Greece
Kastraki is a kitesurfing spot located on a long sandy beach between Mikri Vigla and Glyfada Beach, in Naxos in the Cyclades. This 1.5 km beach offers crystal clear waters and a steady wind, making it a popular place for schools and riders of all levels.
The spot is known for its relaxed atmosphere and generous space, with a school like the Naxos Kitesurf Club offering courses for beginners and advanced riders. It's an authentic place, a bit away from the crowds of Mikri Vigla, perfect for progressing safely.
In summer, the ideal conditions attract kiters from around the world, with a beautiful setting and on-site facilities like a restaurant and accommodations.
Les données de vent affichées ici proviennent d’ERA5 (via Open-Meteo) sur 4 ans, retraitées pour refléter des conditions réalistes.
👉 Le vent moyen a été calibré pour éviter la sous-estimation habituelle des modèles.
👉 Les rafales ont été corrigées par un ratio médian afin d’éviter des valeurs extrêmes irréalistes.
👉 Chaque jour est résumé par le vent médian (P50) observé pendant les heures utiles (8h–20h), puis classé dans des plages de vent.
👉 Le mode pondéré mélange vent moyen et rafales pour refléter au mieux le vent ressenti.
chopchopThe Kastraki spot features a very long sandy beach with plenty of space for take-off and landing, classified as a medium-sized area but very comfortable. The main wind orientation is side-shore to offshore with the Meltemi coming from the north-northeast, providing a flat to light chop water for beginners on the right side, a small chop in the center ideal for first jumps, and a left area for advanced riders.
Launching is easy thanks to the fine sand and shallow water in the first meters, particularly suitable for learners. Conditions do not depend on tides, and the spot remains navigable at all times. In case of occasional south winds, the water becomes choppy with bumps for jumps. Schools separate beginner zones from independent riders for added safety, and the crowd remains moderate even in August.
Sailing takes place in a sheltered bay without major hazards like power lines or trees, with turquoise waters where you can sometimes see turtles.
Ideal conditions are with the Meltemi NNE at 15-25 knots, providing perfect side-shore for flat to controllable chop, suitable for all levels.
The water state varies from flat with the side-shore Meltemi to light chop or small medium waves with south winds. The waters are crystal clear and shallow near the shore, ideal for all levels.
Currents are generally weak in this sheltered bay. Tides do not affect sailing conditions, and there is no marked channel to watch for.
Opt for kite sizes of 9 to 11m² with average Meltemi, 7 to 9m² on stronger days, and 11 to 13m² in light winds or for beginners.
The wind regime is dominated by the Meltemi, a seasonal north-northeast wind that blows from May to September at speeds of 4-6 Beaufort (15-30 knots typically). Optimal directions include N, NNE, NE for side-shore, and occasionally SSW, SW for more wavy sessions.
The climate of Naxos is Mediterranean with hot, dry summers, temperatures around 25-30°C in July-August, and mild winters around 10-15°C. The best months for kitesurfing are from May to October, peaking in summer thanks to the reliable Meltemi.
The depth is gradual with a fine sandy bottom. You can stand on the first 50-100 meters, perfect for lessons and safety.
Water temperatures reach 23-26°C in summer (June-September), 18-22°C in spring and autumn, and drop to 16-18°C in winter.
