G'day all,<br><br>Flying to Greece in mid-September for a week and bringing the gear. Narrowed it down to Naxos (Mikri Vigla) or Paros (Pounda / Santa Maria) - will have a hire car, so island hopping for the windiest afternoon is on the table too.<br><br>Anyone been that time of year? Main questions:<br>1. Is the Meltemi still reliable in the second half of September, or does it get patchy?<br>2. Mikri Vigla vs Pounda for an intermediate who likes flat water with the odd chop section?<br>3. Any spots worth driving to on those two that are quieter but still work in a northerly?<br><br>Rigging a 5.2 and a 68L freewave, 85kg. Would rather sail in the arvo and drive in the morning, so spots within an hour of each other are ideal.<br><br>Cheers

We have been on Naxos this august.
Paros and Naxos are quite different destinations. Naxos is
- much larger
- mountainous interior, some forests
- much more to see and do except for windsurfing - which is a massive bonus when wind is less than expected.
- much less overloaded with tourists (both locals and TUI hostesses say thgis) -> hence Naxos is more authentic

There is a strait of only 10 km wide separating both islands, you can see the houses opposite island from the beach.
The wind gets accelerated between both Islands. New golden beach (Paros) is cross-offshore. Mikri Vigla (Naxos) is sideshore, the southern (left hand) of the bay is 45 degrees onshore.

The whole western coast of Naxos is good for windsurfing and has brilliant beaches.
Naxos is less overladen with tourists. At least, that is what the locals said to me.

Plaka beach is much nicer than the busier beaches nearer to Chora (main town). It has 4 km of uninterrupted fine sand.

Agiassos beach is beautiful as well. End of the world feeling.
maps.app.goo.gl/aUpZvfZRyLHZWXxc8

First picture is Koufonisia. Hard to believe it's real. You go there on a boat trip with snorkeling, boat leaves from Agia Anna harbour.
Second picture is sunset at Plaka beach. The island opposite is Paros. We liked Plaka best.
The third picture is from the massive wildfires that happened this August. At night you could see the flames up to 15 meters high.

Be aware: the wildfires did massive damage at Paros. It will take decades to regrow.

I spent 4 days on Naxos in late June '25. One day of sailing in the lagoon near the airport. There was enough wind to sail every day but I had family with me. I had a great time on Naxos. Plenty to do. Great food. Beautiful coast and sunsets.

The wind was good. It was pretty bumpy in the lagoon when I was there. More bump and jump than flat water. The hire places don;t have slalom gear... more freeride/wave gear.

I would love to go back there for a couple weeks for more windsurfing!