Crete is a superb choice for a windsurfing holiday to experience the 'real Greece'. The fourth largest island in the Mediterranean. At over 300km long its' landscapes are diverse with snow covered mountains and huge gorges, flat fertile plains and golden beaches. Crete's ancient history is formidable being home to King Minos, Theseus and the Minotaur, Daedelus and Icarus to name but a few. Palekastro is a small village which has maintained its' charm and a much slower pace than western Crete.

Palekastro is 2 1/2 hours drive to the east of Heraklion Airport, with the main income deriving from agriculture and latterly tourism. It has maintained it's charm and has a real feel of something from the past. The windsurf centre is based at Kouremenos Bay and is a 20 minute stroll past olive groves to Palekastro Village. The village has many tavernas and cafes on the main square are a must after a day on the water.

Sailing Spot & Conditions

The centre is in the middle of the 2km long Kouremenos beach and is a 20 minute stroll through the olive groves to Palekastro village. The ‘Meltemi' wind blows right through to September and beyond. It increases its power through the local thermal and the funnelling effect gives an additional 2 Beaufort. The wind blows side shore from the left average wind strength is 4 to 7 beaufort with most used sail sizes of between 4.5 and 5.3.

The bay offers perfect flat-water conditions near the shore. It is an ideal location to practise gybes and freestyle moves on the small waves found on the outside. There is a safety tower and rescue boat available

Culture

Crete's ancient history is formidable being home to King Minos, Thesus and the Minotaur, Daedelus and Icarus to name but a few. It's array of ruins is outstanding and include the Palace of Knossos in the middle of Crete, (an hour and half from Palekastro), other interesting sites if Zakros, Zou and Gournia are closer by and well worth the short drive, as well as Vai, the only natural Palm Beach in the whole of Greece.

Palekastro itself has a large village by Greek standards with 1,100 inhabitants whose main income is agriculture based olive farming, bee-keeping and fishing. The beauty of Palekastro is the many quiet, unspoilt beaches which have been largely untouched by tourism. Accommodation is spaced out with a range of local style self catering accommodation - mainly studios, villas and apartments with wonderful, natural gardens.  There are plenty of local tavernas and restaurants and prices are still very reasonable. People coming to Palekastro are looking for the 'real Crete' and they will certainly be most warmly welcomed.

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