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Timbakion / Crete kitesurf and wingfoil spot
Greece
Overview
Timbakion is a kitesurfing spot on the south coast of Crete, in the Messara plain. This area is renowned for its gap winds: the Meltemi funnels between Mount Ida (Psiloritis, 2456m) and the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) to reach the south coast with often greatly amplified force.
Wind arrives from N/NNW as offshore, sometimes extremely strong and gusty. This is a technical spot reserved for advanced riders, with spectacular but demanding conditions.
Spot forecast for Timbakion / Crete
Sunrise 07:31 · Sunset 18:40
Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo
Timbakion / 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…)
60h
in August · 10 rideable days
The season runs from June to September, peaking in August: 9 rideable days a month and 60 hours of usable wind, at 32 °C. The low point is October, at 2 days.
Rideable days per month
Wind strength when it is rideable
When the spot works, wind sits mostly between 7 and 12 knots — 84% of rideable hours. Big-kite territory. The coldest month is February, at 16 °C. The wettest month is December, with 100 mm.
Monthly averages: Timbakion / Crete
| Month | Rideable days | Usable wind | Temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5.0 | 37 h | 17 °C | 44 mm |
| February | 7.5 | 39 h | 16 °C | 39 mm |
| March | 3.0 | 22 h | 19 °C | 16 mm |
| April | 3.5 | 24 h | 21 °C | 17 mm |
| May | 4.5 | 38 h | 25 °C | 7 mm |
| June | 9.5 | 53 h | 32 °C | 0 mm |
| July | 9.5 | 60 h | 33 °C | 0 mm |
| August | 10.0 | 60 h | 32 °C | 2 mm |
| September | 6.5 | 32 h | 29 °C | 1 mm |
| October | 2.0 | 10 h | 24 °C | 10 mm |
| November | 2.5 | 11 h | 21 °C | 32 mm |
| December | 2.0 | 11 h | 17 °C | 100 mm |
Photo gallery of Timbakion / Crete
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Technical details of Timbakion / Crete spot
The spot works with winds from N, NW, NNW.
Spot functioning
Spot with no kite infrastructure. Extremely strong and gusty offshore wind. For advanced/expert riders only. Only sail with a safety boat or experienced group.
Works from June to September but rideable days are limited to moderate Meltemi periods. In strong Meltemi, conditions are often too extreme even for experts.
Spot opening date · Required level
- Spot opening date
- Open all year round
- Required level
- Advanced
On the water
Flat water near the coast (offshore), then Libyan Sea swell further out. Sandy bottom. Flat water near the beach is deceptive – wind pushes out to sea.
Parking
Parking along the coastal road in the Timbaki area. Agricultural village with basic services. Easy access from Heraklion via the Messara road.
Wind specificities
Messara gap winds: the Meltemi is channeled between Crete's two highest mountain ranges and descends towards the south coast with acceleration. Wind arrives from N/NNW as offshore, typically 20-35 knots when the Meltemi is active. On big Meltemi days, gusts can reach 40+ knots.
Wind is VERY gusty – brutal accelerations from katabatic effects (cold air descending from mountains) create 10-15 knot differences between gusts and lulls. Extreme conditions on some summer days.
Hazards
EXTREME DANGER: violent and very gusty offshore wind (gusts 40+ knots). The Messara gap wind is one of the most powerful in Crete. Drift towards Libyan Sea in case of problems. Wind variation of 10-15 knots between gusts and lulls.
NEVER sail alone. Safety boat essential. Waterproof phone and VHF recommended. Spot UNSUITABLE for any rider without significant experience in strong gusty wind.
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Live
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Webcams near Timbakion / Crete
Webcams provided by Windy.com
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