It would not be an exaggeration to say that Paros is the cradle of windsurfing in Greece. One of the country's first surf schools opened here at the end of the 1970s and the windsurfing hype broke out on Paros when the New Golden Beach became the venue for the PWA World Cup in 1993. In 2001, the world's best windsurfers came to the fourth largest Cyclades island for the last time (for the time being) and with them went the glamour of days gone by.
To say that Paros has fallen into oblivion since then would certainly be an exaggeration given its loyal fan base, but the cult spot has become increasingly quiet of late. This was also due to the fact that the infrastructure had developed better elsewhere - islands such as Rhodes or Crete were simply easier to reach from Central Europe with their international airports and not every windsurfer has the time or inclination to start their holiday with a two-day car journey and a subsequent ferry trip across the Aegean.
In this respect, the news that the airport on Paros was expanded in 2016 is certainly interesting. Although there are still no large holiday flights landing here (which is certainly not a disadvantage), Paros can now be reached by plane every day, including a short stopover in Athens - even with surfing luggage!
Some things, however, have not changed since the golden 90s: The small alleyways of the harbour town of Naossa, the white marble that once made Paros famous, the small tavernas and, of course, the constant Meltemi wind that tugs at the olive trees and vines - anyone who was here a long time ago will recognise many things.
The mixture of traditional charm and the new short distances is also the reason why even well-travelled World Cup pros such as Andrea Rosati and Caterina Stenta will be catching a plane from Italy today if the forecast is good and shredding the waves in Tsoukalia in boardshorts half a day later.
In view of the wind statistics, however, such spontaneous trips are not even necessary; those who come in the main season can expect a gliding wind of over 70 per cent thanks to local reinforcements at the top spots. Paros should also be particularly interesting for families, as hardly any other summer destination offers such a good combination of different windsurfing conditions from waves to flat water, accommodation close to the spots, well-equipped windsurfing centres and an acceptable price level in such a small area. In this respect, nothing stands in the way of the island's comeback. The paint is far from worn off.
INFOS: PAROS
Arrival: Since the airport on Paros was expanded in 2016, accessibility by plane has improved significantly. Although it is still not possible to fly without a stopover in Athens or Thessaloniki, Parikia/Paros airport is now served almost daily by Aegean or Olympic Airlines with smaller aircraft (up to 80 seats) in the high season and it is also possible to take equipment with you. As always, it is important to check the baggage conditions and register surfing equipment in good time. It is also possible to book direct flights from Germany to Santorini, Mykonos or Athens and then take the ferry to Paros. If you have the time, you can of course also travel completely by camper van. The domestic Greek ferries to Paros depart from Piraeus and Rafina and take between three and six hours for the crossing, depending on the route. A good overview of all connections and bookings can be found here HERE . You can also find useful information on travelling here www.paros-online.de
Wind, weather & neoprene recommendations:
Paros is well ventilated, especially in the summer months. A heat low over the southern Aegean and the Turkish mainland draws in air from northern directions - the Meltemi. This usually blows from the north to northwest on Paros, and thanks to local reinforcements - e.g. through canalisation between Paros and the neighbouring islands of Naxos and Antiparos and due to thermal effects - you can expect a gliding wind of over 70 percent in midsummer. It is not uncommon for small cloths to be rigged and you should be prepared for wind speeds of between 12 and 35 knots. The wave height varies from spot to spot and naturally depends on the wind strength. While on the south-east coast with offshore winds it is usually small wind waves that even less experienced surfers can manage, stormy Meltemi at the Tsoukalia wave spot quickly pushes solid two-metre ramps onto the beach. In the winter months, when the Aegean comes under the influence of low pressure, even bigger breakers are possible. Wind forecasts can be found at www.windfinder.com or the Greek weather service Poseidon at www.poseidon.hcmr.gr
With water temperatures in August of 25 degrees and an air temperature of 30 degrees, a shorty or short-sleeved neo is sufficient in any case; a long 4/3 neo only makes sense in spring or autumn. Sun protection is essential, lycra shirts or other rashguards should always be in your luggage.
Living & Camping:There is a wide range on offer, with accommodation in all price categories available via the well-known platforms.
You can find a selection of accommodation close to the spot here:
Golden Beach:
- Louridis Place: http://paros-studios.gr
- Hotel Golden Beach: www.goldenbeach.gr
- Golden Beach Surf Club: www.goldenbeachsurfclub.gr
- Poseidon Hotel: www.poseidon-paros.gr
New Golden Beach/Tserdakia:
- Philoxenia Hotel
- Acquamarina Resort: www.acquamarina.gr
- Saint George Beachfront Resort: www.saintgeorgehotel.gr
- Silver Rocks Hotel: www.silverrockshotel.gr
Santa Maria:
- Okreblue: www.okreblue.com
Pounda:
- Hotel Holiday Sun: www.holidaysunparos.com
Camping sites: As everywhere in Greece, wild camping is prohibited on Paros and is more or less regularly penalised by the police. In contrast to many other Greek islands, there are also official campsites on Paros:
- Krios Beach Camping: www.krios-camping.gr
- Naoussa Beach: www.campingnaoussa.com
- Camping/Bungalows Santa Maria: www.surfbeach.gr
- Captain Kafkis: www.camping-kafkis.com (not directly on the water, but very beautiful and in the immediate vicinity of Tsoukalia and Tserdakia).
Surf centre & shops:
The number and quality of surf centres on Paros has also developed positively in recent years. If you are only interested in flat water anyway, you can hire the latest equipment at almost all spots and arrive without your own equipment. Wave fans planning regular visits to the Tsoukalia wave spot should have their own equipment.
The centres at a glance:
Golden Beach:
- Force 7: www.force7paros.gr
- SunWind Surf Club: www.sunwind.gr
- Golden Beach Surf Club: www.goldenbeachsurfclub.gr
New Golden Beach/Tserdakia:
- Paros Surf Club: www.parosurf.com
- Goya Páros Centre: www.acquamarina.gr/windsurfing-center
Molos:Surf 'n' Chill:
Santa Maria:
- Santa Maria Surfing Beach: www.surfbeach.gr
Pounda:
- Paros Kite & Windsurf Pounda: www.paroskite.gr
Antiparos:
- Spot One Surf Club: www.spotonesurfclub.com
Surf shops:
The surf shop Bit of Salt ( www.bitofsalt.gr ) is not far from the Tsoukalia spot, is well stocked and also offers a repair service for your own equipment. On the west coast, Pounda Kiteboarding & Windsurf Club ( www.paroskite.gr ) also received a replacement.
Alternative programme:
Almost all surf centres also offer SUP, sailing or other water activities. On land, a trip to dreamy Naoussa is worthwhile, where you can also go on wine tours (e.g. Moraitis Winery). The small town of Parikia with its 4,500 inhabitants and its Panagia Ekatontapylian, considered one of the most beautiful churches in Greece, is also worth a visit. If you want to dance the night away, the bars of Naoussa or the Punda Beach Club on the east coast are the place to be ( www.facebook.com/pundabeach ).
Downsides:
If the cooling Meltemi fails to materialise, it gets blisteringly hot in summer - and shade is rare at many spots. Where the wind blows onshore, plastic bags in the water are a nuisance - doing without them in the supermarket is a start to changing this at some point.
Windsurfing on Paros - the best spots
1) Golden Beach
Anyone travelling to Paros in summer will usually only get to know Golden Beach as a shallow water spot: Meltemi comes quite offshore, so safe cruising is a basic requirement. The wind is gusty near the shore, but the water remains flat and there are small choppy waves. Further out in the channel, the Meltemi whistles constantly and there is sometimes a little swell in strong winds, but it doesn't break. All in all, Golden Beach offers conditions in summer that are equally inviting for heating up, practising manoeuvres and jumping around. Even without your own equipment and car, you are in good hands here, a small standing area helps all beginners, and there are also several surf schools and accommodation options close to the beach. When the Aegean comes under the influence of low pressure, which tends to happen in the winter months, Golden Beach turns into a genuine wave spot with S to SSE winds: surf of two to three metres is not uncommon, even though the wind blows quite onshore.
2) New Golden Beach/Tserdakia
Just two kilometres from Golden Beach is Tserdakia, probably the most popular all-round spot on the island. The Meltemi usually blows strongest here due to the jet effect to the neighbouring island of Naxos and comes slightly offshore in the shore area. As a result, the water here remains nice and flat even in strong winds. Because the swell turns around a small rocky cape further out, New Golden Beach is a good combination spot: Trick and practise inside in flat water, jump and loop around outside over swell waves - almost everyone gets their money's worth here. The reef upwind is marked, and this is where you'll find the best jumps. Because you can also stay right on the beach and there are well-equipped surf centres on site, Tserdakia scores with a very good overall package for families and anyone who doesn't want to go spot-hopping all the time. The beautiful sandy beach gets quite crowded in high summer. Tserdakia can also mutate into a powerful wave spot with (sloping) onshore conditions in winter when the wind blows from the south.
3) Molos
Coming from Marpissa, a typical Cycladic farming village with small, winding alleyways and white churches, you will find your way to Molos. Its 800 metre wide beach is bordered to the north by a rocky massif, and at the southern end of the sandy bay is Stefi Fysillanis' surf station Surf 'n' Chill, which is ideal for children and beginners. Although the bay is somewhat shielded by the mountains and the spot is therefore not one of the top spots on Paros, Molos is still a good freeride and slalom playground when the Meltemi is strong, with the finest flat water, a beautiful panorama and a family-friendly atmosphere. In winter, Molos can also mutate into a great wave spot with a diagonal onshore wind from the left as soon as the wind blows strongly from the north-east - good, but unfortunately very rare!
4) Tsoukalia
When the Meltemi blows from north to north-east and at over 20 knots, which happens very often here due to the narrow passage to the neighbouring island of Naxos, the caravan of wave fans heads north from Marpissa along a bumpy road towards Tsoukalia. Once at the spot, it's best to have an iced cappuccino at the Tsoukalia Beach Hotel and get an overview in the shady taverna. Even after all these years, there is no surfing centre in Tsoukalia, but there is plenty of space for parking and rigging, while the water can quickly get crowded. Year after year, Touskalia also attracts well-known World Cup riders such as Andrea Rosati, Caterina Stenta and Olympian Tony Frey to wade. The Meltemi comes here unchecked and
sideonshore from the left, the wave turns in well and offers great ramps for jumping and frontside riding. Surf of between one and two metres is the rule, and in stormy conditions it can get higher, in which case the shorebreak becomes increasingly challenging - wave experience is required. Although there is no surf station or water rescue service here, the spot is relatively safe, as you are always driven ashore if the equipment breaks. The bottom in Tsoukalia consists of sand and a flat but smooth stone reef, so you should take care of your fins and feet in the shorebreak. Tip: If you have produced a piece of junk, you can get a replacement in the nearby surf shop Bit of Salt. After the session, it's worth taking a trip to the neighbouring bay of Molos, where you can enjoy a delicious meal in the village tavernas.
5) Naoussa Bay
If the Meltemi is hammering mercilessly on the east coast and you want a slightly calmer pace, it's worth taking a trip to Naouss Bay on the north coast of Paros, which is around three and a half kilometres wide. As there is no Paros-Naxos jet here, there are usually two wind forces less. A good starting point is Lageri Beach on the east side of the bay, but there are also other entry points on the beaches of Ksivara, Kolimbithres and Monastiri, where the conditions do not differ significantly. The sheltered location ensures safe shallow water surfing on the west and east shores of the bay without the risk of drifting off. There is no surfing centre, but the Aqua Paros Water Park in Kolimbithres is a nice alternative for the whole family. Naoussa town is known for its dreamy alleyways, the typical local bazaars and good restaurants against the romantic backdrop of the small fishing harbour - and for its vibrant nightlife!
6) Santa Maria
There is another good spot in the far north-east of Paros: Santa Maria. Here too, the Meltemi usually blows a few knots weaker than further south, which can also be an advantage. The Surfing Beach Village offers a large, family-friendly campsite with bungalows, restaurant, beach bar, swimming pool, mini market and plenty of space for parking and rigging as well as a small standing area in the water. The local surf centre has some rental equipment and a lifeboat. The conditions here are definitely worth a visit: Meltemi blows on the sandy beach
sideshore from the left and conjures up a wonderful flat water slope for heating and tricks. At the southern end of the bay there can even be a small wave in strong winds.
7) Pounda
On the west coast of Paros, the surf spots are much more sparse, which doesn't mean that a trip here isn't worthwhile. Between Paros and the offshore island of Antiparos, there is a wind gust that really pushes up the wind speed. Caution: If you are guided by your sat nav, you should not confuse this spot with Punda on the east coast! The best starting point is at Pounda Kiteboarding & Windsurf Club - where you can also buy replacement equipment in the small shop. Showers and toilets are also available. Pounda is considered a stronghold of kitesurfers, so it can get very crowded here in high summer. However, as the channel between Paros and Antiparos is just under 1.5 kilometres wide, the crowds are well spread out. Although Pounda has slightly less wind compared to the east coast, the conditions are still absolutely top class: steady wind from the right and a smooth flat water slope as far as the eye can see make every surfer's heart beat faster. Further out, there are also a few chops for jumping, but overall the Pounda channel is always doable even for intermediates. There is even a wave spot to the north of the small harbour, which is well worth a visit in strong winds. In front of the Holiday Sun Hotel, a beautiful surf wave breaks from WNW to N when the Meltemi is strong. If you want to cruise up to the wave spot from the main spot in the canal, you should be very sure of yourself. The best place to start is from the nearby Holiday Sun Hotel car park. However, the rocky entrance, the shallow reef and demanding onshore conditions are a no-go area - surf experience is absolutely essential!
8) Antiparos/Psaralyki
If Pounda is too hectic for you, you can enjoy the same conditions on the other side of the channel, at Psaralyki Beach on Antiparos - only without the hustle and bustle. Shuttle ferries run several times a day from Pounda, and you only pay a few euros for a car plus people. You can hit the water at the well-equipped spot One Surf Club, where the Meltemi blows sideshore to slightly offshore from the left, the water is wonderfully smooth and invites you to do tricks or speed runs. The rest of the family can relax on the beautiful sandy beach if they are not windsurfing. There are also accommodation options in all price categories here.
