Spot Guide
Lefkada, Ionian Islands · Greece
- Sports
- Windsurfing, SUP
- Water
- Flat water
- Level
- Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Advanced, Expert
- Wind directions
- S, W, WNW, NW
- Flat water: S
- Flat water: W, WNW, NW · typical 15.0–20.0 kn
Spot description
The sheltered bay of Vassiliki has a shallow launch at the pebble beach in the north and remains mostly flat to slightly choppy in the summer thermal wind. The southerly breeze is usually light and onshore in the morning; the stronger westerly “Eric” arrives in the afternoon. Mountains surround the bay on three sides, providing a safe setting for lessons and manoeuvre practice.
More spot information
A light onshore breeze often blows from the south in the morning. From midday, clouds over the western mountains signal the local thermal wind known as “Eric”; it usually reaches 15–20 kn in the afternoon, exceeds 25 kn on stronger days and remains gusty. The stronger session takes place at the northern pebble beach in westerly to northwesterly wind.
Standing-depth water near the shore over a shallow sandy bottom. In the sheltered bay, the water is usually flat to slightly choppy; stronger thermal wind increases the chop away from shore. Pebbles on the beach, with sand in the shallow launch area.
The described windsurfing launch is at the pebble beach in the north of the bay. From Vassiliki, follow the shore towards Ponti and use the designated surf-centre and launch area. The village, accommodation and supplies are within walking distance.
Several windsurfing centres offer lessons, equipment hire and support. Vassiliki has accommodation, supermarkets, restaurants and camping options.
The thermal wind can strengthen considerably and become gusty in the afternoon. Wind strength and direction differ markedly between morning and afternoon. Observe launch zones, schools, swimming areas and current local rules.