Apolakkia (Rhodes)
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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
Low crowd levels even in peak summer; low crowd year-round is suggested.
November to March
By sport
What to expect for each.
Rugged wave and freeride conditions for independent riders; limited suitability for beginners due to shorebreak and lack of infrastructure.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Good for bump-and-jump and wave sailing when swell picks up; deep water suits modern freeride boards.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.7–5.8 m²
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
Primarily a wind spot; larger winter swells can occasionally produce rideable waves.
- 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
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.
Other spots in the area
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)
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.
- No camping allowed directly on the beach
- No driving on the dunes
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Apolakkia offers a peaceful alternative to busier resorts, with rugged landscapes and traditional Dodecanese character.
A large artificial lake and nature reserve offering quiet hiking and birdwatching.
A 15th-century Venetian fortress with panoramic coast views.
A nearby spot known for its unique geography where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet.
Traditional family-run taverna serving Rhodes cuisine.
Local farm experience with animals and traditional agriculture.
From riders who've been here
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.