SurfinGR, Cyclades, Tinos, Kolimpithra

Activities: Surf, SUP
Popularity:
Style: Freeride, Wave
Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Good, Specialist

The beautiful island of Tinos is part of the Cyclades complex and one of the most popular destinations in the Aegean Sea. Famous among Greeks for its orthodox church of Ekatontapiliani, rich in history from the ancient times and distinguished for the neoclassical architecture, Tinos is a top destination for visitors from all over the world.

The cape of Kolimpithra (20 km northern of the town of Tinos) consists of five beaches. The best known are Megali Kolimpithra and Mikri Kolimpithra. The rough winding conditions on the area of Megali Kolimpithra, makes it totally unsuitable for swimming. The beach of Mikri Kolimpithra is considered one of the visitors’ favorite since it is organized.

The other three beaches Mantroklisi, Apothikes and Palio Agio Filakto are rather small, sandy and wind-sheltered. They are ideal for those of you who crave for relaxation. The bay of Kolimpithra is a natural sea basin and a declared wetland where rare species of birds, turtles and other animals live. In the middle of the bay we can see Drakonisi Island (in Greek means Dragon-Island and if you notice you will see that it looks like a lying dragon).

Best Months: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Medium Months:
Wind Type: Thermal Winds, Frontal Winds
Best Direction: N, NE
Main Direction:
Worst Direction:
Wind Factor:
Main Wind Direction: Onshore
Blowing at:
Wave Tack:

Kolimpithra is located on the north shore of Tinos Island; it faces the north Aegean Sea and is exposed to the famous “Meltemi” winds that blow during the summer months.

Type: Chop, Small Wave (< 1m), Medium Wave (1-3m)
Quality: Clean
Depth: Deep (deepens abruptly)
Seabed: Sand
Attention:

The beach is separated in two spots. The small one is organized with a beach bar as well as food and accommodation options, providing thus a shelter from the high winds. The big one is wide open to northern winds, offers big waves. Strong winds and lots of sea spray, ideal for experienced surfers.

On a good day, the speed of the wind reaches more than 5 Beaufort, creating the perfect conditions to ride on big waves. The wave "pops" on the edge of the beach, and offers a left wave riding that holds for many meters and a smaller right wave riding.

One of the things that make this spot ideal for a beginner, is that the bottom is sandy (and therefore safe) and that the access to the lineup (the point that the wave "pops") is easy due to a natural current that takes you there in no time. All this makes the Kolimbithra ideal spot for surfing, not only for beginners, but also the most experienced.

Type: Sand
Size: Medium
Bathers Period: June, July, August
Bathers: Sparse
Shade: No
Kid Friendly:
Attention:

The scenery around you is spectacular and wild and the sea is just amazing. The beach is 400 m long. Kolimpithra hosts migratory birds in winter.

GPS Google Maps: 37.629875, 25.142386

Access to Kolimpithra:

Located in the N section of the island, Kolimpithra is about 15 km from Chora; through Tripotamou Av., head towards Komi, turn right at the end of the main road, cross the small bridge and go straight ahead to the beach.

Access to Tinos:

Arrival by Airplane: Tinos does not have an airport. The closest airports are located at the islands of Syros and Mykonos, with which Tinos is connected by boat on a daily basis.

Arrival by Ferry/Boat: Tinos is connected by boat with the ports of Piraeus and Rafina, both ports easily accessible by travelers arriving from abroad to the Eleftherios Venizelos airport. It is also connected directly to the islands of Andros, Syros and Mykonos, and to almost all Cycladic islands with stops in-between. The trip lasts from 1 hour and 45 minutes (with a high-speed from Rafina) to 4 hours and 40 minutes (with a regular boat from Piraeus).

Local Transportation: When you arrive in Tinos, you can either use the public transportation (local bus) or taxis or, even better, rent a car (or a motorbike in the summer).

Arrival by Car: You will find car rentals at the harbor.

Arrival by Bus: Local buses connect Chora to the most popular villages and beaches, including Kionia, Isternia, Kardiani, Pyrgos, Panormos, and Agios Ioannis Porto.

Arrival by Taxi: Taxis are available at Chora.

Arrival by Boat: Daily excursions are organized to the island of Delos (less than 2 hours away) and to secluded beaches. These excursions are organized by local travel agencies.