F
or windsurfing, Mykonos is famous for its ‘Meltemi’ winds and
appropriately its nickname is ‘island of the winds’. Named after
its first ruler, Mykonos, who was a descendant of the Greek god
Apollo, the island is also said to be the location of a great battle
between Zeus and the Titans, and according to mythology is where Hercules
is said to have killed the invincible giants.
History aside, today Mykonos is one of the most well known islands of
the Cyclades, famous for its lively party scene, beach clubs, private villas
and boutique hotels. It has become a meeting point for rich people, high
society and those hungry for the party scene. But it’s also a perfect location
for a family holiday, with lots of quiet beaches and plenty of natural beauty
to admire. So we decided to travel there in spring, escaping the main tourist
season at a time when the island is just waking up from winter. When we
arrive, nature is in full bloom and the blue and white houses are surrounded
by flowery meadows. After a period of unusual amounts of rain, the island
reminds us more of our last holiday in Ireland than somewhere in the
Mediterranean! Everywhere we look and go, people are preparing for the
summer season; by the end of May everything should be rebuilt, repaired
and painted again. Mykonos town is almost ready; this beautiful old town
fulfills every cliché. The narrow alleyways lead to a myriad of small bars and
cafés. Souvenir and designer stores line the streets, destined to be crowded
in the summer months. Tourist attraction number one, is the area around
‘Little Venice’, the seaside promenade, built in a Venetian style. The famous
ancient windmills right next to the old town are testament to why the
Mykonians also call their home, “the island of wind”. The wind is also why
we came here and packed plenty of windsurf gear! With that in mind, we
make our way to the main spot on the island, Kalafati Beach.KALAFATI
Quick guide - rental and storage, flat water to small chop.
Kalafati Beach is in the southeast of Mykonos and has the only professional
windsurf centre on the island - http://www.pezi-huber.com. The spot is known for
its sandy beach and crystal clear turquoise water. In the summer months
from June to September the wind blows almost all the time. The wind blows
side-offshore from the left and gets accelerated by a small hill, making it
slightly gusty from time to time. Small sails are absolutely required.
There’s a small wind shadow at the launch site which centre owner Pezi
Huber and his team use to teach beginners. The sailing is good freeride and
freestyle conditions; downwind of the centre the wind gets more constant
and the water a bit more choppy, making jumping easier.
The only hazards are two small rocks, known as the “sleeping man”,
which stick out of the water and are marked during the summer months
with buoys. Pezi Huber’s station is equipped with about 100 windsurf
boards from Tabou and Fanatic, with around 25 of those being brand new
2019 Tabou boards. He also offers about 140 Sails, with around 60 being
brand new sails from Gaastra. The centre also offers a small repair facility and
shop, drinks and a playground for kids. In front of the centre are also some
small trees for shade. When the wind blows super strong, guests can take
their equipment to the nearby wave spot, Ftelia. On days without wind the
centre offers SUPs and kayaks for their guests.
Kalafati Beach is away from mass tourism, offering a very good location
for families. For accommodation, at the entrance of the bay is Villas Kalafati
with the snack bar Petrino Aquarius beside it. A few hundred metres further
up you can find Hotel Aphrodite for those who like to be close to the beach.
There is also a large selection of apartments and hotels close by on the hill,
including the beautifully designed hotel Anemoessa.
You can find some restaurants along the beach in Kalafati or walk to the nearby
fishermen’s village for fresh fish. One of the centre’s instructors recommended
a typical Greek restaurant ‘Kalammmakia’ (www.kalammmakia.gr) in the
next village Ano Mera. Right on Kalafati Beach you can also find mini-markets,
motorbike rentals, a diving and watersports centre.“FROM JUNE TO SEPTEMBER
THE WIND BLOWS ALMOST
ALL THE TIME.”
MYKONOS
56 AUGUST 2019Chris Sammer and his son, Max Sammer, blasting at Kalafati.