Naxos, Greece

About Naxos

Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades, and the strait between it and Paros does something useful for kitesurfers: a Venturi effect compresses the Meltemi as it passes through, so the wind that lands at Mikri Vigla is reliably stronger than what was forecast. Local thermal acceleration often pushes even a light day to a solid 18 to 22 knots.

The season runs June to September, with June to August the most consistent. May and September are cooler with dependable conditions; October has warmer water but less predictable wind.

Mikri Vigla is the spot — a long sandy beach with clear turquoise water, north to north-westerly wind arriving side-onshore, and a bay shape that pushes riders back toward the beach rather than away from it. That geometry is why the local schools call it the safest kite spot on the island, and why it works for everyone from first lessons to advanced freestyle. It does get crowded at peak hours.

Away from the water, Naxos has the best interior of any Cycladic island — mountain villages, marble quarries, Byzantine chapels — and enough agriculture to eat very well.

When to go

Best months: May, June, July, August, September.

Kite areas

1 distinct riding area documented within this destination.

• Mikri Vigla

  Best months: May, June, July, August, September.