Kitesurfing in Greece - A Complete Guide
Greece is a beautiful country with a coastline of more than 13,000 kilometers, making it an ideal destination for kiteboarding enthusiasts. There are several kitespots located throughout the country, each offering unique experiences and challenges for kiteboarders of all levels. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at the wind conditions and top kitespots in Greece.
Wind Conditions in Greece
Greece enjoys favorable wind conditions for kitesurfing, particularly during the summer months from May to September. The Aegean Sea, which includes popular kitesurfing destinations such as Rhodes, Paros, and Naxos, offers a variety of wind patterns, making it suitable for kitesurfers of different skill levels. On Paros and Naxos it's even possible to kitesurf year-round.
The prevailing wind in Greece during the summer months is the Meltemi, a strong and dry north-northwesterly wind that can blow consistently from 15 to 35 knots or even higher. The Meltemi winds are known for their reliability and can provide thrilling kitesurfing sessions for experienced riders who enjoy high-speed rides and jumps.
In addition to the Meltemi, there are also local thermal winds that can provide excellent kitesurfing conditions in Greece. These winds are typically lighter and more variable, ranging from 10 to 20 knots, and can be found in areas with geographical features such as bays, and coves. These local winds can provide suitable conditions for beginners and intermediate riders to practice their skills and enjoy the sport.
Kitesurfing Spots in Greece
Naxos
Naxos is a beautiful Cycladic island located in the Aegean Sea, known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and perfect wind conditions for kitesurfing. There are several kitespots around the island that attract kitesurfers from all over the world. However Mikri Vigla attracts the most kitesurfers.
Mikri Vigla
Mikri Vigla is the most popular kitespot in Naxos, located on the west coast of the island. The spot is known for its consistent wind conditions, which usually range from 20 to 35 knots. The turquoise water is flat to choppy in the bay, to small waves when your ride out of the bay.
January - December Flatwater - Little wavesParos
Paros is another Cycladic island that is known for its excellent kitesurfing conditions. Paros Kite Beach, is the most popular kitespot.
Paros Kite Beach
Paros Kite Beach is a world-renowned kitespot located on the southwestern coast of the Greek island of Paros. With its reliable winds and crystal-clear waters, this beach has become a favorite destination among kiteboarders of all levels.
January - December Flatwater - ChoppyRhodes
The island of Rhodes is located in the Aegean Sea and is home to several kitespots, with best winds from June to mid-October usually ranging from 20 to 30 knots.
Prasonisi
Prasonisi is the most popular kitespot in Rhodes, located at the southernmost tip of the island. The spot is known for its consistent wind conditions, which usually range from 20 to 30 knots. The sandy beach is long and wide, providing ample space for kitesurfers of all levels.
June - October Choppy - Little WavesKalavarda
Kalavarda is a kitespot located on the northwest coast of the island, known for its relatively long beach, wide launch area and consistent wind conditions. The beach is a mix of sand and pebbles. The spot is suitable for all levels and has a few kite schools and rental options.
June - October Flatwater - Little WavesFanes
Kitespot Fanes is a beautiful destination located on the northwest coast of Rhodes, above Kalavarda. With its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and stunning views, Fanes is an ideal location for both beginner and advanced kitesurfers alike.
June - October Flatwater - Little WavesTheologos
Theologos is a kitespot located on the northwest coast of the island, above kitespot Fanes and known for its long beach, with a mix of sand and pebbles. The water has a narrow shallow area and is mostly choppy. Out on the sea you can find little waves.
June - October Flatwater - Little WavesIalysos
Ialysos is a kitespot located on the northwest coast of the island, a 20 min drive from kitespot Theologos. The spot is recommended for intermediate and advanced kitesurfers, due to the strong wind conditions, water depth and possible medium sized waves.
June - October Choppy - Medium WavesLefkada
The island of Lefkada is located in the Ionian Sea and is known for its crystal-clear waters and strong winds. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, the island offers ideal conditions for an unforgettable kitesurfing adventure.
The Church
The Church is a popular kitespot located northeast of the Greek island of Lefkada. This kitespot is named after a small white church located on the beach, which serves as a distinctive landmark for kiteboarders.
May - September FlatwaterWooden Bridge
Wooden Bridge is a picturesque kitespot located northeast of the Greek island of Lefkada and start location to get to downwind kitespot The Church. Kitespot Wooden Bridge is named after the small wooden bridge that connects the beach to the mainland.
May - September FlatwaterAgios Nikolaos
Agios Nikolaos is a beautiful kitespot located near the town of Lefkada on the Greek island of the same name. Its proximity to the town of Lefkada also makes it an ideal location for those who want to combine their kiteboarding sessions with exploring the island's culture and nightlife.
May - September FlatwaterMilos Beach
Milos Beach is a picturesque kitespot located on the island of Lefkada in the Ionian Sea. With its turquoise waters and steady winds, this kitespot has become a favorite destination for intermediate riders.
May - September Flatwater - Medium WavesKos
The island of Kos is located in the eastern Aegean Sea, known for its idyllic beaches and stunning coastline. Best winds from June through October with 15 to 30 knots. The thermal wind Meltemi starts around noon and stops at sunset.
Mastichari
Mastichari is a beautiful beach located on the north coast of Kos and is a popular spot for kitesurfing. There are several kitesurfing schools located on the beach, and the area is known for its relaxed atmosphere, good lunch options and stunning sunsets.
June - October Flatwater - Little WavesHorizon
Located on the north coast of Kos, and 4km northeast of Mastichari, Horizon is a top-rated kitespot for both beginner and advanced riders. When you bring your own gear, the kitecenter charges a minor fee to use to spot.
June - October Choppy - Little WavesPsalidi
Psalidi is another popular kitespot located on the eastern coast of Kos, just a short distance from Kos Town. If there is almost no wind at other Kos kitespots Psaldi will have some wind, due wind pressed through the upper islands (venturi effect).
June - March Choppy - Little WavesKohilari
Kohilari is a small, secluded beach located on the southwestern coast of Kos. The beach is less crowded than some of the other kitespots on the island, making it a great choice for those looking for a quieter and more intimate kitesurfing experience.
June - October Choppy - Little WavesCrete
Crete is the largest island in Greece and is located in the southern Aegean Sea. Best wind months are from June to September with thermal wind.
Elafonisi Lagoon
Located in the southwestern part of Crete, Elafonisi Lagoon is most popular and known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning pink sand. The shallow lagoon and steady winds make it an ideal spot for learning the basics of kitesurfing.
June - September Flatwater - ChoppyAmmoudara
Ammoudara is another great kitesurfing spot in Crete. It is located on the northern coast, just a few kilometers west of Heraklion. This spot is known for its sandy beach, waves (1.5m), and is ideal for both beginners who want to learn to ride on waves and experienced kitesurfers.
June - September Flatwater - Little wavesEvia
Evia, the second-largest Greek island, is a scenic destination located off the eastern coast of mainland Greece. The island boasts stunning landscapes ranging from lush green forests and valleys to beautiful beaches and crystalline waters. Evia has a beatiful kitesurfing spot in Marmari and also a wide range of other activities for visitors, including hiking, sightseeing, and relaxation, making it a perfect destination for those seeking an authentic Greek experience.
Marmari
Marmari is a picturesque village located on the south-west coast of Evia island, Greece, and Great Sand Beach is a popular kitesurfing spot for intermediate riders. The wind here, ranging from 20 to 45 knots, has a thermal and venturi effect, so you add 5-10 knots to the forecast.
June - September Flatwater - Little wavesCentral Greece
Central Greece is a region in Greece located in the southern part of the mainland, known for its mountainous landscapes, ancient history, and beautiful coastline. One of best spots here is Raches.
Raches
Raches is located in the northeastern part of Central Greece at Drepano Beach in the Malian Gulf. Prevailing north eastern winds, range from 15 to 25 knots.
June - September Flatwater - ChoppyWest Greece
West Greece is a region in Greece located in the western part of the mainland, known for its rugged terrain, beautiful coastline, and numerous ancient archaeological sites. Kitespot Tsimari and Nafpaktos are really worth the visit.
Tsimari
Tsimari is a kitesurfing spot located on the western coast of Greece, known for its northwestern winds ranging from 15 to 25 knots. With its flat and shallow waters, Tsimari is a popular destination for beginners and advanced kitesurfers alike.
July - August Flatwater - ChoppyNafpaktos
Nafpaktos is a kitesurfing spot located at the Gulf of Corinth, north of Peloponnese and is known for its reliable and consistent winds that make it an ideal destination for kitesurfing. With west wind and shallow waters, Nafpaktos offers excellent conditions for beginners.
May - September Flatwater - ChoppyPeloponnese
The Peloponnese is a large peninsula in southern Greece, connected to the mainland by the narrow Isthmus of Corinth. It is known for its rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and beautiful beaches. Kitesurfing spot Drepano is one of the best spots at Peloponnese.
Drepano
Drepano in Rio, Greece, is a kitesurfing spot located on the northern coast of the Peloponnese peninsula, east of the Rion-Antirion Bridge. The kitespot features a long and pebbly peninsula with deep waters, and the wind (15-25 knots) has a thermal and venturi effect.
March - October Flatwater - ChoppyThese are just a few of the top kitespots in Greece. Each offers unique experiences and challenges for kiteboarders of all levels. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, Greece has something to offer. So, pack your bags and head to Greece for an unforgettable kitesurfing adventure!
Nearby countries
If you didn't find a good spot, check Italy and Egypt, since they also have great kitespots to kitesurf.