In recent years, the number of kitesurfing spots in Greece has increased. And for good reason, the weather conditions are particularly well suited to this sport: wind, beautiful beaches and fine weather! In August, the wind is generally very strong, but it is calmer in June, July and September and more suitable for beginners.
So let’s take a tour of the most beautiful beaches and islands for kitesurfing in Greece.
Kitesurfing in the Cyclades
The Cyclades are ideal for kitesurfing and windsurfing. The Aegean wind is generally strong in summer, especially in the afternoon.
On the other hand, the Cycladic islands of Naxos, Paros and Santorini are easily accessible (they all have airports), making them ideal, inexpensive and friendly kitesurfing destinations.
Paros
Paros is well known for its sailing sports. Initially known for windsurfing, kitesurfing has also made its mark on the island in recent years. This family-friendly island is very popular with the French in summer. There’s plenty of quality accommodation and the villages are full of life in the evenings: tavernas, bars and nightclubs.
- Where to kitesurf in Paros? The best beaches are Golden Beach, opposite Naxos, and Pounda Beach opposite AntiParos.
- Rent a kitesurf in Paros: At Pounda Beach, you can rent your equipment for 1 hour or a week.
- Learn to kitesurf in Paros: Numerous clubs and schools offer kitesurfing courses.
Naxos
Naxos is a large island in the Cyclades, with extensive sandy beaches on the west coast. The island also boasts some very pretty villages, sites and mountain ranges. This makes it possible to plan a one-week stay alternating sport and discovery of the island.
- Where to kitesurf in Naxos? On the east coast, very close to Paros. Here, the wind rushes into the strait and blows steadily in the afternoon. The best-known beach is Mikri Vigla.
- Find a kitesurfing club in Naxos ? You can rent equipment for a few hours, a day or a week in Naxos. Beginners and advanced courses are also available. For example, at Naxos Kite Life you can take private lessons, from beginner to advanced level, from age 13 (see rates and availability here). The Kite Center in Naxos offers courses in small groups at a slightly lower cost (see rates and availability here).
Santorini
And why not combine the splendour of Santorini with sport? Admittedly, prices are higher than elsewhere, but it is possible to kitesurf in Santorini. It’s an ideal activity, especially for families with teenagers.
- Where can you kitesurf on Santorini? On Monolithos beach, on the south-east side of the island. It’s a long black sandy beach, where the Meltem wind blows.
- Renting kitesurfing equipment in Santorini : It’s possible to rent a kitesurf for a few hours or by the day.
- Book a kitesurfing course in Santorini: Santorini kitesurfing offers beginners’ courses as well as courses for more advanced riders. These courses are given in small groups of 2-3 people, and are open to all, including children aged 10 and over.
Practical information for the Cyclades: accommodation, transport
Don’t forget to take a look at our “Greek islands / Cyclades” section to find out more about these destinations:
- For information on where to sleep and stay in Naxos, Paros and Santorini Follow the links to find the best places to stay and all our tips.
- To Paros, Naxos and Santorini: There are direct flights to these islands. You can discover flights on Aegean
. Alternatively, you can come from Piraeus by fast boat or ferry – timetables, fares and bookings on FerryHopper.
Other Greek islands for kitesurfing in Greece
More remote but sometimes charming, there are other spots for kitesurfing in Greece.
Kitesurfing in Kos
Kos is a very touristy island. There are some very large resorts here, and part of the island has been given over to mass tourism. Nonetheless, it’s inexpensive thanks to its well-developed real estate and charter flights that arrive directly on site without the need to change planes in Athens. The weather is also often fine and warm, even in April or October.
- Where to kitesurf in Kos: The most famous beach is Psalidi. Here the wind blows almost every day and the shallow water makes it very accessible to beginners.
- Kitesurfing equipment : You can easily rent your equipment from Windzone Kos, which offers a wide range of equipment by the hour, day or week.
- Kitesurfing school in Kos : the same club also offers private or small group kitesurfing lessons. Find out more about their different packages here.
- Last but not least, some practical information here about the island of Kos: accommodation, transport…
Kitesurfing in Rhodes
This large, southern island, close to the Turkish coast, enjoys maximum sunshine, a lively nightlife and a rich cultural heritage. As far as kitesurfing is concerned, the island is very popular, as there’s plenty of space and kitesurfers can go at their own pace.
- Where to kitesurf in Rhodes: on the beaches of the north coast, especially Theologos. The wind blows steadily, the water is warm and the beach is wide.
- Kitesurfing clubs and schools in Rhodes : a large number of them have set up on the island’s north coast. We recommend the Manawa website, which lists the various schools . All of them offer private or small group lessons for beginners to advanced riders. SurfinBird and Kitesurf Ialysos offer kitesurfing courses.
- Practical advice and information about Rhodes: it’s here!
Kitesurfing near Athens or Thessaloniki
If you live in Athens, it’s also possible to kitesurf in Greece, very close to Athens. The best spots are to the east of the capital, opposite the island of Evia. The former are less than an hour away. You can push on a little further to the island of Euboea, accessible by a bridge.
- Artemis beach: Just a few kilometers from the airport, Artemis beach is often windy, and a favorite with sailing enthusiasts. There’s the Athens Watersport club at the far end. The spot is not always obvious for beginners. Kitesurfing is possible at Marathon and NeaMakri.
- Euboea Island: several schools offer kite surfing in Euboea. One of the closest to Athens is Marmara. The environment is top-notch, and the nearby mountains offer a wide range of activities. They offer training courses (accommodation and meals included) or courses in a variety of formulas.
- Thessaloniki: If you live near Thessaloniki, Mindloop offers kitesurfing lessons for beginners and intermediates from Epanomi beach.
Do you like water sports? Then take a look at our article on Windsurfing in Greece !
Sophie B.
