Karpathos offers some of the best windsurfing flat water, freeride and freestyle conditions in the Greek Islands. Karpathos is unspoilt and off the beaten track. With 3 sailing areas you can pick your wind strength with some of the most reliable conditions during the summer months from May to October. When off the water, you can enjoy activities including climbing, mountain bike trailing, hiking or yoga.
Sailing Spot and Conditions
The high winds in Gun Bay usually strengthens to F4-8 between June and September and is good for intermediate level upwards. This blows offshore from the beach, giving a flat water launch with chop increasing after 300m. On certain days there is also wave sailling, sometimes up to 1m, which is suitable for both jumping novices and experts. As you approach the aptly named Devils Bay, the wind is about 1-2 bft stronger than in Gun Bay and the perfectly flat water delivers superb blasting conditions. In Chicken Bay the wind also blows cross offshore but with 1-2 bft less force. Chicken Bay is ideal for beginners with its 80m wide shallow water area but also has a speed track, perfect for different levels who wish to sail together. Although the wind is offshore, the layout of Gun Bay makes it a safe venue for all abilities. Many windsurfers who have discovered this spot, return year after year, to enjoy the extreme conditions almost guaranteed here. This is the perfect destination if you like the option of hard core conditions and somewhere to chill out at the end of each day.
Culture and Activities
One of the most southerly of the Greek Islands, Karpathos is part of the Dodecanese, lying east of Crete and west of Rhodes. There are no direct flights from the UK but connecting flights from Athens or Rhodes. It is therefore relatively undiscovered by tourists. There are beautiful almost deserted beaches, idyllic mountain villages and cosy tavernas. The population is just over 5,000 people whose main industry is fishing, farming and cultivating the many olive groves. Karpathos lies on the south east coast on The Bay of Afiartis. It has several bars, restaurants and hotels and is the perfect place to unwind. Benefitting from the constant, strong wind conditions all summer and safe sailing conditions it is a great choice for all levels of windsurfer. The centre offers local climbing packages with tuition available from an expert instructor and specialist Scott mountain bikes. There is no kitesurfing rental or instruciton services from the centre. Other activites including hiking through the unspoilt, rocky landscape to the highest mountain of the island, Kali Limni or exploring pretty, local villages such as Mescochori with it's winding alleys or finding your very own secluded beach. We recommend trying out some delicious local dishes and heading west to enjoy the sunsets.
Sailing Conditions:
Weather Information:
Percentage of days wind force 4 or above
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Jan
Feb
Mar
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May
Jun
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Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Water
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Suitability:
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Karpathos - Afiartis , Greece
For your windsurfing, yoga, mountain biking, cycling or wall climbing holiday to Karpathos, Sofia Studios offers simple Greek style studios close to Club Anemos, the beach and airport.Price from £600 Including flights
Karpathos - Afiartis , Greece
For your windsurfing, yoga, mountain biking, cycling or climbing holiday to Afiartis on the Greek island of Karpathos, the 4 star Hotel Irini offers a stylish new restaurant and pool area all within comfort minutes from the centre and launch.Price from £650 Including flights
06 July 2022