Tourists who are interested in an unusual festival should book flights to Rhodes quickly, because the watermelon will be celebrated in Apolakkia soon.

The actual festival takes place in the evening of 18th July at the Apolakkia Dam starting at 20:00. The Apolakkia Dam was built in the 1980's to create a reservoir supplying irrigation water to farming community in the south western part of Rhodes. At the time, the filling of the dam flooded a previously inhabited part of the island and a small church is sometimes visible when water levels are low.

The Watermelon Festival includes competitions for the largest and heaviest watermelons and also an exhibition of watermelon sculptures. Also planned are attractions for children. No doubt there will be plenty of party atmosphere, with traditional music and dancing to complete the evening. It certainly makes a perfect attraction for visitors to the area wishing to experience a little local culture.

Visitors will of course be able to sample the wonderfully sweet watermelons that are grown in this region. There is nothing quite like sampling fresh fruit at the place it is grown to experience the optimum taste experience.

The best holiday locations in this part of Rhodes include the remote but stunning Fourni Beach, various locations around the Apolakia Bay and the huge Prassonissi headland and beach in the far south of the island which is very popular with windsurfers and kitesurfers.