The 5 best surf spots in Greece

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Greece has endless exciting activities to offer - from island-hopping adventures on sailboats to unique hiking routes - from all-night parties to some of the world's most significant cultural sights.

Today we are going to show you the best surfing spots, because besides breathtaking diving adventures and other water activities, you can now add surfing to the long list of fun things to do. This may sound paradoxical to many, but there are plenty of windsurfing and kitesurfing spots in Greece, as well as one or two beaches where you can also surf. All that's left to do is to grab a board and plunge into the water.

Tinos

Surf Spots In Greece: Tinos

The northern beach of Kolymbithres is a hotspot for surfers on the island of Tinos. The currents are calm, which makes it an ideal place for beginners who are just dipping their toes in the water.

Best time: Kolimbithres West (Tinos) in the Aegean Sea is a rather exposed stretch of beach with unreliable waves and no particular seasonal pattern. Offshore winds blow from the south and provide some protection from easterly winds. Surfing is possible with an onshore breeze. The short fetch provides windswells rather than groundswells, and the best wave direction is from the north. The beach break offers left and right handers.

FYI: It is rocky.

Away from the surf, you can enjoy sandy beaches and winding cobblestone streets and visit the church of Panagia Megalochari, considered the spiritual heart of Greece. Tinos is located on the northern side of the Cyclades archipelago and is an idyllic Greek destination.

Ikaria

Group Of People Enjoying Beach Aerial Photography

Messakti beach on the island of Ikaria is a prime surfing spot in Greece. Tourists flock to the island in the summer to test their skills, and for beginners there is a surf school on the beach. Alternatively, you can go straight out to sea to conquer the waves.

Best time: Armenistis (Ikaria) in the Aegean Sea is an exposed stretch of beach. Summer (May-August) offers the best conditions for surfing. The offshore winds blow from the south and provide some protection from westerly winds. Light onshore winds are not a problem. The fetch is too low for a swell to form, and the best wave direction is from the north. The beach breaks offer left and right handers.

Ikaria is also known for its longevity and has one of the highest life expectancies in the world. It's a great place to visit, whether you're visiting for the Surfing* or come to the island for the relaxed lifestyle and delicious food.

Crete

Man Surfing On Big Waves Under White Sky

Crete, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece, is also the largest island in the country. It is full of beautiful beaches*, remains of a past civilization and delicious cuisine.

In the western part of Crete, several beaches offer ideal surfing conditions during the summer. Beginners can take lessons at the island's numerous surf schools, while professionals have one of the largest selections of beaches in Greece. Chrissi Akti, also known as the Golden Coast, Paleochora and Falasarna Beach are popular places for surfing.

Best time: Depending on the predicted conditions, there are many spots all over the island. Generally, strong swell comes from the west, so Chania has a better explosion than any other region in Crete. On the other hand, when the swell is accompanied by the strong wind, the western parts of the beach (like Falasarna) become choppy and the region around Heraklion, protected by the wind, is the best solution. For the sake of simplicity, we distinguish between the winter and summer seasons

Winter: In winter, the westerly waves cross the Mediterranean Sea and eventually hit the Cretan coast. In some cases, pumping water is likely to occur when there is no wind and glassy conditions are to be expected. In these cases, beach breaks and point breaks are best for surfing.

Summer: In summer, consistent swells are rare and the Meltemi wind blows from the north all season long. This is not the best scenario for Cretan surfers, but they still eventually encounter 1-meter waves on the coast. The best spots are the beach breaks, when there is no wind the beach of Falasarna (Chania) and the beach of Arina (Heraklion) are the right place. When the wind is blowing, you should head for Sfinari beach, Komos beach (south of Heraklion) and Stalida beach.

Kitesurfing and windsurfing spots in Greece

Man Surfing During Sunset

Ionian Sea

To the west lies the Ionian Sea, where thermal NW winds prevail almost daily, starting around noon and blowing at 15-25 knots until sunset. Popular destinations in this region are the islands of Lekfada and Corfu, while on the mainland Cape Drepano is more of a hidden gem.

Aegean Sea

The Aegean Sea is on the other side of Greece, to the east. Here, the seasonal Meltemi can blow for days and is one of the few Mediterranean winds that does not die down at night, making moonlight sittings possible! On Limnos, Rhodes and Crete there are some of the most famous Kitespots* Greece and as well as decent waves. Paros and Naxos are less known and a bit more difficult to reach. However, these spots reward determined intermediates and advanced surfers with stronger winds.

Best time: The two main regions, each with different wind conditions, nevertheless agree on the best time to travel: June to September - warm weather, no wetsuit required and good wind probability.

You want to experience beautiful islands live?

Then check out our 8 days Cape Verde round trip and join us on an unforgettable island hopping tour through the island paradise. You will discover hidden bays, crystal clear waters and small island villages. For more information about the sailing trip, check out our Magazine over!

You can find even more travel inspiration with us at Instagram and Pinterest.

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