Ftelia Bay (Mykonos)
- Wave, Shortboard
- Best for
- Advanced to Expert
- Skill Level
- Chop, Small waves, Flat
- Spot Type
- Busy
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Ftelia Bay on the northern side of Mykonos is a well-known, wind-driven spot built around strong North/NNE Meltemi conditions in summer. Providers consistently describe crystal-clear water, a medium sandy beach, and exposed, energetic conditions that favor committed wave riding rather than casual entry. For wind sports, the bay is characterized by powerful summer wind (often in the 15–30 knots range, with reports of higher peaks under strong Meltemi). The wind direction is primarily from the North, and its onshore nature can make this a demanding environment—especially for kitesurfers who can struggle if they can’t stay upwind. Multiple sources also point to hills/cliffs around the bay influencing wind exposure and making different parts of the launch area feel more or less sheltered. Surfing at Ftelia is described as beach-break and exposed, with peeling waves and the possibility of rideable North swells. Conditions can range from excellent to average depending on wind and swell, and multiple reports warn that the shore break can be risky and that on very large swells the surf can become messy and close out. Safety is a central theme: rocks at both ends of the bay (and submerged rocks near the headlands), strong onshore wind, shore-break danger, and current/skin drift are all referenced. Lifeguard coverage is reported as seasonal by one provider and none by the other, and rescue is described as limited; riders should plan for self-rescue readiness and use protective gear such as helmet and impact protection.
- Strong and consistent North/NNE Meltemi wind through June–September
- Crystal-clear water and sandy beach
- Advanced, wave-focused riding across kitesurfing, windsurfing, wing-foiling, and surfing
- Showers and toilets available
- Consistent summer North/NNE Meltemi wind for wave-oriented riding.
- Crystal-clear water with generally excellent clarity.
- Strong sport focus with amenities and support nearby (showers/toilets; equipment/rentals via local centers).
- Not suitable for beginners (no protected beginner zone; rough, exposed conditions).
- Dangerous/exposed shore break and rocks near bay extremities/headlands.
- Onshore wind character can make kitesurfing recovery difficult if you fall downwind.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NNE, NNW
- Wind Range
- 15–30 kts
- Wind Type
- Mixed — North/North-Northeast winds driven by Meltemi with some thermal/gradient component reported by providers.
- Reliability
- very reliable (summer Meltemi expected to be high during summer months)
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Reported as steady by providers.
- Best Months
- June, July, August, September
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–10 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Small waves, Flat
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Sources differ: some report up to ~2m in strong conditions (wave riders), while another categorizes wave size as medium/small-waves.
- Chop Level
- Heavy chop — Rough chop reported by wind/wing/surf sources.
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach with wide space in the center; narrows toward rocky headlands.
Through the year
Peak in July and August
November to March (winter months may require wetsuit)
By sport
What to expect for each.
Challenging wave-riding with powerful North/NNE Meltemi. Dead-onshore character can make it difficult if you cannot stay upwind perfectly.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–10 m²
Iconic Mykonos windsurf destination with strong North Meltemi for waves and jumping when winds are sufficient.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.2–5.3 m²
Deep-water, consistent wind suitable for experienced foilers; shore break can be tricky for beginners. Foil-friendly conditions reported.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 2 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 3.5–5 m²
Premier North-swelling beach-break surfing on Mykonos for riders seeking wave riding in strong Meltemi. Conditions can be rough and exposed.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- N, NNW
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed northern orientation with onshore conditions.
- Wind Effect
- Onshore wind influence: one provider notes strong onshore Meltemi can make it less clean for surfing, while another describes onshore conditions generally.
- Bigger Swell
- Can hold size up to around 2m in strong conditions; can become messy and close out on very large swells.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — Wave quality reported as excellent by one provider; average by the other.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Meltemi-driven conditions reported as powerful by one provider; moderate by the other.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Short — Quick, punchy rides typical of Mediterranean beach breaks were reported; other data did not specify length.
- Ride Length Details
- Quick/punchy; ride length reported as short by one provider.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Ftelia Bay (Mykonos) in the full forecast view.
Ftelia Bay (Mykonos) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–24 ktsGusts 36 kts
- Direction
- N3°
- Strongest day
- Thu, Oct 2924 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.1–3.0 m4s period
- Temperature
- 17–21 °C
Over the next 7 days, Ftelia Bay (Mykonos) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–24 kts, peaking around 24 kts on Thursday, October 29 with gusts to 36 kts. The prevailing direction is N. Waves run 0.1–3.0 m with a period of about 4s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Rocks
- Dangerous shore-break
- Strong onshore wind
- Current present in the bay
- Submerged rocks near the headlands/at bay extremities
- Summer crowds
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards reported as seasonal by one provider; none year-round reported by the other.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability described as limited by providers/region.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical center/hospital is in Mykonos Town (Chora/Ano Mera area referenced by providers); general emergency: 112.
Rules of the spot
Reserved for advanced wave riders (for surfing/wave riding). Respect designated swimming areas during summer.
- No protected zone for beginners.
- Kitesurfing may be restricted during peak beach usage.
- Not for beginners due to rough conditions and lack of a protected zone.
- Use an impact vest.
- Watch out for rocks on the right side when heading out (as described).
- If kitesurfing: the wind can be dead-onshore, making it difficult to get out if you can't stay upwind perfectly.
- Be cautious of rocks in bay areas.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Mykonos (Chora)
- Nearest Town
- Ano Mera
- Parking
- Unpaved parking areas directly behind the beach near surf clubs are mentioned by one provider; parking details are unspecified by the other.
- Access
- From Mykonos, drive toward Ano Mera. After ~4 km from Mykonos, turn left to Ftelia Bay. One provider also notes paved road access down to the beach.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Greek
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Villas and hotels located on hills overlooking the bay; nearby accommodation is described generally.
- Food & Drink
- Limited food/drink noted by one provider; multiple providers describe high-end beach bars and traditional tavernas directly on the beach.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available (windsurf and wingfoil rentals mentioned; regional context also notes rentals through nearby centers).
- Gear Storage
- Gear storage available at the surf club for daily/weekly fee (as described by one provider).
- Gear Repair
- Basic repairs for windsurf sails may be available at a local club; gear repair details are limited by one provider but repair availability is described in regional context.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Iconic 16th-century windmills overlooking the sea near Little Venice.
Archaeological remains of a prehistoric community dating back to the 5th millennium BC.
UNESCO World Heritage site and mythological birthplace of Apollo, accessible by boat.
Exploration of reefs and wrecks in the crystal clear Aegean waters.
Upscale dining and lounging with views of the northern coast.
Bohemian-style beach bar and restaurant on the northern coast.
A quiet, traditional inland village with a central square and a historic monastery.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Ftelia Bay (Mykonos)?
The best overall months at Ftelia Bay (Mykonos) are June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Ftelia Bay (Mykonos)?
Ftelia Bay (Mykonos) works with N, NNE, NNW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Ftelia Bay (Mykonos)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Ftelia Bay (Mykonos): Kitesurfing: 7–10 m² · Windsurfing: 4.2–5.3 m² · Wingfoiling: 3.5–5 m². The typical wind range is 15–30 kts.
What skill level is Ftelia Bay (Mykonos) suitable for?
Ftelia Bay (Mykonos) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Windsurfing: Intermediate to Advanced · Wingfoiling: Intermediate to Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate to Advanced.