Kalamaki is Crete's most accessible surf spot—a south-facing beach near Heraklion that catches rare winter swells when Mediterranean storms generate southerly fetch. The waves are inconsistent and often windswept, but when clean conditions align, local surfers celebrate the opportunity to ride Greek waves. The setting combines ancient Minoan civilization history with modern tourism infrastructure. This is Greek island surfing: chase Poseidon forecast obsessively, score occasionally, and appreciate the mythology of it all.
Water temp
16°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
6/10
Access: Beach access near Heraklion airport.
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Secondary: Oct, Mar
Winter Mediterranean storms. Spring secondary.
Verified by Wannasurf, Greek surf community
How well swell angle matches the spot
Wave height in the ideal range
Each spot has different period requirements. Points and reefs can handle longer periods than beaches.
Offshore/glassy conditions