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Xerokambos / Crete kitesurf and wingfoil spot

Greece

Spot currently openAdvanced levelAltitude 1 m 35.05 | 26.24

Overview

Xerokambos is an isolated kitesurfing spot on the southeast coast of Crete, south of Zakros. This wild east-facing bay receives the Meltemi wrapping around the eastern tip of Crete from NW/WNW. The setting is spectacular: arid landscape, steep mountains and turquoise water.

The isolation and exposure make this a spot reserved for advanced and autonomous riders. No kite infrastructure, no rescue – this is pure adventure on Crete's wildest coast.

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Spot forecast for Xerokambos / Crete

Sunrise 07:25 · Sunset 18:34

Open-Meteo

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< 7 kn7–12 kn13–20 kn21–30 kn31–40 kn41+ kn Gusts Your minimum: 7 kn

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Swell and waves

Swell and tides over 8 days. Premium members see the swell and tides over 8 days. Without a subscription: 5 days.

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Wave height: < 0.5 m 0.5–1 m 1–2 m 2–3 m ≥ 3 m

Swell data by Open-Meteo Marine

Xerokambos / Crete: when to go?

Rideable days and hours computed for a minimum wind of 7 knots · log in to set your own (foil, twin-tip…)

Season · peak

245h

in June · 19.5 rideable days

The season runs from June to October, peaking in June: 17 rideable days a month and 245 hours of usable wind, at 29 °C. The low point is January, at 10.5 days.

Rideable days per month

0 5 10 15 20 January: 10.5 rideable days10.5 d J February: 11.5 rideable days F March: 10.5 rideable days10.5 d M April: 12.5 rideable days A May: 12.5 rideable days M June: 19.5 rideable days19.5 d J July: 17 rideable days J August: 15.5 rideable days A September: 17 rideable days S October: 14 rideable days O November: 12.5 rideable days N December: 13 rideable days D 0 5 10 15 20 January: 10.5 rideable days10.5 d J February: 11.5 rideable days F March: 10.5 rideable days10.5 d M April: 12.5 rideable days A May: 12.5 rideable days M June: 19.5 rideable days19.5 d J July: 17 rideable days J August: 15.5 rideable days A September: 17 rideable days S October: 14 rideable days O November: 12.5 rideable days N December: 13 rideable days D

Wind strength when it is rideable

7-12 knots · 30%13-20 knots · 44%21-30 knots · 25%31+ knots · 1%

When the spot works, wind sits mostly between 13 and 20 knots — 44% of rideable hours. That is the most versatile range, where most kites work. The coldest month is February, at 15 °C. The wettest month is December, with 61 mm.

Monthly averages: Xerokambos / Crete
Monthly averages — Xerokambos / Crete — averaged over 2 years of records — Weather data by Open-Meteo.com — How it is calculated
Month Rideable days Usable wind Temperature Rain
January 10.5 101 h 17 °C 22 mm
February 11.5 115 h 15 °C 34 mm
March 10.5 94 h 18 °C 24 mm
April 12.5 138 h 20 °C 15 mm
May 12.5 157 h 24 °C 12 mm
June 19.5 245 h 30 °C 0 mm
July 17.0 233 h 31 °C 1 mm
August 15.5 205 h 31 °C 1 mm
September 17.0 221 h 28 °C 1 mm
October 14.0 166 h 24 °C 4 mm
November 12.5 127 h 21 °C 15 mm
December 13.0 128 h 17 °C 61 mm

Photo gallery of Xerokambos / Crete

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Technical details of Xerokambos / Crete spot

N: Not rideable NNE: Not rideable NE: Not rideable ENE: Not rideable E: Not rideable ESE: Not rideable SE: Not rideable SSE: Not rideable S: Not rideable SSW: Not rideable SW: Not rideable WSW: Not rideable W: Rideable WNW: Rideable NW: Rideable NNW: Rideable N E S W

The spot works with winds from W, WNW, NW, NNW.

Rideable Not rideable
Spot functioning

Wild spot with no kite infrastructure. No school, no rental, no rescue. Reserved for experienced and fully autonomous riders. Launching from the sand beach.

Works from June to September when the Meltemi reaches this coast. Check conditions before traveling as wind is not guaranteed here like at Kouremenos.

Spot opening date · Required level
Spot opening date
Open all year round
Required level
Advanced
On the water

Open bay with chop and waves formed by the Meltemi. Sandy and rocky bottom. Variable depth with shallow areas. Exceptional turquoise water.

Significant current possible along the coast. Watch for submerged rocks in some parts of the bay.

Parking

Access via a long winding road from Zakros. Wild parking near the beach. Road is narrow and sometimes difficult. A few tavernas in the hamlet of Xerokambos nearby.

Wind specificities

The Meltemi wraps around Crete's eastern tip and arrives from NW/WNW as side-onshore. The channeling effect between Crete and Kasos accelerates the wind, which can reach 20-30 knots in peak summer. Gustier conditions than the north coast due to nearby mountainous terrain.

Wind is highly variable day to day – some days are extremely windy while others remain calm despite active Meltemi to the north. Local topography creates unpredictable turbulence effects.

Hazards

Very isolated spot – nearest rescue is far away. NEVER sail alone. Submerged rocks in the bay. Strong coastal current in sustained Meltemi. Rocky coast outside the beach – beaching on rocks is dangerous.

Variable and sometimes gusty wind – unpredictable conditions. Dehydration and sunstroke – bring plenty of water. Limited phone signal in this remote area.

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All spots: Greece

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