Greece is home to over 6,000 islands. As you would expect, this means that there is no shortage of pristine beaches and great kitesurfing spots. The archipelago makes it one of the most popular spots for kitesurfing enthusiasts all around the world.
Moreover, Greece’s geography makes everything that much more enticing. You can quickly go from Paros to Crete, then proceed to explore the natural beauty of Skopelos. However, at the same time, this can also serve as a disadvantage as it leaves you with an overabundance of options.
Luckily, we are here to make things simpler. Listed here are the seven best kitesurfing spots in Greece. So, be sure to keep reading!
Kitesurfing in Greece – Overview
No trip to Greece is complete without taking in the beautiful beaches and sunny weather that this nation has to offer. The hot and dry weather makes for perfect days on the beach, with a nice cocktail on hand to help cool you down.
Needless to say, we highly recommend that you give its water sports scene a try – especially the kitesurfing experience that you can’t get anywhere else. That said, you need to take note of the wind patterns at work in the area. After all, this will play a major part in terms of how you hit the waves.
Specifically, you need to take note of the Aegean’s Meltemi winds. Also known as the dry northern winds, it is most apparent during the summer months. Then, the gusts will start to pick up when the months of July and August come around.
Best Kitesurfing Spots to Explore
The Greeks have a long and storied tradition of celebrating the beauty of nature and life. This is deeply embedded in their rich culture and history. That said, kitesurfing is perhaps the latest entry on this list, as more and more locals are flocking to give this activity a try.
Needless to say, the natural characteristics of its coast and the raw power of the sea make it the perfect place to explore this new hobby. As shown in the list below, there is no shortage of great kitesurfing places to try in Greece.
Keros Beach in Lemnos Island
First, we have Keros Beach, located on the island of Lemnos that is in the northern region of the Aegean Sea. The name of the island should tell you everything you need to know. Roughly translating to “the wind-ridden one,” Lemnos is known for its strong winds which make it the perfect spot to give kitesurfing a try.
The best place to experience it is at Keros beach. One of the most noteworthy aspects of this beach is Its unique location. Nestled between nature conservation parks, it is undoubtedly off the beaten path. You can even start sleeping rough and just pitch a tent on the beach if you want.
Take note that the winds are particularly strong in August. This is the best time to drop by as it virtually guarantees consistent gusts of the Meltemi winds!
The Town of Marmari – Evia Island
If you are coming from the city of Athens, then this next spot should be on top of your list. A short three-hour drive away from the capital, the town of Marmari serves as an enticing and convenient kitesurfing option that you need to try.
Perfectly located in the small strait between the islands of Petali and Evia, Marmari offers its visitors the perfect spot to surf. It gives you consistently strong winds – no matter the time of day. It is also worth noting that the town is also near a mountain range. Coupled with the strong winds from the sea, the strong winds coming off the mountains help create the perfect condition for kitesurfing.
The island of Evia where Marmari is located is just off the coast of mainland Greece. However, contrary to what you may expect, getting there is such a breeze. This is because Evia is accessible via a bridge. Just keep traveling towards the southern coast and you should get Marmari in no time.
Exploring the Cyclades Islands
The Aegean sea is rich with perfect kitesurfing spots that everyone needs to visit at least once. The first spot you need to visit is the island of Paros. Considered to be one of the best spots to try kitesurfing, it is also where the famous dry northern winds are strongest especially during July and August. Needless to say, everyone needs to experience the prime kitesurfing conditions on Paros.
We highly recommend that you make the most of your stay on this island. You can start your kitesurfing journey in Pounta beach. This is perhaps the most popular spot on the island and with good reason. A lot of famous professional kitesurfers got their start here. The quality of the wind should be enough to explain why.
Of course, if you are looking for a place that isn’t saturated with crowds of tourists, then we suggest that you go over to Antiparos. It offers a more laid back kitesurfing experience that is perhaps the complete opposite of Pounta beach.
Once you have finished taking in the kitesurfing spots in Paros island, you can then proceed to Naxos. Similar to Paros, Naxos is also part of the Cyclades islands. Their proximity to each other makes it a dream come true for any serious kitesurfing enthusiast. You can even surf between islands if you feel like it.
One of the best surfing spots you need to try is Mikri Viglia. This beach is perfect for beginners and experienced surfers alike. It has a long and deep beach that comes equipped with a challenging topography – complete with dune formations that will push you to the limit.
There you have it, our picks for the best kitesurfing spots in Greece. Needless to say, narrowing it down to three was a real challenge. This is because there are simply too many great kiteboarding spots in Greece. That said, we tried to make this list as comprehensive as possible. So, be sure to give these places a visit when you can!
To is Surf and Kite Instructor, Surfboard Shaper. He share about His life in this blog. More about Him in About page.