Apolakkia (Rhodes)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoilingSurfing
Freeride, Wave
Best for
Advanced
Skill Level
Medium waves, Chop
Spot Type
Quiet
Crowd Level

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Apolakkia (Rhodes) is a rugged, low-key west-coast style bay on Rhodes known for open space and consistently strong summer wind. The Meltemi pattern drives regular north-westerly airflow from May through September, with thermal effects reinforcing wind strength during the afternoon. For wind sports, the conditions are described as side-onshore and typically reliable in the summer peak, with moderate gustiness. The spot is best aligned with W/NW winds, and riders generally plan sessions around midday through late afternoon when the thermal reinforcement is strongest. On the water, the bay has very high water clarity and deep water that comes on quickly—just a few meters from shore. The shoreline is pebbly/rocky and can include shorebreak, and there may be scattered rocks in some sections. When swell is up, occasional cross-shore currents can add complexity, reinforcing that the area is oriented toward experienced riders. Because there is minimal infrastructure, sessions are very self-sufficient: bring water and food, and plan for limited help on-site. There are no lifeguards, rescue is limited, and the nearest medical options are outside the immediate launch area. Wind and wave conditions are therefore best approached with solid safety margins and the right gear (including appropriate footwear for the pebble shore).

  • Consistent Meltemi side-onshore winds during summer months (May–September).
  • Open, exposed bay with lots of launching/landing space.
  • Excellent water clarity in a protected Natura 2000 environment.
  • Deep water quickly offshore—advantageous for advanced kitesurfing/foiling when conditions are right.
Great for
Kitesurfing freerideKitesurfing waveKitesurfing big airWingfoil freeride
What's great
  • Consistent summer Meltemi side-onshore wind (north-westerly) with afternoon reinforcement.
  • Very open, exposed bay with lots of space for launching and landing.
  • Excellent water clarity in a protected Natura 2000 environment.
  • Deep water right off the beach benefits advanced wave/freeride kitesurfing and wingfoiling.
Heads up
  • No on-site facilities or sport infrastructure (no showers, no gear storage/repair).
  • Shorebreak and pebbled launch make it less suitable for beginners.
  • Deep water comes on quickly and can make falls more serious.
  • Occasional cross-shore currents when the swell is up.
  • Rescue is limited and there are no lifeguards on the beach.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
W, NW
Wind Range
15–25 kts
Wind Type
Thermal — Summer Meltemi (Etesian) north-westerly wind with afternoon thermal reinforcement.
Reliability
The wind is described as very consistent during the summer peak, often blowing daily.
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts — Reported as moderate gustiness at the spot.
Best Months
June, July, August, September
Recommended Kite Sizes
9–12 m²

Water & beach

Water Type
Medium waves, Chop
Beach
Pebble — Large pebbles/shingle rather than sand.
Beach Size
Big
Waves
Medium
Chop Level
Light chop — Wind-driven chop is described for the area.
Launch
Big — Large, open beach with plenty of space for rigging; surface is mostly large pebbles and shingle.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
16–27 °C
Water Temperature
12–35 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jul, Aug, Sep: Lycra or boardshortsMay, Jun, Oct: 3/2mm shorty or full suit
Crowds by Season

Low crowd levels even in peak summer; low crowd year-round is suggested.

Storm/Rain Season

November to March

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Rugged wave and freeride conditions for independent riders; limited suitability for beginners due to shorebreak and lack of infrastructure.

WaveFreerideStraplessBig air
Kite Sizes
9–12 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Good for bump-and-jump and wave sailing when swell picks up; deep water suits modern freeride boards.

WaveFreeride
Sail Sizes
4.7–5.8 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Deep water just off the beach is a major plus; shorebreak can make launching a foil board tricky.

Foil Friendly
Yes — Foil friendly for the launch, with depth and typical conditions being suitable.
Min Depth
2.0 meters
Wing Sizes
4–5 m²
SurfingSkill Level

Primarily a wind spot; larger winter swells can occasionally produce rideable waves.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
SW, W
Swell Height
1–2 m
Optimal Tide
All tides
Shelter
Exposed
Wind Effect
Typical NW winds blow the area out quickly.
Bigger Swell
Closes out in heavy conditions.
Wave Quality
Poor
Wave Power
Moderate
Wave Shape
Mushy
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Short
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Apolakkia (Rhodes) in the full forecast view.

Apolakkia (Rhodes) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–13 ktsGusts 24 kts
Direction
WNW286°
Strongest day
Fri, Oct 3013 kts
Windy days
2/712 kts or more
Waves
0.1–1.1 m4s period
Temperature
16–24 °C

Over the next 7 days, Apolakkia (Rhodes) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Friday, October 30 with gusts to 24 kts. The prevailing direction is WNW. Waves run 0.1–1.1 m with a period of about 4s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • shorebreak
  • isolation
  • pebbles
  • deep-water
  • scattered rocks near the waterline in certain sections
  • occasional cross-shore currents (especially when the swell is up)
Ability Level: Advanced
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitBootsImpact vest

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
None — No lifeguards present on-site.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Rescue is described as limited/seasonal rather than on-demand on-site.
Emergency Info
Nearest medical clinic is in Gennadi or Katavia; main hospital in Rhodes Town (about 75 km away). For emergencies: Hellenic Coast Guard (108) for offshore incidents and 112 for European emergency assistance.

Rules of the spot

Respect the protected Natura 2000 environment; no camping directly on the beach and no driving on the dunes.

Restrictions
  • No camping allowed directly on the beach
  • No driving on the dunes
Local Tips
  • Bring all your own water and food as there are no facilities on the beach.
  • Wear booties if you have sensitive feet due to the large pebbles.
  • Do not ride alone; rescue services are limited/absent on-site.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Rhodes Town
Nearest Town
Apolakkia
Nearest Airport
Rhodes International Airport (RHO) — Diagoras
Parking
Free parking is available directly on the flat areas behind the beach dunes.
Public Transport
Limited KTEL bus service from Rhodes Town; car rental is highly recommended.
Access
From Rhodes to the south to Apolakkia; from there head west toward the water. Access is via a dirt road leading from the village toward the coast.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Greek
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Accommodation
Nearby town — Small apartments and rooms are available in Apolakkia village and in/around Gennadi.
Food & Drink
Local tavernas are located in Apolakkia village, about 2-3km from the beach.
Equipment Rental:
No rental shops on-site; closest rentals are described for Prasonisi. (Regional notes also mention rentals available at the main beach center.)
Gear Storage
Not available at the beach launch.
Gear Repair
Local repair is described as available via the area’s sport operation, but not on the beach itself.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Apolakkia offers a peaceful alternative to busier resorts, with rugged landscapes and traditional Dodecanese character.

Best time to visit: June through September for sports; May and October for cultural exploration.
Apolakkia Dam5 km

A large artificial lake and nature reserve offering quiet hiking and birdwatching.

Monolithos Castle10 km

A 15th-century Venetian fortress with panoramic coast views.

Prasonisi20 km

A nearby spot known for its unique geography where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet.

Taverna Mavros2 km

Traditional family-run taverna serving Rhodes cuisine.

Rhodes Farm8 km

Local farm experience with animals and traditional agriculture.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Apolakkia (Rhodes)?

The best overall months at Apolakkia (Rhodes) are June, July, August, September.

Which wind directions work at Apolakkia (Rhodes)?

Apolakkia (Rhodes) works with W, NW winds.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Apolakkia (Rhodes)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Apolakkia (Rhodes): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.7–5.8 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–5 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.

What skill level is Apolakkia (Rhodes) suitable for?

Apolakkia (Rhodes) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate.