Greece has over two hundred islands for locals and tourists to explore. However, when it comes to water sports, and especially windsurfing, some Greek islands easily top the rest.
The sport of windsurfing has become increasingly popular in Greece and around the world in recent decades. Greece’s combination of strong winds and flat water in sheltered bays make it a great spot for windsurfers from all around the world.
For newbies or more advanced competitors, some Greek islands are particularly well-suited for windsurfing.
Lefkada: Great for beginners and advanced windsurfers alike
The Ionian island of Lefkada is a favorite destination for beach lovers, thanks to its turquoise-colored waters. However, its small southern port town of Vasiliki is especially ideal for windsurfing. The beaches of Vasiliki are situated along a protected bay, meaning the strong winds there don’t result in particularly turbulent waters.
Many Europeans and instructors from all over the world set up windsurfing shops and schools there in the summer. In the mornings, when the winds are generally calm, newbies can easily pick up the basics of windsurfing. When the wind changes in the early afternoon, advanced windsurfers head out all the way to the end of the bay at breakneck speeds. This shift in winds happens almost daily in the summer months. Its reliability is part of what has attracted so many windsurfers to the area.
Since the island has also become a favorite spot for kite-surfers in recent years, Lefkada should definitely be on the list for those who love water sports. In general, its location in the Ionian also means it isn’t reliant on the Aegean “Meltemi” wind and generally has quieter conditions. However, for more advanced windsurfers, the strong Meltemi winds of the Aegean may be exactly what is needed.
Naxos: Windsurfing in the Meltemi winds
Greek surfers usually favor the Aegean islands for summer practice. Among them, Naxos is definitely one of the top picks for some of the most skilled windsurfers in the world.
The western part of the island has great conditions for advanced surfers. Many descend on Mikri Vigla Beach. This part of the coast is located right where the wind speeds up, thanks to the narrow strait here between Paros and Naxos, resulting in the ideal, mostly steady, windy conditions windsurfers love.
Plaka and Agios Prokopios are also good choices for advanced windsurfers. Beginners may want to try learning at Agios Georgios. The beach here has a small lagoon-like area which is sheltered from the strong Meltemi winds.
Paros: One of Greece’s oldest surf clubs on the island
Just like Naxos, Paros gets the full effect of the Meltemi wind in the summer. This attracts windsurfers from all over the world. Perhaps this is why Paros is home to Paros Surf Club, one of the longest-operating clubs in Greece. Paros Surf Club was founded in 1989 and is still operating today.
Located on New Golden Beach, this surf club is a great training spot for those seeking to learn the basic skills or refine their skills. Additionally, both New Golden Beach and Golden Beach are some of the best windsurfing spots on the island.
Rhodes, a Greek island with windsurfing and a stunning old town
One of the larger islands in the Aegean Sea, Rhodes is mostly known for its beautiful old town, amazing architecture, and great beaches. However, many travelers are unaware that it also possesses ideal conditions for windsurfing.
Advanced windsurfers who want to show off some tricks favor Theologos Beach and Prasonisi. The conditions there allow surfers to perform jumps off the water and other stunts. Even beginners can enjoy themselves on these beaches by merely watching the windsurfing pros cruise over the sea. Otherwise, amateurs can head to Windsurfers’ World in Ixia, another well-established and renowned surf club in Greece.
Karpathos: Windsurfing off the beaten path
Unlike the rest of the Greek islands known for windsurfing on this list, Karpathos tends to see less tourism. It’s known more so for its beautiful, tranquil nature than nightlife and party beaches. For those who want to enjoy water sports but avoid the tourist crowds, it’s a perfect destination.
Windsurfers tend to head to Afiartis, located on the southern tip of the island. Many surf clubs are in operation there, and surfing conditions are exceptional with steady, strong thermal winds. Greece has so many destinations that provide opportunities for water sports that it can be hard to determine which to choose. However, these five Greek islands are undoubtedly some of the best spots for windsurfing in the entire world.
For beginners and pros alike, all these beautiful places will offer amazing experiences out on the open seas.
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