is having time to enjoy the whole setting.
Transport for your St Paul’s Bay visit
transfersFrequently asked questions
Are St Paul’s Bay and Saint Paul’s Beach the same place?
Yes. Saint Paul’s Bay, St Paul’s Bay and St Paul’s Beach refer to the same Lindos destination, although the bay contains two beach sections.
How much are sunbeds at St Paul’s Bay?
There is no single bay-wide price: rental charges and any minimum spend depend on the operator and setup.
Is St Paul’s Bay worth visiting from outside Lindos?
Yes, especially as part of a day exploring Lindos. For a longer journey across Rhodes, combining the village and bay gives the trip more substance than travelling solely for a short swim.
Can you visit St Paul’s Bay without swimming?
Absolutely. The shoreline views, photography and a meal beside the water are good reasons to come without packing swimwear.
Can you get married at St Paul’s Chapel?
Wedding ceremonies take place here, but arranging one is separate from visiting the beach. Chapel availability, permissions and access need to be organised as part of the wedding planning.