Seasonal· Paros· Greece — Cyclades
Meltemi Season (Paros & Antiparos)
37° 4.2′ N · 25° 18.0′ E · approximate
From June to September the northerly meltemi dominates life afloat around Paros. It funnels hard down the Paros-Naxos channel, which is why Golden Beach and New Golden Beach are windsurf and kite centres, while the high north-shore cliffs throw calm patches to leeward.
Practical
Sailingissues: the meltemi blows mainly June-September, strongest in July-August, and can occur in May and October. It typically builds to Force 4-5 and dies at sunset, but can reach Force 5-7 (17-33 kn) and persist through the night for up to ten days. The Paros-Naxos channel is a named funnelling zone. Winds usually start in the early afternoon, so make windward legs at dawn. Around Paros the prevailing season winds run NW through NE (Sailingissues charter guide). Meltemi-safe stops include Krios in Parikia Bay, Monastiri and the coves of Naoussa Bay, Aliki, Faragas east cove, Drios in NW winds, and Livadi bay on Despotiko. Naoussa marina and the Antiparos quay get swell in strong northerlies. Position approximate: the Paros-Naxos channel acceleration zone.
Best for
Planning legs and choosing anchorages in July-August
Season
Jun-Sep, peak Jul-Aug
Nearby
- Marmara Bay (Molos, Paros)1.7 NM away
- Agios Prokopios Anchorage (Naxos)2.1 NM away
- Agios Prokopios Beach (Naxos)2.3 NM away
- Ambelas Harbour (Paros)2.5 NM away
- Blue Fin Divers (Agios Prokopios)2.5 NM away
- Blue Oyster (Ambelas)2.5 NM away
- Agia Anna Beach (Naxos)2.6 NM away
- Christiana Fish Taverna (Ambelas)2.6 NM away