Karpathos is one of the lesser known and less visited Greek islands. With its more famous neighbors Rhodes and Crete, it has some similarities but many differences: it is wilder, less developed and very authentic as it has been isolated from the mainland and other islands. There are very few hotel resorts, almost all accommodation is apartments or small family-run hotels. Less development offers more opportunities for adventure, discovering new places and relaxing away from the masses. Instead of crowded clubs and parties, here you can find small, locally owned tavernas, bars and cafes with great local food and very friendly people.
The flight
The easiest and fastest way to get to Karpathos is by flying! There are direct flights from 7 Italian cities. Volotea and Ness operate from Milan, Venice, Verona, Bergamo, Bologna, Rome and Naples. All the bays, windsurfing stations and the airport are located directly next to each other. Both stations are reachable by car in 2 minutes from the airport.
Meltemi Windsurfing Karpathos
Meltemi Windsurfing Karpathos stations are located in the southern part of Karpathos island, in the area called Afiarti. The windsurfing area consists of three bays: Chicken Bay, Gun Bay and Devil’s Bay in order from the airport. Meltemi stations are located in Chicken Bay and Devil’s Bay.
Devil’s Bay
Devil’s Bay is the ultimate windsurfing spot in Karpathos. The Devil’s Bay station (or main station) is located at the southern end of the bay, on Vatha beach. Devil’s Bay, although the name suggests otherwise, is a very easy spot with a good entry into the water. The bay is 900 meters long and 500 meters wide and offers enough space for everyone. The beach is made of small stones that are easy to walk on, the entry into the water is made of large flat stones and is only 15 meters from the station. The spot is under constant Baywatch to ensure everyone’s safety. There is a rescue boat ready for action at all times.
The wind
The wind is side offshore from the left (northwest), with a force of 4 to 8 Bft. The peculiarity of the Meltemi wind is that it is not a thermal wind, it blows all day. This creates the possibility of multiple sessions per day. In the main season (mid-June to mid-September) the wind blows continuously every day and has a power of between 5 and 8 Bft. Off-season (May, June and September), its power can vary between 4 and 7 Bft. The spot varies from completely flat to bump-and-jump conditions with ramps up to 1 meter high. The further upwind you are, the flatter the water.
The Windsurfing Centre
Devil’s Bay Station is open daily from 9:00 to 18:00. It provides everything a windsurfer needs to have the best day. Facilities include changing rooms, toilets, showers, relaxation areas with sunbeds and bean bags. The Meltemi Bar is open from 8:30 to 21:00 and is located directly at the station. You can choose from all kinds of refreshments, grilled food, daily specials and drinks to fuel your windsurfing session.
Chicken Bay
Chicken Bay is the perfect place to learn. The Meltemi station is located at the beginning of Makris Gialos beach, just below Baja Bar. A protected shallow bay with a sandy beach offers the easiest environment for beginners and intermediate windsurfers. If you are a complete beginner, learning to use the harness, footstraps or have your first planning under control, Chicken Bay is the best place for you.
The wind
The wind is offshore, which makes the water completely flat. Half of the bay is shallow, with water up to the waist, perfect conditions for learning. The wind blows from the northwest, 1-2 Bft less than in Devil’s Bay. Since it is stronger than in many other beginner spots, it makes windsurfing much faster. In high season (July, August) the wind can get strong (5-7 Bft), but the Meltemi station provides all the necessary equipment (small sails, stable boards) to be able to progress in any conditions.
The Windsurfing Centre
Meltemi center in Chicken Bay offers all the necessary facilities to enjoy a day of windsurfing. The latest equipment for beginners and intermediate surfers is available just a few meters from the water. Changing room, shower, relaxation area and learning corner complete the offer. Next to the station is the Baja Bar where you can enjoy various drinks and snacks and it also has toilets.
Chicken Bay station is open daily from 9:30am to 6pm. You can always transfer between Chicken Bay and Devil’s Bay stations. You will have a fixed board at one station and can use the board pool at the other. Your fixboard can be transferred to another station for the next day.
Rental Equipment
Both Meltemi Windsurfing Karpathos stations (Devil’s Bay and Chicken Bay) are equipped with a wide range of windsurfing equipment suitable for all levels and all wind conditions. The windsurfing boards available are Fanatic, Tabou, Goya and Quatro and the sails are Duotone and Gaastra. Every year the equipment is renewed to provide the best quality and experience possible. We work with the reserved board system, which means that each guest has a specific board reserved only for him. Of course it is always possible to try any other available board. Customers can choose between all the sails according to the wind conditions.
Equipment storage
If you are planning to come to Karpathos with your windsurfing equipment, you can store it at Meltemi Windsurfing. A spacious and safe storage for your sails and boards with shade and grass is provided. You can choose how much space you need and adjust the size of the unit to the amount and type of your equipment.
In one storage unit you can store 3 fully rigged non-camber sails and up to two boards. The sails hang from the boom and slide into each other. You can always book 2, 3 or 4 connected units if you need more space.
The windsurfing equipment storage includes windsurf storage, lifeguard service and use of the station facilities (showers, changing rooms, toilets, relaxation areas, etc.). The transfer of equipment to and from the airport is also provided if requested.
Windsurf lessons
Meltemi Windsurfing offers lessons for all ages and levels, from absolute beginners to progressive freestyle.
Most of the lessons take place at Chicken Bay station, as it is one of the best learning locations in Europe. The shallow, flat water with sandy bottom creates the best conditions for learning and improving windsurfing. Licensed windsurfing instructors at both stations give lessons for all levels, in English, German, Italian and Czech.
How to book
If you wish to book your holiday at Meltemi Windsurfing Karpathos or receive further information, you can visit the website www.meltemi.eu or write an email to booking@meltemi.eu.
All services, from booking to lessons, are also provided in Italian.
If you need support in finding accommodation, do not hesitate to contact Meltemi as well.
Meltemi Windsurfing Karpathos
- Web: www.meltemi.eu
- E-mail: booking@meltemi.eu
- Facebook: Meltemi Windsurfing Karpathos
- Instagram: meltemi_windsurfing_karpathos
- Opening hours: 15.05 – 04.10.2024
- Wind Range: 15 – 35 knots
- Conditions: Flat – Bump & Jump
- Air temperature: 20 – 30 gradi
- Water temperature: 20 – 25 gradi
- Ideal wetsuit: Shorty Direct flights: Bergamo, Milan, Bologna, Verona, Rome, Venice, Naples
