When is the best time to kite at Crete / Matala, Greece?

The best months at Crete / Matala, Greece are Jul, Mar, May, Apr, Sep, Jan.

What level is Crete / Matala, Greece suitable for?

Crete / Matala, Greece is rated Intermediate for kiters.

What is the water like at Crete / Matala, Greece?

Crete / Matala, Greece has Ocean, Choppy conditions.

Kite spot

Crete / Matala, Greece

Name: Crete / Matala, Greece
Address: Crete, Greece

Crete, Greece

Intermediate Ocean Choppy Ocean

About Crete / Matala, Greece

Matala serves up consistent westerlies in summer, but choppy Mediterranean water and boat traffic demand respect. Intermediate riders who can handle messy conditions will find their level.

Avg wind

9.1 kts

Peak season

9.1 kts

Windy days/yr

54.5

Peak hours

13:00–16:00

Monthly wind profile

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Bars = average wind speed in knots. Solid = best months.

Best months

JulMarMayAprSepJan

Wind directions

WWNWWSWESES

Amenities

Beach bars and tavernas in Matala village for food and refreshmentsAccommodation options ranging from hotels to guesthouses within walking distanceBasic equipment rental shops catering to water sports enthusiastsSandy beach access with some rocky sections suitable for launching

Hazards

Choppy ocean conditions with potential strong currents and sudden wind shifts from multiple directionsRocky outcrops and shallow reefs near Matala beach requiring careful launch and landing zonesSeasonal thermal winds that can gust unexpectedly, especially during summer monthsHeavy boat traffic in this popular Mediterranean tourist area

Launch notes

Launch from the sandy sections of Matala beach, avoiding rocky areas. W, WNW, and WSW winds provide the most consistent launch conditions; ESE and S winds are less reliable but possible during shoulder seasons.

Gear & clothing

Gear · Bring 14-17m kites for the moderate 9.1kt average winds, with smaller 12m and larger 19m options for variable conditions. A directional or light wave board works best for choppy waters.

Clothing · A 3-4mm wetsuit is suitable for summer months (May-September); upgrade to 5mm for winter sessions (January, March-April). Water temperatures range from cool in winter to warm in summer.

Crowd & etiquette

Respect the busy tourist beach during peak season and keep a safe distance from swimmers and sunbathers. Share the water fairly with other water sports enthusiasts and follow local guidelines regarding designated zones.

Additional notes

Matala's consistent W and WNW winds make July, May, and September ideal; plan around the heavy tourist season for better beach access. Check local beach conditions daily as choppy waters can be challenging for intermediate riders.

Features

Intermediate Spot

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