The bay of Apolakkia is situated at a distance of some 80 kilometers southwestern to the town of Rhodes. It is a very long beach of outstanding beauty, which at the same time is an important protected biotope. The whole bay, full of dunes with an interesting coastal ecosystem, and the places where it grows up the wild cedar tree “Juniperoys Oxycedrus” are protected by the European Network “Natura 2000”. What is also interesting is that within the bay, it has been detected the presence of the sea turtle “caretta-caretta” and the seal “monachus-monachus”.

Accommodation facilities are available in the area, mainly in the inland settlements. But don’t worry! The sea is very close. In what concerns the food, it is gorgeous in the traditional taverns of the place, where you will enjoy not only the local dishes, but also a friendly reception by the locals. The area has a nice climate, a fascinating environment and many spots of cultural interest. Without exaggeration, it is an oasis of calmness and beauty within the cosmopolitan island of Rhodes.

Apart from swimming, sunbathing and enjoying sea sports, you have several other alternatives in the area. If you like walking, there are some rural roads, suitable for walking; most of them are found on the way to Messagros and Arnitha. There are several remote Monasteries or small churches around, which you may visit on foot. The Monastery of Skiadeni or Aghios Georgios (St. George) at Kalamos, are certainly worth the effort.

It is worth visiting the artificial lake of Apolakkia, a few kilometers northern to the homonymous village. The lake has become an important biotope for various species of migratory birds and of fish living in sweet water. Once at the lake, you will have the chance of rowing and sailing. Those who will wander in the forest may be lucky enough to see the “platoni”, the unique deer living in Rhodes, the symbol of the island.

Within the village of Apolakkia, you will see the Italian building at the central square of the village. Today the building is the seat of the Cultural Center of the village. On the way to the dam of the artificial lake, you will see the small church of Aghios Georgios Vardas (St.George), built in 1290. Another church in honor of Aghios Georgios is the post-Byzantine church situated at Kalamos. The actual church was built on the ruins of an earlier one. Once in the area, you will certainly feel like photographing the view of the beach of Fournoi. The beach in front of Aghios Georgios is referred in the tourist guides as “Kalamos”, but in fact it is only a part of the long beach of Apolakkia Bay.

Finally, at the site “Zonara”, on the way to Kattavia, you may see the ruins of the Early Christian basilica, in honor of Aghia Anastasia.

And, if you are around on Monday following Easter, you may attend the local feasts taking place at the Monastery of Asomatoi; another local feast takes place on Whit Sunday, at Aghios Georgios in Kalamos, whereas in summer you will have the chance to participate to the local feast in honor of Aghia Marina on the 17 th of July.

In case of emergence, you should address to the services available at Monolithos, Kattavia, or Apolakkia.