Spot Guide
Plakias, Rethymno, Crete · Greece
- Sports
- Windsurfing, Kitesurfing
- Water
- Chop
- Level
- Advanced, Advanced, Expert
- Wind directions
- N, NNE, NE
- Chop: N, NNE, NE · typical 30.0–40.0 kn
Spot description
Plakias's long sandy beach opens south to the Libyan Sea. Windsurfing access is about mid-beach in the eastern section. Northerly Meltemi accelerates through the valley and reaches the coast cross-offshore. Suitable conditions produce strong freeride chop and waves; reliable upwind ability and return are required.
More spot information
North to northeast Meltemi accelerates strongly through the valley. It can be gusty at shore, becoming steadier and very strong outside. This sector is described as 30–40 kn. It is cross-offshore: only for very confident windsurfers with controlled equipment and a clear return option.
The sandy beach has chop and sometimes powerful waves. Gusts and wind holes can alternate in the first metres; outside the shore area the water becomes more regular but demanding.
Go to the eastern section around the middle of the roughly 1.5 km main beach. The described access is there; parking and facilities line the beach and town.
Plakias has parking, accommodation and town supplies, plus beach tourism services. A watersports school is in neighbouring Damnoni.
Strong north to northeast is cross-offshore and can reach 30–40 kn. The first roughly 200 m is often gusty. This is unsuitable for beginners or riders unsure of returning. Watch bathing zones and lateral current.