St Raphael (Parekklisia)
- Freeride, Wave
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat, Shallow, Chop, Small waves
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
St Raphael (Parekklisia) is a shallow, sandy kitesurfing spot near Limassol Marina, generally known for clean water and small waves with chop. The area supports freeride and learning in calmer conditions, but riders should account for shallow near-shore depth, scattered stones, and the marina area (including a breakwater) which can create hazards and localized complications during launch and exit. Wind is centered on SW to WSW directions, commonly associated with a regular thermal pattern. Spring and fall are highlighted for the best months (March, April, May, September, October, and November), while summer is characterized by more consistent afternoon sea-breeze winds. In summer, wind development is typically an afternoon window (often ~14:00 to 18:30), and conditions can be strong enough for progression into foiling, especially for wingfoiling and windsurfing when the thermal builds. Seasonal safety and access management are important. Summer can be very packed with tourists/swimmers and kiting restrictions may apply during that period; additionally, there are designated swimmer zones marked by buoy lines that kiters must stay outside. Launch space can also be limited by sunbeds during peak months. Parking and access are straightforward via the Amathus exit to the St Raphael Marina area, and the beach area includes practical amenities such as showers and toilets, plus food options nearby. Overall, the spot is considered popular and well-served by local water-sports services, which helps with rentals and basic support. For riders, the main priorities are respecting swimmer exclusion zones, choosing safe launch positions away from stones and marina structures, and being prepared for afternoon wind that can fade after sunset.
- SW/WSW/W wind profile aligned with regular thermal patterns
- Spring and fall are strong for kitesurfing months
- Showers/toilets and food nearby
- Summer crowding and summer kiting restrictions to watch for
- Regular west/southwest wind suitable for freeride and progression.
- Clean sandy water/launch area with showers, toilets, and food options nearby.
- Consistent afternoon wind pattern in summer supports foil and freeride activities.
- Summer crowds can be extreme and kiting may be prohibited.
- Shallow near-shore water—plan exits and avoid swimmers zones and stones.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SW, WSW, W
- Wind Range
- 16–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Regular west/southwest thermal winds; also reported steady afternoon sea-breeze conditions in summer.
- Reliability
- high during summer months with regular afternoon thermals
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Gustiness varies by season; described as moderate gusts/steady wind depending on the month.
- Best Months
- March, April, May, September, October, November
- Shadow Zones
- Immediately downwind of the St Raphael Marina breakwater
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Shallow, Chop, Small waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Small wave environment with some chop reported.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Chop present; described as small wave and chop conditions.
- Launch
- Big — Big beach at St. Raphael Marina; easy self-launch reported. Sandy launch area to the west of the marina.
Through the year
Very packed in July and August due to tourists and swimmers; quieter in spring and autumn.
December to February
By sport
What to expect for each.
Shallow, flat-to-choppy water with small waves. Best for freeride and progression in small conditions; conditions also support wave riding in small surf. Summer thermal winds can be strong, but the season may include crowding and kiting restrictions.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Used for freeride and foil when thermal wind builds in the afternoon.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Popular for wingfoiling with relatively easy launch and consistent summer winds.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly conditions reported.
- Min Depth
- 2 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for St Raphael (Parekklisia) in the full forecast view.
St Raphael (Parekklisia) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 1–12 ktsGusts 27 kts
- Direction
- SW232°
- Strongest day
- Fri, Oct 3012 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.1–1.1 m3s period
- Temperature
- 17–28 °C
Over the next 7 days, St Raphael (Parekklisia) is forecast for daytime winds of 1–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Friday, October 30 with gusts to 27 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.1–1.1 m with a period of about 3s. 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
- Swimmers
- Stones
- Marina breakwater to the east
- Sunbeds (can limit launch space)
- Underwater stones near the marina wall
- Beach furniture during summer
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguards reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major hospital is in Limassol city center (reported ~15 minutes away). Emergency number: 112.
Rules of the spot
In summer, respect designated swimmer zones and designated launch areas.
- Kiting prohibited in summer (tourist season).
- Launching restricted to designated areas during summer months (May to October).
- Easy access via the Amathus exit and St Raphael Marina area.
- Park closer to the marina when you can for easier access to the main launch.
- Avoid the swimmer zones marked by buoy lines during the summer season.
- Expect the wind to decrease after sunset.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Limassol
- Nearest Town
- Parekklisia
- Parking
- Parking available; during off-season, park directly on the beach (public parking also reported near the marina area).
- Public Transport
- Well served by Limassol public bus system (EMEL), including Route 30 connecting the tourist area and city center.
- Access
- Drive eastwards from Limassol. Exit to Amathus and get to the St. Raphael Marina; the big beach is located there. During off-season, you can park on the beach.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Greek
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — St Raphael Resort and additional hotels/apartments along Amathus Avenue nearby.
- Food & Drink
- Food available on the spot; multiple beach bars/restaurants nearby at the marina and resort area.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental available at an on-site water sports center.
- Gear Storage
- Storage available seasonally at the water sports center.
- Gear Repair
- Basic repairs often handled by local schools; basic repairs reported as possible.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Modern waterfront development with dining, shopping, and luxury yacht berths.
The largest waterpark in Cyprus, located on the outskirts of Limassol.
One of Cyprus’s most significant ancient city-kingdoms, featuring coastal ruins and an acropolis.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at St Raphael (Parekklisia)?
The best overall months at St Raphael (Parekklisia) are March, April, May, September, October, November, June, July, August. The best wind months are March, April, May, September, October, November.
Which wind directions work at St Raphael (Parekklisia)?
St Raphael (Parekklisia) works with SW, WSW, W winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at St Raphael (Parekklisia)?
Recommended equipment sizes at St Raphael (Parekklisia): Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 16–25 kts.
What skill level is St Raphael (Parekklisia) suitable for?
St Raphael (Parekklisia) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Beginner.