WINDSURFING HOLIDAYS 2008

Unspoilt by mass tourism, Karpathos still offers deserted beaches, idyllic mountain villages hugging rugged hillsides and cosy tavernas. What makes this island so attractive is its pristine, authentic atmosphere; time seems to have passed it by. Come to Karpathos in summer and you will find everything your windsurfer's heart could possibly desire. This long narrow island juts out between Rhodes and Crete, and the meltemi blows full force from the north down through the high mountains, with high-wind days being virtually an everyday occurrence in July and August. Karpathos enjoys steady winds even in spring and autumn, making it an ideal spot for novices and those who wish to improve their surfing skills. But advanced surfers, too, can rely on getting a really good run for their money. It is simply a wind addicts' paradise.

Club Mistral operates not just one, but two surf centres: Chicken Bay, a flat-water spot in a protected location with ideal instruction conditions, and Gun Bay, the high-wind location. Here, you can blast away and forget the world.

The wind blows cross-offshore. The flat water near the shore is perfect for practising gybes, and the offshore spit makes for safety. Those who are looking for a real challenge can simply surf out from Gun Bay to the next bay, Devil's Bay, which certainly lives up to its name! Here, the wind is even stronger and the glassy surface of the water perfect for blasting and freestyling.

Naturally, you can switch from centre to centre free of charge at any time and as often as you like. And if your non-surfing partner would like to give windsurfing a try, we offer a free teaser lesson.

"Club Anemos", the taverna and bar right at the main centre in Gun Bay, is ideal for après-surf gatherings; here you can relax on the roof deck with a delicious Cappuccino or cocktail and enjoy the view out over the bay. Of course, our bar offers plenty of opportunities for celebrating, and "non-surfers", too, will enjoy lazing around on sun loungers on the wind-sheltered terrace. Other possibilities include bathing at secluded, solitary beaches or hiking and exploring the unspoiled, rocky landscape.

Our insider tips:

Enjoy a good dinner and the sunset in the rustic "Under the Tree" beach taverna on the western coast of Karpathos
A hike through the unspoilt, rocky landscape on the highest mountain of the island, Kali Limni
A stroll through the maze of small alleys of the picturesque village of Mescochori
Bathing at secluded, solitary beaches on windless days
Dinner in a typical, authentic kafenion in Menetes
Delicious Greek starters in the "Orea Karpathos" harbour taverna