Naxos and the isles of the Small Cyclades offer a variety of water sport and sailing options. Naxos is fast becoming water sports “central” for the variety of water activities it offers way beyond just swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, water skiing and aqua park-type fun. And that’s just the beginning.
Naxos is fast becoming water sports “central” for the variety of water activities it offers way beyond just swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, water skiing and aqua park-type fun.
The endless stretch of coastline (91km) and the variety of beaches that grace it make Naxos an ideal destination for water enthusiasts of all levels, likes and age groups.
In fact, more and more wind surfers and kite surfers are choosing to ride the Naxian wave, especially during the summer months thanks to the Aegean’s northerly wind phenomenon known as meltemia. Reaching an average strength of 5 Beaufort during the day, the meltemi provides ideal windsurfing conditions.
And that’s just the beginning.
- Scuba divers at the experienced level have the exciting opportunity to explore shipwrecks, caves and sunken aircraft. For beginners, the diving schools operating on the island offer a first class opportunity to discover the magic of the sea. They are located on the organised beaches of the island and provide modern equipment and experienced staff.
- Open sea swimmers can enroll in a swim trek expedition to nearby islands.
- Sailing enthusiasts can scope the sheltered coves of Naxos and its neighboring islands. The main harbor offers the full range of services for boats.
- Waterskiing, wakeboarding and other water games with bananas and tubes are to be found at the organised beaches of Agios Georgios and Plaka.
- Quick beach report for windsurfers:
Naxos has beaches for all levels of windsurfing (beginners, advanced, experts), as well as different styles (slalom/speed, wave, freestyle, free-ride).- Wave style: beaches of Ammitis, Agios Georgios (for meltemia) and Agiassos (for southerly winds)
- Slalom and Freestyle: the lagoon of Agios Georgios. The lagoon, with its shallow and calm waters, is also one of the friendliest spots in Greece for someone to be initiated in the world of windsurfing.
- Sports Clubs: beaches of Agios Georgios, Plaka and Mikri Vigla host organised sports clubs with all the modern equipment for those who want to learn the secrets of the sport. Mikri Vigla, in particular, is an international meeting point for avid windsurfers and kitesurfers. Schools for kitesurfing –a sport similar to windsurfing and increasingly popular- also operate there.
Note: Kite surfing is forbidden at the beach and lagoon of Agios Georgios (St. George) due to the proximity of the beach and bay to the airport.
The Isles of the Small Cyclades
The isles of the Small Cyclades — Iraklia, Schinoussa, Koufonissia and Donoussa — in tune with their more remote and calm character –– are more about the spectacular swimming, snorkeling and sailing, than adventure water sports. Each has a special something to see and experience. Swimming in turquoise waters at Koufonissia; Sailing at Schinoussa; Viewing the WWII sunken shipwrecks at the beaches at Iraklia (Alimia beach) and Donoussa (Kedros beach).
