Chicken Bay (Karpathos)

Chicken Bay (Karpathos) is a windsurfing-focused spot built around very flat, shallow conditions inside a protected sandy bay. The shallow water extends roughly 80 to 100 meters from shore (around 1 meter deep), which makes it especially suitable for beginners who want lots of safe water to practice. Currents are described as minimal within the bay, and the overall water quality is reported as excellent/high clarity. Wind is dominated in summer by persistent north to northwest Meltemi (Etesians) trade winds, often strong and capable of reaching roughly 20–35 knots. The wind pattern is reinforced by local topography, helping the season feel consistently windy from June through September, with the highest intensity typically later in the day (late morning into afternoon). Wind reliability is described as high during summer. For equipment and progression, the launch setup is described as easy thanks to the wide sandy beach and ample room for rigging and launching. However, the shallow zone means riders using longer fins/foils may need to walk out beyond the very shallow area. Flat-water wingfoiling is possible, but foil-friendliness is limited and minimum depth is reached only after walking out roughly 100 meters. Safety and access are important at this location: kitesurfing is strictly prohibited in the Afiartis area including Chicken Bay due to proximity to the airport and the need to keep the area safe for windsurfers. Hazards noted include strong gusts and the offshore wind direction, so preparation for very strong wind is emphasized even when the surface looks calm. Rescue availability is described at the spot level, while the broader area indicates rescue/patrol presence is seasonal rather than permanent.