Skamnioudi / Lesvos / Greece

Situated on the western side of the Kallonis reservoir on the island of Lesvos lies the spot at Skamnioudi. It is a small fishing village that still retains its quaintness. This spot is popular with kite surfers and wind surfers of all levels and abilities and is good most of the year round. During the summer, the thermals kick in so the best months are probably July and August.

The beach is small to medium in size and is made up of soft sand and pebbles. It is backed by trees, so kite surfers may need to take heed. To get here you will need to follow the reservoir round in an easterly direction from Skala Kallonis until you see the signs for Skamnioudi. Here there is limited parking, but if you are lucky you can park close to the beach.

The wind is mainly northerly and southerly and variations thereof and all these directions tend to work well here. During the summer the thermals give you some excellent surfing conditions however during the winter the wind becomes less frequent and much more gusty. The water quality is clean and conditions are flat to choppy with small waves when the wind is in the right direction and is strong enough. The water temperature remains somewhere between 14-26 degrees depending upon the time of the year, so you might want to suit up in the winter.

The beach itself has limited parking whilst the village has a handful of tavernas if you feel hungry. There is also accommodation in the town but if you want to experience some good nightlife, then take a drive back to Mytilini.

This is a fairly safe spot, just be on the lookout for fishing boats and nets. Also keep a close eye on swimmers and bathers in and around the water during the busy summer season.