The ultimate guide to kitesurfing in Paros

Paros is a small island bathed by the Aegean Sea, it is part of the Cyclades archipelago and is separated by a channel of about 8km from the island of Naxos. It is located approximately 160 km southeast of Piraeus, which is the main passenger port of Greece (about 10 km from the centre of Athens).

With the presence of the Meltemi wind in summer, the island has been populated by windsurfers since the early 90s. In recent years, with the celebration of one of the PKRA world kitesurfing championships, it is when the island has gained new renown as a destination also for kitesurfing.

 The main navigation spot is located in Pounda Bay, just in front of the island of Antiparos, and only 8 km from the main port of the island (Parikia) and 5 km from the airport. With an extensive area of ​​water where you can walk to a sandy bottom, and the side-shore wind is ideal for beginners, intermediates and those looking for race or freestyle conditions.

 The island of Paros Greece is world-renowned for windsurfing and kitesurfing and is considered by many kitesurfers to be one of the best places on the Greek islands. The island of Paros, as most of the islands of the Cyclades, offers an ideal climate, with the blessing of the Meltemi in the summer months (from the local Cycladic wind). For those reasons, Paros was chosen by the PWA (Professional Windsurfers Association), and every year, since 1993, the Nueva Andalucía beach celebrates the World Cup.

Wind

The best windy season is in July and August, although these months there are a lot of tourists and the beach is a bit small to take off and land the kite once we go out to sail the bay is very wide, and you will not feel overwhelmed when sailing. It is recommended when landing the kite to pick up the lines so that there are no problems that they can get tangled.

The rest of the year has more than acceptable wind statistics above 50%, so this spot is highly recommended as a destination for the rest of the year.

Kitesurf schools.
Paros is ideal for learning to kitesurf; its bay makes kitesurfing for both beginners and experts very safe. You walk for several meters and for schools it is something very appreciated. In stoppages, you will learn quickly and safely and at a very affordable price.

Kitesurfing spot in Paros

WEATHER

Environment: Sunny all year round with dry air and temperatures above 29º in summer.

Water: Being Mediterranean, the temperatures are similar to those we can have on the Spanish coast that faces the Mediterranean, as it is the same climate as in Spain.

Wind: May to September are the best windy months, although the most stable and constant are July and August. The Meltemi is the local wind and characteristic of the Cyclades Islands, where the island of Paros is located.

The most common are winds of 18 to 24 knots, which can be a little stronger in July and August.

SPOT

The wind is usually constant every day and little or not at all gusty. In the months of the high season, there may be an accumulation of people, but once in the water, there is no feeling of excess people because the bay is very large and you can move as you please to be enjoying without disturbing or being disturbed.

Sometimes it forms choppy, but it is very small and easy to navigate.

The exit and entrance beach is not very large, so the usual thing for people in the area is once you leave sailing you pick up the lines to leave the kite without disturbing others.

There are no stones or special dangers to highlight, the beach is sandy and the bottom too.

It is a spot where you will find people from all over the world sailing and enjoying themselves to the fullest. Good vibes are part of the spot.

In the spot there are two schools that offer courses, rental and most important zodiac for rescue and storage of the material, so you will not have to be taking it all day to the hotel. We recommend hiring this service from the day of arrival to the day of departure, it is inexpensive, very comfortable and ensures peace of mind in the water, in case you break a line or are just learning.

Kites

Depending on the level and weight of each one they will be different, but the most common are 9 and 10 m. for boys and 7 to 9 m. for girls.

NEOPRENE / SOCKS

Possibly it would be advisable to wear short or long neoprene, depending on how cold each one is in May and June, July and August with lycra could be enough, and in September a cut neoprene would be recommended.

It is advisable to wear booties, there is no special danger to highlight, but if you hurt yourself, they can solve the days of constant navigation.

The highlights of Paros

Its capital, Parikia, is the classic Cycladic town, with its small hermitages lost in its narrow streets and its windmills in its port. Its main street, next to this port, has numerous shops and cafes where the daily life of the population runs. Its most important church is that of the Blessed Virgin Catapoliani, one of the oldest paleo-Christian basilicas in Greece, built by Constantine the Great. Next to it is small, but a very interesting archaeological museum. Small boats depart from the town of Pounta that travel the distance in just ten minutes to the neighbouring island of Antiparos, which although sparsely inhabited has perhaps, it is said, the best beaches in the Aegean. Also relevant is a type of boat called Kaikia, on a regular line or a day trip to its neighbouring islands Naxos, Ios, Santorini, Mykonos and Sifnos.

Unlike the previous islands described, it has considerable traffic of tourists but not exaggerated. Although there are many areas on the island where you can stay away from tourist activity, it is ideal for a quiet holiday in the middle of nature. Inhabited since prehistory, its history is relevant from the Mycenaean civilization, later, in the Minoan or Cretan culture and in the medical wars it knew its greatest apogee. They should also visit the towns of Marmara, Marpesa, Piso Livadi, Drio, Costo and Lefkes, where the beauty of their towns is added to the quality and beauty of their beaches. In the town of Molo, go to any of the fishing taverns, where you will eat the most authentic island cuisine. In Prodromo the restaurant Tsisani and in Marpissa the Jarulas. The mild climate, the sandy beaches, the picturesque towns with the peculiar Cycladic architecture of whitewashed houses, narrow streets full of flowers and the beauty of the natural environment make this place a dream corner for a long sun and beach vacation.

In Naussa, eat at the restaurant Pico-pico (port), Island – island (port), Barbarossa (fish), Taberna tu Cristu (the great chef Simos), Lalula (German) and Linardo (Italian). Naussa, is again a traditional cycladic town as we described before, added to an endearing Venetian port and fortification at its entrance, which makes this place one of the most beautiful on the island. It has an accentuated nightlife. If you want to go clubbing at night, you should be familiar with the discobars of Sofrano, Agosta, Linardo, Art Déco, Splash, Pebbles and Kia Loa, all of them spread throughout the island. 10 km away is the town of Naussa, on the other gulf. Shortly before arriving we find the city of Tris Eclisies (in Greek, three churches) that we are interested in visiting.

The beaches of Paros

In Paros, the beaches of Santa Marina, Crisi Akti, Pounda, Lageri, Livadia, Crios, Ayios Focas, Micro, Megalo Piperi, Limnes and especially the spectacular Kolimbitres due to the geological phenomenon of its rocks.