Paraporti (Andros)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Small waves
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Andros (Chora) is primarily a surfing-focused destination centered on Paraporti Beach, which offers a sandy beach break with both right and left directions. The spot is shaped by northern Aegean swells, with North being the most productive swell direction, and it can hold decent wave length on good days. In summer, conditions are strongly influenced by the Meltemi (Etesians), producing dependable northern winds that can also make the water more challenging when gusts or onshore flow increase. Typical wind strength is reported in the 15–25 knots range, with the wind most consistently present June through September; the thermal/diurnal pattern is commonly observed from late morning through evening. For water safety, the biggest concern is current strength: Paraporti is described as very open to North wind and can feature very strong rip currents. There are also submerged rocks near the ends of the bay close to the cliffs. On very large swells, the waves can become messy with heavy closeouts and stronger rips, so it’s important to stay aware of entry/exit routes and how the break changes with swell size. From a practical standpoint, access is described as extremely easy from the town of Chora, including walk-in access and parking within the town. Amenities in Chora include showers, toilets, dining, and a bar, while rescue support is limited and lifeguards are only seasonal—so planning around forecasts and on-the-day conditions is essential.
- Reliable Meltemi-driven northern conditions in summer
- Both lefts and rights from a sandy beach break
- Easy access from Chora town
- Good wave quality when swell is right
- Reliable summer northern swell pattern for surfing
- Beach break with both left and right waves
- Easy access from Chora town with parking nearby
- Clean, clear water is commonly reported
- Strong rip currents can occur, especially when large northern swells are running
- Paraporti is very open to North wind and can get choppy from onshore flow
- Submerged rocks at the southern and northern ends of the bay near the cliffs
- Rescue availability is limited and lifeguards are only seasonal
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Summer Meltemi/pressure-gradient driven northern flow (often reinforced through the day).
- Reliability
- High during summer months due to consistent Meltemi conditions.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- June, July, August, September
- Shadow Zones
- Partial protection at the very northern end of Paraporti beach from the Chora peninsula.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium
- Launch
- Big — Wide sandy beach at Paraporti, suitable for surfers to enter the water easily.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy
Through the year
Highest in July and August; significantly quieter in the off-season.
Rain is most common from November to February
By sport
What to expect for each.
Windsurfing is possible at the nearby Nimborio beach, though it is less common than surfing at Paraporti due to the onshore nature of the wind.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–6 m²
Suitable for wingfoiling when waves are small; shore break can be challenging.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–5 m²
A beach break that works on northern swells, offering both right and left directions.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- N, NE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- North winds can create the swell but may also make waves choppy; best when the wind dies down or turns slightly cross-shore.
- Bigger Swell
- Can become messy with heavy closeouts and strong rips on very large swells.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Decent rides on both sides of the bay on a good swell day.
- Ride Length Details
- Provides decent rides on both sides of the bay on a good swell day.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Paraporti (Andros) in the full forecast view.
Paraporti (Andros) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–21 ktsGusts 45 kts
- Direction
- N5°
- Strongest day
- Thu, Oct 2921 kts
- Windy days
- 3/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.2–2.8 m4s period
- Temperature
- 15–21 °C
Over the next 7 days, Paraporti (Andros) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–21 kts, peaking around 21 kts on Thursday, October 29 with gusts to 45 kts. The prevailing direction is N. Waves run 0.2–2.8 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
- Rip currents
- Submerged rocks near the ends of the bay
- Strong onshore winds
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated regional beach rescue service; emergency assistance is provided by the Hellenic Coast Guard based in Chora.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest health center is located in Chora town.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild
Rules of the spot
Standard water safety rules apply; be mindful of swimmers in the designated areas during summer months.
- Designated swimming areas must be avoided during peak summer season
- Check the forecast for North-Northeast swells as the most productive for this beach.
- Paraporti is the main surfing beach; it’s also very open to North wind—expect challenging currents.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Andros
- Nearest Town
- Andros (Chora)
- Parking
- Public parking areas are available within Chora town, within walking distance to the beach
- Public Transport
- KTEL Andros bus service connects Gavrio port to Chora and surrounding villages
- Access
- Extremely easy access as it is located right at the edge of the island's capital town. Accessible by foot from the center of Chora.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Greek
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Numerous hotels, guesthouses, and apartments are available in Chora.
- Food & Drink
- Various tavernas, cafes, and bars are located in Chora town and along the waterfront.
- Equipment Rental:
- Limited availability in Chora; specialized surf rental is more common on the west side of the island. Rentals for windsurfing and stand-up paddleboarding are available through local clubs in the Nimborio area (within the town region).
- Gear Storage
- Not available at the spot; limited seasonal storage may be offered by regional water sports centers.
- Gear Repair
- Not available at the spot; basic repairs may be arranged via local schools; major repairs may require Athens-based services.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Chora is the cultural and logistical hub for Andros, with prominent maritime and contemporary art attractions and easy access to coastal bays.
Iconic lighthouse built on a rock in the sea, originally constructed in 1897.
World-class museum hosting significant international art exhibitions.
Displays the rich maritime history of the island's ship-owning families.
Extensive network of certified ancient stone-paved hiking trails.
Popular traditional seafood taverna located by the waterfront.
Marble-paved walkway filled with shops, cafes, and ice cream parlors.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Paraporti (Andros)?
The best overall months at Paraporti (Andros) are June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Paraporti (Andros)?
Paraporti (Andros) works with N, NE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Paraporti (Andros)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Paraporti (Andros): Windsurfing: 4.5–6 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–5 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Paraporti (Andros) suitable for?
Paraporti (Andros) suits these riding levels: Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.