Kitesurf in Turkey : all you need to know
Turkey is an easily accessible destination for a kitesurfing stay.
The best season is between May and September.
The most renowned kite spot is Datça.
High Season
Required level
Best suited for
Budget
Spots
Other activities
Why kitesurfing in Turkey is a good choice ?
Overall, Turkey is a sun + kite + resorts destination just a stone’s throw from France. So it’s quite convenient when time is short, or when a compromise has to be found for the whole family.
But even though Turkey is close to us, it still remains quite authentic: it’s a magical, dynamic country imbued with a welcoming oriental culture that will take you out of your comfort zone if you take the time to stray from the beaten path. Istanbul in particular is well worth a few days of sightseeing.
Best period and spots to kite in Turkey
As for kitesurfing, the spots are located on the jagged West coast, overlooking the Aegean Sea and all the Greek islands (including the Gökova and Alaçati spots).
A warm Mediterranean, a mild climate, lighter winds (about 15 knots) than in Greece, and often spots perfectly suited for learning to kite.
Best season (for kitesurfing): from May to September.
Discover the kite spots in Turkey
Alacati
Datca
Gokova
What we love most
Drawbacks
- Ideal for families
- Ideal for learning
- Easily accessible
- Light winds
- High season mass tourism
- Political instability
Our best advices to travelers
How to get there ?
Travel time: From 3h30 for Izmir (direct flight). Up to 10/12 hours for flights with a stopover (whether it be for Izmir or Bodrum)
Direct flight: yes
Time difference: UTC+3
Airlines: Turkish Airline – Sun Express – Pegasus Airline – Air France – Lufthansa
Main airports: Izmir (IZM) – Bodrum (BJV)
Flight price: 300 / 600€
Formalities
- Mandatory vaccines: No vaccines are required for entry into Turkey for American or British nationals.
- Visa requirements: American and British nationals can obtain an e-Visa online before traveling to Turkey. The cost for the e-Visa is $20 for Americans and £20 for Britons.
- Need for electrical adapter: Electrical outlets in Turkey are type C and F, which are the same as in the US and UK. No adapter is needed.
- Official language: The official language of Turkey is Turkish.
- Currency: The currency used in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY).
Additional tips
Turkish Airline and Sun Express operate direct flights to Izmir Airport (IZM). The flight takes about 3h30.
On the other hand, you will have to make a stopover in Istanbul before landing at Bodrum Airport (BJV). Flights to Bodrum are also slightly more expensive.
What are the best non kitesurfing activities ?
If you have the opportunity and have never done so, spending a few days in Istanbul would be a good idea.
On the kitesurf spots side, the region also has some historical sites to offer. But overall, people mainly go there for the beaches.
Near Alaçati, there are also thermal waters, vineyards, and the charm of cobbled streets and traditional houses.