Technical details of Ierapetra / Crete spot

Spot functioning

Launching from town beaches. Offshore wind pushes immediately out to sea – only head out if you are certain you can ride upwind. Kite must be perfectly mastered.

Local schools may offer lessons but offshore conditions limit teaching to moderate wind days. Works from June to September. The spot is more technical than most Cretan spots due to the offshore wind.

On the water

Flat water near the coast (offshore wind = no formed waves). Further out, Libyan Sea swell can create waves. Sandy bottom, progressive depth. Warm and very clear water (Libyan Sea, 24-27°C in summer).

The flat water is deceptive – offshore wind makes sailing dangerous despite the calm appearance.

Required level

Intermediate

Spot opening date

Open all year round

Parking

Ierapetra is a town with full infrastructure. Parking along the seafront and in adjacent streets. Numerous restaurants, hotels and shops. Easy access from the northern highway via the isthmus road.

Hazards

MAIN DANGER: offshore wind – in case of problems, you will be carried into the open Libyan Sea. No land before North Africa. NEVER sail alone. Have a waterproof phone and/or VHF radio.

Very gusty wind with brutal accelerations descending from the mountains. Gusts potentially exceeding 35 knots. Offshore current. Rapid dehydration. The spot is UNSUITABLE for beginners and riders who don't perfectly master upwind riding.

Wind specificities

Ierapetra isthmus Venturi effect: the Meltemi is compressed in the 12km corridor between mountains and accelerated by 30-50%. On the south coast, wind arrives from N/NNE as OFFSHORE, typically 20-30 knots, with gusts potentially exceeding 35 knots.

The offshore character is CRITICAL: wind pushes out to sea (Libyan Sea). In case of problems, you get carried towards Africa. Only advanced riders should sail here. Wind can be very gusty with brutal accelerations as gusts descend from the mountains.

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