SurfinGR, Dodecanese, Kos, Kefalos

Activities: Windsurf, Kitesurf, SUP
Popularity: Much
Style: Freeride, Slalom, Speed
Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Good, Specialist

Kefalos is separated into two parts: the traditional and beautiful village situated on the hilltop overlooking the stunning beach in the picturesque bay, and waterfront (the seaside resort) called Kamari that is the village's harbor, where the visitor meets the more modern side of Kefalos. Opposite Kamari and very near, is the small island Kastri with the church of St. Nicholas on top, one of the most photographed and iconic landmarks of the island.

The spot has much to offer. It is not as busy as the south, the wind conditions are cleaner and the traditional village with the wide beach is a good choice to relax on. It's an ideal location for a learn to windsurf holiday or those with different levels, families or those that just wish to relax and watch you sail up and down. It's excellent value too and you can stay in a good quality beach hotel without spending a fortune.

Best Months: June, July, August, September
Medium Months:
Wind Type: Thermal Winds, Trade Winds
Best Direction: NNE, NE, S
Main Direction: N, NNE, NE
Worst Direction:
Wind Factor: 11-16 knots (4 bft), 17-21 knots (5 bft), 22-27 knots (6 bft)
Main Wind Direction: Side Offshore, Offshore
Blowing at: Midday, Afternoon
Wave Tack: Starboard (from the right)

At this 2 km-long bay on the south coast of Kos, Meltemi NW wind blows all summer long and is light in the morning, around 2-3 bft, when beginners are well catered for, and by midday there are full-power (4bft) freeride afternoons thanks to a thermal afterburner! The cross-offshore Meltemi equally suits a speed record attempt and the latest freestyle contortion.

In the afternoon, the wind strengthens up due to thermals and blows cross offshore from the right, perfect for slalom sailing on flatwater; building to force 4-6 bft by mid/ late afternoon. Meltemi wind stops exactly with sunset. The first 100m is a wobble out, but there’s strong wind and some swell on the outside.

Best time to go is June to August, which is high season, with 80-90% wind. Because of Meltemi wind the wind direction is mostly off shore. This area is known as the speed zone of the island Kos.

Off-season (in winter) there is no regular wind. However, southerly winds turn Kefalos into a Sylt-like onshore break for a handful of local riders.

Type: Flat, Chop
Quality: Crystal Clear
Depth: Average (deepens gently and incrementally)
Seabed:
Attention: Time Restrictions

The offshore conditions ensure perfect flat water which is great for beginners, advanced windsurfers which want to crack the carve gybe and also for professionals like speed cracks and freestylers. Occasionally small wave start to swell (depending upon wind speed and direction), giving perfect bump and jump conditions.

Kefalos is famous for its many beautiful beaches, among the best in Greece and Europe, often awarded with Blue Flags.

Type: Sand, Pebbles
Size: Medium
Bathers Period: May, June, July, August, September, October
Bathers: Much
Shade: No
Kid Friendly: Yes
Attention:

The bay opens on to blue Aegean water, with the tiny islet of St Nikolas at its center. The beach of Kefalos hugs its way round a very long bay and is medium to large in size. It is made up of soft white sand with a few pebbles and is hazard and obstacle free. It does get busy during the summer with beach goers and bathers and there may well be restrictions in place during these times.

GPS Google Maps: 36.74692, 26.97443

Access to Kefalos:

Kefalos is located on the southwestern tip of the island, about 39 km away from Kos town and 17 km away from the International Airport "Hippocrates". Drive all the way to the west end of Kos and get to the spot.

Access from Kos town is also possible by public bus, car and motorbike.

Access to Kos: Kos is the island of Hippocrates (father of medicine), the third largest in the Dodecanese after Rhodes and Karpathos, lying close to the Asia Minor coast, between Nisyros and Kalymnos Island. As this is a popular island, it is fairly easy to travel to Kos.

Arrival by Airplane: The Hippocrates International Airport of Kos (KGS) is located at south-western part of the island, in a distance of 27 km from the capital, quite close to Antimachia. It is connected with Rhodes, Heraklion, Kalymnos and Limnos Islands. During the summer season the airport gets very busy. There are 2-3 daily flights from Athens to Kos. Flight duration is approximately 50 minutes. During the same period there are many direct charter and international flights from other countries, mostly European countries. If you make a reservation enough time earlier, you can find a cheap ticket.

Arrival by Ferry/Boat: The central port of Kos is located in the capital of the island. From Piraeus Port there is daily connection with Dodecanese Islands by ferry boats. The trip lasts from 12 up to 16 hours, depending on your destination. The boat of line connects the islands Patmos, Kalymnos, Nisyros and Rhodes daily. During summer there is daily coastal connection with Bontroum, in Turkey. Also, there is less frequent connection with Karpathos, Symi, Kastelorizo, Cyclades Islands, Thessaloniki, Kavala, Alexandroupoli, Crete, Chalki, Chios and Mytilene. During the high tourist period, are organized daily excursions with dolphins or small boats for the nearby islands: Fourni, Ikaria, Lipsi, Leros, Agathonisi, Tilos and Astypalea. The itineraries can change, depending on the tourist movement, and for this you should you be informed in the port.

Local transportations: The island of Kos has an adequate road network for the movement of the visitors.

Car Rentals: Renting a car is suitable for long distanced and isolated areas. Having a car gives you the opportunity to visit places you could not see by bus. For the visitor who wants to rent a car or motorcycle there are many car rental offices.

Bicycle Rentals: Due to the terrain but also because of the existence of the many bicycle paths in the city, an extremely popular mean of transportation in the city of Kos is the bike. On the island there are many companies that rent bicycles.

Bus: In Kos the bus service is very well organized. You can reach a lot of regions of the island, with cheap tickets. In the capital of the island you can use the municipal bus, but you can reach the most distant regions using the KTEL. The itineraries are enough frequent and the central station of buses is found in the centre, at Cleopatra Street. Some of the villages that you can visit are Mastichari, Agios Stefanos, Tigaki, Kefalos, Pyli, Asklipieion and Saint Fokas.

Taxi: The taxi is another alternative transportation way, faster and more expensive. In Kos you can find easily a taxi, in the centre or in other regions, either at the taxi-stations, or by phone with the service of radio-taxi. The charge for the most popular destinations is predetermined, and for the others there is a taxi-meter.