Greece

Part of the Peligoni Club this beach, if you can call it that, is literally a small slipway launch leading to typical flat water/bump and jump, summertime Greek Meltemi conditions. Although the Peligoni slipway is private there's option to launch either side for sailors that fancy.

Autumn can deliver great days here in south-easterly winds. The rocks make the waves run fairly clean into the beautiful bay. On the whole, a nice place – and even if the wind is too easterly, you can relocate to the neighbouring bay of 'Damnoni'.

North-west of the freshwater lake Limni Korission is the island's most popular kite spot – although it's never that busy. At most 30 kites share the skies above a 20m wide sandy beach. Happily, swimmers rarely come here as the beach is off the beaten track and the last mile down the dirt track is bumpy. Like neighbouring 'Issos', the summer wind usually stays manageable here; the most popular kites are 12-14m. There's a kite hire centre on site, right next door to a beach bar for those glorious sunsets.

The island's kite spot can be found by bearing right after crossing the swing bridge from the mainland, then keep going until the windmills. The wind here's generally onshore and weaker than Vassiliki, although a chest-high swell can develop. If the breeze veers northerly and the thermals weaken a bit in Vassiliki, it's worth a look for windsurfing – and as kiting is prohibited in Vass all year long, Agios Ioannis (or 'Milos Beach') is Lefkada's only option for kitesurfing.

When even the strongest are overpowered on the east coast, or if you’re desperate for some waves, hire a car and head here. The Meltemi is a Force or three lighter, and Luv Spot's little reef-break is an option for getting into wavesailing. However, especially in August it can get a bit crowded – and it's not as easygoing as it looks. Be careful on the reef surrounding the inner bay which offers only two passages to open sea. The rocks just beneath the surface are razor sharp – and infested with sea urchins too. Don't even think about standing there, even for a quick break! The wind waves further out are quite harmless plus the wind's more constant. But be sure you can make it back in as there's only one emergency exit downwind in the bay in front of the airport, then the next landfall is Libya!

Elounda is an option for southerly winds, when there are freestyle conditions downwind of the road – although it is gusty. With no shallow water and little room on land, it's not ideal for beginners but it is doable. For choppy water and jumps, there's also a launch into onshore conditions from a little island upwind of the road.

It's often windy here, even on Meltemi-free days, thanks to reliable thermals. Force 7's a fair average, even in summertime. From beyond the wind shadow at the launch (which is ideal for beginners), there's a beautiful view of a picturesque fishing village surrounded by mountains, and the town of Samos 8km away. The swell in Kokkari can also easily hit the 2m mark. Windsurfers only: the little pebble beach is too narrow for kiting.

There's a lot more going on in Ierapetra - ashore, at least. The city beach is rammed full of sunbathers and parasols in summer. In cross-offshore Meltemi, windsurfers can launch north of the harbour for freestyle on super-flat water, although the wind is gusty.

The wind blows cross-shore from April to October over miles of long sandy beach at this freeride paradise on the dry but extremely windy east coast. Local thermals and an up-valley effect regularly accelerate the wind to Force 6-7. There's a windsurfing centre on-site, kiters launch further downwind.

Perhaps Crete's best wave spot . but only with winter low pressures. The water's still 17°C though, and the locals rave about Hawaiian conditions. It needs a couple of days of strong south-westerly wind for the swell to build, followed by a north-westerly that hugs the coast to arrive from the west here. In south-easterlies you can freeride off the pebble beach too; it's alright, but nothing special.

Kalafati is the most reliably windy bay on Mykonos. Beginners can usually sail while the Meltemi lies in through the morning, before it awakes around midday. The further east you go, the stronger the wind as it accelerates through a valley. The flag in the middle of the bay isn’t a gybe mark, but a warning of the bay’s only rock awaiting errant fins. A couple of rubber mats are also laid out in the launch area over some rocky ledges. If freeride in the bay feels a bit tame, there's swell to take on out in the strait by the island of Tragonisi.

Ftelia is nicknamed 'Rubbish Tip' for good reason, as the onshore Meltemi blows every bit of discarded plastic floating off the north coast into the bay. The best launch is by the taverna on the left-hand side. Sail diagonally into the waves from the flat-water area, but watch out for rocks near the beach in the middle and end of the bay. Ftelia only works as a wave spot when the Meltemi howls northerly, otherwise it’s a freeride venue.

'Eviakos Bay’ in Marmari sees the summertime Meltemi at full power – Force 7-8, so small kit is in order. Although primarily a flat-water spot, if the Meltemi blows for a few days some windswell can build in the strait inside the nearby island of Heronissi.

The fact that this place has officially been renamed 'Paradise Bay' is widely overlooked by the windsurfing community, as in summer Devil's Bay lives up to its reputation for delivering a wicked amount of wind. The unspoilt bay is a perfect place to hone your skills, and it also works in a northerly wind. Warm, very flat water inshore with some chop further out – great for small jumps. In case of emergency, there are rescue boats covering all three south-eastern bays.

A bit like Naxos 20 years ago – if there are more than five people on this beach, it's busy! If you've made the odyssey in a campervan, you can wild camp here. The wind's usually cross-on to a wide sandy bay, delivering chop or moderate waves. Ideal when it's nuking in 'Sigri', as Faneromeni will have a Force or two less. A snack bar provides food and a beautiful venue for a sundowner.

South of Bodrum, the Datça Peninsula juts 60km out to sea between the Greek islands of Kos and Rhodes to mark a natural border between Aegean and Mediterranean Seas. The Meltemi blows cross-off west to north-westerly, turning the long bay into a huge freeride arena. In the early afternoon the wind picks up another notch and blows until sunset. It can score some windswell in spring or autumn when a southerly blows. There are only a few apartment blocks and a centre in this 5km-wide bay, the harbour town of Datça is 9km away. For a little variety, try 'Karaköy' on the north coast were there's a narrow beach with cross-on conditions. That area is sparsely populated, so take a packed lunch!

This wide beach in front of the salt lake is located in a nature reserve, so remains undeveloped. It's a popular retreat for nudists and has become a favourite kite spot too. There's 50m of standing-depth water – a little more than 'Marmari'.

Undoubtedly the best spot on the peninsula. The channel between Kos and the mainland delivers Fener a Force or two more wind than the other beaches around here, with a total of about 250 windy days a year. Also unmatched for versatility, it offers perfect training conditions near the beach, plenty of room for long freeride runs – and if the wind has enough west in it, even a bit of rolling swell outside. The beach isn't so wide, yet unlike others around here there is enough room for kiting in a relaxed atmosphere. Kiters stay upwind, windsurfers a little further downwind.

All northerly wind directions are rideable here, which makes Laurio a good alternative to 'Loutsa' – no surf centres, but really shallow waters. True northerly justifies the extra 25-minute drive for some big jumping waves. Laurio is also the port from which the daily ferry services run to nearby islands, which doesn't much help the water quality.

The Meltemi's usually a Force or two lighter up at Santa Maria in the north-east of Paros. The campsite and bar on this beach mean lots of activity, and swimmers aplenty. Windsurfing is just about possible in summer, but kiting's only an option out of season.

Okay, so Burç Beach isn't actually on the Aegean Sea – but you'll appreciate the info if you want to get on the water quickly from Istanbul. Bogaziçi University's private beach is one of the most popular on Turkey's Black Sea coast, in summer the beach life burns late into the night. As it should be at elite universities, sport is held in high regard so both windsurfing and kiting are encouraged (visitors are charged for admission). Power comes from the northerly Meltemi, although it's usually not as strong as on the Aegean Sea down south. The wind's onshore, so it's not an easy beginner spot as waves and current soon build.

Gökova is a hot new kite spot on the Turkish scene – the fact that it's off the beaten track just adds to the appeal. An hour north-west of Dalaman Airport, until recently this area was mainly a destination for Turkish elites to enjoy their solitude in fancy houses. Then a few kiters came, as the long bay forms a perfect funnel for the afternoon breeze. The strongest wind is at the southern end of the beach – the closer you get to shore, the smoother the water. It's mirror-flat inside the small estuary. The beach fringes a nature reserve, so park your vehicle considerately.

Rafina's waves are much bigger than at 'Loutsa', although the wind's never as strong here. Moderate northerlies are good for freeride. There are no beach clubs, so far fewer people on the water. The shore is sandy with just a few rocks at the edge of the bay.

This is Attica's only west-facing launch, offering a pretty relaxed vibe. The 60km drive through hilly landscape from Athens is stunning from the outset, but the winding country roads can mean a 90-minute journey so many Athenians opt for Loutsa instead. Alepoxori's 3km-long sandy bay offers flat-water fans freeride conditions in north-easterly wind. West to north-westerlies allow the waveheads their day. In strong winter winds, only experts should make the trip – a large onshore swell and gnarly shorebreak aren’t for inexperienced wavesailors.

Winter only! In high season the bay belongs to countless boats and swimmers. But once the hotels have packed their parasols away, a few locals use Ornos Beach in southerly wind – which is onshore, so less gusty than anywhere else.

A dense tourist infrastructure extends from Rhodes city to the airport, and this choppy onshore spot is situated on the very busy coast-road. The Meltemi starts a little later than on the west coast, so it's better to check Ixia on Tramontana days. There's very little space for kiting though.

This wide, sandy beach south of the island's capital offers a combination of flat-water and waves. A reef separates the standing-depth lagoon from open sea, creating perfect conditions for beginners and freestylers. Unfortunately, the nearby airport runway means kiting's banned. It’s just a couple of tacks through a gap in the reef into head-high waves that are great for jumping. Naxos city isn't just an imposing backdrop, it’s a mere few minutes’ walk away.

This enclosed bay on the north coast is one of the Bodrum Peninsula's quieter corners – in more than just tourist terms. Prevailing northerlies don't blow as strong here; so the small standing-depth area makes it an inviting beginner spot. But windsurfers only, as there's no space for kites between all the trees and parasols on this narrow beach.

This is the best place for waves if any are about, but you'd better be good as there's shorebreak and rocks in the water, plus it often gets very busy – best to quietly check it all first from the taverna on the beach. The route in is a brutal dirt-track . which the car hire companies are so happy about!

It’s gusty inshore here, so it's wise to sail a little further out in the bay. But be careful – it’s an offshore wind, so think about getting home. These long sands are popular with sunbathers, so use the marked surf zone mid-way along the beach.

Skala Kallonis has much lighter winds than the west coast – northerly thermals in summer, southerlies and a little chop in winter. Riding in this huge bay almost feels like a lake. Not often visited, but if you're staying here anyway the long, sandy beach does offer easy access.

If it’s howling south-easterly (usually in winter) big, powerful waves roll into these two bays. Vouliagmeni's a bit bigger than Varkiza, although there's more space at the latter. Neither bay is forgiving of mistakes, and such demanding conditions ensure they don't get busy. In summer there's sometimes freeride, although both beaches fill with swimmers and sunbathers. Vouliagmeni is famed for its private beach clubs where wealthy Athenians come to pamper themselves.

Consistent wind, warm water and a 500m standing-depth area make Alaçati a perfect freestyle and freeride venue, with ideal learning conditions for beginners too. All summer long, Meltemi (or 'Poyraz', as the locals call it) consistently blows Force 5 to 7 all afternoon over unruffled waters. If it goes north-easterly (Gerence, mostly mornings) it can sometimes get even stronger. Spring and autumn still boast an even chance of wind, when it more often blows southerly (Lodos) which even delivers a few waves into the bay. Ideal for a bit of variety and some jumps, but real wave-heads won’t get their fill here – the waves are too soft and such days far too rare. Several centres supply wind-junkies with kit, windsurfers launch south of the marina or opposite at 'Riders Beach'. The two kite spots are also visible on the far bank, although they're a good 20-minute drive around the bay.

This snow-white sandy beach is an alternative to 'Mikri Vigla' – but it's an extra 4km drive back to Naxos city.

This perfect sandy beach boasts consistent wind, not too many people, and a tropical garden right behind it. Life can be so sweet.

A popular destination for yacht skippers who moor amongst the fishing boats, appreciating this little town’s well-organised facilities. You can also windsurf in the big bay, although the wind’s pretty gusty from over the mountains and always a bit weaker close inshore. Outside of summertime (when it’s busy everywhere) there are rarely any people on the water here.

About 40km east of 'Alaçati' in the bay of Siğacik, Teos is also protected from swell by the Çeşme Peninsula to the north so offers ideal conditions for long freeride reaches on flat water. A small spit near the launch offers extra safety for beginners. Winds are similar to Alaçati; reliable Meltemi in summertime, plus some southerlies (and the odd wave) in spring and autumn. It’s much quieter here than Çeşme’s tourist hotspots, both on and off the water, so the centres are very popular with families. The swimming zone does mean Teos is for windsurfers only though.

Karadere is a hidden jem – few people come here, so the long sandy beach has retained its natural charm. It's also a turtle nesting area, so stay well away from the marked protected areas. Windy season from April to November delivers reliable cross-onshore conditions, making Karadere an option if it's too weak in 'Calis'. Windy onshore days can whip up some waves and a little shorebreak. Even in winter it can get windy here, but unfortunately it's often offshore.

If the Meltemi fails to kick in during spring or autumn, the east of Crete is probably best as it often gets southerly winds. If there’s no wind Chiona's also a good swimming beach, and the area is wonderfully green in springtime.

This rocky beach is rarely visited by holidaymakers – it's usually windier than elsewhere, and often looks choppy. A strong northerly whips the chop up into proper windswell that can get big by Greek standards, especially in May. Although there's enough space at Svallas, there aren’t usually many kites here – or anywhere on Samos.

Calis means 'work' in Turkish – an apt name as the pebble beach was once a loading station for locally mined chromium. Today it's a popular tourist beach, so take note of the kite and swimming zones! The cross-onshore wind arrives in the morning and builds until late afternoon, bringing chop and a bit of shorebreak.

There's a stark contrast between summer and winter in Pachia Ammos. Summer Meltemi only reaches Force 4, which kiters occasionally use big kites for. But it can get big in winter, when the windsurfers enjoy onshore waves for jumping. But don't ride too close to the shore in the eastern end, as there's a rock slab in the water. A picturesque little church with a round red roof perches on the rocks behind.

Just 6km from Kos town on the east coast, Psalidi is one of the island's few cross-shore spots. The beach belongs to beginners in the morning, then life gets more challenging as the Meltemi builds from noon. Later on, the wind can get really strong in the narrow channel between Kos and mainland Turkey. If it nukes for a few days, a decent windswell sometimes replaces the mogul piste. Windsurfers will find hire centres at the plush resort hotels like 'Natura Park', while 'Kitebeach' is on the point 1km further north.

A lovely sandy beach in front of dense pine forests. The beach clubs have made this a popular summer destination, great for topping up your suntan between freeride sessions. In winter it's deserted, so you can fully devote yourself to the cross-onshore waves that can get surprisingly big.

Although both of Kalo Chorio's bays are right next to each other, they don't necessarily share the same wind. Both are beauties though, with great water colours and lovely mountain scenery. In the summer it stays flat to choppy, in winter large waves can also form – especially in front of the small church at the eastern end.

Kohilari is one of the most popular venues for anyone packing their own kites. Cross-onshore wind and a moderate beach-break make it a good spot for intermediates and first-time wavekiters in onshore windswell. Beautiful dune landscape, but very few facilities.

The island's sole wave spot with frontside riding potential only works five to ten times a year as it needs strong north to north-westerly Meltemi for the wind to hit the impact zone. Most likely in May, but it's experts only: rocks, strong currents and shorebreak demand full focus. A kilometre upwind there's a better launch for kiters. Facilities are thin on the ground and the road in’s long and poor, but there is a nice taverna – all you need for a good sundowner.

Kremasti is the north's main kite venue, where the ideal wind blows cross to cross-onshore. The launch is via a shingle beach, which they kindly cover with sand to make life less harsh. They also removed the remains of some old bunkers. Mornings and light wind days suit beginners.

A secluded summer spot that's free from tourists, but does demand a long drive in via a winding road. Freeride conditions with a bit of chop – but be careful not to break anything offshore, as it's a lonely drift east.

Kiters don't stand a chance among all the parasols and boats around here. But windsurfers can grab a few runs on big kit, blasting past the gardens and tangerine groves – plus Kos silhouetted against the horizon. Outside, the wind turns more westerly because of the mountains. Near the beach there are plenty of bars, cafés, tea rooms and restaurants.