For most tourists, holidays are for relaxation. In Greece, lounging on the beach and getting that perfect tan is typically the first thing on everyone’s mind. However, some travelers expect adrenaline-infused action from their vacation, and that’s where watersports in Greece come into the picture.
While Greece’s ancient marvels often leave first-timers in awe, the country has much more to offer its visitors. Its culinary contributions and natural beauty are matchless. Add to that the joy of planning an island-hopping trip through Ferryscanner to explore the many Greek isles and the adventures they bring about. But for a truly unparalleled experience, watersports in Greece is your ticket to a holiday packed with oodles of thrill and the excitement of the unknown.
Surfing
Admittedly, Greece does not instantly come across as a surfing destination. However, thanks to meltemia, the strong northern winds that blow during the summer months, it offers some of the most outstanding breaks and swells in Europe. Although there are opportunities aplenty across the region, leading the surfing trend in Greece is the island of Tinos in the Cyclades archipelago.
On Tinos, Kolibithra Bay outshines any other location. Surfers head on out into the sea once the winds start, particularly in July and August, to conquer the rising left waves and the occasional right one. Adding to the appeal of the bay is a lack of any hazards, making it ideal for surfing beginners. Also on the beach is Tinos Surf Lessons. As the premier surfing club of Greece, it creates the perfect ambiance with a bar inside a VW van, parasols in the shape of mushrooms, and an overall bohemian vibe. They also offer equipment rentals and surfing lessons for all ages.
Scuba Diving
Watersports in Greece further permit travelers to appreciate and observe the country’s splendors that lie below the water’s surface. Among the many scuba diving locations across the isles, Amorgos is a true hidden gem. Made famous by Luc Besson’s movie The Big Blue, about free-diving rivals, Amorgos offers a diverse set of diving possibilities.
Among the must-dos is a trip to Nikouria’s cavern. An easy to access open cave network, the interiors of Nikouria are full of colorful corals and marine life. Alternatively, divers can swim in and out of Manina 3, a 154-meter-long boat whose wreck now lies on the seabed just off Amorgos’ coast. It’s also possible to go down to 40 meters depth at a few places near the island. Here, divers can swim next to barracudas, turtles, and a variety of other fish. Crete, Santorini, and Naxos are three Greek islands also renowned for scuba diving.
Windsurfing
Windsurfing, and to some extent kitesurfing, are the two most prevalent watersports in Greece. Although available on most tourist-heavy islands, Mykonos takes the cake for being the best place to enjoy both these sports.
Well-known as the “island of the winds,” Mykonos has several beaches with schools where visitors can rent windsurfing equipment or take lessons. Kalafatis on the eastern side of the island and Ftelia Beach to the north of Mykonos Town are the prime spots for trying this thrilling sport. Korfos to the south of the capital and the nudist Elia Beach are also great windsurfing locations. For kitesurfing, Paros and Naxos are equally popular among enthusiasts.
Sailing
Throughout Greece, you’ll come across numerous vessels that allow you to admire its topographical beauty from the vantage point of the sea. Sailboats, fishermen’s boats, water taxis, and ferries sailing between islands are all exceptional occasions to enjoy a day out in the water.
Furthermore, several islands have combination sailing tours. The trips include visiting the far reaches of the island, snorkeling in caves, beach hopping, fishing, and ending the day with a dinner prepared on the boat. It’s one of the most magical experiences in Greece, a chance to immerse yourself in the country’s maritime heritage and local lifestyle.
Motorized and non-motorized watersports in Greece
When the waters are calm, as they often are in Greece, it’s time to take out the paddleboards and kayaks. Non-motorized watersports are ideal for beginners and a great way to enjoy the serenity of the sea. Tourists looking for experiential expeditions can book sleep-and-kayak packages. These multi-day tours involve sea kayaking across islands and sleeping on different sandy beaches every day.
Jet skiing, banana boats, and donut tubes are standard motorized watersports in Greece. You’ll find them at most coastal retreats. When the wind is not too strong, paragliding is a lovely way to catch a bird’s eye view of the area. Wakeboarding and flyboarding are two choices you’ll find primarily on islands that see plentiful tourist traffic. Therefore, to enjoy the full range of motorized watersports in Greece, plan a visit to Santorini, Kea, Rhodes, and Kefalonia.
Cliff jumping
Not for the weak at heart, cliff jumping is undoubtedly one of the most exhilarating watersports in Greece. Due to the distinct landmass of several Greek islands, travelers encounter numerous instances to jump into the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean from surrounding rocks. However, it is essential to ask locals about the safest spots to avoid injuries.
Not short of iconic sites, three cliff jumping points in Greece are a must for thrill-seekers. The 20-feet drop at Amoudi Bay in Santorini is the quintessential jump to take. The one at La Grotta, Corfu, is slowly gaining fame. If you are on Mainland Greece, head to Nea Makri. From here, you can take a cliff jumping boat excursion that lets you dive from a height of 40 feet.
Coasteering
An adventurous land and watersport in Greece, coasteering is growing in popularity with every passing day, especially in the coastal regions of the Attica peninsula. Climbing, jumping, and swimming form the basis of coasteering. It is an extreme sport that involves skillfully navigating through uneven shorelines.
Vouliagmeni and Cape Sounion are two favorite spots near Athens known for coasteering. Guided tours from the city last anywhere from four to six hours. They usually include heart-pounding jumps, swimming in caves, rock climbing, and exploring hard-to-reach destinations that reward visitors with spectacular panoramas.