Kitesurf at Mikri Vigla

A Kiteboarding Paradise on Naxos Island

  • Overview
  • Good to know
  • Getting there

Overview

Mikri Vigla Beach is situated on the western side of Naxos, the largest island in the Cyclades, Greece. It is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and consistent winds. The unique landscape features a long sandy beach with a relaxed vibe, making it a perfect spot for kiteboarding enthusiasts looking for adventure in a scenic environment. Mikri Vigla stands out as one of the best kiteboarding spots in Greece, thanks to the strong and reliable Meltemi wind that blows during the summer months. The cross-onshore winds provide perfect conditions for both beginners and advanced riders, with steady wind speeds ranging between 20-25 knots. The expansive, sandy beach offers ample space for launching, and the flat to slightly choppy water is ideal for freestyle, freeride, and even waveriding. The beach is uncrowded compared to other tourist hotspots, making it a favourite for those seeking an authentic and laid-back kiting experience. The steady winds build up in the afternoon, providing an exciting session for kiteboarders looking to push their limits. For those not into kiteboarding or taking a break between kite sessions, Mikri Vigla and its surroundings offer a wealth of activities. You can explore the nearby Plaka Beach, one of Naxos's longest and most scenic stretches of sand, which is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or simply enjoying the Mediterranean atmosphere. The crystal-clear waters are ideal for snorkelling, and visitors can rent kayaks or paddleboards to explore the coastline. In addition, the island is dotted with traditional villages like Halki and Apiranthos, where visitors can immerse themselves in local culture, sample delicious Greek food, and enjoy stunning views of the mountains and countryside. For history lovers, a visit to the Portara, Naxos's ancient marble gate, offers a glimpse into the island's past, while hiking enthusiasts can trek up Mount Zas, the highest peak in the Cyclades, for panoramic views of the island and beyond. Finally, Naxos town (Chora) offers a vibrant nightlife, with seaside tavernas, bars, and shops to explore after a day of relaxation.

Good to know

VISAS: Greece is part of the Schengen area, so the same visa rules apply as for other Schengen countries. Citizens of the UK, EU, US, Canada, and Australia can travel to Greece without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. CURRENCY: Euro (€) PRICES: Beer: €4 Lunch: €10 Accommodation: €40-80 per person per night (pp/pn) Kite Lessons: 1h €60 Kite Gear Rental: €50 LANGUAGE: Greek, with English widely spoken INTERNET: Free WiFi in most hotels and restaurants. Local SIM cards are recommended for better connectivity. TRAVEL ADVICE: Ensure you have travel and sports insurance, as some activities may not be covered by standard policies. In smaller towns, there may be no ATMs available, so make sure to carry enough cash. Most businesses, however, do accept credit cards. Health advice can be found in this Lonely Planet guide. TEMPERATURE: The climate around Mikri Vigla is generally pleasant. During the kiteboarding season, which typically runs from late spring to early autumn, daytime temperatures range from 20 to 30°C (68 to 86°F). Evenings can be cooler, with temperatures dropping to 12-15°C (55-60°F). Be prepared for varying wind conditions and pack accordingly, including a sweater or jacket for cooler evenings and windier days. Wetsuit Preferences: Most kiteboarders in Mikri Vigla prefer wearing a shorty wetsuit during the warmer months, especially when water temperatures hover between 22-26°C (72-79°F). For cooler mornings or during early/late season sessions, a 3/2mm full wetsuit is recommended to stay comfortable in the water.

Getting there

NEAREST TOWN: Naxos Town (Chora), 12 km away NEAREST CITY: Naxos Town NEAREST AIRPORT: Naxos Island National Airport (JNX), 10 km from Mikri Vigla Accessing Mikri Vigla is convenient through Naxos Island National Airport (JNX), which is just 10 km away. The airport receives domestic flights from Athens and other islands. Once you arrive at the airport, you can rent a car or take a taxi to Mikri Vigla. A taxi ride costs approximately €20-25 and takes about 20 minutes. Renting a car is recommended for flexibility in exploring the island and nearby kite spots. Public buses are also available during peak season, costing around €3-5 for a 30-minute ride from Naxos Town to Mikri Vigla. GETTING AROUND: Many kiteboarders prefer renting a car as rental prices are quite affordable, starting from around €100 per week for a compact car. Renting a car allows you to easily explore the island's other kite spots and scenic areas. If you prefer not to rent a car, staying at accommodations closer to Mikri Vigla or using public buses is another option. Some kite schools also offer transportation services, especially if you are taking lessons or renting equipment. Additionally, taxis are available with fares ranging from €10-20 for short rides around Naxos.

  • Beach
  • Wind
  • Rules/Hazards

Beach

Mikri Vigla is the primary kiteboarding spot on Naxos, known for its long sandy beach, consistent winds, and flat to choppy water conditions. The beach is divided by a rocky hill into two distinct areas: The northern side (Paralia) is where most kiteboarding takes place. This area benefits from reliable cross-onshore winds, making it ideal for both beginners and advanced riders. The flat to slightly choppy waters provide excellent conditions for freeride and freestyle disciplines, with plenty of space for launching and landing kites. The southern side is more sheltered and is better suited for swimming, sunbathing, and other water sports. While it generally has lighter winds, this side is sometimes used for kiteboarding when the wind direction shifts to S-SW, offering an alternative riding spot during such conditions. In August, the southern beach can become quite crowded with beachgoers, so kiteboarders should exercise caution when navigating through the area. In both locations, you will find kiteboarding centres offering a range of services, including lessons, gear rentals, and storage. These centres provide professional supervision and equipment for all levels, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. OTHER KITEBOARDING SPOTS Orkos Beach A short drive from Mikri Vigla, Orkos Beach is a more secluded spot with slightly bigger waves, making it perfect for experienced riders. The location offers great wave riding conditions. Plaka Beach Just a few kilometres north of Mikri Vigla, Plaka Beach offers flatter water conditions closer to the shore, making it ideal for beginners and freestyle enthusiasts. The beach is wide and sandy, offering plenty of space for kiteboarders. Agios Prokopios Located about 10 km north of Mikri Vigla, Agios Prokopios is renowned for its sandy beaches and clear waters. Kiteboarding conditions here are suitable during windier periods, with mixed choppy and flat water. Kastraki Beach South of Mikri Vigla, Kastraki Beach is quieter with expansive sandy stretches. It offers consistent cross-onshore winds and a peaceful kiting environment, ideal for those wanting to avoid crowds. Aliko Beach Aliko Beach, located further south, is part of a protected cedar forest area. Its strong winds and rugged shoreline make it a great spot for experienced kiteboarders, particularly those looking for wave riding. AMENITIES: Kite School, Gear Rental, Rescue boat, Beach Assistance, Gear Storage, Kite Shop, Kite/Gear Repair, Toilets, Shower, Parking, Accommodation (are there hotels etc, walking distance from the spot), Food Shop

Wind

Mikri Vigla is renowned for its powerful and reliable Meltemi wind, which consistently blows from the north and northwest during the summer months. The Meltemi winds are strongest from May to October, building throughout the day and peaking in the afternoon. These cross-onshore winds create ideal conditions for kiteboarding, making Mikri Vigla a top destination for riders of all skill levels. The spot benefits from a natural Venturi effect due to the surrounding hills and narrow bay, which compresses and accelerates the wind, increasing its strength. This effect, combined with the local bay effect, where wind funnels through the bay and becomes more concentrated, ensures stronger and more reliable wind conditions than other areas on the island. Additionally, thermal winds in the area can boost the wind speed by up to 10 knots above the forecast, making Mikri Vigla highly dependable, even when lighter winds are predicted. Kite Sizes
During the high season, the most commonly used kite sizes are 7m to 9m due to the strong winds. However, on lighter wind days or for larger riders, 10m to 12m kites may be required. Freeride and freestyle setups are popular, with flat and slightly choppy waters near the shore and small waves further out. WIND DIRECTIONS: NW-N, SW WINDIEST MONTHS: High Season - May, June, July, August, September Mid Season - April, October Low Season - November - February

Rules/Hazards

It is essential to follow local kitesurfing regulations and stay within designated areas to ensure safety for all beachgoers. Advanced riders are expected to ride further away from the beach to allow ample space for beginners and students taking lessons closer to shore. This separation helps maintain safety for all skill levels and prevents accidents. Be mindful of swimmers and other water sports enthusiasts to avoid collisions. Reef shoes are recommended in certain areas with rocky patches. The use of professional beach assistance is highly encouraged for those needing lessons, repairs, or safety supervision. *If you need kite related service like kite repairs, lessons or beach assistance it is recommended to choose resorts that provide these services. ** It is always recommended to seek for additional knowledge about the spot from local kite School or qualified instructors.

Info

Rider Level:
beginner, intermediate, advanced
Discipline:
freeride, waveriding, foiling
Spot Type:
Choppy, Small wave (up to 1m), Open water
Launch area:
Sand
Tidal:
no
Windiest Months:
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct,

Around Mikri Vigla

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