EnglishKitesurf travel diary - Kiki on Kos
Last month in the Cape Verde and now already on Kos in Greece. Kiki is really getting around the KiteWorldWide world, reporting straight from the kite spots on site.
Summary
Departure and arrival on Kos
Last week Kiki flew to Kos for a few days. She earned her windsurf instructor license here in 1991. So it was even more exciting to visit the island again after so long.
It started with a direct TUIfly flight from Hanover. Touchdown on Kos after just under three hours and you’re instantly in “vacation mode.” You notice it first with the airport staff. Six planes were assigned to two baggage belts at the same time. But with Greek calm and the “no-stress mentality” learned in Cape Verde, it’s no problem.
Peter, the owner of the KiteWorldWide house, meets Kiki at the airport and the first wave of warmth hits her right away. All this at eleven at night. On the 15-minute drive to the accommodation, Peter slips into guide mode and gets the stay off to a relaxed start. Before heading to the KiteWorldWide house, he takes a short drive through Mastichari. They pass the office, restaurants, the supermarket, Nikos for breakfast, the kite station, and he explains everything along the way. By the time you arrive, you already feel half local in this quiet little town.
After arrival, the whole kite team heads straight to the bar. There, the first Greek “Mythos” beers are enjoyed until 2 a.m. What a welcome!
It started with a direct TUIfly flight from Hanover. Touchdown on Kos after just under three hours and you’re instantly in “vacation mode.” You notice it first with the airport staff. Six planes were assigned to two baggage belts at the same time. But with Greek calm and the “no-stress mentality” learned in Cape Verde, it’s no problem.
Peter, the owner of the KiteWorldWide house, meets Kiki at the airport and the first wave of warmth hits her right away. All this at eleven at night. On the 15-minute drive to the accommodation, Peter slips into guide mode and gets the stay off to a relaxed start. Before heading to the KiteWorldWide house, he takes a short drive through Mastichari. They pass the office, restaurants, the supermarket, Nikos for breakfast, the kite station, and he explains everything along the way. By the time you arrive, you already feel half local in this quiet little town.
After arrival, the whole kite team heads straight to the bar. There, the first Greek “Mythos” beers are enjoyed until 2 a.m. What a welcome!
From the kite house to the school and Mastichari’s many restaurants
Monday: Woken by mooing cows and sunshine on your face, you look out from the room to cypresses, fields, the church, and the cow.
Next, the newly renovated rooms get a round of admiration. Everything is spotless, with a nice kitchen and a bathroom. Everything you need. Then it’s straight to breakfast at Nikos, a hotel across the street. Terrace breakfast comes with views over the pool, fields, olive trees, and dunes to the sea. Alongside coffee and a great breakfast, Nikos brings everything your heart desires: feta pastries, Greek yogurt with nuts and honey, omelets, eggs, even homemade apple cake. Plus insider tips from a local about the area and town.
After the generous breakfast, Kiki heads to the kite team. Stefan, Joe, and the whole crew are great. The wind isn’t in yet, so a short stroll around town is on the plan.
Kiki grabs lunch at Aplo, an insider tip 50 meters from the kite station: a cool spot with dune views is part of the daily program. Run by father and son, the place serves tasty food, and in the evening there are always drinks and a party.
Every evening Kiki tries a different restaurant with delicious, classic Greek dishes. The herbal tea she usually drinks at night is replaced here by at least four to five homemade herb schnapps per evening. Lesson No. 1 from Stefan: Never say no, or you’ll offend the Greeks!
Next, the newly renovated rooms get a round of admiration. Everything is spotless, with a nice kitchen and a bathroom. Everything you need. Then it’s straight to breakfast at Nikos, a hotel across the street. Terrace breakfast comes with views over the pool, fields, olive trees, and dunes to the sea. Alongside coffee and a great breakfast, Nikos brings everything your heart desires: feta pastries, Greek yogurt with nuts and honey, omelets, eggs, even homemade apple cake. Plus insider tips from a local about the area and town.
After the generous breakfast, Kiki heads to the kite team. Stefan, Joe, and the whole crew are great. The wind isn’t in yet, so a short stroll around town is on the plan.
Kiki grabs lunch at Aplo, an insider tip 50 meters from the kite station: a cool spot with dune views is part of the daily program. Run by father and son, the place serves tasty food, and in the evening there are always drinks and a party.
Every evening Kiki tries a different restaurant with delicious, classic Greek dishes. The herbal tea she usually drinks at night is replaced here by at least four to five homemade herb schnapps per evening. Lesson No. 1 from Stefan: Never say no, or you’ll offend the Greeks!
Excursions on Kos
The next day it’s time for an island tour. Dreamy beaches with turquoise water and quiet villages await behind green hills. A short detour to Plaka, the forest where peacocks roam free. How beautiful is it there?
Kitesurfing on Kos
And finally, the next day brings wind! Lots of wind! It’s blowing 30 to 35 knots from the south. So the team heads to Paradise Beach. Very unusual for Kos: waves build here that look more like Denmark. Good thing Kiki just got her first wave experience with a kite on Sal. What a day! Jasmin, Caroline, Stefan, and Andi rock the bay. Stefan keeps sending Kiki back out, “Kiki, you’ve got this.” She survived, but it was tough. For strong kiters and wave lovers, the southerly wind on Kos is a real challenge and always worth the trip.
Season kick-off at the KiteWorldWide kite house on Kos
In the afternoon it’s time to plan the terrace at the KiteWorldWide Kitehouse. It’s going to be a cool chill-out area with pallets and flowers.
On the last evening there’s a big farewell dinner. Of course with delicacies and a couple of schnapps. Jamas!
On the last evening there’s a big farewell dinner. Of course with delicacies and a couple of schnapps. Jamas!
