58 AUGUST 2019
MYKONOS
FTELIA
Quick guide - waves on big days, no centre, bring your own equipment.
After sailing at Kalafati we headed to Ftelia as the wind picked up more and
more. We were very curious to get this spot as Ftelia is famous for waves.
As the island is pretty small, hopping from spot to spot is simple and takes
between 20-30 minutes.
Ftelia Bay is located on the north coast of the island and has still kept its
natural charm. The last 300 metres of the road to it is dirt track and leads to
the beach club and restaurant on the left side of the beach. This is also the
perfect spot for launching. There is no centre but all the locals meet there
when it’s windy! The entrance to the water is sandy and protected from
waves that makes it pretty easy to enter, even for less experienced sailors.
The north wind blows onshore, sometimes with a little easterly or westerly
component and depending on the direction, offers port or starboard tack
jumping.
In the middle of the of the beach and about a hundred metres upwind
from the entrance are two big rocks sticking out of the water. It is advised to
stay away from them.
The waves are mellow so even if it gets up to 3-4 metres you will not get
heavily washed except in the shorebreak. If you sail a few hundred metres
more upwind you can perfectly gybe into nice rolling swell super safely.
Locals told us that on big days it can get over mast high. Don ́t expect down
the line wave sailing. This spot is perfect for backside turns and jumping
both ways and super easy for those looking for their first wave experiences.
Ftelia is a super nice freeride spot in lighter winds and creates probably
the most consistent waves of all Greek surf spots when the Meltemi is
blowing for a longer period. Definitely one of my favourite Greek surf spots.
Apart from the great windsurf conditions, the nearby Ftelia Beach Club
(fteliabeachclub.com)is a super nice place to hang out, have great food or
just chill. The club offers some sunbeds on the first part of the beach, but
the rest of the beach stays wild and natural.
The most luxurious surf experience is renting the Villa Barbarossa which
is just above the beach club and has epic views of the beach and is just a
two minute walk to the water. Another great place to stay is Hotel Ftelia
Bay (www.fteliabay.gr), situated a few hundred metres from the beach with
sea views. Both owners are fully hooked on windsurfing and can always be
found on the water when it ́s great conditions.
Surf level: beginner to pro, depending on the wind speed.
Best wind direction: North.
Best windy time: constantly blowing during summer months and northerly
storms during winter.
“DEFINITELY ONE OF MY
FAVOURITE GREEK SURF SPOTS.”
Ftelia on a small day.Chris and the local Ftelia crew.