Kitesurf in Greece : all you need to know
Greece and its islands are a vast playground for all kitesurfing enthusiasts. It’s an ideal destination for a kite trip, even with the family. With the country’s cultural richness, having windless days is not a problem as there are so many things to discover.
The best season for kitesurfing extends from May to September depending on the destinations, with the Meltem that can blow regularly quite strong on the Cyclades.
The most popular spots are Paros and Naxos, but there are many other spots to discover, within the same stay.
On this page you will find advice for your next kite trip in Greece.
High Season
Required level
Best suited for
Budget
Spots
Other activities
Why kitesurfing in Greece is a good choice ?
At the end of a journey that can be a bit complicated with often a plane and then a ferry (unless you plan ahead and are lucky enough to have flight connections), Greece has dozens of charming little islands on the edge of the Mediterranean, and just as many spots with remarkable conditions in the summer.
Best period and spots to kite in Greece
There are several island groups, but the most famous for kite are the Cyclades – notably Paros and the Pounda spot, and Naxos and the Mikri Vigla spot – and the Dodecanese islands (see the Prasonisi spot in Rhodes).
You will find strong and consistent wind (the meltem) from May to September, but avoid July and August as much as possible if you have the choice, as in high season, prices are much higher, and the beaches are crowded (but then again, it’s full-on sailing, and most families don’t have a choice).
To avoid the crowds at the spots in high season, opting for a kitesurfing cruise in Greece can be a good solution. This allows you to move depending on the conditions, and to reach more confidential spots.
The classic quiver is 7/9/12 but as everywhere, it’s best to check the forecasts before leaving. You sail in a swimsuit, boardshorts and possibly a top for the more chilly ones (especially when it blows hard).
An ideal destination to mix kite, discovery, and beach
Greece is a beautiful destination with a rich cultural heritage: it will be as pleasing to your eyes as to your kites! It’s an ideal family destination for mixing sessions, walks, culture and relaxation!
In any case, I advise you to rent a car or scooters, which will allow you to wander around and be autonomous. It’s an excellent idea to make a combo between several islands if you’re going for a long time (via ferry connections), or spend a few days in Athens if you feel like it.
Discover the kite spots in Greece
Rhodes
Île de Kos
Agios Nikolaos
What we love most
Drawbacks
- Consistent and strong wind in the summer, this will delight Big Air enthusiasts.
- Beautiful landscapes with a very blue sea
- Nightlife for those who love to party, some islands are well known for their festive side
- Gastronomy: the quality of Greek cuisine needs no introduction
- Prices in summer can sometimes be deterrent
- Mass tourism in high season: there are a lot of people at this destination during the summer season. And some kite spots are very popular.
- Sometimes a tedious journey to reach certain destinations with a mix of plane/ferry, but it’s part of the Greek adventure.
Our best advices to travelers
How to get there ?
Travel time: Approximately 3h30 for direct flights. Minimum 5h for flights with layovers.
Direct flight: yes
Time difference: UTC+3
Airlines: Transavia – Easy Jet – Air France – Aegean Airlines – Vueling – Iberia
Main airports: Athens (ATH) – Mykonos (JMK) – Rhodes (RHO)
Flight price: €200 / €500
Formalities
- Mandatory vaccines: None
- Visa requirements: American and British nationals can stay in Greece for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa.
- Need for electrical adapter: Type C and F electrical outlets, so an adapter may be needed.
- Official language: Greek
- Currency: Euro (€)
Additional tips
To get there, there are several options. There are direct flights to Athens, Mykonos and Rhodes (via Easyjet in particular, or Transavia). For other Greek islands, you take the ferry, it can make the journey a bit heavy, but I personally think it’s part of the adventure.
Once there, you can rent a car from 20€ per day and a scooter from 10€ per day. For rental periods beyond 7 days, prices can be negotiated.
Avoid the months of July and August as much as possible: they receive about as much wind as the months of June and September and prices can triple!
Obviously, the currency is the Euro, so it’s convenient. In tourist areas, it’s easy to communicate in English in general.