One of the best spots for windsurfing.
TEAM/BUSINESS Super friendly people, eager to help. I was impressed by the quality of their advices even though I didn't take any lessons by them. Just by observing me they could suggest equipment or give small hints. It's not only about friendliness tough. They are absolutely professionals as they perfectly manage all the people in the water. They always keep an eye on the sea and they jump in to help whoever is in trouble, before things get worse.
WIND Although "apnea" is a Greek word, nobody knows what it means in Kouremenos. The wind is always there (just check the stats), usually at speeds of 20 knots or even more. Keep in mind that the place is quite gusty, in a 20-knots-day you'll get more than 30 knots in many parts of the sea.
WATER Crystal clean waters, as in most Greek beaches. The water is a bit choppy, but it never gets wavy.
BEACH While entering the water there are many small, smooth, rocks. This creates a hard time when trying to beach-start as the leg touching the rocks may feel uncomfortable.
LEVELS From my perspective windsurfers of all levels can enjoy their time there. Are you an expert? Just go a bit further and enjoy the strong gusts. A bit to the left you get more flat waters, a bit to the center and you get some choppy ones. Beginner? Stay close to the shore and enjoy the stable winds. Intermediate? It's your choice if you want to be brave and play with the gusts or practice in stable winds.
EQUIPMENT Windsurfing boards of all types, foiling, wings and SUPs. All in perfect condition, especially the sails are all renewed before the beginning of each season.
LOCATION Kouremenos is located in Palekastro (small village) which in turn is near Sitia (main city). The eastern side of Crete is not thay noisy and touristic, but as Crete is a very beautiful island you will most likely enjoy many more things...
Read moreI spent a week in Palaikastro to try out wing foiling at Gone Surfing towards the end of the season and absolutely loved it!
Beautiful bay with reliable and often gusty side-shore wind (perfect conditions to learn). In days with stronger wind there is a bit of chop but it's frankly manageable even for beginners. Nice accommodation options in the two nearby villages, with plenty of very good and reasonably priced tavernas and a few nice minimarkets and shops. Very nice area to explore in case a day is a bit too windy for your skill level.
The atmosphere at the station is very relaxed and welcoming. It is really a magic place. Maria and Christos are very competent and clearly love their job, to the point of being truly inspiring. I had just one lesson to start with the foil, after a couple of days practicing with wing and windsurf board, but every day Christos was always ready to give precious tips and correct my mistakes. There is generally a no-nonsense and refreshingly practical approach, with a big focus on safety ...and fun. Few words, right on point, and a smile. They offer a wide range of wing foiling and windsurfing gear in very good conditions for rent, mostly Duotone, Fanatic, Cabrinha, Ion etc. and you can see the care they put into keeping everything neat. There is everything you need to go in the water, including helmets with different fit, vests and various types of wetsuits. Yet, bringing your own wetsuit and protective gear (and maybe a poncho) could also make sense.
I will definitely come back!! I'm very happy I chose this spot and I miss everything about it. Meanwhile I'm practicing with longboard, a Unit 4.0 from '23 and thick...
Read moreFor everyone – go somewhere else! (Sometimes 50 meters are enough)
This review is not about the spot itself (which is beautiful) or the staff working on site. It is about the way the company — especially the management — deals with clients.
We are a surfing family and have rented equipment all over the world. Usually, the windsurfing community is about passion and respect, but here it felt more like a business where money comes first.
Why this negative review?
Pre-damaged equipment: I was given a board that had been broken and repaired before. It failed under normal use, yet the first reaction was to make me pay. Under Greek Law 2251/1994 and the EU Consumer Rights Directive (2011/83/EU), businesses must provide equipment fit for purpose — blaming clients for defects is not acceptable.
So-called “insurance”: They explain up front it only covers the first damage, but it isn’t real insurance at all — just a limited waiver. Presenting it as insurance is misleading under the EU Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (2005/29/EC).
Attitude: Instead of handling issues constructively, management reacted defensively and suggested problems were due to my skills, which was both unfair and disrespectful. This goes against the duty of good faith under the Greek Civil Code (Articles 281 & 288).
Final thoughts
I don’t mind paying for any damage I cause. But being blamed for defective equipment and treated without respect completely ruined the experience. The spot is great, but for fair treatment and properly maintained gear,...
Read more