Spot Guide
Chania, Crete · Greece
- Sports
- Windsurfing, Kitesurfing, Surfing, SUP
- Water
- Flat water, Small waves, Waves, Chop
- Level
- Intermediate, Advanced, Advanced, Expert
- Wind directions
- N, NE, WNW, NW
- Small waves: N, NE · typical 15.0–35.0 kn
- Waves: WNW, NW
Spot description
Georgioupolis is on a long, gently sloping sandy coast on Crete's northern side. Freshening north wind creates waves and shorebreak; near the river water can be colder and currents may occur. A sea turtle nesting area follows the coast in summer. Keep marked nests and swimming areas clear.
More spot information
North and northeast are the prevailing directions. Strong Tramontana makes the wind gusty; northwest wind can also develop in summer.
Shallow nearshore water, small waves in light wind; with freshening northwest to west-northwest wind, waves can reach about 1.5 m. Long sandy beach with currents; the area by the river is colder.
On Crete's north coast near the boundary of Chania and Rethymno regions; the Episkopi launch is east of Georgioupolis.
At the Episkopi Beach launch there is a large car park, kiosk, taverna, parasols and showers. Hotels, supermarkets and tavernas are spread along the long beach.
Watch for currents and shorebreak; many swimmers in summer. Sea turtles use the coast as a nesting area.