On Crete, the east in particular, with the top spots of Palekastro and Tenda, is a well-known destination for windsurfers. However, it can be worth leaving the beaten track, especially in the high season. Woife Strasser loves discovering new things and has discovered two exciting spots on Crete that also offer good conditions but are comparatively empty - at least on the water. Here we present them to you.
Kalamaki/Kommos Beach
The town of Tymbaki, which can be reached via a plateau approx. 65 km south of Heraklion, and the nearby village of Kalamaki, with the beautiful kilometre-long sandy Kommos Beach, are located in the centre of the south of the island. The spot works at Meltemi from the north with strong winds. The wind is strongest in Tymbaki, as it comes over the mountains, and then weakens somewhat further south.
The entrance to Tymbaki is on its sandy beach with ample parking on the harbour promenade. You can also park in Kalamaki directly on the beach (on sand) or even further south directly on Kommos Beach, where the archaeological excavations of the same name are located - there are plenty of parking spaces here. At all entry points there is about 20 metres of standing area and a moderate wave with heights between 1.0 and 1.5 metres with sideshore wind from the right.
Nice excursion destinations in the surrounding area (within a radius of 15 km) are the palace of Festos, the former centre of power of southern Crete in Minoan architecture, and the village of Matala, where the Romans had designed the caves in the rock walls as burial chambers and where the flower children of the 1960s lived. Recommended tavernas can be found directly on the village square of Kalamaki.
Plakias - an unknown surf spot on Crete
Surrounded by mountains to the north and the Libyan Sea to the south, the former fishing village of Plakias invites you to enjoy a windsurfing session. Plakias is located in the centre, about half an hour's drive south of Rethymnon, on the south coast of Crete.
With Meltemi from the north and north-east, Plakias is the hardcore surf spot on Crete. The wind comes over the mountains, is strengthened by a valley and hammers mercilessly at 30 to 40 knots diagonally across the sea. The first 200 metres are usually a little gusty, after that the wind is constantly strong. The sandy beach is around 1.5 kilometres long and offers plenty of space, good infrastructure and ample parking. The entrance is to the east (approximately in the centre of the beach).
Living & Camping
A lot has been built here in recent years and tourism has increased, but the area is still pure Crete. The tavernas with traditional dishes are still good in terms of quality and price.
I wonder why I'm usually alone on the water in these conditions?
Plakias was a small fishing village until the 1980s. It has since developed into a small tourist resort with several small hotels and guesthouses. There is also a campsite, the Apollonia campsite . And what else? To the south-east of Plakias is the date palm forest and a lake near Preveli. The palm trees line the river that flows through a gorge. Not far away is the historic monastery of Preveli, which was founded around the 10th century.
So if you're in Crete this season, check out the spots and the surrounding area! You'll love it!
