Apella Beach
4.6 / 5 Remote pebble cove in north Karpathos in Apella, Karpathos · Hidden gem
Photo: Rosa-Maria Rinkl, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A pretty bay of white pebbles and very clear water on the east coast of Karpathos, set under green hills. It is about 20 km from Pigadia, and the last part of the trip is on a winding road that ends above the cove.
Practical info for Apella Beach
| Access | About 20 km (40 minutes) from Pigadia; the road ends at a car park above the cove, then a short path leads down. A public bus runs a few days a week, and excursion boats leave from Pigadia. |
|---|---|
| Car parking | A small car park by the taverna where the road ends. |
| Sunbeds & umbrellas | Sunbed and umbrella sets are rented at the taverna (reported around 20 EUR per set). |
| Food & drink | A small taverna above the beach; bring extra water. |
| Good to know | Pebble cove with very clear water. Check bus times in advance. |
Last verified: October 2026. Compiled from official tourism pages, visitor guides and recent reports. Prices, fees and rules change by season, so confirm locally before you go.
Planning your visit to Apella Beach
Pebble beaches usually mean clear water but awkward walking. Bring water shoes and a thick towel or mat to sit on.
Access is rated challenging and involves a steep hike. Take plenty of water, start early and allow enough daylight for the walk back.
The usual season runs June–September. Visiting near the start or end of that window usually means fewer people, but the sea is cooler and some facilities may not be open yet or may have closed for the year. We flag this beach as a hidden gem, so it is quieter than the headline beaches nearby, but it is no secret: arrive early in peak summer.
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View Apella Beach on the map · Compare with all beaches
Best months to visit Apella Beach
The swimming season here runs from June to September. July, August are the warmest and busiest, with the sea around 23 °C, so arrive early for parking and a good spot. June and September are quieter and cooler: good for walking and photos, though some beach bars and lifeguard posts may not be open yet or may already have closed for the year.
Who Apella Beach suits
Pebbles and clear water suit swimmers and snorkellers; bring water shoes for an easier entry. Access is demanding, so it suits fit, well-prepared visitors; wear sturdy shoes and carry water. It is flagged as a hidden gem, so it suits travellers who prefer quieter places over the headline beaches. Food and drink close by make it easy to stay for the whole day.
Getting there and nearby
A small car park by the taverna where the road ends, then a short path down to the beach. The beach sits at about 35.603, 27.159 on the map, so use the map link above for directions. If you are planning a day around it, the closest other beaches on our list are Vai Beach (90 km), Lindos Beach (100 km), Tsambika Beach (113 km).
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Apella Beach?
Apella Beach is best visited June to September. The sea is typically around 23 °C in season. Bring water and shoes for the pebbles. Excursion boats from Pigadia are an easy alternative to the long drive, and a public bus runs on a few days a week, so check times.
How do I get to Apella Beach?
Access is rated challenging. A small car park by the taverna where the road ends, then a short path down to the beach.
What facilities does Apella Beach have?
A small taverna, sunbed and umbrella sets for rent, no shops.
Where is Apella Beach?
Apella Beach is in Apella, Karpathos (approx. coordinates 35.6027, 27.1588).
Is Apella Beach good for children?
Access is rated challenging, so check that it suits young children before you go. Our family guide lists easier options.
What should I bring to Apella Beach?
Facilities: A small taverna, sunbed and umbrella sets for rent, no shops. Water shoes help on the pebbles. Bring water and snacks if there is no kiosk or restaurant.
Is there parking at Apella Beach?
A small car park by the taverna where the road ends. Fees and rules change, so confirm locally.
Are there sunbeds at Apella Beach?
Sunbed and umbrella sets are rented at the taverna (reported around 20 EUR per set). Prices are approximate and change by season.
Beaches near Apella Beach
Vai Beach
Sitia, Crete, Greece · 4.5 / 5 · 90 km away
Lindos Beach
Rhodes · 4.4 / 5 · 100 km away
Tsambika Beach
Rhodes, Greece · 4.5 / 5 · 113 km away
Tigaki Beach
Tigaki, Kos, Greece · 4.1 / 5 · 143 km away
Kamari Beach
Kamari, Santorini, Cyclades, Greece · 4.2 / 5 · 173 km away
Red Beach Santorini
Akrotiri, Santorini · 4.5 / 5 · 179 km awayBrowse all beaches in Greece or compare every beach.
Scores are editorial ratings from the EuroShores team. Last updated 2026-10-18.