Saint Georgios, Apolakkia

In the interior of the island, in the area of the village of Apolakkia and at a distance of approximately 77 kilometres from the center of the city of Rhodes, we find the small post-Byzantine church of Saint Georgios in the location of Kalamos, which is celebrated with a brilliant festival on April 23, but also on the eve of Pentecost. From its location, it has a wonderful view towards the beach of Fourni. At a very short distance lies the beach of Apolakkia which is protected under the European Network "Natura 2000", as it constitutes an ecosystem full of sand dunes and cedar trees, where two crucially important species of marine life often make their appearance; the Caretta-Caretta turtle and the Monachus-Monachus seal. In addition, in the same area we find the Byzantine church of Saint Georgios Vardas (1289/1290) as well as the lake of the Apolakkia dam, which is a place of recreation for the locals and the visitors of the island. Moreover, the region of Apolakkia is famous for the watermelon festival that takes place on the first Saturday after the feast of Saint Marina (on 17/7). A few kilometers further east we find the small traditional settlement of Arnitha with the Holy Monastery of Saint Filimonas. Finally, in close proximity to the north we find the Medieval Castle of Monolithos.