Walk to Kleoboulos' Tomb ~ Griffmonsters Great Rhodes Walks

A 3 mile walk from Lindos to the tomb at the tip of the opposite peninsular

A relatively easy walk out from Lindos, around the bay to the peninsular that is capped with a tomb. This is known as Kleoboulos' tomb, the 6th century BC Lindian whose statue is above Lindos, just off the main road. Kleoboulos is recognised as one of the seven sages of ancient Greece.

Walk to Kleoboulos' Tomb - Essential Information

Walk Statistics:

Start location: Lindos
End location: Kleoboulos Tomb
Distance: km ( miles)
Total Gain: metre ( ft)
Total Descent: metre ( ft)
Min Height: metre ( ft)
Max Height: metre ( ft)
Walk Time:
Walk type: Linear
Walk Grade: Easy
Terrain: Path through the rocky terrain

Maps:

The following maps and services can assist in navigating this route. There are links to printed maps and links to downloadable GPX route data for importing into navigational software and apps.

GPX Route File

Transport:

Details of public transport that is required for the walk

Rhodes Public Transport - Bus Service

Service Details: Gennadi to Rhodes Town - KTEL Rhodes Public bus service serving the East Coast of Rhodes linking Gennadi, Kiotari, Lardos, Pefkos, Kalathos, Archangelos, Afandou, Faliraki and Rhodes Town
Timetable: Available here

Route Verification Details

Date of Walk: 2016-10-10
Walk Time: 10:00 to 13:00
Walkers: Griffmonster, Kat
Weather Conditions: Blue skies, lots of sunshine

Walk Notes

The set-down point on the main road above Lindos is where we begin this walk. This is where coach tours and excursions as well as the local bus services congregate and there is always a general hubbub of people around this area, either preparing to walk down the steep hill into the town or coming back up to find their travel back to their resorts. As one stands overlooking Lindos with the acropolis crowning the summit of the hill behind, it is worth moving ones gaze over to the left, just above of the road leading down to the village where a statue proudly stands. A paved path leads up to this effigy but few of the hoards take the time out to investigate. Before starting this walk, do wander over and have a close up view and you will discover that this is a monument to Kleoboulos of Lindos and the plinth it stands upon is inscribed in Greek characters with both his name (ΚΛΕΟΒΟΎΛΟΥ O ΛΙΝΔΟΣ) and the years of his life, 625 - 555 BC. Kleoboulos was the aristocratic ruler of Lindos, some even go so far as to say he was a tyrant, although that is up for debate. Even so, he was one of the highly regarded Seven Sages, the title ascribed by Greek tradition to seven ancient philosophers, statesmen, and law-givers who were renowned for their wisdom.

Now take a gaze across the bay and on the peninsular opposite Lindos and one can pick out a structure on the far tip. Legend states that this was the tomb of Kleoboulos, although there are many that dispute this. But the discussions and debate we will leave alone for now, for this is a walk to that tomb.

This is a straight forward linear walk out, returning along the same route. It is even signposted out of Lindos and although never busy, it is a well trod path that is clearly defined. The route follows the cliff top around the bay and then heads to the ruin of a windmill that sits alone in the centre of the peninsular. The views give a unique view of Lindos, with further views up the coast in the opposite direction towards Haraki. Wild herbs cover the stony ground. In places it is rugged but never a particular challenge to walk over. If you are lucky you may even see a lizard scurrying away into hiding, or goats grazing on the sparse vegetation.

The windmill provides a welcome place to rest and take in the shade. This round base is now devoid of sails and the old interior wooden workings stand dilapidated threatening to fall. A stone staircase leads to an upper floor that is partly fallen through and the blue sky sends shafts of light down through the gaping holes. I was told that this area once contained many windmills, although the word area wasn't clarified as to whether it was this paticular peninsular or the island as a whole. A ruined circle of stone in front of the windmill indicates another structure may have stood here. Such ruins leave many questions. How old is it? Who worked it? What was it used for? Sadly such questions have little or no answers and despite many searches across the internet, little information can be found. Maybe one day somebody will enlighten me, but until then we shall just have to ponder and speculate.

Having rested at the tomb, one is ready to make the final assault up to the tomb. This looks like a daunting climb from the windmill. However it is not as bad as it looks. The tomb is only a small structure but looms large atop the rocky hill and this deceives ones eyes making the hill look more ike a mountain. Start off by keeping to the bay side of the peninsular and follow the path which is identified by conveniently placed cairns up through the rocky landscape. This part does involve a little climbing. Nothing too difficult and really it is a clamber rather than a climb. One quickly ascends and after 10 minutes or so the path turns and there it is, directly above in all its magnificence. A stone tomb with its doorway directly facing the path.

The circular tomb is made from thick blocks of stone loosely placed together. Inside, at the far end, is an arched alcove and on this occasion there was a clear plastic envelope with a dedication to 'Jim' Deakins who died in 2014. It certainly isnt Jims tomb so the reason for such a placement is unclear. Maybe it was a place he would pilgrimage to each year. There certainly is nothing to deduce the tomb was even for Kleoboulos and some references state the structure dates from centuries after the life of Kleobolus and was the tomb of an unnamed wealthy Lindos family. The Travel Rhodes website states that a sarcophagus once adorned the tomb but was removed centuries ago. The short passage on this web page goes on to state that the tomb was converted into a Christian church, which it deduces from a wall paiting with the name Ayios Aimilianos. This certainly want obvious on this visit. Whatever its history, it is still Kleoboulos' tomb to many and certainly worth the pilgrimage.

After exploring the tomb one cannot escape from admiring the spectacular views that surround this location. Take a wander around the tomb and feast ones eyes on the glory of the blue sky and the blue seas and all the rocky coastline of this part of Rhodes. Then finally it will be time to retrace ones steps back to Lindos.

This walk is a great way to spend a morning or late afternoon when the sun is not at its height. Take ones time and enjoy every yard!

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View from Kleoboulis tomb

Directions

There is a defined footpath out to both the windmill and the tomb.

The walk starts on the main highway above Lindos, where the main bus terminus is. From this point one can take a brief walk to the statue of Kleoboulos which is to the left of the road down to Lindos, then make ones way down this road, keeping to the right hand side where there is a designated pedestrian walkway.

Just before the bottom of the road, where it terminates in a roundabout with a tree in the centre, there is a turning on the left that almost turns back on itself, with a sign post for Main Beach. Take this road and continue to the end where the road takes a sharp right turn down to the beach.

Turn towards the beach road, but take the road on the left that leads up an incline where there is a sign for free parking as well as a yellow on green sign for the Kleoboulos Tomb.

Before reaching the car park keep to the left and follow the footpath with a wall on the left separating it from the car park. Continue along this until it meets a stone memorial to Ioannis Zigdis (1912-1997), a Lindos born politician.

Keep to the left of the memorial and follow the path onwards. This follows the coastline around the bay. The tomb is visible in the distance with the old windmill below. These are the landmarks that you need to head for.

Occasionally a stone cairn will remind you that this is the correct route. Head for a gap in the stone wall with the old windmill beyond.

At the windmill, proceed to its right hand side then follow the path to the right. Keep to the right hand path that heads to the bay side. At the time of writing there was also an arrow depicte in stones where the path seperated with one rout leading off to the left. Keep right.

From this point onwards follow the stone cairns that will lead up the rocky hill to the tomb. The path zig-zags upwards. The climb is steep in parts but certainly not difficult with a little effort applied. Although the climb appears to be a lengthy challange, the tomb is small and the height deceiving and it does not take long to reach the summit.

Return is along the same route to the Beach Road.

At the beach road, turn left and follow down to the beach where the are a variety of tavernas and restaurants.

Walk along the beach and there is a path up towards the town. Follow this upwards, and keep right follow the signs to the square. From here one can either investigate the town or continue back up the road to the starting point.

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Memorial to Ioannis Zigdis

Refreshments

Nefeli, Lindos Beach View in Google Map

Address: Nefeli, Lindos Beach
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Nefelirestaurantlindos/

Beach bar and restaurant

Review

Shade, a lazy sea and a sandy beach are what this taverna offer. And after a good walk who could ask for more

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The whole bay

Features

KleoboulosView in Google Map

Kleoboulos was a native of Lindos during the 6th century BC. He is said to have been the son of Euagoras and descended from Heracles and was educated in Egyptian philosophy. Tradition also states that he rebuilt Danaus' temple of Athena and is recognised as one of the Seven Sages, a list of wise men which can be traced to Platos Protagoras where Socrates states:

And many of our own age and of former ages have noted that the true Lacedaemonian type of character has the love of philosophy even stronger than the love of gymnastics; they are conscious that only a perfectly educated man is capable of uttering such expressions. Such were Thales of Miletus, and Pittacus of Mitylene, and Bias of Priene, and our own Solon, and Cleobulus the Lindian, and Myson the Chenian; and seventh in the catalogue of wise men was the Lacedaemonian Chilo. All these were lovers and emulators and disciples of the culture of the Lacedaemonians, and any one may perceive that their wisdom was of this character; consisting of short memorable sentences, which they severally uttered. And they met together and dedicated in the temple of Apollo at Delphi, as the first-fruits of their wisdom, the far-famed inscriptions, which are in all men's mouths - Know thyself and Nothing too much.

The inscriptions are among the many renowned words of wisdom that have been accredited to Kleoboulous. How much of this is fact and how much is myth and legend is unknown. I shall leave the reader to investigate more.

References

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windmill with stone ruins in front

Gallery

Below are a selection of images taken from from the photo album for this walk. Feel free to browse through these or click on an image to view a larger version in the Gallery.