Bouka / Peloponnese / Greece

Just 1.5 kms away from the popular resort town of Planos lies Bouka Beach. It is located within the Peloponnese region of Greece and is much quieter than Planos. It is a large beach that covers the entire gulf of Kalamata but due to some potential hazards is only suitable for intermediate and experienced surfers, windsurfers and kitesurfers. The season is pretty much all year round.

The beach is really large but there are hazards here. There is an electricity cable downwind all the way which stops at the Oasis Beach Bar which is the last bar on the Messini beach. The beach is sandy and space is good although there are some plants and cactus to look out for downwind. There is also a harbor mole to be aware of. By far the best spot to surf is after the Oasis Beach bar. You can get here by driving to Messini and then south to Bouka. Find the Oasis Beach bar and after that you will space to park in the marina.

Summer sees the thermal winds which are mainly onshore coming from either south southeast, south or south southwest, which are all directions that work well here. They start in the early afternoon and die out around sunset. They can be around 13-19 knots and you need to have a big sail with you. The winter months see frontal winds and these are also pretty consistent, allowing you to surf most of the year. The water is clear and very deep with choppy waves. There are very few swimmers in the water but you need to watch out for the harbor mole.

There is parking nearby. In addition there are toilet and shower facilities on the beach and plenty of beachside bars which serve a good variety of local and international dishes. You can find accommodation and a good suppply of shops in Messini but if you are after some really good nightlife then head into Kalamata.

Keep your wits about you and watch out for the power cable and the harbor mole.