Santorini - Monolithos
Greece
Santorini
Monolithos is a kitesurfing spot located on the east coast of Santorini, near the airport. This black sand beach attracts riders for its constant wind from the Meltemi and its flat water, ideal for progression.
It is a popular place for both beginners and intermediates, with a relaxed atmosphere and equipment rentals on site. The beach is wide and directly exposed to the northeast trade winds.
Close to hotels and easily accessible by car, Monolithos offers a good balance between kite sessions and exploring the island.
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.
- 🟢 10–16 nds : vent faible mais navigable (notamment en foil).
- 🟡 16–22 nds : plage idéale, conditions confortables pour la majorité.
- 🔴 22–28 nds : vent fort, réservé aux riders expérimentés.
- 🟣 28+ nds : conditions extrêmes, navigation engagée.
Localisation & Points d'intérêt
Informations utiles
chop
flatThe Monolithos spot mainly works with the Meltemi, a thermal wind from the northeast that blows side-on relative to the east-facing beach. This wind is consistent from May to October, with average strengths between 15 and 25 knots, sometimes stronger in summer.
The navigation area extends along the black sand beach, with flat water protected behind the pier to the north. Launching is easy anywhere on the wide beach, and takeoff is done directly from the sand without major obstacles. For beginners, stay close to the pier where the water remains flat even in strong winds.
In case of light swell from the east, the water state becomes chop offshore, but remains navigable. Be cautious in areas to the south where the beach narrows. Morning sessions are calmer, in the afternoon the wind picks up.
Ideal conditions are a side-on northeast wind of 18-25 knots, stable and thermal. Avoid days that are too light or too strong for beginners.
The water state is mostly flat to light chop, perfect for freestyle and wakestyle. Behind the pier, there is really flat water even at 20-25 knots.
With moderate swell, small to medium waves form offshore, suitable for intermediates.
Currents are generally weak along Monolithos beach, thanks to the protection of the pier. Tides in the Mediterranean are minimal, less than a meter, with no major impact on navigation.
Stay vigilant near rocky areas where a local current can form in strong winds.
Opt for sizes of 9 to 12m² in typical Meltemi conditions. Lighter riders will take 7-9m² in strong winds, while heavier ones will prefer 11-13m² when it eases.
The dominant wind regime is the Meltemi, a reliable and constant northeast wind, particularly strong in summer. It starts around 11 am and peaks in the afternoon with speeds of 15-30 knots.
This thermal wind is predictable and enhances the spot's reputation as one of the best in the Cyclades for kiting.
Santorini enjoys a dry Mediterranean climate, with hot summers ranging from 25 to 35°C from June to September and mild winters around 10-15°C. Rainfall is rare, concentrated in winter.
The ideal kite season runs from May to October, with almost permanent sunshine and pleasant temperatures for riding in lycra.
The depth is gradual with a black sand bottom. You can stand up to about 50 meters from the shore, ideal for relaunches and beginners.
Water temperatures range from 16-18°C in winter to 24-27°C in summer. A shorty is sufficient from June to September, 3/2mm neoprene is recommended for the rest of the year.