Naxos, Greece & Mediterranean

For those looking for uncrowded Mediterranean windsurfing and kitesurfing, the Greek Island of Naxos is ideal. Naxos is one of the largest and greenest islands in the Cyclades with high mountains and fertile valleys, it has been voted one of the most beautiful islands in the world due to its secluded beaches, hidden mountain villages, ancient temples and castles and historic old town with Venetian influences. It is truly off the tourist trail with sparsely populated coastlines and beaches, ready for you to explore. Not known for its night life, you can find some good bars and taverns open to the early hours. But most windsurfers and kiters come here for some of the most consistent wind stats in the Mediterranean and the authentic Greek island experience.


Sailing Spot
The windsurfing and kitesurfing are located at two spots a short distance from the main town of Naxos Chora. The first with windsurfing only is just south of Naxos town, around 800m, at St George's beach, with a flat water spot at the Laguna, perfect for freestyle and learning and more advanced wave spot at St George's beach. Kitesurfing is forbidden at St George's due to the proximity of the airport, so kiters head further south, to Mikri Vigla around 10km south of St George's. Here kitesurfers enjoy the wide sandy beach launchand a mix of flat water to some small chop depending on where you are in the bay. The climate is sub-tropical and, as with many Mediterranean islands, the prevailing Meltemi wind blows from April to November, the peak summer months see winds for 5-7 bft. Peak summer months see wind between 15-25 knots+ for 70% + days. The island also benefits from the venturi compression effect form the Naxos-Paros channel accelerating the wind often by 3-5 knots over the rest of the island.

Windsurfing Spots - St Georges and the Lagoon
St George Beach offers a choice of conditions with flat water lagoon and also wave spot so catering for all levels and disciplines. The windsurf and wing foil centre at the southern end of St George beach, with enclosed, shallow water protected lagoon offering direct access to the open sea. Here are variable conditions, depending on conditions on the day, from slalom to swell to waves between 1m to 2.5m on big days breaking off-shore. The wave spot is ideal for advanced wave sailors. Fo less experienced windsurfers the Lagoon, called the Laguna, is around a 6 minute walk from the service road at the end of St George's beach (approx. 500m) offers more sheltered, shallow areas and flat water. It is ideal for lessons and beginners, early intermediates and freestylers. This area has an offshore spit/reef creating a protected bay area from the open sea. It offers a wide, standing shallow area at high tide and mainly flat water conditions inside the 'bay'. There is a 7m opening where you can exit to the open sea in the right conditions. The local Meltemi starts in May and blows through often until mid October from morning until sunset. The predominant wind directly is mainly from the North, side on-shore from the right. The peak months are July and August. Other activities available locally, during the season including stand up paddle boarding, boat trips, wing foiling, skim and body boarding, yoga, MTB and cycling rental and guided cycling and hiking tours. During the peak months you can often surf at St George bay just before sunset.

Culture and Activities
Voted as one of the most beautiful islands, Naxos is rich in tradition, with picturesque villages and to explore you can either hire a 4x4 and head off or get a mountain bike or cruiser from Naxos town centre and explore the many beautiful beaches, hidden mountain villages and historic sites and ancient temples. The main town of Naxos, also known as Chora is the island's main city and port with a historic castle, and range of local and surf shops selling beach wear, accessories plus windsurf and kitesurf equipment. Evenings can be lively in the town bars or chilled by the beach. Marble is the main export and with agriculture the main industry locally produced goods, such as sheep and goat cheese, olives, lemons, the famous potatoes and local wine are in abundance. Besides windsurfing, wing foiling and kitesurfing, also on offer are mountain biking, hiking, wake boarding, volleyball, charter catamaran and yacht sailing from the main Naxos port. Guide biking and hiking tours are available locally in Naxos town, as well as windsurf lessons for beginners  to early intermediates, children and yoga on certain dates.