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The Best Places In Greece For Water Sports Enthusiasts

Stand-up paddleboarding
Stand-up paddleboarding | © Visit St. Pete/Clearwater/Flickr

As a country with over 20,000 kilometers of coastline and many seas, Greece is a paradise for water sports fanatics. Blessed with many natural submarine wonders and over 6,000 islands of varying sizes, Greece has high-quality sea sport services to satisfy even the most demanding enthusiasts.

Naxos

Naxos is well-known as a wind sports destination, but we suggest that you go for a less obvious option and do a scuba diving session. Blue Fin Divers is an experienced diving center that offers diving sessions around Naxos and beyond. Explore things like the Express Samina wreck off the coast of Paros or an underwater cave; the sky is the limit.

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Santorini

The Greek islands have plenty of hidden beaches and coves begging to be discovered. Your best option for exploring is sea kayak, which allows for more flexibility than a boat. Santorini Sea Kayaking provides a seven-day Little Cyclades Sea Kayak Explorer expedition, on which you will paddle your way from Naxos to Kato Koufonisi and Ano Koufonisi, as well as Schinousa and Iraklia, with a return ferry trip to Naxos. Imagine camping on secluded beaches, snorkelling in turquoise waters and exploring hidden creeks. For the less ambitious, there is also a one-day Caldera crossing available.

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Kea

Kea (or Tzia) is a low-key Cycladic island with secluded pristine beaches and emerald waters. Combined with a relaxed vibe and a convenient location, this island makes for a great getaway from Athens on the weekend. For water sports enthusiasts, there is another added bonus: Kea Water Sports center on Koundouraki Beach. The center offers plenty of activities, such as water skiing, wakeboarding and stand-up paddle surfing lessons. At Kea, you know you’re in good hands, as this Hawaiian surfing alternative has had such great success that the island now hosts an annual SUP race.

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Kos

Windy Kos is known to be an ideal spot for windsurfing and other water sports. Windzone WindSurfing Club is conveniently located on Psalidi Beach, where the Meltemi blows every day in the summer, so you can enjoy windsurfing and kitesurfing rides all day long. Enjoy a seven- or 14-day Sleep and Surf package, including wind- or kitesurfing, with accommodation in apartments and free transfer to the beach. Sweet, isn’t it?

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Tinos

Surfing is not typically a sport you associate with Greece, despite its extensive coastlines. But Tinos has been a burgeoning surfing hotspot in recent years. Thanks to Tinos Surf Lessons, this popular water sport has finally entered the Greek world. The basis of the school, located on Kolibithra beach on the northern part of the island, is simple: you do not have to book anything in advance; classes are set at specific times so all you have to do is show up a little bit ahead of time. Once you’re done with your lessons, grab a refreshing drink at the VW van/beach bar.

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Kefalonia

Discover the raw beauty of the Ionian Islands with a sea kayak trip, combining paddling and a combination of camping and staying at inns. Sea Kayaking Kefalonia makes this not only possible, but effortless. Paddle along the northwest coast and the south of Kefalonia and Ithaka, snorkel in crystal clear waters and relax as you explore the island.

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Rhodes

Prasonisi Beach, at the southwestern tip of Rhodes, is famous for its excellent geographical location and unique coastline, where it is possible to sail in two different seas, the Aegean and the Mediterranean. It is also a highly favored spot for windsurfing. Prasonisi Center offers week-long packages with a stay at one of three nearby hotels; now you have another reason to visit history-rich Rhodes!

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Skiathos

Vibrant Skiathos may be an often overlooked island in the Sporades island group, but it surely doesn’t lack in aquatic fun. Stefanos Ski School, established on Vassilias beach near Skiathos town, offers a wide variety of services, such as boat hire, waterskiing, windsurfing and canoeing. There is even a waterski package with five lessons for one person at 200 euros in high season. The package includes a 10-minute lesson on dry land as well as one lesson on a training boom to learn the technique. After that, you’re good to go!

http://instagram.com/p/6j7JbnIB96/?tagged=stefanosskischool

About the author

Polyglot (with a Master Degree in Translation), adventure seeker, professional shower singer and food enthusiast, Ethel enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, usually with a certain amount of eating and drinking involved. Brussels-bred and Athens-bound, she loves traveling around the world, uploading photos on her Instagram feed and daydreaming with a good book in her hands. Want to see the world through her eyes? Find her on Instagram at @heyitsetelle

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