Turkey is a justifiably popular destination with holidaymakers looking for sun and sea. The weather is warm most of the year, the beaches are stunning and there’s plenty of history, culture and great food. Not surprising – given that this is the place where three continents meet. But what about Turkey windsurfing holidays?
If you’d like to experience Turkey from the water, you’ve got plenty of options. The country has long coasts on the Mediterranean Sea to the south, the Aegean to the west, and the Black Sea to the north. The Black Sea is best left to bathers: windsurfers should head to the Aegean, and to the Mediterranean around Bodrum.
The Aegean offers Turkey’s best windsurfing. The winds blow strong and consistent throughout the summer months. In winter, the wind reverses direction, and slows down, creating waves.
The colourful little town of Alcati is the undisputed king of Turkish Aegean windsurfing. This protected bay is full of sails most of the year, drawing visitors from across Europe and beyond. The waist-deep water close to the beach is great for beginners, while experts and intermediates can challenge themselves outside the bay. A little way along the coast, Foca is another favourite. It is a little more open to the elements than Alcati, but still has a nice protected area, as well as wilder conditions out to sea.
There are several good windsurfing spots on the Bodrum peninsula. Fener Beach is a great place for experienced windsurfers to test their skills. It has strong winds, and a some good swell just a couple of hundred metres out. Kadikalesi is better for beginners, with nice gentle winds in the morning that pick up as the day progresses.
You’ll be spoilt for choice on a Turkey windsurfing trip. Why not find out for yourself what you’re missing?
