St. Paul`s Bay on the island of Rhodes is located 700 meters from the ancient town of Lindos, directly at the foot of the Acropolis. From the top of the cliffs, it looks like an almost perfect circle — which is why it is often called "Heart Bay." The shape is convenient and recognizable: two stone headlands extend into the sea, leaving a calm inlet between them.
The water here is always noticeably calmer than at the neighboring beaches. The reason is the protection from northern and western winds. Even when waves rise on the large beaches of Lindos, St. Paul`s Bay remains calm and glassy. The water color ranges from pale turquoise to deep blue, and underwater visibility reaches 15–20 meters.
History with the Apostle Paul
Tradition connects this place with the third missionary journey of the Apostle Paul, which dates to approximately 56–58 AD. Here is the sequence of events as described by local church chronicles and oral tradition.
The Route. The Apostle Paul was traveling from Asia Minor (the city of Miletus) to Phoenicia (modern-day Lebanon). His ship sailed along the southern coast of Rhodes, rounding the cape.
The Storm. In the area between the island of Karpathos and Rhodes, the vessel encountered a strong northeast wind, dangerous for small ancient sailing ships. The captain decided to seek shelter near the coast.
The Landing. The only safe natural harbor on this stretch of coast turned out to be a small bay near Lindos. It was deep enough (up to 8 meters in the center) and completely protected from the waves. The ship entered the bay. Paul and his companions (the Evangelist Luke and several local Christians) disembarked.
Stay on Land. Historians estimate that the ship remained in the bay for about 10–12 hours — waiting for the wind to subside. During this time, according to tradition, Paul preached to the local fishermen and the few inhabitants of Lindos. He replenished his supply of fresh water at a spring that flowed in the northern part of the bay — where the remains of an old stone well can still be found today.
Departure. By the morning of the next day, the wind had weakened. The ship left the bay and set course for Syria. The exact date of the event has not been preserved, but tradition places it in 58 AD.
The name "St. Paul`s Bay" was established for the harbor no earlier than the 9th century AD, with the spread of the apostle`s cult in the Byzantine Dodecanese diocese. Before this period, in ancient texts, the bay was referred to as "Lindos Tortos" (the curved harbor of Lindos).
What Can Be Seen on the Shore of St. Paul`s Bay
On the beach of the bay, there are three notable objects related to history:
Chapel of St. Paul. A small white building with a blue roof, built in the 19th century on the site of a Byzantine Basilica. Inside — an icon of the Apostle Paul and a stone altar. The chapel is open during daylight hours.
Old Well (Spring). Located 20 meters from the northern headland, just behind the chapel. It is now dry, but in antiquity and the Byzantine period, fresh water could be drawn here. According to tradition, it was at this spot that Paul preached.
Stone Pier. The remains of an ancient mole — several blocks of local limestone extending into the water. This is not a Roman structure but a later one, from the Venetian period (15th century). The mole was used for unloading fish.
Practical Details
How to get there. From the central square of Lindos on foot — 10 minutes along a dirt road. From the Acropolis — 5 minutes down a stone staircase. By car or ATV, you can drive directly to the bay, but in season (June–September) from 10 am to 6 pm, the entrance is closed by a barrier — access is only for residents and tavern owners.
Beach. A mix of sand and fine pebbles. The entry into the water is gentle, the bottom is clean, without silt or algae. Depth increases slowly: at a distance of 10 meters from the shore — about 1.2 meters.
Facilities. On the northern headland of St. Paul`s Bay — one tavern (Greek cuisine, fish, salads) and a small bar. Sunbed rental is available (two sunbeds + one umbrella — 15 euros per day, 2025 prices). Toilet — paid, 1 euro. A lifeguard works from 11:00 to 18:00.
What is not available. No changing cabins, no boat or jet ski rental (prohibited due to historical status), no supermarket. The nearest grocery store is in Lindos.
Who this bay is suitable for:
• Those who want a quiet place protected from the waves.
• Families with children up to 7–8 years old (calm water and gentle entry).
• Those who like to combine a beach visit with a walk to the ancient ruins of the Acropolis.
• Those for whom historical context is important — the opportunity to swim in a place associated with a 1st-century apostle.
St. Paul`s Bay is the historical landing site of a 1st-century missionary, possessing unique hydrographic conditions. It is recommended for visitors who enjoy calm, waveless seas and wish to combine beach relaxation with a visit to the ancient ruins (the walk to the Acropolis of Lindos takes no more than 10 minutes). It is not suitable for tourists seeking developed infrastructure (no shops, little shade).
