Seasonal· Naxos· Greece — Cyclades
Naxos South-Coast Lee in Meltemi
36° 56.4′ N · 25° 27.0′ E · approximate
When the summer meltemi blows from the north, Naxos's 1,000 m mountain wall turns the south and south-west coasts into a lee. The water is flat at Alyko, Pyrgaki, Agiassos and Kalantos, but fierce fall-winds can come down the valleys.
Practical
Sailingissues: the meltemi blows mainly June-September (about 70% of occurrences), and is also frequent in May and October. It is strongest and most persistent in July-August, typically Force 4-5 and up to Force 5-7. It usually builds from early afternoon and eases at sunset, but it can last overnight for up to ten days. It funnels and accelerates between islands, notably in the Paros-Naxos strait. Fall-winds are strong on the lee sides of high islands, and an orographic cloud on the mountain is a warning sign. On Naxos: Kalantos is the best south-coast shelter but gets sudden gusts from the north off the mountains. Panermos gets severe NE gusts down the valley. The Alyko-Agiassos bays under Cape Kouroupas have solid sand holding. Anchor with plenty of scope, use a trip line near rocks, and expect williwaws. The position is approximate, a representative point off the south coast between Agiassos and Kalantos.
Best for
Planning where to hide when the meltemi is forecast
Season
Jun-Sep peak; May and Oct frequent
Nearby
- Kalados Taverna & Studios (Kalantos Bay)0.9 NM away
- Kalantos Bay & Harbour (Naxos)1.1 NM away
- Panermos–Rina–Kalantos Coast Trail (Trail 15)1.2 NM away
- Eleonora's Falcon Cliffs (Naxos)1.9 NM away
- Rina Cave (Naxos south coast)2 NM away
- Rina Cave Swim & Snorkel (Naxos south coast)2 NM away
- Agiassos Bay (Naxos)2.1 NM away
- Monk Seal Etiquette (Naxos coasts)2.4 NM away