Name: Pah. Ammos
Address: GR

Overview

Pahia Ammos (Pah. Ammos) is a spot on the north coast of Crete at the island's narrowest point – the Ierapetra isthmus. This narrowing of only 12km between the Sea of Crete to the north and the Libyan Sea to the south creates a powerful Venturi effect that significantly accelerates the Meltemi.

Wind is channeled through the isthmus and blows from N/NNE with strength often exceeding surrounding spots. This is one of the windiest passages in Crete during summer.

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Spot forecast for Pah. Ammos

Sunrise 07:27 · Sunset 18:36

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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

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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

Pah. Ammos: 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

176h

in August · 17 rideable days

The season runs from June to October, peaking in August: 15 rideable days a month and 176 hours of usable wind, at 29 °C. The low point is April, at 10 days.

Rideable days per month

Wind strength when it is rideable

7-12 knots · 41%13-20 knots · 50%21-30 knots · 9%

When the spot works, wind sits mostly between 13 and 20 knots — 50% 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 50 mm.

Monthly averages: Pah. Ammos

Monthly averages — Pah. Ammos — averaged over 2 years of records — Weather data by Open-Meteo.com — How it is calculated
Month	Rideable days	Usable wind	Temperature	Rain
January	11.5	112 h	17 °C	39 mm
February	13.0	149 h	15 °C	35 mm
March	10.5	93 h	18 °C	23 mm
April	10.0	113 h	20 °C	22 mm
May	12.0	114 h	24 °C	17 mm
June	14.5	147 h	29 °C	0 mm
July	15.5	189 h	31 °C	0 mm
August	17.0	176 h	31 °C	1 mm
September	15.0	182 h	28 °C	0 mm
October	15.0	155 h	24 °C	2 mm
November	10.5	112 h	21 °C	20 mm
December	12.5	133 h	17 °C	50 mm

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Technical details of Pah. Ammos spot

The spot works with winds from N, NNE, NNW.

Rideable Not rideable

Spot functioning

Launching from the village beach. Sailing area along the north coast. Very strong wind makes this spot unsuitable for beginners. Intermediate riders should be comfortable in sustained wind and gusts.

Works from June to September. On strong Meltemi days (25+ knots), only experienced riders with small gear should sail here.

Spot opening date · Required level

Spot opening date: Open all year round
Required level: Intermediate

On the water

Choppy water with formed chop and short waves due to strong wind. Limited fetch in this area prevents large wave formation. Sandy bottom. Clear water.

Significant current possible due to wind acceleration in the isthmus. Bump & jump conditions in strong wind.

Parking

Village of Pahia Ammos along the Agios Nikolaos-Ierapetra national road. Parking along the coastal road. Tavernas and shops in the village.

Wind specificities

Major Venturi effect: the Meltemi is compressed between mountains on either side of the isthmus (only 12km wide) and accelerated by 30-50% compared to the open north coast. Wind from N/NNE, typically 20-30 knots when the Meltemi is active.

Wind can be gusty due to turbulence created by the mountainous terrain. Gusts can exceed 35 knots. Very high reliability from June to September – this is one of the windiest points in Crete.

Hazards

Very strong and gusty wind – the isthmus Venturi effect makes conditions unpredictable. Gusts can exceed 35 knots. Strong current in sustained wind. Maritime traffic on the Agios Nikolaos-Ierapetra coastal route.

Do not underestimate the wind force in this area. Bring appropriate gear (small kite). Rapid dehydration.

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Pah. Ammos kitesurf and wingfoil spot