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Palaiochora / Crete kitesurf, wingfoil and windsurf spot
Greece
Overview
Palaiochora is a charming coastal village on the southwest coast of Crete, built on a peninsula between two beaches: a sand beach facing west and a pebble beach facing east. The west beach is used for kitesurfing.
The Meltemi wraps around Crete's western tip and arrives as NW/WNW side-onshore on this western beach. Conditions are more moderate than in the Messara or Ierapetra isthmus, offering sailing accessible to intermediates.
Spot forecast for Palaiochora / Crete
Sunrise 07:35 · Sunset 18:44
Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo
Palaiochora / 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…)
105h
in April · 10.5 rideable days
Wind is uneven from month to month: the best months are April, March and May, at 10 rideable days and 22 °C. The low point is February, at 4.5 days.
Rideable days per month
Wind strength when it is rideable
When the spot works, wind sits mostly between 7 and 12 knots — 91% of rideable hours. Big-kite territory. The coldest month is February, at 16 °C. The wettest month is December, with 141 mm.
Monthly averages: Palaiochora / Crete
| Month | Rideable days | Usable wind | Temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5.5 | 33 h | 17 °C | 82 mm |
| February | 4.5 | 36 h | 16 °C | 69 mm |
| March | 9.5 | 80 h | 19 °C | 34 mm |
| April | 10.5 | 105 h | 22 °C | 19 mm |
| May | 9.5 | 103 h | 26 °C | 17 mm |
| June | 5.0 | 26 h | 34 °C | 0 mm |
| July | 9.0 | 93 h | 35 °C | 0 mm |
| August | 7.5 | 54 h | 34 °C | 3 mm |
| September | 8.5 | 71 h | 30 °C | 6 mm |
| October | 7.0 | 48 h | 25 °C | 21 mm |
| November | 6.0 | 42 h | 21 °C | 73 mm |
| December | 4.5 | 27 h | 18 °C | 141 mm |
Photo gallery of Palaiochora / Crete
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Technical details of Palaiochora / Crete spot
The spot works with winds from W, WNW, NW, NNW.
Spot functioning
Launching from the west sand beach. Sailing area along the coast and towards open water. Side-onshore wind makes the spot more accessible than offshore south coast spots.
Works from June to September. Wingfoil and windsurf possible on moderate wind days.
Spot opening date · Required level
- Spot opening date
- Open all year round
- Required level
- Intermediate
On the water
Water with chop and waves formed by the NW side-onshore wind. The west beach is exposed to Libyan Sea swell. Sandy bottom. Warm clear water.
Parking
Parking in Palaiochora village. Well-equipped tourist village with tavernas, hotels, shops and vehicle rental. Relaxed and authentic atmosphere.
Wind specificities
Meltemi wraps around Crete's western end and arrives as NW/WNW on this west coast. Typical strength 12-22 knots in summer. Side-onshore conditions on the west beach, which is much safer than the offshore wind of central south coast spots.
Wind is weaker and less reliable than at Kouremenos or on the north coast. Possible thermal reinforcement in the afternoon. Some calm days even in peak summer.
Hazards
Rocks around the peninsula – do not sail too close. Possible coastal current. Libyan Sea swell can make launching difficult on rough days. Maritime traffic (ferries to Gavdos, fishing boats).
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Live
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Webcams near Palaiochora / Crete
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