Photo: Manos Chatzikonstantis

Everything you need to know about getting out on the water in the Greek capital—whether you’re an intrepid wind or kitesurfer, or a timid first-timer.

By Pavlos Zafiropoulos

Why not add windsurfing to your Athenian adventures?

Photo: Manos Chatzikonstantis

Athens’ Best Spots to Windsurf and Kitesurf

The peninsula of Attica can be divided into two basic coastlines, both of which have several surfing locations: the southwestern coast extending from Piraeus to Sounion at the tip of the peninsula, and the northeastern coast extending from Marathon (Schinias) in the north to Sounion in the south.

The Southwestern Coast

Photo: Manos Chatzikonstantis

Varkiza Bay

For a more back-to-basics experience, at the other end of the beach you’ll find the Nautical Sports Club of Varkiza. They offer lessons for beginners and intermediates, and very limited rental for the more advanced. Lessons are usually arranged in hour-long blocks in the morning and afternoon. Weekends spaces fill up fast, so book ahead. Open all year round, but do confirm before making the trip. 

"Weekends spaces fill up fast, so book ahead."

The Northeastern Coast

Schinias

Sandy Schinias is a great all-round pleaser.

Photo: Manos Chatzikonstantis

Follow the winds to Loutsa.

Photo: Manos Chatzikonstantis

Artemida - Loutsa

Front row to the action at Nissakia.

Photo: Manos Chatzikonstantis

Dance on water at Artemida.

Photo: Manos Chatzikonstantis

A little further down, you’ll find former pro windsurfer Tony Frey’s Windsurfing Club, offering windsurfing equipment rental. Tony has an infectious enthusiasm for the sport and the club exudes positive energy. Frey’s guidance, together with the steady conditions and lack of rocks or other hazards make it a great place for intermediates to hone their skills and build confidence. Frey also offers classic surfing lessons for kids in the small waves that arrive on the beach, giving them their first experience of standing up on a board, so the spot is great for a fun family surfing experience. She also runs week-long surf camps for kids.

Expect to Pay:
About €20-30 per hour to rent equipment during summer, and €30-40 for an hour-long lesson. Many clubs also offer packages with significantly cheaper hourly rates. Do check that insurance is included in the price to avoid being on the hook for any damage to equipment.

When to worship the winds in Athens.

Photo: Manos Chatzikonstantis

A word on Athenian winds