By Justin Mays:
Turkey’s stunning coastline offers more than sunbathing and swimming. Kite surfers around the world are heading to Turkish beach destinations to take advantage of the top-notch kite surfing clubs, winds, and pristine nature. You can find excellent kite surfing spots from the Black Sea to the Aegean Sea all the way to the Mediterranean.
Kite Surfing Schools in Turkey
Turkey has many kite surfing schools for beginners and intermediates. Taking lessons or connecting with pro academies is easy and affordable and some areas even have surf hotels full of like-minded people. Gokceada Island in the Aegean Sea is one of the popular places where locals and foreigners alike attend lessons for kite surfing. You can choose to have private lessons or in groups of two. The prices vary with the number of hours you are trained and the school you enroll in.
Learning to Kite Surf in Turkey
Many offer excellent equipment for rent but if you have your own you can go to some of the less developed areas. For newbies, you will start with land training by learning how to control the kite and then move to the sea to experience the fun sport. Thrill-seekers, sports lovers, and those who want to try something new while checking out some of the best Turkish holiday destinations should consider some of the following destinations to hit the waves and catch some summer winds.
Where to Kite Surf in Turkey
Kite Surfing in the Black Sea
Istanbul’s Kilyos is the closest kite surfing beach to the popular city. Located in the north on the European side, it is not for beginners but has opportunities for more experienced surfers. There are a couple of academies located near Suma beach.
Kite Surfing in the Aegean Sea
Gokceada
The island of Gokceada can be reached by ferry from Canakkale and is one of the top spots to kite surf. The best winds are from March to November and there are many academies on the island. One of the best spots is sandy Aydincik Beach which is accessible to all-level kite surfers.
Alacati
Alacati, near Cesme, started out as one of the best places to windsurf so it was a natural evolution to start welcoming kite surfers. Alacati is one of the most famous summer villages of the Aegean and it is possible to kite for 12 months a year with its 330 days of wind. Winds usually start out light and get heavier as the day goes on appealing to advanced surfers.
Urla
Urla is located 30 minutes from Izmir and has become a well-known spot for gourmands who visit for its wine and restaurants. It also has a long coastline and kite surfing academies can be found north of the city center in Gulbahce. Those who want more of a calm vibe than Alacati flock to Urla which is only 30 minutes away.
The Mediterranean, Akyaka
Akyaka has boomed in popularity in the past two years. It has always been popular with kite surfers who head from the city center to the windswept cove where Ford Kite Surfing School is located. The Gulf of Gokova is filled with colorful kites from morning to sunset. Rider’s Inn is where the kiters head to at night to listen to live music and socialize.
It is a toss-up between Akyaka and Alacati for the most popular kite surfing spot in Turkey. True fans of the sport often make a tour of the different areas and once they find their ideal coastal atmosphere and wind and water conditions become loyal to their favorite spot. Bringing a bit of extra excitement to your beach holiday, kite surfing is an exhilarating sport that is gaining in popularity every year.
