Rhodes
The largest island in the Dodecanese is also the one with the most spots for all types of sailing. Its kilometers of coastline are exposed to the meltemi and benefit from excellent sailing conditions, especially in the north-west of the island, which receives the most wind. It's on the west coast that most of the clubs and schools have been set up to cater for everyone's needs, among the resorts that dot the region.
Leaving Rhodes town to the west, the bays of Ixia and Ialyssos offer ideal conditions, with the wind picking up in the afternoon. There are three distinct zones, with varying degrees of difficulty: the Kremasti spot is particularly suited to kitesurfing (all levels), while the Ialyssos spot itself is geared towards windsurfing and wingfoil. The spot hosted the European wingfoil championships in 2022. There is an advanced to expert zone and a beginners' zone, better protected from the wind. Windsurfers' World and ProCenter Rhodos, two professional kitesurfing and windsurfing clubs, offer courses, lessons and equipment rental on all these spots.
Continuing south on the west coast, the long sandy beach of Theologos welcomes kite, wingfoil and windsurf riders looking for flat conditions, perfect for beginners and those wishing to perfect their skills. As for free ride and slalom experts, they're in for a treat when the wind picks up in the afternoon. The highly professional Surf & Kite Theologos center caters for everyone's needs in all three practices, while the WetSkillz kitesurf and wingfoil club stands out for its relaxed atmosphere.
Last but not least, the Prasonisi peninsula is home to two not-to-be-missed windsurfing spots, spread out on either side of the spit of sand that points south of Rhodes. The western side receives the most wind, and is popular with lovers of waves, which are particularly rare in Greece. The eastern side, better protected from the meltemi, benefits from flatter conditions and is therefore a better option for beginners or lovers of free ride and speed. Two spots in one, with all the possibilities: waves, speed, slalom and free ride! For over 20 years, the Prasonisi Center and ProCenter C. Kirschner have been a major stop on the Greek windsurfing circuit. Kitesurfing and wingfoiling are gradually developing, but it's mainly windsurfers who appreciate this little corner of the world, far from the crowds. Indeed, there are no resorts or crowded beaches in this isolated corner of Rhodes: riders meet up in the neighboring villages once the wind has died down and night has fallen, to spend quiet evenings, as at Kafeneio Louis in Kattavia.
Kos
Offering much the same profile as Rhodes, i.e. a large island with an (over)developed tourist infrastructure, easy access by plane and ferry and ideal sailing conditions, Kos also attracts wingfoil, kitesurf and windsurf enthusiasts. Less windy than Rhodes, the island offers fewer spots, but they are of equal quality. Riders who come here also enjoy a solid nightlife after their sessions, as Kos is renowned for its crazy parties in season.
The Psalidi spot, located at the northeastern tip of the island, just across from Turkey, is the must for sailing in Kos. Exposed to meltemi throughout the summer, almost incessantly and progressively over the course of the day, it is suitable for all three practices and all levels. A flat paradise for beginners and those looking to perfect their skills over the first 100 meters, the spot transforms beyond this point, giving way to a swell appreciated by more experienced free riders. The Windzone club, more convivial than its neighbors but just as professional, caters for fans of all three sports: located at the windsurfing spot, it provides links with the wingfoil and kitesurfing spot a little further north, towards the lighthouse, and offers all the equipment and assistance required for these practices.
Kefalos Bay is located in the southern part of Kos, after the airport, on the opposite side of the island from Psalidi, but is home to one of the island's best windsurfing spots, with rather flat waters perfectly suited to beginners wishing to try windsurfing. The area is also ideal for discovering wingfoil, which has been on the rise for a few years now. Experts who want to work on their maneuvers will also appreciate this. The Kefalos Windsurfing club is a reference in the area, offering high-quality courses and training, as well as high-performance, well-maintained equipment.
Karpathos
The second largest island in the Dodecanese, Karpathos is far removed from the tourist circuit and offers a very different profile from Rhodes and Kos. Visitors won't find any big resorts or nightlife, but rather the calm of an island dedicated to outdoor activities, nature and tradition. Windsurfers will also find their paradise on the sea, while wingfoil enthusiasts will see this practice gradually take root on the island.
Indeed, the meltemi is king in the south-east of the island, blowing non-stop over Afiartis Bay, which in a short space of time has become one of the major centers of international windsurfing. Indeed, it's one of the windiest spots in Greece and Europe, and while wingfoiling is slowly developing, windsurfing reigns supreme.
Three successive bays make up the Afiartis spot, each suited to a different level or practice of windsurfing. Chicken Bay is an area of shallow, virtually flat water, ideal for beginners and freestylers. Gun Bay, on the other hand, is more suited to free-riding and jumping when the swell builds offshore. Finally, Devil's Bay, also known as Paradise Bay, is reserved for experts. The violent winds that sweep across this spot will delight those seeking the adrenalin of speed. The serious and friendly ION CLUB center is located in Gun Bay, with a branch in Chicken Bay.
On days when the wind is too strong, or not strong enough for the real adrenaline junkies, Karpathos offers plenty of active alternatives, including some great hikes, but riders may want to take advantage of the opportunity to visit the heritage village of Olymbos or relax on the beaches of the east coast.
