Crete, Greece
Feb · 59% rideableKouremenos
What it's actually like
You will hear the meltemi before you see it, rattling the tamarisks behind the beach. It is the local word for the dry summer wind that comes down the Aegean from the north, and at Kouremenos it arrives with interest.
The bay sits just outside Palekastro in the far east of Crete: a long curve of sand and fine pebble, olive groves and low hills behind, the red cliffs of Kastri at the south end, and on a proper day a scatter of sails right across the blue.
Most people rig 4.5 to 5.3 metres in high summer, so if you are overpowered, come in and change down.
Spotted something out of date? Tell us
Your month
When it's good
12 kt+ for 3+ daylight hours · kite
February · 59%. 17 rideable days in 28, 6.7 hours a day over 12 kt. Bring a book.
Where else it blows in February
ERA5 puts the share of rideable days 13.3 points higher here, and no weather station has settled it, so treat these figures as a guide.
At a glance
Is it for you?
Geek analysis
February in the record
59% of days clear 12 kt for three daylight hours or more.
In February the wind most often sits under 4 kt (20% of daylight hours) and is over 12 kt from 11am to 5pm on at least half the days. See both charts in the full report
No weather station near enough to check these figures against.
February on the record
The month's own figures, not the year's average.
Take it with you
The full Kouremenos report
Seven sections over six pages, built from the same record as this page. A PDF you can read on the plane.
When it gets busy
Crowds
Aug · MediumEven in July and August the water stays uncrowded, with no mass tourism in the area. Mind the swimming area close to the beach, and give way to learners inside.
On the water
What February usually does
February sits outside the best months here. 59% of days clear 12 kt for three daylight hours or more.
Your playground
Launches & safety
Conditions change. Check local rules and conditions before you ride.
- Launch
- Hazard
- Parking
- School
- Stay
- Webcam
- Approximate
Local intel
Getting there & on the ground
Stay, schools & kit
Who works this beach
All 4 stays near Kouremenos on one page