SurfinGR, Attica, Artemida Nissakia

Activities: Windsurf, Kitesurf, SUP
Popularity: Very High
Style: Freeride, Freestyle, Wave, Slalom, Race/Formula
Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Good, Specialist

Located on the Velani cape, 35 km east of Athens, it is commonly referred to as “Νissakia” due some small islands that are spread in the sea (Nissakia in greek means “Small Islands”).

This spot is definitely the most popular kite and windsurf spot in the region (possibly even the whole country). Aside from its proximity to the capital, Nissakia's appeal is its versatility: conditions range from shallow, mirror-flat water to radical wave action, all the year round!

Best Months: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Medium Months:
Wind Type: Thermal Winds, Frontal Winds
Best Direction: NNE, NE
Main Direction: N, NNE, NE, SE, SSE, S
Worst Direction: W
Wind Factor: 11-16 knots (4 bft), 17-21 knots (5 bft), 22-27 knots (6 bft), 28-33 knots (7 bft)
Main Wind Direction: Offshore, Side Offshore, Onshore
Blowing at: Morning, Midday, Afternoon
Wave Tack: Port (from the left)

With NE wind, Greece’s best windsurfers loop, spock and shred the waves in cross-onshore wind from the left. Average force 20-30 knots depends of the forecast. Follow the rights of way to avoid collisions, as it gets really busy!

For freestyle windsurf frequent sail size 4.8 - 5.2. The biggest freestyle area at the right side of the reef.

With NW offshore conditions, with Sothern onshore.

Type: Chop, Small Wave (< 1m), Medium Wave (1-3m)
Quality: Clean
Depth: Shallow (walking several steps not to step on)
Seabed: Sand, Rocks, Stones
Attention: Reefs, Stones

In front of the last windsurf center (at the east side of the area) there is a huge reef that starts from the shore and extends for about the half distance till the two islands. Because of this there are two kite/windsurf areas, one on the left side of the reef and one on the right.

Generally don’t expect spectacular, enormous ocean-type waves. Instead, they are small and medium sized -and tide independence- because of two small islets which serve as natural wave barriers. On the left area, depending on wind strength and direction, conditions are from flat and choppy to excellent ride-able waves. On the right area fewer ride-able waves, but superb for jumps. Also, very good freeride corner.

Between the two islands the water is very flat and very shallow, with sandy bottom and some urchins. If it’s not very crowded, it is superb for freestyle kitesurf. Usually you’ll need a small size kite because of the strong -gusty- wind.

For sure the best place for kitesurf in Attica.

The water is considered warm - temperatures of 20°C.

Type: Sand, Pebbles, Stones, Seaweed
Size: Small
Bathers Period: Never
Bathers: No
Shade: No
Kid Friendly: Yes
Attention: Rocks, Cars

Nissakia is not your typical Greek beach of golden sand and turquoise waters: very small stony beach with sand and pebbles, covered with a thick layer of sea weed and with some dirt at the shore. It does not draw sunbathers. The spot attracts a lot of windsurfers and kitesurfers, so it might get ultra-crowded. Not ideal for beginners. Also, there is very little space for taking-off and landing a kite.

The two islets are located one mile from the shoreline and share the name of “Kokkinonisia” (meaning “Red Islands”). A chapel, Agios Nikolaos, which was built in 1882, is situated on one of the two islets. A lighthouse stands on the other.

GPS Google Maps: 37.99111, 24.03025

Artemida (or Loutsa) is situated in east Attica and is a suburban town about 35 km east of Athens center, 14 km northeast of the Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport and south of Rafina Port.

Arrival by Airplane: The new airport of Athens “Eleftherios Venizelos”, one of the best airports in Europe, (IATA: ATH, ICAO: LGAV) is located in Spata Town and serves flights to Greece daily from several international airlines from all over the world. You can take a charter flight, so you can carry your windsurf equipment with you as well.

The metro and the Proastiakos-Suburban railway, as well as taxis and buses to and from Athens are to be found opposite the main exit of the airport. The distance is 44 km. The bus journey takes between 35 and 45 minutes to the city centre at Syntagma (Parliament) Square (of course depending on the time and traffic), therefore the best way is to take the “Athens metro” that connects the airport with Athens and Piraeus. There are car hire agencies at the airport, in case you want to rent a vehicle.

If you want to go directly to Nissakia spot by car or taxi, the airport is 13 km away, with quick and easy access. The metro and the Proastiakos-Suburban railway do not serve this area!

Arrival by Ferry / Boat: If you are coming from the European continent and you prefer to take the ferry from an Italian Port, you need to head towards Italy and the Italian ports of Ancona, Venice Bari or Brindisi. Those ports have daily connections to Corfu, Igoumenitsa and Patras. If you are coming from Aegean Sea (from a Greek Island, Turkey or Cyprus) you will reach one of the Attica’s Ports in Piraeus, Rafina or Lavrio Town.

Arrival by Car, Moto, Camper Van: If you’re coming by Ferry from an Italian port, Patra is about 211 km away from the center of Athens and Igoumenitsa is about 445 km. There are some good highways a like the Corinth-Athens and the Athens-Larissa, Corinth-Tripoli and the Egnatia highway. Artemida is about 35 km away from Athens and 49 km away from Piraeus, 5 km from Rafina and 50 km from Lavrio. If you come from Thessaloniki -Greece's second largest city- the distance is about 521 km till Athens center. The spot is at the end of 25is Martiou Street (the main street of Artemida’s Agios Nikolaos area).The spot is at the end of 25is Martiou Street (the main street of Artemida’s Agios Nikolaos area).

Arrival by Bus: There is bus route available to Artemida - Agios Nikolaos area from Athens centre and from the airport, all year long. You can reach Nissakia spot by 7 minutes’ walking route.

Arrival by Train: Train travel is not so much in fashion anymore due to the complexity of the journey through the Balkans. Rail services link Thessaloniki with, Athens, Thrace and Patra. The line through what was once Yugoslavia provides connections with Central and Western Europe. The line through Bulgaria connects to Eastern Europe and the line through Istanbul, Turkey with the countries of the Near East.

If you to come to Attica by train, you can get the metro Line 2 from “Stathmos Larissis” station.