Kitesurfing course at Mikri Vigla

Why Mikri Vigla

Mikri Vigla is a granite cape south of Plaka, on the west coast of Naxos, with a sandy bay on each side. The wind is the reason to come: the north meltemi speeds up in the channel between Naxos and Paros through the Venturi effect and blows almost daily from morning to sunset. The school that gives the lessons reckons more than 80% of days with wind in season. The meltemi that in July and August delays ferries and kicks up sand on other beaches is exactly what you are looking for here.

Lessons are given on Orkos beach, the bay on the south side, long and sandy. The launch area is protected by the beach itself, and anyone who hasn't yet got control of the kite drifts downwind to the sand and walks back, without ending up out at sea. There is a lifeguard and a rescue boat.

Who gives the lessons

Flisvos Kite Center, on Orkos beach, teaches to the IKO standard with qualified instructors, in English, Italian, French, German and Greek. Lessons are radio-assisted: the instructor gives you directions while you are in the water. Next door it has a restaurant and bar, open from 9:00 until night, and new equipment hire.

Courses and prices

All prices include equipment, insurance and rescue assistance:

• Discover Kiteboarding: 2 h private, €170. It is the class to try it out.
• IKO level 1: 6 h semi-private (two students), €285 per person.
• IKO level 1 + 2: 6 h private, €510.
• IKO level 2: 4 h semi-private, €190 per person, with a vest and helmet.
• IKO level 1 + 2 + 3: 11 h private, €850; or levels 1 and 2 plus one free hour semi-private, €475 per person.
• Single private lesson or foil: 2 h, €170.

For every 10 hours of lessons you get one more free. For a semi-private course you have to book already with your lesson partner: the school doesn't form groups from individual students.

How many days you need

With the Discover you will know if you like it. To start sailing on your own, the usual route is levels 1 and 2, which add up to about 10 hours and are spread over several days depending on the wind. Leave a few days' margin in your stay in case one day blows too much or too little.

Season and age

Count on a season from May to October; July and August are the meltemi months. The school doesn't publish opening dates on its website: confirm them when you book if you go at the start or end of the season. The school doesn't publish a minimum age: it is a sport for teenagers and adults who swim well; with minors, ask beforehand.

Booking and how to get there

You book on the Book Now page of its website, by WhatsApp (+30 694 545 7407), by phone (+30 2285 075490) or by email. In August it is best to book ahead.

Mikri Vigla is about 35 minutes from the Chora on the KTEL beach bus, for €2.60; check the timetables at the station. With a car or quad you arrive by the west-coast road. If you are going to do several days, you can sleep nearby: the school has the Hotel Orkos Beach next door, and Plaka Camping is a few kilometres to the north.

What to bring

Swimwear, a rash vest or long-sleeved T-shirt, waterproof sun cream, sunglasses with a strap and water. The wetsuit and the rest of the equipment are provided by the school.