This is a post being published 5 years too late, but since I am now gathering all kitesurf trips in one page, I am going to present also the first kitesurf trip I did. That was one interesting one to Rhodes in Greece.
The travel report for kitesurfing in Rhodes
2010. It was the second time I would fly abroad for a vacation with Lina. The first time we would bring our kites with us. The lack of experience made this the most nervous trip that we have done, even if it was a plain charter, and with only one extra kitebag as luggage.
Anyway, we flew to Rhodes with old people and sun thirsting families in a charter-trip, took the disgusting charter bus to our hotel. We had the hotel in Kremasti, on the north-west, windy side of Rhodes, close to a kite centre (the only one on that side?)
The beaches on that side of the island are filled with small stones as you see on the picture. And it is windy. We left our gear in the kite centre, because we did not have a car for the whole week.
Kitesurfing in Kremasti
The wind in Kremasti is sideshore or side-on, and there are dedicated kite-zones where you do not need to be afraid of swimmers. The water is deep and choppy, and there are stones on the beach. But it works, there are fun kickers for jumping, good and safe for beginners, and with restaurants close by. With a scoter you reach a lot of hotels in a few minutes, so it is convenient if you want to combine a sun- / family vacation with some kitesurfing.
kite center kremasti
kite beach kremasti
Bunker at kitebeach in Kremasti
Kremasti sunset
Kitesurfing in Prassonissi
The real kitesurfing in Rhodes takes place in Prassonissi, in the southernmost part of the island. There is a small island with a beach going all the way to the small island, so you get sea on both sides. On one side there are big waves and onshore wind, and on the other side completely flat and offshore wind. Prassonissi is a much better kitespot for the ones wanting to practice freestyle, wave-riding or big-air, but on the downside, there is nothing else than kitesurfing even close to this spot. It is quite remote.
We rented a car and drove here for some more advanced kiting, and it was totally worth it. If you are doing kite-only trip to Rhodes, consider living here instead.
Prassonissi waves to the right
Prassonissi flat water to the left
Prassonissi waves
There are some kitecenter at Prassonissi too, but the place here is so big so you can kite outside a center too and store your kites in the car. If you want to ride much on the offshore-side, you might consider talking to the kitecenter about rescue-possibilities, or at least ride with a friend.
Things to do in Rhodes
Rhodes is a famous tourist destination, and a really beautiful island with a lot more to do than kitesurfing. The old town in central Rhodes city (up north) is worth a visit, as well as Lindos, the white beautiful city on the east cost (on the way to Prassonissi). The views from mountains are nice, there is a huge water park in Faliraki and some weird valley of butterflies that they are proud of. The food is awesome both in Rhodes city and on the countryside. It is still quite cheap and nightlife, beachwalks and shopping is quite nice too.
Lindos white city Rhodes
Lindos Rhodes
Faliraki water park
Kremasti beach
butterfly walley
For combining a family vacation with kitesurfing, Rhodes is probably one of the better choices. Would I go back? I think I would like to visit again, but then combined with other island on some island-hopping adventure with kitesurfing on many different islands. (Read my post about kitesurfing in Naxos too)
Do you have questions or more tips and tricks about kitesurfing in Rhodes? Feel free to comment or ask whatever you want!