The Ultimate Guide to Meltemi Winds in Mikri Vigla
If you are searching for the most reliable wind in the Cyclades, look no further than Mikri Vigla, Naxos. Known globally as a kitesurfing paradise, this spot owes its reputation to the legendary Meltemi wind. While most weather apps like Windy or Windguru provide a general forecast, the local geography of Mikri Vigla creates a unique ‘Venturi effect’ that accelerates the North-Northwest winds, often delivering 5 to 10 knots more than predicted. Whether you are a beginner looking for your first water start or an advanced rider chasing big air, understanding the local wind patterns is the key to a perfect session. In this guide, we dive deep into everything you need to know about the wind conditions at Naxos Kitelife and why Mikri Vigla remains the ultimate playground for wind seekers
Observing the kitespot, it is exciting to imagine what is hiding behind its name. Mikri (small-μικρή) Vigla (watchtower- βίγλα in ancient Greek) was named after the observatory on top of the cape that was used to warn the town and surrounding villages for incoming pirates. In Greek (Viglatoras – βιγλάτορας) is the one in charge to observe on the watchtower. Wehn a ship was noticed then he had to start a fire signal. A fire was lighted on the top of the hill that triggered a chain of fires lighted in many other watchtowers existed on the island, leading in the early warning of the people in the villages. The remains of the old building are still visible on top of the hill south of Mikri Vigla kitebeach. Also remains of an ancient village have been found by archaeologists. The south bay was used by ships to shelter from dominant North winds.
One of the most common questions we get at Naxos Kitelife is: ‘Why is the wind so much stronger here than in the rest of Naxos?’ The answer lies in a fascinating geographical phenomenon known as the Venturi Effect. Mikri Vigla is perfectly positioned between the hills of Naxos and the neighboring island of Paros. As the northern Meltemi wind travels through this narrow strait, it becomes compressed and forced to accelerate. For kitesurfers, this means that even on days when the forecast looks ‘light’ (around 12-14 knots), the local thermal acceleration at our beach often pumps it up to a solid 18-22 knots. This natural wind machine makes Mikri Vigla the most consistent spot in the Aegean. The Meltemi blows from June to September so that means it will bring wind almost every day, all day. Compared with Paros its always +5 knots minimum while with mykonos Naxos has less 5-7 knots. When you ride with us, you aren’t just relying on the weather map; you are benefiting from one of nature’s best-designed wind tunnels, ensuring that your kite lessons or rental sessions are rarely cut short by a lack of breeze.”
Besides the sandy long beach and crystal clear water, the direction of the wind and the form of the bay are the answers you seek. Simply, this bay works perfectly and safely with the dominant North winds of the season. The Venturi effect and the thermal winds give this place 5-10 knots more wind compared to other beaches in Naxos and the surrounding islands. Most people staying in the town notice the difference when they arrive to Mikri Vigla. Usually the thermal wind occurs when its too hot in the town of Naxos – which is located upwind of Mikri Vigla- and there is a slight north breeze. This will result in quite substantial amount of hot wind to try to go upwards giving downwind of the town the space for the cold air. This circulation results to substantial difference of wind from town to the spot (+15 knots).
The direction of the dominant winds is side-onshore which makes it absolutely safe for kitesurfing supervision and affects your kite progression positively no matter what your kiteboarding level is. The bay itself is creating an aditional effect: ”The bay effect” which assures you will not get on shore wind even if you are located in the down part of the spot. Staying in this safe bay of Mikri Vigla means that you will hardly ever need a rescue – you will be pushed to the beach in minutes by the wind. Mikri Vigla is the safest kite spot for kiteboarding activities in Naxos however don’t expect to ride your kite alone unless you go early in the morning or late in the evening.
Timing is everything when it comes to a perfect kite holiday. In Naxos, the Meltemi wind season officially starts in May and lasts until October, but each month offers a slightly different experience:
- June to August (The Peak): This is when the wind is at its most consistent. During these months, you can expect the Meltemi to blow almost daily. A typical day at Naxos Kitelife starts with a gentle breeze in the morning—perfect for beginner lessons—and ramps up by 1:00 PM, staying strong until sunset.
- May & September (The Sweet Spot): For those who prefer a quieter beach and slightly cooler temperatures, these are the best months. The wind is still very reliable, and you’ll have plenty of space on the water to practice your new tricks.
- October (The Late Season): A hidden gem for kiters. While the wind is less predictable than in July, the water is at its warmest, and the atmosphere in Mikri Vigla is incredibly relaxed.
No matter which month you choose, the Mediterranean sun and the turquoise waters of Naxos provide the perfect backdrop for your progression. At our school, we monitor the daily forecasts closely to ensure our students hit the water during the optimal wind window for their skill level.
For most of the summer season, a shorty or a 3/2mm wetsuit is perfect. Regarding kite sizes, for an average-weight rider, a 9m and a 12m kite will cover 90% of the days. Don’t worry if you don’t have your own gear—our center is equipped with the latest top-tier equipment available for rental, ensuring you have the right setup for the day’s specific wind speed.
Whether you are looking to take your very first lesson or you want to master advanced jumps, our team of certified instructors is here to guide you. Experience the power of the Meltemi and the beauty of the Aegean sea with the experts at Mikri Vigla’s premier kite center.
Mikri Vigla: The magic kitesurfing spot of Naxos
The turquoise blue Mikri Vigla is by far the safest and most attractive kite spot of Naxos island. Known for its long sandy beach, the clear clean water and the good winds. It is included in the most wanted beaches to visit in Naxos even if you are not interested in any watersport. Being a rider will make you feel like home, meeting fellow kitesurfers of all levels and sharing your emotions. The lifestyle of a kiter is spread in the air. Mikri Vigla kitespot is for all kiteboarding levels, from the first steps of a student up to the most hardcore freestyler!
Reaching Mikri Vigla Kite Beach:
There are two roads for reaching the kitebeach of Mikri Vigla from Chora (Naxos Town):
- The recently constructed asphalt road going towards Orkos bay, later turning into a roughly 1 km dirt road (11 km).
- The asphalt road through Galanado, Glinado and Vivlos, passing close to Kastraki (17 km). You can find more accurate directions here.
In addition, there are buses coming from Chora during the main season.
The nearest beaches are Orkos and Plaka to the north, and Kastraki and Aliko to the south.
Check the Kitebeach of Mikri Vigla on the video:
Weather: Seeking the optimal wind
Kiteboarding is fully depending on Weather conditions. Especially for students and their kite supervision, the smoother the weather condition, the better. Even with the today’s technology the forecasts cannot be fully trusted. Most commonly used sites for weather forecast are Windguru and Meteo, but keep in mind, that even if the forecast looks unpromising the magic of Mikri Vigla might make it work! Most important is the wind direction. North and Northwest work the best for kitesurfing in Mikri Vigla kitebeach. So stay tuned and check weather conditions frequently!
You can check the weather condition by visiting the state’s local weather station and live camera below:
