APOLAKKIA - RHODOS

Apolakkia village is 85 km far from Rhodos, at the southwestern side of the island of Rhodos.It is not unly one of the most important villages of the island, but the most productive too.
There are many hills around the village, like Kallaris, Fissas, Prophetis Elias, Korkolia and Trapezies, that form a kind of a pit. Apolakkia is built at the center of a valley crossed by Apolakiatis or Siannitis river.

That is how the village was named (lakkos=pit). The local climate is moist in the winter and cool in the summer. The ground is almost flat
The sea is 3 km far from the village. Enjoy it the endless beach (12 km long) - the Apolakkia Gulf - known as "Yalos".
In the ancient ages the village was belonged to the Nettideon community, along with the neighbouring village Aritha. The two villages are deeply related till now.
The exact date of the village's construction is not known.

The ruines of some settlements can be found at Zonara, Vromonero, Vastria and Skylokarka. Today's village is built on a small ancient city.

The village's history is linked to the island's, and especially to Lindopolitia's.
During the Italian occupation the people of Apolakkia had a hard life, that is why insurrections and demonstrations (like the one in 1919) where not absent.

Acccording to the most recent census, Apolakkia is inhabited by 674 people.
The main profession is farming. The village is famous for the sweet water melon produced there.
That is why the people of apolakia are nicknamed "karpouzades" (karpouzi=water melon)
The visitor can have a pleasant tour, visiting the village's central square with the picturesque cafes, the restaurants, the park and the school.
It is also worthwile to visit the church of Agia Marina with the admirable wooden icon screen
and the ruins of the venitian castle, known as "Kastro".
The area of Agia Erini is another interesting site, where the visitor can see the ruins of the ancient christian basilica church.

The tourist should also visit the church of St. George "Vardas" to admire the famous religious paintings. It was built in 1290 during the empire of Andronikos Paleologos.
The wonderful locations of Asomatos and Kalamos are really something special to visit, particularly in the spring or in the autumn.As far as the beaches are concerned, you will love the clear waters of Limni, Fourni and Kouloura.

Right picture: Limni is a very clean sandy beach 4 km far from Apolakkia. The rocks form a small pool, which makes the spot perfect for children.
The Apolakkia people were always hospitable, with deep love for their village but also with respect to the tradition, to the maners and the customs.