Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Water Activities
Diving & Snorkelling
Snorkelling can be enjoyed just about anywhere along the coast of Greece and equipment
is cheaply available. Especially good spots to don your fins are Monastiri on Paros; Pa-
leokastritsa on Corfu; Xirokambos Bay on Leros; and anywhere off the coast of Kastello-
rizo (Megisti). Many dive schools also use their boats to take groups of snorkellers to
prime spots.
Greek law insists that diving be done under the supervision of a diving school in order
to protect the many antiquities in the depths of the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas. Until
recently dive sites were severely restricted, but many more have been opened up and
diving schools have flourished. You'll find schools on the islands of Corfu, Evia, Leros,
Milos, Mykonos, Paros, Rhodes, Santorini and Skiathos; in Agios Nikolaos and Re-
thymno in Crete; in Glyfada near Athens; and in Parga on the mainland.
of useful information, including a list of all PADI-approved dive centres in Greece.
Windsurfing
Windsurfing is a very popular water sport in Greece. Hrysi Akti on Paros, and Vasiliki on
Lefkada vie for the position of the best windsurfing beach. According to some, Vasiliki is
one of the best places in the world to learn the sport.
There are numerous other prime locations around the islands and many water adven-
ture outlets rent equipment. Check out Kalafatis Beach on Mykonos; Agios Georgios on
Naxos; Mylopotas Beach on Ios; Cape Prasonisi in southern Rhodes; around Tingaki on
Kos and Kokkari on Samos.
You'll find sailboards for hire almost everywhere. Hire charges range from €10 to €25,
depending on the gear and the location. If you are a novice, most places that rent equip-
ment also give lessons. Sailboards can be imported freely from other EU countries, but
importing boards from other destinations, such as Australia and the USA, is subject to
regulations.
Kitesurfing & Surfing
With near-constant wind and ideal conditions, Paros' Pounda beach is a magnet for kite-
surfing's top talent, attracting both the Professional Kiteboard Riders Association cham-
pionships and the Kiteboard Pro World Tour. With a shallow side, this is also an great
