Karpathos – Afiartis
Greece · Kitesurf · Windsurf · Surfing
- Best winds N (Meltemi)
- Level Intermediate · Pro
- Water Chop
- Best months Jun–Sep
About this spot
Afiartis (Kipi Afiarti) lies at the southern tip of Karpathos right next to the airport and ranks among the most wind-reliable areas in Greece. The region groups several bays: Devil's Bay (Vatha) with the strongest wind, plus Makris Gialos (Gun Bay) and the smaller Chicken Bay.
The dominant wind is the Meltemi, the Etesian northerly, which holds from roughly May to late August/mid-September. In July and August it often hits 35–40 knots in the afternoon – a place for small sails and well-powered kites. Devil's Bay combines the strongest wind with flat water and has hosted several speed-windsurfing World Championships; despite the name the water entry is easy. Which zone suits me? Flat-water sections for speed and freestyle, and a wave further out for wave riders.
The level clearly targets advanced sailors and pros. Kiters tend to gather at Agrilaopotamos beach a few kilometres along.
Last updated:
Location
Wind & weather through the year
According to model data for 2021–2025, February is the windiest month: on 27 % of days the wind blows at 12 knots or more from a direction that works at this spot for at least three daytime hours. It then mostly blows from the north-west. The most reliable period runs from February to March. The least wind is in August (7 %). The water ranges from about 18 to 27 °C over the year.
| Month | Wind days ≥ 12 kn | Avg wind | Direction | Air | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January |
12 %
| 12 kn | N | 16 °C | 19 °C |
| February |
27 %
| 13 kn | NW | 15 °C | 18 °C |
| March |
21 %
| 13 kn | NW | 15 °C | 18 °C |
| April |
11 %
| 12 kn | NW | 18 °C | 18 °C |
| May |
8 %
| 12 kn | NW | 20 °C | 20 °C |
| June |
12 %
| 15 kn | NW | 25 °C | 23 °C |
| July |
9 %
| 16 kn | NW | 27 °C | 26 °C |
| August |
7 %
| 14 kn | NW | 28 °C | 27 °C |
| September |
9 %
| 14 kn | NW | 26 °C | 25 °C |
| October |
11 %
| 11 kn | NW | 23 °C | 24 °C |
| November |
9 %
| 11 kn | N | 20 °C | 22 °C |
| December |
13 %
| 12 kn | NW | 17 °C | 20 °C |
Wind day = at least 3 hours at ≥ 12 kn in daylight (09:00–19:00 local time). Only hours with wind from N (usable according to the spot info) are counted. Model data (ECMWF IFS, approx. 9 km grid) – local venturi and thermal effects can be stronger. Weather data: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0)
Insider tips
Use Devil's Bay for flat water, speed and freestyle; head further out or to the more open bays for wave riding. Pack small sails and kites for Jul/Aug. The wind typically peaks in the afternoon.
⚠︎ Hazards
The Meltemi can be very gusty and strong – choose your gear conservatively. Offshore components and high wind demand solid skills; beginners are out of place here.
All information without guarantee. Please check locally whether kiting, windsurfing, winging or surfing is currently allowed here – protected areas, swimming zones and seasonal closures change. You go on the water at your own risk.
Frequently asked questions
Is Karpathos – Afiartis suitable for beginners?
Not really. According to the spot info, Karpathos – Afiartis is a spot for Intermediate · Pro (water: Chop).
Which wind works at Karpathos – Afiartis?
Best with wind from N (Meltemi). In the windiest month (February), model data show the wind mostly blowing from the north-west.
When is the best time for Karpathos – Afiartis?
The best months are considered to be Jun–Sep. According to the wind statistics, February has the most wind days (27 % of days).
How warm is the water at Karpathos – Afiartis?
Over the year about 18 °C in March to 27 °C in August (model data).
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